Raymarine Autohelm 6000

[neil1967]

We have an Raymarine Autohelm 6000 with linear drive unit fitted to our 1987 Oyster 406. It was working when we bought her 18 months ago, and we have used the auto helm very little; however, it doesn't work now. When the auto helm is engaged the drive unit is energised (ie the wheel cannot be turned by hand), but the unit does not correct for course changes and after a short while the unit alarms to say that it is off course. There are no fault indications on the control unit. I would welcome any suggestions as to where to start looking. If the problem proves to be the control unit, can a modern control unit such as the Raymarine Evolution series be used to control an Autohelm 6000 linear drive?

Thanks

Neil

 

[pvb]

Can you move the rudder using the autohelm controls - ie is the linear drive unit working? If so, the fault is more likely to be in the course computer than the control unit.

I have a Raymarine ST6000 Service Manual, which has loads of information and might be useful. If you'd like to PM me with your email address, I'll happily send it to you.

If it does turn out to be the course computer, I think I have a spare one somewhere.

 

[neil1967]

Pete

That's most kind. I'm not back down on the boat until after the New Year - I'll check it then and get back to you.

Regards

Neil

 

[Richard10002]

There are some helical gears in the linear drive which were plastic in the original, but replacements are metal. Mine gave way crossing Biscay in 2006 with similar symptoms, although the incidence of off course alarms was intermittent for a while, before becoming permanent.

If this is the problem and you get new gears, make a note of which way up the old gears are before taking them off.... They have a lip on one side and it is critical that they go back on with the lip on the right side - How do I know

If doing it againg, I'd photograph all angles at every stage of dismantling. You will need circlip pliers and a thin rod to punch out a shear pin type thing, (I don't think it is designed to shear, but it's my best description.

It may, of course, be something different .........

 

[LadyInBed]

If in auto the linear drive responds to +10 +10 -10 -10 and goes to the end stop if auto tack (+/-1&+/-10 together) then my money is on the fluxgate compass.

 

[neil1967]

Just found time to investigate further. Boat is ashore at the moment. Everything powers up ok, and when the Autohelm is selected the clutch engages (the wheel goes firm). As the boat is not moving this state is maintained. If I then use the +/- buttons then the display shows the new course, but the wheel does not turn and so after a short while the off course alarm sounds. There is no indication that the Autohelm ram is trying to move the rudder. The buttons on the control head do not beep when pressed (to be honest I can't remember if they ever have), which the operator manual suggests means the fault is with the control head. Are there any further diagnostics I can do - if I have to replace the Autohelm, I would prefer to keep the same ram (for cost and installation reasons).

Thanks

Neil

 

[Tranona]

It could just be a poor electrical connection. Suggest you check that first.

 

[mcanderson]

Do you have a rudder sensor? When my Raymarine ST6000 AP started playing up it was down to the rudder sensor. Fitted a new one and a normal service was resumed. You should get the graduated scale on the bottom of the ST6000 control head.

 

[Graham_Wright]

We have an Raymarine Autohelm 6000 with linear drive unit fitted to our 1987 Oyster 406. It was working when we bought her 18 months ago, and we have used the auto helm very little; however, it doesn't work now. When the auto helm is engaged the drive unit is energised (ie the wheel cannot be turned by hand), but the unit does not correct for course changes and after a short while the unit alarms to say that it is off course. There are no fault indications on the control unit. I would welcome any suggestions as to where to start looking. If the problem proves to be the control unit, can a modern control unit such as the Raymarine Evolution series be used to control an Autohelm 6000 linear drive?

Thanks

Neil

Disconnect the clutch and motor connections. Apply power to the clutch and then dab power onto the motor. If it doesn't move, diagnostics finished. If it does, look elsewhere. Make sure the power you apply goes through a breaker.

If you find reason to doubt the rudder position sensor, search the topic on this forum rather than buying a new one. It is probably easy to fix unless mechanically destroyed.

 

[rotrax]

I had what sounds like the same problem on our Island Packet.

Raymarine HQ at Portsmouth were as much use as a chocolate teapot.

BUT- one of their agents at Plymouths QMB Marina was spot on.

He told me to switch AUTO on and check if the wheel locked-it did.

He said if the wheel locked the clutch was working.

Next, give a course alteration of at least 30 degrees, so I hit plus 10 degrees three times.

He said if the wheel did not move to make the course alteration, hit the wheel with the palm of your hand in the direction of travel expected, which I did.

ZZZ-ZZZ-ZZZ- the wheel moved.

I reported this to him and he said the little carbon brushes in the motor that drives the ram would be stuck up with carbon dust and the commutator would be dirty.

He was absolutely correct, plus the tiny springs that push the brushes down were touching the brush holder, so not applying full pressure.

After a good clean-up of the commutator and brush holders and reshape of the springs with some tiny needle nose pliers I put it back together and it has worked perfectly for the last four years.

Raymarine HQ tech dept said it was the course computer at over £1000,00!

I am pretty pleased I did not buy one..............................

I hope this is of some help. Good Luck.

 

[LadyInBed]

rotrax's advice sounds good, well worth looking at.

 

[neil1967]

Thanks rotrax, I'll try that next time I'm down on the boat.

Neil

 

[Blueboatman]

Ta Rotrax. Noted for 'if ever I need to...' Ta and very handy

Bit sad but I carry a spare complete motor ram and a tillerpilot for the windvane. Just because!