Rudder feedback unit

[sunquest]

Recently my Cetrek autopilot decided to have a mind of its own and go cruiseabout! The problem relates to the rudder feedback unit (model no. 930 807)which is indicating rudder hard over to starboard when in reality it is amidships. On manually operating the arm the problem corrects itself and then reverts back to the false reading. I am about to strip the unit down to look for the obvious dry joint or other connection problem, but does anyone have experience of these units and if non repairable will an alternative manufacturers unit suit. Thanks Geoff

 

[David2452]

Would imagine the works are just a potentiometer so a bit of switch cleaner aerosol from Maplins may do the trick. Easy enough to check with an Avo to see if it is cured before you bother refitting it.

 

[alastair]

You are spot on David.
My sender made the indicator 'jerky'. I opened the sender and, as David describes, there is a simple pot. I cleaned with contact cleaner, and its worked fine for the last 6 months. My installation isnt exactly as yours, but id expect the sender to be similar. Open it up and have a look! Youve nothing to lose

Good luck

Alastair
www.javacharter.co.uk