ST 4000 Autopilot dilemma

[Sans Bateau]

The (Early) ST 4000 on Galadriel seems to have died, I think it is simply mechanically worn out, a bit disappointing as it is only 17 years old. With a new belt I may be able to 'fix' it so it works.

However, I think I have decided it needs to be replaced, my dilemma is, I can buy a MK2 ST 4000 that will simply plug in where the Mk1 was, this has the advantage of using the old head unit and gyro compass. But, if the drive unit has worn out, how long before the head unit and the gyro compass need to be replaced as well?

 

[haydude]

I have the same setup, if the head works, why replace it? I had to replace mine, but it was a defective unit. New models require a head and separate course computer, hence they would be ridicolously more expensive.

My wheel drive also gave up last year. At first I thought it was the belt because the motor was turning with no grip on the wheel. I bought a spare belt, but eventually I found out that the motor's unit gears were worn out (they are plastic). And that meant replacing the whole unit because there isn't a motor spare.

 

[Danny Jo]

Seventeen years is, I think, pretty good for marine equipment with complex moving parts.

According to Raymarine you can replace the wheel drive without the head: "The new MKII wheel drive is compatible with older and ST4000 Control heads"

I have the other problem - 23 year old B&G autopilot: hydraulic mechanism A1, control heads shot, obsolete and expensive to replace. Raymarine to the rescue with an autopilot controller that will do the job. But I'm left with a bit of a headache because the Raymarine kit comes with its own fluxgate compass - so what will happen information on wind and boat heading reaches the chartplotter from B&G instruments via NMEA, and a potentially different heading reaches the chartplotter from the Raymarine fluxgate via "Seatalk"?

Groan!

 

[PaulR]

we have the same unit as you- the black drive ring rather than the later slim grey one - last time ours played up I took it along to raymarine repair center at portsmouth - really helpful people (not sure if they are still there?) and they offered me what seemed a good deal if I wanted to swap my old drive unit for the smarter new one but also said it was worth their repair team looking at old one first - a few days later (when I had convinced myself how much I preferred the new one ) they rang up and said old unit all repaired and it has been working ever since (repair cost was modest too) - might be worth contacting them ?

 

[Sans Bateau]

Thanks guys. Yes the repair centre is still there, not in Anchorage Park though, its at their new posh off block.

I'm going to the repair centre today, see what they reckon, they have already told me on the phone that they can supply a new Mk2 drive, I'm prepared to have to buy that.

 

[Mrnotming]

Hi Galadriel,


look here first!

http://shop.ebay.co.uk/?_from=R40&_t...All-Categories

The neatest one is the one without any wheel spindle, but they all will do.
usually the rudder reference unit is integral and will suit the raymarine 4000+ head unit.
A small motor drives the cable (Radiospares have them).You need somewhere to bring the cable and its clamp unit, thence to the quadrant.

here's a link to Octopus CA where all the data you need is on the site.
http://www.octopusmarine.ca/content/...rive-units.htm

with a bit of forward planning you can have your cake and eat it! (provided the 4000+ head unit is in good shape!)
__________________
"C'est Formidable"

 

[Sans Bateau]

I visited Raymarines repair centre yesterday and a guy took a good look at my unit, he thinks it is going to be repairable, apparently its not in as bad a condition as I thought.

 

[maxi77]

Whilst on the ST4000 subject, does any one know the part number or spec for the drive belt for the wheel drive.

 

[Sans Bateau]

Raymarine repair centre does it again!!

Despite the fact that only the drive belt is still listed as a spare part for the ST4000 Mk1, the guys at Raymarine managed to find parts to repair my 17 year old unit. Apart from needing a good clean and releasing a seized tensioner wheel, they replaced the belt and gave it a clean bill of health, In fact of the motor they report "Motor brush gear checked and seen to have about 33% brush wear left". Looks like the old girl should be OK for another 8 years or so! That was £84 well spent.

 

[SAMYL]

Whilst on the ST4000 subject, does any one know the part number or spec for the drive belt for the wheel drive.

Take your old belt into your local Fenners or bearing supplier and they should be able to help you out, and a good bit cheaper too

 

[PetiteFleur]

Whilst on the ST4000 subject, does any one know the part number or spec for the drive belt for the wheel drive.

Can't remember the drive number or spec but I had to replace mine about 3 years ago and it was cheaper and quicker to buy direct from Raymarine(via Fox's in Ipswich). It's a special length belt - no-one else could supply it at a cheaper price(and I've lots of contacts in the transmission field). From memory Raymarine supply two lengths of belt. The belt size should be marked on the belt.
Just found the size in my boat book - 514XL050 (but yours may be the other size)