ST 4000+ wheel pilot...

[cardinal_mark]

Hi all,

Just a quick question; I'm planning to replace the power cable on my ST4000+ which seems to be dropping power to the control head (I get a low batt' warning after about 10 mins and the Raymarine web site reckons cable corrosion is the most likely cause). I'm assuming this is a relatively straightforward job of simply pulling through a new piece of appropriately sized cable and crimping on some connectors and pouring myself a celebratory G&T - but every time I assume simplicity with anything 'marine' I'm generally wrong and end up in a complete pickle!

Do any of you fine fellows have tips or warnings for a DIY monkey such as myself?

Cheers

Mark

 

[Tranona]

Highly unlikely to be cable corrosion unless you have broken the cable somewhere. This is possible if there is a long run from the head to the power source. I would check any junctions first as you may find remaking the connection solves the problem. The head end of the cable has a moulded plug and I think you can buy a replacement cable. The connectors are about 2mm and can be bought from chandlers if you want to make up your own cable. They are a bit fiddly to crimp and ideally need sealing if there is any chance of moisture getting in.

 

[dehlerdave]

I had similar symptoms and after much investigating of the electrical system both by myself and local professionals, finally found the cause was corrosion of the rudder stock which resulted in the bearings becoming tight. This results in the motor drawing more current and gives an apparent batt low voltage error message

 

[cardinal_mark]

Out of interest, did yours show the warning when not actually under any stress? Mine gives the 'low batt' warning if its on auto for 5 or so minutes even if we're tied up alongside.

Mark

 

[philip_stevens]

What is the actual battery voltage when you get the warning?

It may just be a low battery voltage, or a dirty joint connection.

 

[cardinal_mark]

The battery reading stays at over 12v so I'm presuming its something in the power cable / connections. Here's Raymarine's line on it...

I suspect that your problem is related to a local voltage drop at the course computer. This could be caused by either low battery bus voltage, insufficient wire size to the course computer power supply, too small of a circuit breaker, or corrosion on the power supply cabling.

The corrosion problem is most common if the pilot has been installed for any length of time. Undersized power cabling can also be a big player. The wire becomes less efficient as carrying electricity as it heats or becomes corroded. This would explain the pilot working for the first 10 to 20 minutes of operation.

Make sure that the manual's specification for wire guage and length of wire runs was followed on the installation. Also, make sure that the correct breaker size was used for the course computer

Cheers

Mark

 

[Ruffles]

One potential difficulty. You may find the size of cable recommended in the manual is too big to fit the plug they provide! ISTR I had to splice thinner cable on the end for my tillerpilot.

 

[StanFolds]

I looked inside a 2000 recently and the power was fed through a cable gland and then crimped to a couple of pins, not the normal type of crimp so you may have to solder the connections.
Stan

 

[robbieg]

Interested to learn this was because of rudder stock corrosion. Was the rudder connected to the electical system to cause the corrosion-if not what was the cause. Your username suggests you are a Dehler owner & I thought the rudder on these was isolated from the electrical system.