ST1000 Tiller pilot connections and wiring worth a check?

[TSB240]

One of my last jobs on my to do list before launching was to check out the connections for my tiller pilot.

I usually find that the pin connections in the Bulgin multipole sockets last a year or two before giving any problems.

However this time round the socket connection was fine and as good as new the pin connector also looked the same.

However I just thought I would check out the original fitting on the lead to the motor.

The connection pins looked pristine from the outside but were virtually corroded away on the inside where the cables are attached

The screw connector pillars crumbled as soon as I put any tension on the wires and the few strands of wire that were left parted.

The power cables needed cutting back by over 2 inches before fresh copper strands could be made into a new connector.

I am happy that I found this before a serious fault happened on a long passage.

Hope this is of use to anybody that might be getting intermittent faults like unxeplained power off and/or switching to stand by!

Raymarine ST 1000

I suspect that with the rain we had last year that water has run down the cable into the connector and has gently fizzed away the connectors so I have fitted a heat shrink sleeve to over the cable entry into the plug as an additional protector.

Steve

 

[Triassic]

I had similar issues so I extended the cable and put the socket inside the cabin where it is nice and dry. No problems since.... touch wood!

 

[PotatoNavigator]

Sorry slight thread hijack; the Bulgin sockets, are you using Raymarine parts or sourcing them independently? The reason I ask is I recently bought a tiller pilot off ebay, and it didn't come with the socket. Ones listed for the tiller pilot seem to be £30+, which seem like a yachty tax. Is this the same connector?:

http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/industrial-automation-circular-connectors/0483944/

If not and you are using 3rd party connectors, where do you get them? ta

 

[TSB240]

The Bulgin connector is fully interchangeable with the Raymarine item. There are minor differences in the screw/cable orientation but they are much cheaper! I would suspect the Raymarine items are made by Bulgin.

Bulgin connectors are sold by RS Farnell and other electrical wholesalers.

If you need to change the contacts the female and male inserts are removed by unscrewing a castellated retaining nut using the protective cover as a spanner.

 

[PotatoNavigator]

Thanks

 

[bitbaltic]

I would suspect the Raymarine items are made by Bulgin.

Me too- the Simrad equivalents certainly are.