Tiller Pilot

[Durcott]

Hi Folks,

I'm sorry if this is a no brainer...

I have been lent a Navico tp300cx tiller pilot. I'm worried about it because, with no power, it's impossible to move the actuator. Surely it should be reasonably free shouldn't it?

I daren't power it up to see in case it is locked solid and burns out. No joy running it on the yacht it came from - no power :-(

Any thoughts would be welcome - Jeff

 

[Poignard]

[ QUOTE ]
Surely it should be reasonably free shouldn't it?


[/ QUOTE ]

No it shouldn't.

 

[bendyone]

AFAIK its correct not to be able to move until power is on.

 

[CPD]

No it absolutely shouldnt. The gearing is such that it should be impossible to move it without being powered up. If I had a boat without electricity, I would get a battery specifically for one, they are that useful.

 

[Durcott]

Thanks everyone,

I had a really old 'TillerPilot' from who knows when. This WOULD move with no power - hence my concern. Phew - I can go hook it up and go sailing

Jeff

 

[wooslehunter]

If it were possible to move with no power, then in operation, it would be continually taking lots of current just to stay still. If the boat was not ballanced correctly the loat on the battery would be huge.

 

[tross]

Here's a little tip with these - connect it up and with the unit in manual mode, adjust it so the tiller is central and then mark the actuator where it exits the case with a felt-tip pen. This way you can set it center before engaging it.