Topic
Well-Known Member
TSDY TOPIC: Autohelm ST7000
After an extended journey from La Rochelle and some 3500nm on the clock, I finally arrived in Portimao, Algarve. The only problem was on leaving Sines the autopilot malfunctioned and the warning signal flashed up. I disengaged same and hand steered to Portimao. On stripping down the Rotary Drive Unit, it was apparent that one of the studs inside the electric motor had slackened back and the remaining stud then sheared under the torque.
Easily replaced same and Loctite on all studs. Re-installed the motor in the Drive Unit and tested steering by hand all turning smoothly. Engaged auto pilot, momentary chattering then steering put hard over and didn’t appear to want to stop. Disengaged and ran through calibration settings and all as per the book.
Would seem the unit is getting an erroneous signal from the control unit but unsure how or why. The Rotary Drive Unit had two wires to power the motor and a pair of very small gauge wire to the electronic clutch which disengages on standby and engages on auto. The control unit has not been touched but may have had some residual memory of the motor failing and the Rotary Drive Unit not operating?
Any thoughts gratefully received as unwilling to embark on next leg to Morocco and the Canaries on hand steering!
After an extended journey from La Rochelle and some 3500nm on the clock, I finally arrived in Portimao, Algarve. The only problem was on leaving Sines the autopilot malfunctioned and the warning signal flashed up. I disengaged same and hand steered to Portimao. On stripping down the Rotary Drive Unit, it was apparent that one of the studs inside the electric motor had slackened back and the remaining stud then sheared under the torque.
Easily replaced same and Loctite on all studs. Re-installed the motor in the Drive Unit and tested steering by hand all turning smoothly. Engaged auto pilot, momentary chattering then steering put hard over and didn’t appear to want to stop. Disengaged and ran through calibration settings and all as per the book.
Would seem the unit is getting an erroneous signal from the control unit but unsure how or why. The Rotary Drive Unit had two wires to power the motor and a pair of very small gauge wire to the electronic clutch which disengages on standby and engages on auto. The control unit has not been touched but may have had some residual memory of the motor failing and the Rotary Drive Unit not operating?
Any thoughts gratefully received as unwilling to embark on next leg to Morocco and the Canaries on hand steering!
