Wheelpilot ST4000

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single

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How critical is the setup of the rudder reference transducer? I have played with all the settings but the boat still wanders off course beyond limits.Its a nightmare to get to the rudder quadrant but from what i can see, the rudder reference arm isn't getting its full range of movement.For example, if the wheel is turned fully port, the transducer arm still has another inch it could go.Its hard to explain!
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The rudder reference transducer is not really required in most setups with the ST4000. Have you tried leaving it disconnected completely? The ST4000 should still maintain a straight course. If not, then you have another issue not related to the rudder transducer.
 
The sensor (including the fluxgate compass) is very sensitive. I had to move some of the engine control cables (throttle, gear) which surprisingly influenced the sensor.
Check so there are no things at all in the neighbourhood that just might influence the fluxgate - this is the most common issue.

The ST 4000 is unfortunately rather infamous (google "ST4000 problems" ...). As you do not mention any error codes, I take it there are no such. Then again the sensor/fluxgate might have got some damages - happens easily. If you very carefully shake it (very carefully ...) there should not be any loose things, if there are one can usually both feel and hear that. It is possible to do some repairs, suggest some further googling.

J
 
I'll try moving the compass, thats east to do. At the moment its about 40cm from the depth transducer and a metre away from tool locker! And i suppose drills,vacuum etc all have magnets in them. (oh, and the massive sea searcher magnet won't help!) midships.
 
mm, tool box is a classic one. All the tools made in steel have a huge impact, also on 1 m. Depth transducer "should" not be an issue, shielded cable, but ... better safe than sorry.
Goog thing with the fluxgate is that it can be placed nearly whereever. Mine is under the cockpit.

Good luck!

/J
 
Yes, the system will work perfectly well without the rudder sensor.

Also make sure your mobile phone/ipod/ipad/etc is nowhere near the fluxgate or the control head.
 
If the steering is hydraulic then a rudder transducer is needed otherwise the AP does not know the rudder position.

On your ST4000, how far does the rudder angle display move? You can increase the reading by moving the attachment of the linkage to the rudder sensor closer to the centre of rotation by drilling another hole in the arm.

Also, looking at your diagram, the linkage should be perpendicular to the rudder and sensor - see attached drawing. You could achieve this and increase the travel of the sensor arm by bolting on a short extension 'B'.
 
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