Autohelm 4000 Problem--Figure 8s

halyardz · #1 (**permalink**) 12-05-2007

Up until I tried to reduce rudder sensitivity by punching -1/+1 on the control unit, the Autohelm 4000 was working just fine. Shortly after my handiwork, the devil in the machine started the boat on figure 8s. I checked the fluxgate and the error is within reason (9). The screen shows a POB or P08 message. I checked the connections. All OK. I've been unable to figure out (orignal manual not very good for troubleshooting or what they call "fault finding." It's a stand-alone wheel pilot unit. Any advice would be most welcome. Raymarine says they don't provide service or parts for it anymore and getting it working again would be most helpful for run to the islands. You folks have any ideas?

Slooptattoo · #2 (**permalink**) 12-05-2007

Don't know if this is the manual you have, but you may want to check here. It sounds like it needs to be re set. I used to have one but can't remember the sequence for set up after I installed it. The procedure is in this online manual: http://www.raymarine.com/SubmittedFi...lot/AH4000.pdf

Hope this helps in some small way. It's a good pilot and strong for it's size.

thekeip · #3 (**permalink**) 12-05-2007

If my memory serves me, part of the calibration procedure is to do a 'deviation' check and correction. This is done with practically every electronic compass or wind direction indicator I know of regardless of manufacturer. It may not be part of your problem (or solution), but a value of 9, as you say, is excessive. The value should be in the close neighborhood of 3.
More specifically, it sounds like your 'damping' is set way too high. You can get all the reference material including manuals from the Raymarine website, even for 'retired' instruments.
Howard Keiper
Sea uest
Berkeley

halyardz · #4 (**permalink**) 12-05-2007

Thanks, I've got the manuals but they aren't helping in this situation. The unit (and I've "unlocked" the access) will not display the menu for resetting values. It just shows CAL (for calibration mode) then does nothing.

thekeip · #5 (**permalink**) 12-05-2007

Well, that's a bummer; however, I've found the Raymarine tech support folks to be exceptionally cooperative ( a personal plug for Paul Ganong). Try to be on your boat when you call so they can talk you through your situation.
howard