Forums > Sailing General

Not so auto - auto pilot.

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Created by samsturdy > 9 months ago, 25 Apr 2015
samsturdy
NSW, 1659 posts
25 Apr 2015 11:14AM
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So while I was running around Pittwater on such a nice day I decided it would be a really good time to
calibrate my new ST2000 auto pilot. I did what the book told me to do, go round in circles with the correct display
and wait for the readings to show - Which they did, but nothing like what the compass reading was. If the
compass read 40deg the display was 180deg and there was no way I could get the display to read anywhere
near the compass reading. Pressing the + and - buttons just made the pushrod go in and out which moved the tiller
which altered the compass heading, and didn't seem to alter the display reading. My engine cockpit controls are on
the Port side the cockpit so that's where I sit and that's the side I've mounted the pilot, but that shouldn't
make a difference should it??. Help.......what am I doing wrong!!!!.

Crusoe
QLD, 1195 posts
25 Apr 2015 11:51AM
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Is there a separate sensor to give you a compass reading. My TMQ AP4 auto pilot has a separate fluxgate compass/sensor. If I was to rotate it, I could probably get it to read 180 deg out. Also I have to be very careful what I put near it. It hates iPads and any thing like mild steel or device like speakers that can influence it.

HG02
VIC, 5814 posts
25 Apr 2015 12:04PM
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raymarine.app.box.com/s/14ysxitaiit206zh5hkvm7maia4t2qqw

I was just looking in this PDF to sort out what wire to use looks like 3 mm up to 13 feet is ok
As I had a spare 3mm pair near my instrument panel

hudsonmarine.co.uk/

On this page above theres a good quick reference guide in setting up your ST



www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Sailing/General/How-good-are-tiller-pilots/

www.raymarine.eu/manualsearch/index.cfm?Products=Autopilots\ST1000+%26+ST2000&Documents=&LanguageType=English&Search=Search


By the way are you a steerer or a driver?

I think I read theres a reset system where you press two buttons down and then go through the process Id have to read up and find that

samsturdy
NSW, 1659 posts
25 Apr 2015 12:51PM
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Crusoe. Thanks for the reply- there doesn't seem to be anything extra that I can twiddle, I thought any compass
would read North if I was facing North but............

HG. There could well be a system of button pressing that would allow the readings to be altered to match each other
but it's all got me a bit bewildered . The book doesn't seem to be so forthcoming so I need to be told.
By the way HG. I need a bit of advice on my Bukh fuel lift pump that's leaking dirty black oil.........but that might
be better on another post.

HG02
VIC, 5814 posts
25 Apr 2015 1:10PM
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samsturdy said..


Crusoe. Thanks for the reply- there doesn't seem to be anything extra that I can twiddle, I thought any compass
would read North if I was facing North but............

HG. There could well be a system of button pressing that would allow the readings to be altered to match each other
but it's all got me a bit bewildered . The book doesn't seem to be so forthcoming so I need to be told.
By the way HG. I need a bit of advice on my Bukh fuel lift pump that's leaking dirty black oil.........but that might
be better on another post.



might be your pump base gasket (between your pump and engine)Sambucka check to see if its mounting bots re torqued up

Have a look at that link from Hudson marine in the link above there as a quick reference guide this might help only a two page pdf
hudsonmarine.co.uk/

It never ends
Was about to wire in my tacho only to find my Bosch alternator has no W terminal on the back so now I have to dissemble it and solder one in to one of the field winding
So many times you think your completed a simple task only to find a "Got you" again

madmission
VIC, 234 posts
25 Apr 2015 1:36PM
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"My engine cockpit controls are on the Port side the cockpit so that's where I sit and that's the side I've mounted the pilot, but that shouldn't make a difference should it??"
I think you will find default is for starboard and recall it does make a difference although not sure how it relates to your problem but 180 ' error sounds like this could be the problem
There is a sequence you need to perform to set it up for port installation ....mine is a st1000 but expect them to be the same process
you may find more info here
www.trailersailerplace.com.au/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=12408
i dont have my manual handy

samsturdy
NSW, 1659 posts
25 Apr 2015 2:12PM
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Yes HG I think you are correct, it would be a leaky gasket. I'm assuming there's some sort of lever that engages a cam in the block
so is there any trick to removing and replacing the pump. Should I attempt to make a gasket or use a gasket goo product???

samsturdy
NSW, 1659 posts
25 Apr 2015 2:20PM
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Madmission I think you've hit the nail, I seem to recall something that said it favoured the Starboard side but I didn't
realise it would affect setting up on the Port side so much. I really hope you are right in saying there is a sequence
for Port installation. Unfortunately I've left my book on board. Perhaps someone has the knowledge???

madmission
VIC, 234 posts
25 Apr 2015 2:40PM
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manuals available here
wiremu.com/TSP_photos/Tillerpilots/ST1000Plus%20&%20ST2000Plus%20service%20manual.pdf
wiremu.com/TSP_photos/Tillerpilots/ST1000Plus&2000PlusTillerPilotOwnersHandbook.pdf

"Reversing the operating sense
If necessary, reverse the operating sense can be reversed as follows:

1. Press -1 and +1 together for 5 seconds.
2. The display shows the new operating sense (port or starboard) for 5 seconds,
and then the autopilot reverts to normal operation."

HG02
VIC, 5814 posts
25 Apr 2015 3:01PM
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Select to expand quote
samsturdy said...


Yes HG I think you are correct, it would be a leaky gasket. I'm assuming there's some sort of lever that engages a cam in the block
so is there any trick to removing and replacing the pump. Should I attempt to make a gasket or use a gasket goo product???



You could makw a gasket and you could try some gasket goo or should i say it sikastic

HG02
VIC, 5814 posts
25 Apr 2015 3:05PM
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Just wired mine in to where the existing pivot was after readying
mad mission thread i now eelize ill bw sitting on the port side sam it
That damit not sam it

samsturdy
NSW, 1659 posts
25 Apr 2015 3:06PM
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OK Madission. I had a look at the manual. Thank you. It stated........To reverse operating sense press
-1 and +1 together for 5 seconds. The display shows the new operating sense (Port or Stbd) for 5 seconds
and then reverts to normal operation........does 'normal' operation mean that it now stays on Port. and
operates correctly. or does 'revert' mean that it goes back to Stbd. Excuse the thickness of my brain.

madmission
VIC, 234 posts
25 Apr 2015 3:21PM
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Sam i am pretty sure it will keep the setting once altered.

samsturdy
NSW, 1659 posts
25 Apr 2015 3:30PM
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OK Mad. Thanks for the info. I'm certain you are correct in stating that there is a difference in setting up
Port or Stbd so I'll re-calibrate with a bit more confidence Thanks mate.

samsturdy
NSW, 1659 posts
25 Apr 2015 3:38PM
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Haha HG. Why don't they make these things using the KISS method. Hope you get it sorted
before you twist your head off your shoulders trying to read it.


MorningBird
NSW, 2662 posts
25 Apr 2015 4:03PM
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Where is your boat samsturdy? If you continue to have a problem I or others might be able to spend a bit of time to bring another brain to the problem.

HG02
VIC, 5814 posts
25 Apr 2015 4:04PM
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double post

HG02
VIC, 5814 posts
25 Apr 2015 4:05PM
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Just did two 360's in the marina and reset my st2000 seems ok ill do it again once im out in the bay some tine soon
Seems to work ok
Sam you press stand by for one second to save changes

samsturdy
NSW, 1659 posts
25 Apr 2015 4:07PM
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By the way HG, you asked if I was a steerer or driver. Please explain.

HG02
VIC, 5814 posts
25 Apr 2015 4:10PM
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Select to expand quote
samsturdy said...


By the way HG, you asked if I was a steerer or driver. Please explain.


My brother is a retired truckie
Hes always asking me if im a steerer or a driver
Thats all sam





samsturdy
NSW, 1659 posts
25 Apr 2015 4:17PM
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MB. I'm just on the South side of Browns Bay. I have it in mind that I need to do what Madmission has
pointed out. I was unaware of the default but now I know I should be able to get it right. Thanks so
much for the offer of help, it's nice to know there are folk such as yourself willing to help out.
Much appreciated, and If I can't manage it I'll arrange for you or someone to give me a hand.
Thanks all.

samsturdy
NSW, 1659 posts
25 Apr 2015 4:20PM
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OK HG. Tell your bro he wasn't a driver he was just a steering wheel attendant. (but duck when you tell him).

samsturdy
NSW, 1659 posts
25 Apr 2015 4:25PM
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By the way HG, I had to twist my head off my shoulders trying to look at your sideways pic.
Good one though. My set up is a little more intrusive as it is halfway along the seat but I
don't need a bracket as it attaches directly to the tiller. Cheers mate.

madmission
VIC, 234 posts
25 Apr 2015 6:21PM
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I have been using mine for the last 9 years and i have it running 98% of my sailing time so it has clocked up many hours use
Over that time i have done quite a few repairs to the unit and in a position to give you and others the number one tip
keep the inside of the unit Dry and water which will get inside off the electronics
two ways to achieve this is
1. make a cover with a shaft wiper to go over it
(water gets in on the shaft moving backward and forward)
2. always keep it the right way up after its initial use avoid like the plague turning it upside down
(the electronics ie circuit board and flux gate compass are vulnerable when inverted)

I always balance my helm so do not have any issues with overloading it apart from down wind when it gets willing then you need to be a bit more proactive on the helm than these units are capable of as they are purely responsive.

Another tip is get a madman marine wireless remote

HG02
VIC, 5814 posts
25 Apr 2015 8:05PM
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Select to expand quote
HG02 said..

samsturdy said...


By the way HG, you asked if I was a steerer or driver. Please explain.



My brother is a retired truckie
Hes always asking me if im a steerer or a driver
Thats all sam












Is that better Sam Bookca

HG02
VIC, 5814 posts
25 Apr 2015 8:07PM
Thumbs Up

Select to expand quote
madmission said..
I have been using mine for the last 9 years and i have it running 98% of my sailing time so it has clocked up many hours use
Over that time i have done quite a few repairs to the unit and in a position to give you and others the number one tip
keep the inside of the unit Dry and water which will get inside off the electronics
two ways to achieve this is
1. make a cover with a shaft wiper to go over it
(water gets in on the shaft moving backward and forward)
2. always keep it the right way up after its initial use avoid like the plague turning it upside down
(the electronics ie circuit board and flux gate compass are vulnerable when inverted)

I always balance my helm so do not have any issues with overloading it apart from down wind when it gets willing then you need to be a bit more proactive on the helm than these units are capable of as they are purely responsive.

Another tip is get a madman marine wireless remote


Ill be looking into those recommendations Mad mission thanks

slammin
QLD, 994 posts
26 Apr 2015 9:25AM
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+1 for the Madman remote. Its an amazing bit of kit. Being able to make course corrections from anywhere on board is pure awesomeness.

HG02
VIC, 5814 posts
26 Apr 2015 10:44AM
Thumbs Up

madmission said..
I have been using mine for the last 9 years and i have it running 98% of my sailing time so it has clocked up many hours use
Over that time i have done quite a few repairs to the unit and in a position to give you and others the number one tip
keep the inside of the unit Dry and water which will get inside off the electronics
two ways to achieve this is
1. make a cover with a shaft wiper to go over it
(water gets in on the shaft moving backward and forward)
2. always keep it the right way up after its initial use avoid like the plague turning it upside down
(the electronics ie circuit board and flux gate compass are vulnerable when inverted)

I always balance my helm so do not have any issues with overloading it apart from down wind when it gets willing then you need to be a bit more proactive on the helm than these units are capable of as they are purely responsive.

Another tip is get a madman marine wireless remote


svripple.blogspot.com/2014/11/making-tiller-pilot-cover.html

Some thing like this one in the link above Mad mission?

samsturdy
NSW, 1659 posts
26 Apr 2015 10:53AM
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That's much better HG lol. The pics you post on various threads are the ants pants and have helped me immensely HG.


Madmission that's an excellent point. I thought such an item would have been made totally waterproof seeing as how
it resides out in the weather for all its working life, but there you go. The tip on the Madman remote
is welcome too. Where are they available from???.

HG02
VIC, 5814 posts
26 Apr 2015 11:55AM
Thumbs Up

Select to expand quote
samsturdy said..


That's much better HG lol. The pics you post on various threads are the ants pants and have helped me immensely HG.


Madmission that's an excellent point. I thought such an item would have been made totally waterproof seeing as how
it resides out in the weather for all its working life, but there you go. The tip on the Madman remote
is welcome too. Where are they available from???.


Dont know about ants pants Sam ,but I feel if i put them up there if some thing looks wrong I get some feed back Cisco , LC and Charriot just to mane a few have help many times looking at some one my bits and pieces at a different perspective

samsturdy
NSW, 1659 posts
26 Apr 2015 12:14PM
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Yes HG, I am very impressed with the forum. As a newbie to sailing it is tremendously helpful
to be able to call for and receive worthwhile advice from people who don't mind sharing
it. It has certainly helped me, apart from the social aspect, knowing that there are folk out there
who care enough to help you along restores my faith in human nature.



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"Not so auto - auto pilot." started by samsturdy