Autopilot problems!

[drew2578]

Hello All,

Finally got around to installing a Raymarine S1000 autopilot. I turned it on and everything worked well for a little bit. Got it in the water and used it to track in a straight line... which worked well for about 20 minutes... then the boat started veering right which eventually makes me go in circles :{ I bled the system and then the hyraulics held the motor in one position, but when I turn on the autopilot again the same thing happens again.

So my question for you guys with experience in this area. What do you think the problem is? My guess is that either there must be air in the system OR the check valve in the pump must be bad.

Hope you guys can help!

[Highmark]

I think you should direct the question to Slow drag on. he has His own
thread for this sort of problem. it's at the top of the boat and tect page.

One question. Where is the compass ball located. if there is any steal
or any thing that will effect it with in, Like 2 ft of it. that will make
your A/p do this sort of thing.

[drew2578]

I think you should direct the question to Slow drag on. he has His own
thread for this sort of problem. it's at the top of the boat and tect page.

One question. Where is the compass ball located. if there is any steal
or any thing that will effect it with in, Like 2 ft of it. that will make
your A/p do this sort of thing.

I have no magnetic compasses on board. The problem also occurs when the AP is off.

[Highmark]

That system has a coarse computer that gives it input as to direction.
you are go. That unit can be messed with by any metal that is to close to it.as does a compass is when a set of keys layed by it. But with it
your boat startd turning in the direction of metal that wessing with it.

I have no magnetic compasses on board. The problem also occurs when the AP is off.

[CCollar]

The S1000 doesn't have a compass or rudder reference -- it is guided only by the output nav sentences of a GPS (HDG, HDM, XTE, etc.).

This is interesting: "The problem also occurs when the AP is off"

If the problem occurs when the AP is off, that suggests that the problem is not the AP. I would go back a bleed the hydraulic lines and pump again. And I would make sure my GPS/Chartplotter is wired to the S1000 correctly -- NMEA transmit on the GPS to the recieve on the NMEA input on the S1000, NMEA common tied together, or the appropriate SeaTalk connection -- and that the Chartplotter is configured to send the correct sentences to the S1000.

Craig

[hot wire]

Air, definetly air in the system. You have to go SLOW when you turn the wheel during the bleed to Starboard and SLOW when you steer to port. Actually expect 5-8min per side. I just did one again today. When you do it right, there will be ZERO air in the clear tube.