Auto Helm 4000 Auto Pilot recalibration

Kirk Garner · January 09, 2012, 08:45:33 PM

The Auto Helm 4000 model is apparently the predecessor to the ST4000. They look similar except the 4000 does not have a LED Screen. I am in need of a 'recalibration' but cannot locate the actual procedure. I was able to secure an old copy of the Operators Manual and it says absolutely nothing about the procedure.

Anybody else out there with the Auto Helm 4000 who knows how to recalibrate, I would be very happy to get your advice.

As always when I'm stumped, many thanks!

Kirk

Kevin Henderson · January 09, 2012, 09:18:59 PM

Not certain if this is exactly what your looking for but it may help you out.
The Autohelm 4000 manual is at the bottom.

http://www.raymarine.eu/view/?id=1836

Kirk Garner · January 10, 2012, 09:43:05 AM

I have seen this but there is no reference in the manual to recalibrating? Maybe that was not possible with the 4000.

Thanks, Kirk

Ken Juul · January 11, 2012, 10:26:27 AM

I don't think the Autopilot XXXX models have the ability to calibrate, from scanning the old manuals on the RM site it looks like it started with the ST series. There has been alot of turnover at RM, but sometimes you can talk to someone that remembers the old units. Maybe a phone call to RM or to a marine Electronics shop that has been around at least 15 years might hold some answers, or at least a way to minimize what ever problem you are having.

May also want to post your problems here...maybe it will jog someones memory.

Indian Falls · January 11, 2012, 10:34:33 AM

What is it doing or not doing that you think it needs calibration? It only locks in on a magnetic heading when you press the button and the thing maintains the course via a feedback loop. Other than the gain setting called "Rudder" it should have no calibration references.

Kirk Garner · January 11, 2012, 08:04:57 PM

It worked perfectly until my son took it apart to 'see how it worked'. Since then it will not hold a course at all. I read somewhere that if the fluxgate compass was moved or taken out it needed to have the 'linerazation procedure' done which Stu says is recalibration.

Thanks, Kirk

Stu Jackson · January 12, 2012, 04:35:33 AM

If it was my boat and my old autopilot, I'd drive the boat around in circles just like the newer units' instructions. Heck, whaddya got to lose? Get dizzy with the rest of us...

Ken Juul · January 12, 2012, 04:52:19 AM

Bunch of confusion on terms here. The fluxgate compass is a remotely located compass, it is a stand alone unit. The Autohelm 4000 does not have a remote fluxgate compass. It has a compass built into the control head. (it may also be called a fluxgate but it's different). The calibration procedure is to adjust for any deviation in the compass caused by metals on the boat. Apparently they did not think this was an issue in the models previous to the ST series.

If it worked before your son's science experiment but not now, sounds like it didn't go back together properly. Unfortunately, without pictures or a spare to compare with, not sure how to get it back together correctly.

noworries · January 12, 2012, 08:01:41 AM

I think I had the same unit. Here's a thread I posted on another forum about it. Looks like my pictures aren't online any more, not sure that I have them either, but there's some description stuff there, and if you post pics of yours I might be able to tell ya what's wrong.

http://www.sailnet.com/forums/electronics/72485-autohelm-4000-control-unit-loose-parts.html

Kirk Garner · January 12, 2012, 09:31:07 AM

I have the exact same unit as pictured in your Sailnet thread (Autohelm 4000). I am going up to the boat today and will take it apart for a picture to post that you can take a look at. It is an old but 'litely used' unit that always worked perfectly until this unfortunate disassembly.

I spent the better part of an afternoon driving slowly in circles to no avail. I wasn't sure if I was suppose to do it in Standby mode or on Auto so tried both ways. There is (as you know) no LED screen to read any error messages.

Thanks, Kirk

noworries · January 12, 2012, 09:06:08 PM

the easiest fix is to upgrade to the current model... it's a lot nicer! My 4000 was unreliable, so I had to replace it.

Kirk Garner · January 12, 2012, 09:42:27 PM

What is the current model and where did you buy yours?

Thanks, Kirk

noworries · January 13, 2012, 08:37:05 AM

The current model is the Raymarine Smartpilot X5. I'd get it off ebay, just look for a reputable seller. You should be able to get it for around $1200. You can see if anybody local will match that price, I got mine via port supply but only because it was the same price as ebay because our broker let us place an order at his cost.

I took care when removing the old pilot and sold it for parts. I'm guessing I got $200-$300 for the parts, so that helped take a little pain out of the upgrade.

Ken Juul · January 13, 2012, 09:57:13 AM

Quick google search showw:

Wheel pilots 2 choices:

http://www.cptautopilot.com/ Wheel mount $18-1900 Web site

RM SmartPilot X5 Wheel mount $1169 Defender

I have not heard a thing about the CPT unit. It must be strong, only one model for boats 30-50+ feet.

Couple more choices if you want to do a below deck install:

http://www.simrad-yachting.com/Products/Autopilots/Autopilots $2749 Defender

Furuno NavPilot 500 $2929 Plus drive unit, Defender

Indian Falls · January 13, 2012, 06:32:44 PM

I would open it up again and make sure all the connections are put back the way they belong. It's ok to "re-seat" the connectors to insure good contact. Mine acted funny when we first got the boat. I took it home, opened it up and found about 3 tablespoons of water sloshing around inside. I cleaned all the connections and cleaned up all the corrosion.
It's been fine ever since. Good luck!