As mentioned in this thread, my ST4000 autopilot was having trouble holding course at moderate to high speeds. Slow speeds under power (with rudders down) and under sail weren't bad. But the boat would simply do S-turns perpetually when motoring at higher speeds (with rudders up).
I decided to go ahead and install the rotary rudder reference sensor. I didn't have time to do a full sea trial out on the lake, but I took it out on the bayou for 20 minutes or so, and I saw a dramatic improvement in how the AP tracked.
One thing I noticed during the installation process is that my steering does have some "play" in it... I have to turn the wheel a few degrees before I see any movement of the rudders/motor. That could be a contributing factor. I'll put a helm replacement on my to-do list.
BTW, for anyone considering adding a rudder reference, there is one very important detail that, as far as I can tell, is not mentioned in the manual or on Raymarine's website. When I connected the 4 wires from the sensor to the AP control unit and switched it on, it did not see the rudder reference. I fiddled with the wiring (making sure I had good crimps, and ensuring the terminals were making good contact), but nothing helped. I had pretty much given up, and had contacted the dealer to get a replacement sent out. But on a whim, I contacted Raymarine's tech support via the live online chat. Before I even finished typing my entire question, he had the answer... if the AP has been previously used without a rudder reference, it needs to be given a master reset before it will recognize it (this involves going into the dealer setup area, switching the type to tiller instead of wheel, then go through the process to switch it back to wheel). This fixed it.
--Mike
Installed Autopilot Rudder Sensor Big Improvement!
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mike
- Captain
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- Location: MS Gulf Coast "Wind Dancer" 98 26X
Yes, as mentioned before, high-speed motoring was dramatically improved (went from pretty much unusable to nearly perfect).dclark wrote:Mike: Thanks for the info. If I understand correctly, this device attaches to one of the rudders? How does it effect it when the rudder is up versusu down and in the water. I'm surprized to hear you say it improved higher speed motoring.
Idle speed with rudders up still doesn't work too well... better, perhaps, but not good enough to really use. With a little more power applied, I guess the motor provides more steering power, and things straighten up nicely then.
Idle/slow speed with rudders down is improved too... when turning to a new course with the AP, it performs more "confidently" then before. This snappy handling is particularly noticeable during the turn when the boat nears the new heading and the turn needs to be stopped.
Here's a photo of how I installed it...
The holes in the steering bar for mounting the little ball thing weren't positioned at the very center of the bar as I had intended, but this did not cause any problems.
I'm a little concerned about it getting stepped on back there, but then again, we don't go out on that side of the motor much anyway... the other side has the swim ladder, and also has less "stuff" (cables, etc.) in the way. Regardless, I'll probably put some yellow stripes on the sensor arm to make it more noticeable, to help ensure it is not stepped on.
Anyway, for me this addition has really made the AP perform MUCH better. But again, my steering system has some play in it. Does your AP weave the boat back and forth when motoring at moderate to high speed? If not, perhaps my loose steering is the cause.
--Mike
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mike
- Captain
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- Joined: Sun Dec 28, 2003 8:06 pm
- Location: MS Gulf Coast "Wind Dancer" 98 26X
I hear that. FYI, installation took about 4 hours (including "thinking about it" time).Scott wrote:Mine weaves and I am considering mounting a sensor also. Prob this winter as we're well into sailing season and no time for mods, just maintenence. Dont even have time to keep up with my honeydos
--Mike