Raytheon ST4000 Autopilot. I have installed a rudder position sensor but the autopilot does not seem to see it or indicate rudder position.
Reading my manual dated 6/1/99 it seems to expect the rudder position will just show up after installation. Reading an earlier version on the web it talks about a rudder procedure where the autopilot runs to the two extreme stops and returns to a midpoint. During this procedure it also senses the direction of the sensor ( since it can be mounted inverted or right side up ). This option does not appear in my autopilot menu nor is it mentioned in my manual. Does anyone have any information that may give me a lead on why the sensor is not being recognized.
Installing rudder position sensor Raymarine ST4000 Autopilot
Moderator: Jim Walsh
Re: Installing rudder position sensor Raymarine ST4000 Autop
Hi John, - I just went through pretty much the same exercise. It turns out my position sensor was defective-
The Raymarine repair facility said it was a broken internal spring. They repaired it and didn't charge me; -
told me it was under warranty even though that was questionable.
If you go onto the Raymarine site, there's a procedure you can use to test the sensor. According to
Raymarine, resistance between green/red, any position is 5 kohm +-5%; Between Blue/Green, Anti Cw is
1.66 kohm +-10%; Blue/Green, Cw stop is 3.3 kohm +-10%. These resistances should be measured with the
sensor disconnected from the computer.
After Raymarine repaired my unit, however, I measured infinite resistance between Green/Red at one
position (don't remember if it was CW or CCW), and 5 Kohm at the other position. I installed the unit anyway
and lo and behold, everything worked.
Before sending in the unit, I was measuring infinite resistance between all wires. If you think you
have a problem with the sensor, fill out the form on the Raymarine site and they will e-mail you with a
confirmation to send it in for repair. I think the standard repair charge is $125, if not under warranty.
Good Luck - Jean
The Raymarine repair facility said it was a broken internal spring. They repaired it and didn't charge me; -
told me it was under warranty even though that was questionable.
If you go onto the Raymarine site, there's a procedure you can use to test the sensor. According to
Raymarine, resistance between green/red, any position is 5 kohm +-5%; Between Blue/Green, Anti Cw is
1.66 kohm +-10%; Blue/Green, Cw stop is 3.3 kohm +-10%. These resistances should be measured with the
sensor disconnected from the computer.
After Raymarine repaired my unit, however, I measured infinite resistance between Green/Red at one
position (don't remember if it was CW or CCW), and 5 Kohm at the other position. I installed the unit anyway
and lo and behold, everything worked.
Before sending in the unit, I was measuring infinite resistance between all wires. If you think you
have a problem with the sensor, fill out the form on the Raymarine site and they will e-mail you with a
confirmation to send it in for repair. I think the standard repair charge is $125, if not under warranty.
Good Luck - Jean
Jean - 1983 CD 33 "Grace" moored in
Padanaram Harbor
Massachusetts
Padanaram Harbor
Massachusetts
Re: Installing rudder position sensor Raymarine ST4000 Autop
Thanks Jean Pierre, I did not know repair was an option for the sensor. I was considering buying a new one.
John M.