Autohelm
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Autohelm
SeaTalk Service Manual
14
• If the autopilot fails to hold course check
the Rudder Gain level. Has it been changed
from the initial sea trials level (check in
Installation Manual)?
• If the vessel wanders check that the
Rudder Reference Transducer linkage is
secure with no free play.
Hydraulic Drive Units only:-
• Check that all unions are tight and bleed
system to remove air.
Failure of Drive Unit to Disengage
The mechanical drive actuators of the
ST6000 are designed to fail Safe1 - When
power is disconnected the drive unit will
disengage leaving the steering system free
for manual control.
When Standby is selected the actuator will
Disengage leaving the steering free.
It is remotely possible that a fault could
develop which could cause the actuator to
remain engaged even when Standby is
selected. If this happens:-
• DISCONNECT THE MAIN CIRCUIT
BREAKER TO THE AUTOPILOT - THE
STEERING WILL IMMEDIATELY BE FREE,
or
• IN AN EMERGENCY THE ACTUATOR
CLUTCH CAN NORMALLY BE
OVERRIDDEN BY TURNING THE
STEERING WHEEL HARD.
It is emphasised that this fault is extremely
unlikely and can be immediately corrected
as described.
If preferred a separate Override switch can
be fitted close to the steering position which
will break the actuator clutch drive for
Emergency Use.
Stern Drive Actuator
(Manual Override Option)
Manual override is selected during
calibration using the Auto Release option. It
must only be used on installations fitted with
the stern drive actuator. When it has been
selected, the ST6000 can be overridden to
allow hand steering by turning the steering
wheel. This will return the ST6000 to
Standby and sound the control unit buzzer
for 10 seconds. There is a slight delay
before the ST6000 will return to Standby.
Excessive force is not required and will
not reduce this delay.
With the ST6000 in Auto and clear of
obstruction turn the steering wheel to
observe the manual override. Repeat two or
three times until you are confident with its
operation.
The manual override is intended for
emergency use only. The ST6000 should
normally be disengaged by pushing the
Standby button on the control unit.