Took my boat for the first time in 2 months. Gps Garmin GPS map 210 original equipment came on with graphics breaking up and indicated No Pos. Also my auto pilot cut out after about a minute of operation. I suspect a connection/antenna problem. Anybody have experience wih this. I had to leave for home before I had time to inspect anything. I live 5 hours away from the boat and would like to get a heads up from anyone in our association. Thanks, bill
—
Bill and Carla Reitz C-36 MK-2 1995 W/K Kind of Blue #1427 Sausalito Ca
Bill
I no longer have the 4000, but I don't recall the auto-pilot needing the GPS.
What was the failure of the pilot? Did it just quit or didn't stay on course
Maybe be two problems or related.
I just had a friend's auto pilots that went nuts. wouldn't hold course. turns out he put a load of tools on top of the flux compass.
Chuck Lennox
97 MKii Ventura Ca
Island Girl Hull #1611
Chuck, at first it went off course and moments later it quit. I hit stand by then hit auto pilot and it came back only to repeat the process. In the past few years I've used auto pilot and sometimes forgot to turn on the gps. It acted up until I turned on the gps and then it was fine. Until now. That's what makes me think the Garmin gps 210 is somehow involved
Bill and Carla Reitz C-36 MK-2 1995 W/K Kind of Blue #1427 Sausalito Ca
Attached link to the operation manual http://static.garmin.com/pumac/130_OwnersManual.pdf. Look at page 15 and see if you're getting any satellites and the signal strength. Start here. If that checks out then the problem is else where. The ST4000 gets its data from the 210 in a 0183 format.
David
2003 Catalina 36
Thanks David. Do you have this system. I'll be trouble shooting on my next trip down. Bill
Bill and Carla Reitz C-36 MK-2 1995 W/K Kind of Blue #1427 Sausalito Ca
Bill
I install marine electronics and do extensive electrical work for a living. I have had that system in days of old. I'm more than happy to assist.
David Killman
ABYC Certified Corrosion, Electrical
NMEA Certified, MEI, AMEI, NMEA 2000
Authorized/Certified Installer for: Raymarine, Navico and Garmin Marine Products
2003 Catalina 36
David are you in the SF Bay Area?
Bill and Carla Reitz C-36 MK-2 1995 W/K Kind of Blue #1427 Sausalito Ca
Bill. I am on the East Coast.
David
2003 Catalina 36
Taking a stab here but if turning on "random" stuff helps - I would suspect the ground returning from the AP is marginal (could also be power, but usually ground). The AP will stop course following if the voltage drops below a set threshold - Look at all your connectors at both ends of the power cable for corrosion - my guess is you will see at least one dodgy connection.
Les
Les & Trish Troyer
Mahalo
Everett, WA
1983 C-36 Hull #0094
C-36 MK 1 Technical Editor.
Commodore
Hi Les, that makes sense. Correct me if I'm wrong. The power cord attaches at the wheel plate next to the clutch. Where does it run to? The battery bank? The D.C. Panel?. I believe it has two spade connectors. Is one of those the ground? You may be able to guess I didn't make my living as an electrician. Thanks, Bill
Bill and Carla Reitz C-36 MK-2 1995 W/K Kind of Blue #1427 Sausalito Ca
I would hope it would go to your power distribution panel. But it was most likely installed after leaving the factory so could be anywhere. IIRC most install manuals call for it to be off the battery because they want minimal voltage drop.
For old boats and wiring nothing beats spending 30-40 bucks on a tone and probe (fox and hound). Attach one clip of the tone to one of the wires, turn on the tone and follow the wire with the probe, behind panels, thru bilges as long as you get within 3 feet of the wire the probe will allow you to follow the path.
Les
Les & Trish Troyer
Mahalo
Everett, WA
1983 C-36 Hull #0094
C-36 MK 1 Technical Editor.
Commodore
Hi Les, Great idea. Once again is one of those two spade connectors from the power cord a ground? Thanks, Bill
Bill and Carla Reitz C-36 MK-2 1995 W/K Kind of Blue #1427 Sausalito Ca
Bill
Trouble shooting problems like this online is difficult at best. I'm seeing some good ideas from others. I am also assuming this is a ST4000 and not a 4000 Plus. Let me give you a way of determining if you have a problem with the DC positive or negative (or both) feed to the control head.
First make sure the connectors attached to the feed wires are crimped correctly and that they are firmly slid over the spade connector on the control head and not wedged between the connector and the plastic insulating boot. See attached file.
You will need a very long set of test leads and a DVM. A set that can reach from your battery to the back of the ST4000 controller. First, with the long leads attached to the DVM, measure the voltage between the battery positive and battery negative terminals. Write that voltage down.
Now attach the negative test lead wire from the DVM to the negative battery terminal. With your autopilot switch on, measure the voltage at the positive feed connector on the back of the control head with the positive test lead probe. Write that voltage down. If the difference in voltage readings are off by as little as a few tenths of a volt, then you need to trace your positive wiring from the battery to the ST4000. Look for loose connections, poorly crimped connector, undersized wire or other obviously bad wiring issues.
Now attach a positive test lead wire from the DVM to the positive terminal of the battery. Measure the voltage at the negative connector on the back of the control head with the negative test lead probe. Write it down. If the difference in readings are off by as little as a few tenths of a volt, then you need to trace your negative wiring from the battery to the ST4000. Look for loose connections, poorly crimped connector, undersized wire or other obviously bad wiring issues.
Someone suggested a fox and hound troubleshooting tool. Great way to trace wires and see where they go. Now it becomes a detective novel in finding the missing electrons. Often these problems show themselves when the auto pilot is on and running because current draw can make the problem more noticeable.
Just my two cents worth.
David
2003 Catalina 36
Actually it is a st 4000+. 2 cents worth. That's a severe understatement. I hate to ask but would the 4000plus be different than the 4000 in this regard. Thanks, Bill
Bill and Carla Reitz C-36 MK-2 1995 W/K Kind of Blue #1427 Sausalito Ca
Bill
Checking for a supply voltage issue would be the same. I would check the voltage with the autopilot engaged and running at the dock. Hit the 10 button and watch for voltage fluctuations.
This is only one cent worth. A blue light special.
2003 Catalina 36