I have the ST4000 autopilot and have a problem with the control head...to be precise, the 10' to port button sometimes works only after depressing and holding the button for approx 3-5 seconds (the other buttons work flawlessly). It feels that the internal "switch" is not making good contact. I believe the control head maybe a "sealed unit" and do not want to open it up without taking to tech support first.
I tried calling Raymarine tech support and have been on perennial hold. I was able to leave a voice message, but have not heard back after 2 days.
Here are my questions:
- has anyone had a similar problem and a possible fix?
- does Raymarine continue to service out of production models? Can anyone provide feedback on the best way to contact Raymarine's customer service / tech support?
Stephen Kruse
Kruse Control #1428
1995 C-36 MKII SR/WK
Lake Lanier, Ga.
I am surprised that Raymarine Customer Support, in New Hampshire, has not promptly returned your voice mails. My experience with them is that (a) you will always have to leave a message, (b) they do call back reasonably promptly, sometimes within minutes.
They should be able to repair the control, but before you commit I suggest you compare the cost to a used control head from eBay.
Larry Brandt
S/V High Flight #2109
Pacific Northwest, PDX-based
2002 C-36 mkII SR/FK M35B
Thanks Larry. I do not have experience with Raymarine tech support, so that's the feedback I was looking for. I'll certainly call again today. Also, that's a good idea regarding looking on E-Bay as well.
Stephen Kruse
Kruse Control #1428
1995 C-36 MKII SR/WK
Lake Lanier, Ga.
I've had good luck both on the phone and on-line. I checked the FAQs, your problem isn't mentioned. If you join the RM "Insiders" club (free) you can get tech help on line usually within an hour or two (working hours) of posting your question.
Ken and Vicki Juul
SV Luna Loca
C34 #1090
Chesapeake Bay
come to think of it, I think I have my old control head sitting around in the box my S1 came in. I'll take a look later this morning and let you know.
Gary and Cathy Price
1997 C36 Mk II Tall Rig/Wing Keel Imagine...
Hull # 1617
Worton Creek, Md.
Northern Chesapeake Bay
Well, I did get a person in the tech support area and he was very knowledgeable. The bad news is that they don't have any components for the ST4000 control head (internal boards...etc.).
I can either find a used ST4000 (or ST4000+) control head or upgrade to the ST6000 or a newer model. As an alternative, he suggested that I could "open it up" and see if I can fix the current unit. Of these options, I favor looking for a used ST4000 head.
Stephen Kruse
Kruse Control #1428
1995 C-36 MKII SR/WK
Lake Lanier, Ga.
[QUOTE=plaineolde;8583]come to think of it, I think I have my old control head sitting around in the box my S1 came in. I'll take a look later this morning and let you know.[/QUOTE]
Gary, that would be great !
Stephen Kruse
Kruse Control #1428
1995 C-36 MKII SR/WK
Lake Lanier, Ga.
I actually found it; right where I thought it would be. Other people might call that a mess, but I actually do know where stuff is; somehow.
It's an ST4000+ control head. I took a couple lousy cell phone pics, just so you can see it. The text on the buttons is somewhat worn and there is a very slight scuff in the middle of the display; smaller than your little fingernail. I think the connections on the back are the same as the ST4000, but you can check the pic.
PM me and make me an offer. I'm not looking to make money on the thing but it's doing no one any good sitting in my attic. I'm assuming it works; it did when I replaced it with the S1 a couple years ago. That was primarily due to my old black drive failing one too many times. BTW, I have a spare belt for the black drive, but that's on the boat, I'd have to mail that later as I'm not going to be there until later next week (I know where that is too..!!).
Gary and Cathy Price
1997 C36 Mk II Tall Rig/Wing Keel Imagine...
Hull # 1617
Worton Creek, Md.
Northern Chesapeake Bay
Looks like you'll have plenty of options. I just pulled a good working wheel pilot system off my 2004 boat. I wanted to have the extra security of a below deck linear pilot. The technican who did the work tried to use the original control head, but it appeared to have some difficulty communicating to the new system, so that also got replaced.
Anyway, if you or anyone is in need of wheel pilot drive, control head, and compass module, just make me an offer. It may need a replacement cable or else some splice connections. Rather than pull out all the cabling I think they cut it in the middle.
G. Jackson
Greg Jackson
SV Jacqui Marie
2004 C36, MKII
tall rig, wing keel,
This association is awesome and thanks for the help and responses. I have a number of options and the first is a guy that thinks he can do an easy repair...If that doesn't work, I'll look to buy one of these "replaced" units.
As I'm on an inland lake, the original ST4000 is still plenty good enough for my use. If I'm going to have it, I would like it to work.
Stephen Kruse
Kruse Control #1428
1995 C-36 MKII SR/WK
Lake Lanier, Ga.
[QUOTE=SailorJackson;8589]Looks like you'll have plenty of options. I just pulled a good working wheel pilot system off my 2004 boat. I wanted to have the extra security of a below deck linear pilot. The technican who did the work tried to use the original control head, but it appeared to have some difficulty communicating to the new system, so that also got replaced.
Anyway, if you or anyone is in need of wheel pilot drive, control head, and compass module, just make me an offer. It may need a replacement cable or else some splice connections. Rather than pull out all the cabling I think they cut it in the middle.
G. Jackson[/QUOTE]
I could use the ring and motor... Can we discuss it off list?
SF Bay
1998 C36