Autohelm...

[Bruce53]

I have an ST4000 Raymarine autohelm. The slack in my helm drive requires a rudder reference transducer which costs around $200. I am a poor/good (meaning not wealthy but crafty with electronics) electrical engineer. Seems the rudder reference is probably dual-pots or a center-tapped pot that should not be too difficult to construct if I could find out what the values are. Raymarine (Raytheon) will not disclose the design, of course. Anyone have any suggestions as to how I could dig up a schematic or design data on the thing.
Many thanks for any help on this one...
Cheers

 

[QC]

Re: Autohelm...

Hey Bruce. I moved this over to the Electronics section as their may be more expertise for this here. Good luck!

 

[NYBo]

Re: Autohelm...

What is that $200 price tag compared to the cost of a tank of gas for your boat?? I'm all for saving money, but if you are going to rely on this equipment to keep you on course, can you afford inaccuracy in the sensor?