[CA] [CA11] x-5 Wheel Pilot acting irratically

[Mikedonnellan]

My client has a X-5 Wheel Pilot, Smartpilot X5 Course Computer, fluxgate compass, rudder angle transducer and a ST-6002 Control Head.

The fluxgate reading on the Control Head seems to take a long time to fully register a course change. The compass checks seem to be within standard range:
Red to Green 4.4 ohms
Red to Yellow 4.5 ohms
Green to Yellow 7.3 ohms
Screen to Blue 7.1 ohms

Further when the unit is put into auto, the wheel pilot immediately goes into a hard turn. Changing the phasing of the motor does the same thing in the opposite direction.
The rudder angle transducer seems to be a bit out of spec:
Red to Green 5.5K hms
Red to Blue 2.33K ohms --3.66K ohms
Blue to Green 3.66K ohms -- 2.42K ohms

The phasing of the rudder transducer seems to be correct as the rudder indicator display on the control head corresponds to the direction of the helm.

The supply voltage is 12.9V so that doesn't seem to be an issue.

The problem is driving me insane. Any thoughts on the issue?

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Welcome to the Raymarine Forum Mike,

While dockside, verify that the motor phasing is correct by commanding Auto and then +10. Command the autopilot into Standby as soon as you can ascertain whether rudder is correctly applied. If not, then swap the motor lead to connections to the course computer.

As indicated within the FAQ addressing how to test the fluxgate compass, the fluxgate compass features mechanical components. It is possible that the fluxgate compass's moving parts may have failed in a manner causing them to bind. This condition may be verified by executing a slow turn at a constant rate of turn through 360 degrees while observing the reported heading. Should the heading pause (i.e. not change or not be reflective of the rate or turn), then it would indicate a problem with the mechanical components within the fluxgate compass, necessitating its replacement.

The rudder reference transducer appears to pass testing.