[CA] [CA11] Autopilot laziness and COG issues

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Welcome to the Raymarine Forum Marc,

The problem reported is not indicative of a fault with the rudder transducer. When heading errors such as you have reported occur, then the problem is typically indicative of one of the following:

- the fluxgate compass is being subjected to a magnetic field which was not present when the autopilot's compass was calibrated and aligned ... you have indicated that you have inspected the area within 3' of the compass for items which have been constructed of ferrous or magnetic materials. Cables carrying high currents or coiled cable can also produce magnetic fields.

- a fluxgate compass which is binding ... it has been noted that you have performed the resistance test for the compass. The FAQ addressing how to test the fluxgate compass additionally calls for checking the Heading (not COG) data item as the vessel is slowly turned through 360 degrees to monitor for pauses in the reported heading.

- the autopilot course computer is failing ... the course computer should be sent to Raymarine’s Product Repair Center to be bench checked / serviced.

The items listed above should be attended to in the order listed above. The most common cause for the reported symptom is a failing fluxgate compass.