autopilot bearing off after MFD software update

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Welcome to the Raymarine Forum mraphael,

Heading calibration and alignment data for autopilot course computers which would have been interfaced to a ST600x Autopilot Control Head are stored within the autopilot's course computer, not within the MFD. The software updates for a/c/e/eS/gS-Series MFDs should in no way affect these older autopilots when operating in Auto Mode, as the updates included with the a/c/e/eS/gS-Series MFD software updates are limited to the Evolution autopilots.

Given the reported symptoms, it is recommended that the autopilot course computer be disconnected from all other marine electronics devices except for the autopilot control head, fluxgate compass, rudder reference transducer, and autopilot drive actuator. The autopilot should then be tested in Auto mode. Should the problem abate, then please respond accordingly. However, should the problem persist, then then it is recommended that your autopilot's compass be re-calibrated and realigned. Should the problem persist it is possible that your autopilot's fluxgate heading sensor, gyro (if so equipped), rudder reference unit, or autopilot course computer may have experienced a failure of the circuitry responsible for sensing/processing rudder position or sensing, processing, or stabilizing heading.

Please click here to view a FAQ addressing how to test a rudder reference transducer. Please click here to view a FAQ addressing how to test a rudder reference transducer. Should a fault with either of these sensors be identified, then the sensor(s) should be replaced. Should no fault with these sensors be identified, then it would be recommended that the plug connecting the gyro of S1G/S2G/S3G Autopilot Course Computers be unplugged (will permit the autopilot to instead perform as a S1/S2/S3 Autopilot Course Computer) and that the system be performance tested. Should the problem persist and the autopilot course computer be S1/S1G/S2/S2G/S3/S3G, then the autopilot course computer will need to be replaced, as Raymarine can no longer service these autopilot course computers. In such cases an Evolution Autopilot Control Head, Evolution ACU of appropriate rating, and Evolution Sensor Core would be recommended. Should the autopilot course computer be a SPX autopilot course computer, then it is recommended that it be sent to Raymarine’s Product Repair Center to be bench checked / serviced.