[CA] [CA11] Equipment issues

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Welcome to the Raymarine Forum optionsailor,

Q1 The C80 displays "no AIS". The Ray218 DSC VHF shows no GPS; AIS500 status indicator is green. C80 System diagnostics shows no NMEA sentences received. NMEA sentences are being transmitted. I disconnected the AIS500 and reconnected the NMEA directly to the Ray218 DSC VHF and changed the C80 settings to NMEA 4800. GPS coordinates appear on the Ray 218. C80 System diagnostics shows no NMEA sentences received. NMEA sentences are being transmitted.
A1. Please click here to view a FAQ addressing this subject. Particular attention should be made to ensuring that the MFD's NMEA 0183 Port has been configured for 38400 BAUD AIS communications. If so, then the wraparound test of the MFD's NMEA 0183 port specified therein should be followed.

Q2. The compass heading on the ST6000+ Autopilot and ST600R is ~90° off. I tested the fluxgate per the process described on the Forum and all tests were within 2 ohms.
A2. Testing of the fluxgate compass requires not only that it be tested for resistances, but also for ensuring that the reported heading does not pause in the reported value (would indicate binding) when turning a continuous rate through 360 degrees. Should you not already have done so, the autopilot's compass should be calibrated. Should the maximum deviation detected be greater than nine degrees and should no objects capable of producing a magnetic field be located within three feet of the fluxgate compass, the the autopilot's compass should be aligned. Should the problem persist thereafter, and the autopilot feature a gyro, then the gyro's cable should be unplugged from the autopilot's processor board and the compass should be aligned once more. The autopilot will simply perform as a non-gyro assisted autopilot if found to be faulty. Should the problem persist thereafter, then the autopilot course computer may indeed be in need of replacement. However, should the fluxgate compass be fairly old, it would be recommended that the course computer be tested with a new fluxgate compass as a last testing measure (again calibrate and align).

Q3. Could these problems be related?
A3. Not likely.

Q4. Would you recommend replacement of the C80 and/or the 300 Course Computer ?
A4. Not before addressing the items listed above.