[CA] [CA11] drive clutch not engaging

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Welcome to the Raymarine Forum Bob,

Unfortunately, it would not be possible to identify the type of autopilot drive unit is installed based upon the type of third party autopilot which it had been interfaced to. We would also not have typically recommended an ACU-200 for use with any third party drive unit other than an Octopus mechanical stern drive or mechanical helm drive. Should the third party drive unit be compatible with an Evolution autopilot, then an ACU-400 would have typically been recommended. As Evolution autopilot algorithms are based upon a 10-12 second hard over time window, it would first be recommended that rudder be moved fully to one side, that the clutch and motor leads be disconnected from the ACU's, that the clutch leads be connected to an independent source of voltage, and that the motor leads then also be connected to an independent source of voltage to drive the motor to the opposite stops. Should the hard over time be outside of this window, then the drive unit would need to be replaced with a Raymarine drive unit of the appropriate style and capacity for the vessel and its steering system.

If the drive is compatible, then the next step would be to identify the type of drive which is installed (hydraulic linear, mechanical linear, etc.) and mate it to an ACU-400. Should the drive continue to load down the clutch output of the ACU-400, then it may indeed be necessary to install a relay.