ST6000 Disengaging to Standby

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Welcome to the Raymarine Forum deboyes,

The symptoms described are typically indicative of low or intermittent power to the autopilot course computer. Such low power conditions typically result from operation of a vessels autopilot for extended periods of time without the charging system being operated, not being operated for sufficient time to completely replenish battery charge, power consumption exceeding the charging capacity of the charging system, failure of the charging system, intermittent/poor electrical circuit supplying the autopilot course computer, insufficient battery storage capacity, or failing battery bank. As the batteries have been replaced, it is recommended that the circuit (both power and ground) from the autopilot course computer though the power distribution panel/bus bar, battery switch(es), to the battery and engine block be inspected to ensure that all connections are free of corrosion, clean, and tight (suggest unfastening, cleaning, and re-tightening all connectors).

Unfortunately, should the above have been performed/verified and the problem persists, then it would appear that the autopilot course computer has suffered a failure. Should the model of autopilot course computer be an SPX autopilot course computer (X5, X10, X30, X-CAN, X-SOL), the it would be recommended that the autopilot course computer be sent to Raymarine’s Product Repair Center to be bench checked / serviced. However, should the model of autopilot course computer be of a design which preceded the SPX autopilot course computers, then it would unfortunately necessitate that the autopilot course computer be replaced, as Raymarine can no longer provide parts for nor services autopilot course computers preceding the SPX autopilot course computers.

If considering replacement of the autopilot course computer with a Raymarine Evolution Autopilot, then it should be noted that the currently installed autopilot drive unit and rudder reference transducer may be retained for use with the Evolution Autopilot. Should the model of autopilot drive unit be identified, then it may be possible to specify which Evolution Autopilot components would be recommended to replace other autopilot components within your system as well as to indicate how the Evolution autopilot components may be interfaced to any other marine electronics components within your system.