S1/S1G/S2/S2G/S3/S3G autopilot drifting off course

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

S1/S1G/S2/S2G/S3/S3G autopilot drifting off course

It is recommended that troubleshooting begin with :
- inspecting the location of the fluxgate compass for objects which may expose the fluxgate compass to a magnetic field
- inspecting the autopilot course computer to ensure that it has been installed in a vertical orientation to a bulkhead per the installation instructions
- inspecting the location of the autopilot course computer for objects which may expose the autopilot course computer to a magnetic field
- determining the maximum deviation which had been detected by the autopilot during calibration ... if greater than 9.9 degrees, then the fluxgate compass or object(s) producing magnetic fields must be relocated and the autopilot compass re-calibrated
- testing the autopilot's fluxgate compass
- ensuring that the autopilot compass has been properly aligned and is reporting the correct magnetic heading at all cardinal and intercardinal points of the compass
- when turning the vessel in a continuous slow circle, verify that the heading similarly change in continuous / uninterrupted manner ... failure to do so would typically be indicative of a failing fluxgate compass

Should all of the above be satisfied, then the reported symptom may be indicative of a failing gyro (see photo below) within a S1G, S2G, or S3G Autopilot Course Computer. Unfortunately, parts and service are no longer available for S1/S1G/S2/S2G/S3/S3G Autopilot Course Computer. However, should the gyro's (mounted to processor board) plug be unplugged form the processor board, then the S1G, S2G, and S3G autopilot course computers will operate as non-gyro assisted autopilot course computers (i.e. S1, S2, S3), potentially buying the operator additional service from the autopilot.



RAYFAQ#