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Auto Pilot Problems ST6000

wild382

wild382

John
I have the ST6000 Auto Pilot. I have 3 batteries 2 for house, 1 for starter.
The last few times I tried using our AP, after a few minutes it stopped working. The screen read "Drive Stop".
Also when pressing the Auto button on the right side of the control panel it just would not even engage. Batteries should have a good charge (but not positive that the charge is good, still figuring that out) I have a DC meter.
Any ideas? After searching and reading the previous posts on this subject I became confused.
What should I check?

Another question : What's the best way to charge the batteries? I charge all by setting to both when at dock. The expert at the marina suggested this rather than one side at a time.
 
John

I'd suggest you go online and download the Raymarine ST6000 manual.

As far as the best way to charge the batteries, it depends on how they're wired up, what type they are (AGM, Gell, Flooded, etc), and how they're being charged (what kind of charger - "smart" or simple). I bought new AGM batteries last year, which meant I had to take out the old simple battery charger that was 30 years old and replace it with a smart charger. I also put in a new switch, an ACR (Automatic Charging Relay) and all the necessary fuses/circuit breakers. Quite a bit of work, but I'm confident that I won't ever "cook" the expensive new batteries. Plus, the whole system is as idiot-proof as I could make it, to avoid ruining the batteries.

If you have the original equipment, you've got a simple charger and flooded batteries - the batteries can be cooked if the charger is left on too long.

Charging one battery at a time would take more time, and you'd have to remember to swap the switch at the appropriate time.
 
Matt:
I want to enlarge the battery pack with AGM batteries to somewhere between 400-500 Amps. Can you suggest brand, and if they can be fitted under the quarter berth? I am glad that you pointed out the other changes involved in the peosses, as I most likely have to do the same.
I ordered an Icom M802 package from SeaTech Systems yesterday, and I am still in shock, ($$$$$$$$)!
Hans-Edgar
 
Hans-Edgar:

I was able to get away with two Group 24 batteries that I got from Sears - their Marine Platinum brand. One is for the engine and one for the house. They both fit under the quarterberth (where the old group 27 batteries were).

I have very little demand on the house - a small bilge pump (500GPH), a bigger bilge pump (1500GPH) that rarely is used (only if the small gets overwhelmed), a VHF and other electronics (GPS, autopilot, wind instruments), and cabin lights, running lights, etc (rarely used). Plus some other pumps (water pressure, shower sump) that are also rarely used.

If you need more power (refrigerator, power windlass, power winch, etc) then you might need to opt for the group 27 size, or even go with a third battery that might fit in the far locker in the quarterberth (I never measured for it). Another alternative would be to install a solar panel or windmill to trickle-charge the battery if you're at a mooring (like me).

Note that a SSB uses a great deal more power than a VHF when transmitting!

Matt
 
Thanks Matt!
I'll be leaving for Mobile in the morning and do some measuring. Look forward to be on the boat again!
Hans-Edgar
 
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