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From: E. Sears (no email)
Date: Mon Oct 08 2007 - 11:05:45 EDT
Hey all you mechanical geniuses out there-
I have a 1980s era Neco (bought out by Raytheon) NM 692 autopilot unit with a mechanical drive unit (DC motor, not hydraulic push rod).
When switched on, the autopilot drive unit turns the wheel to starboard until it hits the limit switch (turning boat in circles).
Let me give some background info: the autopilot is composed of 3 parts:
a. the drive unit located under the cockpit by the rudder post that houses the DC motor, a rudder position sensor, and two limit switches (one for starboard, one for port). The DC motor turns a sprocket that is attached to a chain that is then attached to my wire steering system.
b. the Control Unit- a sealed unit that has the processing circuitry, course setter, sensitivity adjustment, rudder adjustment, and trim control-mounted in the cockpit.
c. the flux-gate compass mounted at the front of the boat above the hanging locker (away from all electro-magnetic interference).
So far I've tried disconnecting the compass (autopilot still turns in circles). I've taken apart both the control unit and the drive unit and can't make sense of the transistors/circuitry located there-in. Didn't see any obvious signs of corrosion or burnt connections-although I'm sure there is a small amount of voltage drop due to corrosion (20 year old unit).
I'm hoping someone knows of an easy fix since it is a very high quality unit and I'd hate to scrap it (plus I don't have money for another pilot).
Thanks.
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