Operating Hints; Maintenance - Raymarine Autohelm 2000 User Manual

OPERATING HINTS

The Aulohelm 2000's computer
continuously optimises automalic
steering performance etiminaling the
need lor operalor supervision.
II is, however, very imporlanl lo
undersland the effect of sudden trim
changes on steering performance. When
a sudden change in lrim occurs the
automatic trim compensation system
requires approximately 60 seconds to
apply the necessary rudder off-set to
restore the aulomalic heading. In gusling
condilions, therefore, the course may
lend lo wander slightly. particularly in Ihe
case 01 a sailing yachl with badly
balanced sails. In Ihe laller case, a
improvement in course
keeping can always be obtained by
improving sail balance. Bear in mind the
following imporlanl poinls:-
l Do not allow the yacht lo heel
excessively.
Ease lhe mainsheel travetler lo
l
leeward lo reduce heeling and
weather helm.
early.
II is also advisable whenever possible
lo avoid sailing with the wind dead astern
in very slrong winds and large seas.
Ideally, the wind should be brought al
least 30° away from a dead run and in
severe conditions il may be advisable to
remove the mainsail altogether and sail
under headsait only. Providing lhese
simple precautions are taken the
autopilot will be able to mainlain
competent control in gale force
condilions.
It may be noliced Ihat ltre autopitol
tends lo be a litlle less slable on northerly
headings in the higher lalitudes of the
hemisphere (and corivcrscly
soutt rerly headings in the southern
hemisphere). This is caused by the
increasing angle of dip of the earlh's
magnetic field at higher latitudes which
has the effect of amplifying rudder
response on northerly headings. The
tendency towards norlherty heading
instability is usually more obvious al
higher speeds and when it occurs can
be corrected by reducing the rudder
control selling.
Passage making under automatic pilot
is a very pleasant experience which can
lead lo the temptation of relaxing
permanent watch. This must always be
avoided no malter how clear the sea may
appear to be.
Remember, a large ship can travel Iwo
miles in five minutes -just the lime it takes
lo make a cup of coffee!
TOTE BAG
(Cat No. D089)
A special zip top padded bag made from
lough PVC is available lo prolecl and
stow your Aulohetm and is available from
Autohetm slockisls.
W a r n i n g
Do not slow your Aulohelm in a locker
l
liable to flooding by the bilge water.
locker over the winter lay up period.

MAINTENANCE

All moving parIs. the system have been
lubricated for life at the faclory. Therelore
whatsoever will be
required. Should a lault develop Ihe
autopilot's plugabilily ensures that only
the defective unit need be returned.
Before lhis is done please double
check that the power supply cable is
sound and that alt connections are light
and free from corrosion.
Since Ihe control unit is lhe most
complex, there is a very high probability
that if a fault has occurred it is in this unit
LIMITED WARRANTY
Naulech or ils appointed Distributors or
Service Cenlres will, subject lo Ihe
condilions below, rectify any failures in
this producl due to faully manutacture
which become apparent within two years
ot its puchase date.
Equipment used in lhe country of
purchase should be sent directly to the
aulhorised Distributor for that counlry or
its appointed Service Cenlres. The
product will then be serviced lree of
charge and returned promptly direct to
the sender.
Equipment used outside the country of
purchase can be eilher:-
a. Returned to the Distributor or Dealer
in whose country or from whom Ihe
equipment was originally purchased -
it will then be serviced free of charge
and promptly returned direct to the
sender, or
AFTER SALES SERVICE
Should for any reason your Autohelm
2000 require attention ensure that you
return it lo one of the Authorised Service
which should therefore be returned for
repair, which wilt be carried out speedily
and al moderate cost. The drive unit has
very unlikely to develop a fault. If however
the drive unit is suspecled of being faulty
it may be checked by connecting 12V
across the sockets al the end of the drive
unit cable and ensuring the motor runs
normally.
In Ihe case of a sailing yacht fitted with
a windvane system if a fault occurs only
in vane mode then it is likely lhal a fault
has developed in the vane head.
b. The product can be relurned freight
pre-paid to the authorised Dislributor
or its appoinled Service Centres in the
country in which the product is being
used. II will then be serviced and
returned direct lo the sender on the
basis that the Distributor or Service
Centre will supply any parts used free
of charge but the sender will be
invoiced for the necessary labour and
return shipment at the local rate.
CONDITIONS
The warranty is invalid if:-
a. The product has been misused,
installed or operaled not in
accordance with the standards
defined in this manual.
b. Repairs have been attempted by
persons other lhan Nautech approved
Service personnel.
Centres. You will find a list enclosed.
Each service cenlre is trained and
equipped lo provide expert allenlion to
your Autohelm 2000.