Raymarine Autohelm 6000 User Manual page 31

3.3.4 MECHANICAL TEST
F'ROCEDURES
Before attempting sea trials it is important to-
verify that the vital link between the Autohelm
6300 drive actuator and the vessel's steering
It is strongly advised that the following
simple checks are carried out.
Warning
When the steering system is being moved
manually or under drive from the actuator do
not touch any part of the system, sprockets,
and could cause injury.
Rotary Drive Unit
turn the main steering wheel switch on the pilot.
Standby mode - turn the steering wheel
from hardover to hardover.
Ensure that the chain and sprockets driving
the actuator move freely and in alignment.
l
Ensure that chain tension is adjusted
correctly (see 2.2.1).
Select Auto and key the +l 0 button several
times to drive the rudder hard over.
When the actuator drives the rudder onto the
mechanical limit stops ensure that the
mounting of the drive actuator shows no
sign of movement.
l
Key the -10 button several times and reverse
the rudder drive to the opposite end stop.
Check for any movement.
Current Limit and Cutout
Whilst the rudder is driven against the
mechanical limit the actuator will "pulse". This
is normal. If left in this condition for 60 seconds
the microprocessor will automatically cut out
power to the actuator and return to Standby.
Linear Drive Unit
l
Proceed as for rotary drive unit.
the steering quadrant and linear drive
actuator from hardover to hardover
actuator foul any part of the quadrant,
steering mechanism or yacht's structure. Any
fouling under load could damage the drive
actuator.
horizontally and that angular movement of
the ball end fitting is minimal (5" maximum).
l
Select Auto and key the +lO button several
times to drive the rudder hard over.
l
When the rudder is driven hard over check
that the mechanical limit stop on the
vessel's steering system is reached before
the actuator reaches its mechanical limit.
When the rudder drives hard against the end
stop check there is no visible movement of
the actuator mounting pedestal or. the
structure supporting it.
Key the -10 button and repeat the checks
with the rudder driven hard over in the
opposite direction.
Current Limit and Cutout
Whilst the rudder is driven against the
mechancial limit the actuator will "pulse". This
is normal. If left in this condition for 60 seconds
the microprocessor with automatically cut out
power to the actuator and return to Standby.
Hydraulic
Proceed as for the rotary drive unit.
Check that all unions are tight and there is
no seepage of hydraulic fluid.
l
Select Auto and key the +lO button several
times to drive the rudder hard over.
Key the -10 button to reverse and drive the
rudder hard over in the opposite direction.
Check that the steering ram moves smoothly
and that there is no excessive play or
jerkiness in the movement.
The performance of the Autohelm 6000 will
only reach the designed levels if the installation
of the actuator and steering system is correctly
engineered and adjusted. It is strongly advised
that these be checked before sea trials.
does the
System