„Drifting“ 711c

[Acer]

For some weeks now I have a strange issue with the Autopilots after years with no oroblems at all.

After some Minutes the Autopilot diverts from the course given. Well, the AP still keeps the boat under command an reacts as he should, but not holding the exact heading.

For example, if I select a Heading of 270, he slowly steers a course of 267 after a while…ghe heading given is still displayed at the head unit, but he hold a slightly lower course. If I turn the knob to 271, he changes heading from 267 to 271 only to divert from it again after a while.

Any suggestions?

Oliver

 

[Johnny Electron]

What heading source your pilot is using?

 

[Acer]

PG700

 

[Johnny Electron]

I would recommend comparing the pilot heading on the STBY screen to the COG of your plotter and the boat Steering compass. Go all for points (N,S,E,W) holding a straight course (not using the pilot) and see what they all read and how much difference you see each direction.

 

[Acer]

Cog and Hdg always differ here because of the current, but everything looks normal. Today i changed HDG source to the SCX20, same drifting.

 

[Johnny Electron]

Do you have an RRU or are you running Fantum Feedback?

 

[Acer]

RRU, everything works while in NAV or Vane Mode, AP just steers a slightly higher course after some time, around one degree in 10 Minutes, but after half an hour the divertion is remarkable. If, another exampe, I command 000 degree he drifts after a while to 003 degrees, when I change to 359 he "jumps" the 4 degrees to the left. It seems that the AP "forgets" the given HDG, "funny", never had that in 10 years

 

[Johnny Electron]

In your settings, did you switch from Auto to Advanced Auto by mistake? You said you had current and maybe it is in advanced auto and compensating.

 

[Acer]

I am in Advanced since Day one, do you think it may bean Advance issue?

 

[Johnny Electron]

Especially if you are getting currents, you might try it without the advanced auto being ON.

 

[Acer]

Thanks alot, I will give it a try today

 

[Acer]

Sorry for the late answer, Johnny, I was quite busy.

Yes, that did the trick, without Advanced Mode the AP works well. Thank you!

 

[Johnny Electron]

:cool Awesome