Autohelm Autopilot Issue

[eze2bme]

I have the Autohelm ST-7000 unit on my boat which was installed by the previous owner. I purchased the boat 6 years ago and the system has worked without a problem until this past weekend. After setting my course and then activating the autopilot the system suddenly made a sharp turn to starboard. I set the system on "standby" and corrected course. I then activated the system again and had the same response. I turned off the power to the system thinking that it may need to reset itself ... but reactivating I found the same course change.

I went into an area with no other boats around with plenty of maneuvering room and activated the system again ... another sharp turn to starboard. I tried to use the course correction buttons (1 degree or 10 degrees) but nothing happened and I went a full 360 degrees before shutting the system down.

Anyone have any thoughts? Thxs.

 

[Beckytek]

Check the area around where your heading sensor is located. If there is some metal nearby it will affect its operation. Mine is located under a forward locker. I put a metal bucket in the locker one day and my autopilot would not work. I removed the bucket and all is well. Ron

 

[eze2bme]

Update! I started looking over the system components and discovered that the compass heading on the autopilot wasn't agreeing with my helm compass. I went to the fluxgate compass and discovered that "someone" placed a can of bathroom spray cleaner next to the compass. The compass is located in the bottom storage cabinet (one of three) next to the shower in my aft head and isn't visible unless you bend over and look under the shelf in that cabinet. Moved the can and presto! Sea trial and all is working properly.

Now there's a big note attached to the back of the door warning against placing any metal objects in that compartment.

 

[MikeP]

EZ, I once put a 10" Woofer (loudspeaker-still in its box for future installation) in a drawer that, unknown to me at the time, was right next to the fluxgate compass. Like your situation...Interesting autopilot responses until I figured it out...