Raymarine EV-100 and need for rudder position indicator

F

Ferg

New member
Joined
Jun 18, 2015
Messages
187
Reaction score
0
C Dory Year
2008
C Dory Model
25 Cruiser
Vessel Name
Here & Now
I've had my AP for over a year, and it's just not trustworthy.

The boat will occasionally head hard off to port (10-15 degrees) and finally respond and come back on track. The indicator on the display shows a hard turn to starboard, but there's no movement at the engine.

My initial thought was air in the hydraulics, but according to the marine electronics technician that I use the hydraulics are fine. He did a full factory reset and reprogrammed the unit to no avail; it still goes way off course.

He contacted Raymarine, and they said The best fix is to install a rudder position indicator.

Any thoughts folks?

Thanks
Ferg
 
This problem occurred with the previous model to yours, the S1000, which I own. It was referred to online as a Crazy Ivan. I'm not sure what the fix is but I just Googled it online and here's what I found.

Crazy Ivan

Maybe more Googling will help you fine a fix.

Peter
 
Peter, LOL, that's what we called it too, and then I talked with a charter captain who had the same issue, and he called it a Crazy Ivan also.

That's what I called it to my tech today, he got it right away
 
The rudder feedback gets around the "virtual feedback" which these units are supposed to have. But also the heading indicator can be an issue. There are various GPS, or rated gyros, which will make the steering more accurate--but again, the EV - 100 is supposed to get around these issues.

I would use a lineal feed back rather than rotary, if you do find that it is needed. Faster GPS updates, such as 10 hz, vs the 1 hz which many of the older units use, also should help.
 
Thanks Bob, the tech said that without the feedback from the actual rudder position, the system is reactive rather than proactive. Is that what you're saying? Your second paragraph is beyond my understanding and skill set.

Do you think a position indicator would help me? We're looking a a Seastar indicator to pair with our hydraulic system
 
Web site says a software upgrade is available
called Hydro Balance
http://www.raymarine.com/view/?id=9560

Has your AP been updated?
Software for Raymarine Evolution Autopilot ACU

Software for:
ACU100/ACU200/ACU300/ACU400
Version:
v2.17
Date Released:
May 2016
Additional Notes:
The Autopilot requires recalibrating after the update is complete, refer to Software Update Information section below.


http://www.raymarine.com/view/?id=9572
 
I did contact Raymarine and found that the software versions were out date, but the remarkable thing was that they thought that the ACU-100 was possibly under-sized and said they would replace it with a larger ACU-200 at no charge if the software doesn't handle the issue.

How cool is that!
 
Ferg":3u786baf said:
I did contact Raymarine and found that the software versions were out date, but the remarkable thing was that they thought that the ACU-100 was possibly under-sized and said they would replace it with a larger ACU-200 at no charge if the software doesn't handle the issue.

How cool is that!
Click to expand...

Raymarine thinks the 100 is to small for a 25 Cruiser? I'm getting one on my new C-Dory. Should I order the 200?
 
Standby Ken, I sent Raymarine the requested info and as soon as they let me know I'll post their recommmdation
 
What pump do you have? If you have the type .5 pump, it is undersized for any of the C Dory (good for 50 to 110 cc ram.) It uses the ACU 100. The smallest baystar (usually used on 22's, but occasionally on the 25's)--cylinder is 118 CC volume. So one could get away, with the smaller pump--and some have because it is cheaper. But if you look at the specs of the type I pump, it is good from 80 to 230 cc! The type .5 pump uses the ACU 100 handles up to Maximum continuous 7 A The type 1 pump uses the ACU 200 handles Maximum continuous 15 amps!

If you have the SeaStar steering rather than the Bay Star (which you should have for the 25)--the ram will be 138 cc.

Yes, the rudder feed back gives real information--the virtual feed back, is a "computer guess" as to what the position of the rudder (outboard motor) is doing.

If I was buying an auto pilot of the the 25, I would order the type 1 hydraulic pump and the ACU 200. (This is the EV 200 system--which costs almost twice what the EV 100 system costs). Will the EV 100 work on a 25? Yes....but it will not give optimal response in heavy weather. A good auto pilot will steer a boat better than an expert helmsman can. When I specced auto pilots for my long distance cruising boats, I went up in size. Always able to handle the boat, in even hurricane force wind conditions.

Definitely update the software.

One other issue could be some ferrous or magnetic object being placed near the sensor (EV 1)-- you want to be certain, that it is in a position that no ferrous or magnetic material is within 3 feet (to be safe) of the sensor. That can cause a hang up on the steering accuracy.

The second part of my answer above, only applied if you were using the GPS to drive your pilot--and you are not.
 
Ken, et al,

Raymarine did get back to me. They said the ACU-100 needed to be replaced with a 200, and the EV-1 & P70R needed to be sent back to them for upgrade.

I can't tell you how much I like dealing with their manager, Winston. I've never had better customer service.

Sometimes things work out
 
Great to hear about good customer service. Before FLIR bought RayMarine it was horrible. Sounds like you are well on the way to resolution... Also a good time of the year to get it "fixed".
 
Ferg":1xo6k4ew said:
Ken, et al,

Raymarine did get back to me. They said the ACU-100 needed to be replaced with a 200, and the EV-1 & P70R needed to be sent back to them for upgrade.

I can't tell you how much I like dealing with their manager, Winston. I've never had better customer service.

Sometimes things work out
Click to expand...

I hate you had to go through it but I'm glad you posted as I just ordered the 200. Thanks!!!
 
Lol Ken

I just got off the phone with Gene at Mobile East. He's in deep discussion with Raymarine and looking out for you buddy.
 
Ferg":3vdxg34x said:
Lol Ken

I just got off the phone with Gene at Mobile East. He's in deep discussion with Raymarine and looking out for you buddy.
Click to expand...

And now I just got off the phone with him! He's working it out and will get back to me next week.... thanks!! Gene is sharp!
 
Ken, I sent you a PM
 
I have a Raymarine/Autohelm ST6000 and have always had problems with that wander you talk about...sorta meanders ..
.
Are you saying that a Rudder Position Sensor would cure this ?

Boy, that would be nice...it always looks like I am drunk...can't go straight...

Joel
SEA3PO
 
Joel. I have a ST6000 unit that's 10 years old. Last used to go from Sausalito to Rio Vista, this summer. It's been wonderful for me, though I've had the computer repaired. Steers within the deadband which is a couple of degrees. It's my third autohelm and I've been pleased with all.

So, I would assume some part of the system is kaput or it's not set up correctly. I've had trouble with some of the connections coming loose; mostly the ST6000 control head, but once in a wile something else. You might check the connections between each component for starters. Especially the outboard transducer which supplies steering feedback and the fluxgate compass. I assume that it worked well in the past so that it's not the placement of the flusgate.

If you can't find the problem, call Raymarine and discuss it with them.

Boris
 
Back
Top