Problems w newly installed Wheel pilot X-5

[Hamin' X]

The problem seems to be an non-hooked up ground wire. I hooked up a separate ground wire to the negative terminal of the battery, and the low battery warning did not come on. It says to do that in the manual, so I guess I should read the manual. RTM, or, as I've heard before, RTFM.

Phil M

RTM is always good advice. Also, when experiencing strange electrical/electronic performance, suspect grounding problems first.

~Rich

[mk1]

I agree. When installing the X5 autopilot the manual must be followed closely. In particular, my X5 would not work properly until I have connected power with 16 AWG wire, added a braid for ground, and separated power cable from the NMEA cable from GPS. I have also added ferrites on both NMEA cables and power cable. Spent the whole day changing cables around and rewiring everything. Seems to be working now.

[Phil M]

I just finished rewiring my autopilot as well, running a separate power with a thicker wire to an independent power switch, which then runs to the course computer instead of taking power from the common on the fuse/panel. Dam, these boats are hard to run wiring up through the ceiling to where the existing panel is located.

I may have finally conquered the LOW BATTERY message and irritating beep.

But I love the autopilot.

Phil M

[c130king]

Dam, these boats are hard to run wiring up through the ceiling to where the existing panel is located.

Amen! I have had my speakers sitting in the cabin...uninstalled...for 2 years now. But I will get something done for them before the JMGT this year.

I may have finally conquered the LOW BATTERY message and irritating beep. .

I still get that message/beep on my Chartplotter everytime I lower/raise the motor or crank it up. Which is why I went to the solar trickle charger to try and ensure I have a better charge on my battery after it sits for a week at the marina (mast up on the trailer).

But I love the autopilot.

Completely agree...but not your autopilot...my autopilot...

Cheers,
Jim

[Boblee]

Make sure you don't have the drive too tight, when released there should be no friction.
I think I had mine a bit tight which made it work a bit hard and it got hot but whacking the back of the motor accidently really stuffed it.

[Phil M]

Make sure you don't have the drive too tight, when released there should be no friction.
I think I had mine a bit tight which made it work a bit hard and it got hot but whacking the back of the motor accidently really stuffed it.

Stuffed it? Crikey, you lost me there. Do you break it?

When the autopilot is released, there is no friction on the wheel. But it sure squeaks when the drive is engaged. It's kind of annoying, but manageable.

Does your autopilot squeak when engaged? Is there something to make it squeak just a little less?

Phil M

[c130king]

When the autopilot is released, there is no friction on the wheel. But it sure squeaks when the drive is engaged. It's kind of annoying, but manageable.

Does your autopilot squeak when engaged? Is there something to make it squeak just a little less?

I have the S-1 but I think it is the same drive motor and and gear wheel as the X-5. I have no squeaks at all. Just a low "whirring" sound when the motor turns. Works great.

Cheers,
Jim

[mk1]

When the autopilot is released, there is no friction on the wheel. But it sure squeaks when the drive is engaged. It's kind of annoying, but manageable.

Does your autopilot squeak when engaged? Is there something to make it squeak just a little less?

Phil M

I used a little teflon spray same I use on the mainsail sliders, seems to make it quiter.

I am still having a problem with something in electronics though. My X-5 seems will sometimes drop out of AUTO and go to STANDBY for no apparent reason. Usually in the middle of the day when it is hot. Anyone else has this problem? I saw one other report on sailnet forum. Could be a common problem.

Checked Raymarine web site, they say it is because of low voltage. My voltage is OK, checked many times, never less than 12.5V. Checked wires and ground and all, all is exactly as the manual says.

I even tried some ferrites on different wires, no luck. I think it i ssomething inside the computer that gets too warm and wants to take a siesta.