Simrad AP16 Rudder response failure

[aah924]

I have checked the rudder feedback unit, bled the steering system, etc. and a local ap installer says to remove unit & contact Simrad because it sounds like a computer issue. Anyone have any experience with these units?

Allen

[Sea Sparks]

Its almost never the computer... I would bet more money on the feed back unit itself, or the wiring between the feed back and the computer.

Any good shop would give you a loaner feed back to try first.. it's only two wires to swap out. You can hold the unit in your hand and see if it works.. takes about 10 mins to try.

[aah924]

Thanks. I forgot to mention that the elect. man did bring a new rudder feedback unit and we tried that and it didnt make any difference.

[Sea Sparks]

Thanks. I forgot to mention that the elect. man did bring a new rudder feedback unit and we tried that and it didnt make any difference.

Here's the trick though.... was the pilot recaliberated with the new feed back?? Those simrads can work with the feed back installed backwards, and if you put a new one in in the proper orientation, it will show as a fail. You have to recalibrate the new feed back to get a true reading.

If he was so sure it was the computer, why didn't he take it off and send it back for you?? Sorry to be a neigh sayer... but I am a firm believer that those computers are tanks, and unless the computer got wet, I have never seen one fail.

[aah924]

Thanks for the feedback. I understand your concern, but this guy is retired & now only does the work part time, but he trained most of the local guys here. He told me things over the phone that some locals couldnt figure out after several hours, at the boat. Also, the pump, which is brand new wasnt operating properly, indicating, to him, that it was a signal issue with the computer. Ill be on the phone tomorrow with Simrad to get their input.

[aah924]

A new PCB board and all is working again. Thanks Simrad!!!