[samyuti]

Seguro que ayudara a alguien que tenga este problema con el SPX5.Utilizar el traductor o si algun cofrade lo considera interesante lo puede traducir.Esta sacado de la pagina de Raymarine.

Autopilot immediately reverts to STANDBY after pressing AUTO
Answer ID 1246 | Published 07/19/2006 05:18 PM | Updated 07/20/2006 09:30 AM

When I engage my autopilot system by pressing the AUTO button, the system immediately goes back to standby on its own. What could be wrong with it?

The problem described could be caused by a number of different things, but the one factor they all have in common is related to insufficient power being delivered to the autopilot's course computer. Raymarine modular autopilot systems consist of a core pack (computer, compass, rudder unit), drive unit and controller. The core pack and computer is the brain of the autopilot, and also provides electricity to the controller and drive unit, which is the muscle of the system. The drive unit, in particular, uses a lot of power to keep the boat on course.

In order to keep everything functioning correctly, there is a minimum threshold voltage the boat's electrical system must be able to deliver to the course computer, typically about 11.5 volts DC (for a course computer intended for 12V electrical systems.) If the power falls below the minimum acceptable level the course computer will disengage the drive unit (the heaviest electrical load) to prevent damaging the course computers internal power supply components. Was the autopilot to continue operating in a low-voltage situation, permanent and costly damage could occur in the course computer.

Things to check on your boat and installation to prevent a low power situation include:

Low Battery Voltage: Using a multimeter or voltage tester, take a reading on the output of the boat's battery bank. Make sure your battery switch is in the correct position to allow for maximum power delivery, and also proper charging. Keep in mind the cable distance between where the batteries are situated and where the connection is ultimately made to the autopilot system. Electrical voltage naturally drops over the length of any cable run. If the voltage is at or near the minimum required at the batteries, it will probably be lower by the time it reaches the autopilot.

Loose Wires and Connections: Double-check the power cable the connects the autopilot's course computer to its power source. On the pilot side, make sure the clamps on the power terminals are solidly engaging the copper in the cable, and not biting into the insulation instead. Check the connections at the other end of the cable where it connects to the boat's distribution system. If there are terminal lugs attached to the cable make sure they are crimped tightly, or consider soldering them for better power transfer. If you had to extend the power cable in any way, check the connections where the cable and extension were crimped or clamped together.

Poor Power Ground: In order for 12V DC devices to work they must be properly grounded to the boat's power system. Like in the previous check, make sure the ground cable makes solid contact with the terminal on the course computer, and where it connects to the boat.

Insufficient Current Carrying Capacity: Electrical voltage naturally drops off as it travels through a cable. To counter that effect, it is necessary to move up to heavier gauge power cables if we are going to run them over longer distances. Cables that are too small will create resistance in the line, and rob the connected devices downstream of electrical current. The cable will also heat up if too small, further exacerbating the problem. If you had to extend or replace the power cable for your autopilot during installation, make sure the cable used was of suitable gauge for the distance you ran. Your autopilot's installation guide contains a table to help you select the proper gauge wire to use. You should be able to measure the voltage at the end of your cable run where it goes in to the course computer. If you have an assistant with you, you can further observe what happens to the line voltage when AUTO is pressed on the controller to confirm whether or not the voltage drop is present.

Inspect Your Autopilot Drive: At this point, if you have eliminated ALL of the previous items in your troubleshooting, you should next inspect your autopilot drive unit. In the unlikely event it has malfunctioned, it could be calling for more current than the course computer can deliver, causing the shutdown. To test a 12V DC autopilot drive unit disconnect its two leads from the course computer, and apply power to them directly from a battery or other 12V DC power source. The drive unit should turn (or thrust) in one direction when the power is applied. Next, reverse the power to the drive by switching the polarity of the leads. The drive unit should now turn (or thrust) in the other direction. If the drive unit responds and drives smoothly in both directions, it can be assumed that the drive is working correctly. If it does not respond in one or both directions, or if the drive does not respond smoothly, then it should be further inspected by an authorized Raymarine Service Agent or repair center.

If you are still having problems at this point, your course computer should be inspected by an authorized Raymarine Service Agent or repair center, as internal damage to the course computer itself may be the cause of the error.