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C250 WB Autohelm install

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mday
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Initially Posted - 03/25/2002 : 12:20:38

I'm embarking on an autohelm installation on a C250 WB and could use a few tips. The unit is a ST4000 wheel type.

The first question is the power
source. The guide says I need a 12A breaker, and I'm not sure I
can tie in to an existing one. Those of you with an autohelm, does
it require a separate breaker? The second question relates to
placement and routing of the wiring. Tech Tips pictures show the
fluxgate compass located under the step where the WB valve is. This
seems like a great location, but there weren't any deatils on how
to route the wiring back to the control unit. I could also use information on routing the motor control wire back to the pedestal.
I was planning on mounting the control unit on the starboard cabin wall below an existing ST40 unit. I'm not sure there's enough wire
provided to run from there around the side and back to the pedestal.

Thanks for any inputs,

Max

Max Day
C250 WB 380
Lake Pleasant, AZ

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mday
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Response Posted - 04/14/2002 : 21:57:35

Since I didn't get any replies, I went ahead with the install on my own. Here's a few of the answers to the wiring questions.

The fluxgate compass was mounted on the front of the box under the bottom step. The wiring was run alongside the centerboard cables, then about 2 feet to starboard along the ceiling of the aft cabin to get to the hollow area. I then ran the wire through a grommet up to the autopilot control box (which I mounted on the starboard cabin wall). I had a great deal of excess wire, so I shortened it and added some new connectors (provided in the parts with the autopilot).

The power connection worked fine just tied into the existing panel and I used the same switch as for the Knotmeter/Depthguage.

The wiring to the motor on the wheel came up a little short, so I extended it by about 5 feet using heavier (14 ga.) wire. Raymarine was good enought to provide a handful of connectors for just this task. I ran the wiring down through the pedestal, back along the rear wall where the batteries are, and up the starboard side with the battery cables.

The autopilot is running and passed initial sea trials ... but I'm still learning how to use it. So far it's done the tasks I primarily bought it for .... holding the boat on course while setting the sails heading out ... and (alas) dousing the sails coming back into the marina. And it also holds a course well while grabbing some lunch or a cold beverage from below (provided conditions aren't too blustery!).

Much thanks to Arlyn for very useful install info.

Max

Max Day
C250 WB 380
Lake Pleasant, AZ

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.