Subj: RE: Alpha
Date:
From: mgwe@gsinet.net (William Einhorn)
To: SailGemini@aol.com
Got an address, phone, or email for
Where did you get a service manual. Will Alpha
sell you one?
My problem with the autopilot is that the ram, on
full retraction (port turn), doesn't shut off and pulls against it's limit at
about 10 amps until something overheats and shuts it off. I can rotate the ram
tip out 3-4 turns (beyond correct factory specification) to correct this, but
then there's hardly any travel to turn to starboard. "Chris" at Alpha
refused to discuss how the unit is supposed to work, and insisted that the
entire ram and control unit had to be returned for repair. However they failed
to correct the problem, for $150...returning the units to me months later
saying they found nothing wrong. Chris seemed more focused on avoiding any
blame than working with me to find a solution. I've used it anyway as it is,
avoiding hard turns to port and watching the wheel closely to make sure it
never goes to it's stop to port due to sea conditions. Recently I did remove
the cap from the ram and discovered that whoever worked on it left the power
wires laying against the belt, so now the wire insulation is worn nearly
through and the belt should probably be replaced. At least I now know somebody
looked at it?
Anyhow it seems the function of shutting off the
ram at it's limit is done at the control unit, because all I saw in the ram was
a variable resistor driven by a worm gear by the rotating ram. I'm guessing
(and electronics is not my strength) that the control thinks center is at a
middle resistance figure and shuts the power off if it gets a reading of that
some figure, but whatever, it ain't working.
Chris certainly never let on that there was a
service manual available.
Thanks for your response. Nice to know I'm not
the only person who's been disssatisfied with Alpha service. I have to say
that's the only problem I've had and it's gotten me from
Best regards
Bill