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Simrad AP11

Discussion in 'Post Yacht' started by Reel Antsy, Jul 22, 2024.

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  1. Reel Antsy, Jul 22, 2024
    #1
    Reel Antsy

    Reel Antsy New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 18, 2012
    Messages:
    77
    Location:
    Solomons Island, MD
    The Auto Pilot on our 43' has worked flawlessly for the past 4 seasons. Recently it gives me error messages, no compass data, sometimes no data. It never turns off, always powers up but after a shorth time, it goes into message mode.
    I have checked power and grounds to the head unit and to the J3000 control box. I have wiggled cables trying to find an open or short. I am still looking for the fluxgate compass to check connections. It's somewhere on this boat! Long shot but since this unit is pretty obsolete, I thought someone may have a spare control head or compass or other parts I might try to swap out. I have scoured all reading information out there on just about every forum. It might be the control head or wiring or control box or compass...I really like this unit and hate the thought of having to replace it if I can fix it.
    Thanks!
  2. Capt Ralph, Jul 22, 2024
    #2
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2004
    Messages:
    13,443
    Location:
    Satsuma, FL
    The grand ole AP11 used the ole Robertson RobNet I/O system.
    A stack-able system. Just twist the same colored wires together and make it fit into the plug connector.
    s-l1600.jpg
    Follow your compass lead up to this connector. Take apart one pin at a time, clean them up, re-twist and insert with more care than before.
    WD40 makes a nice contact cleaner also. Wash down all including the board plun-in pins.
    Problem solved.

    Look for any line cuts, repairs and splices made thru the years also.
    BuBa may have inserted something years ago (bad connections)..

    For what it was/is, really darn good stuff.
    Last edited: Jul 22, 2024
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  3. Greg Page, Jul 23, 2024
    #3
    Greg Page

    Greg Page Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2017
    Messages:
    433
    Location:
    Annapolis MD
    Original AP sensor unit on my 43 is under the guest room lower bunk toward the hull and forward of the holding tank.

    IMG_0455-small.jpg IMG_0456-small.jpg
    Last edited: Jul 23, 2024
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  4. Reel Antsy, Jul 23, 2024
    #4
    Reel Antsy

    Reel Antsy New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 18, 2012
    Messages:
    77
    Location:
    Solomons Island, MD
    Thank you Captain Ralph and Greg for your help! My compass may very well be in that location. I will clean up my connections and post a follow-up. Thanks again!
    Jamie
  5. Greg Page, Jul 23, 2024
    #5
    Greg Page

    Greg Page Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2017
    Messages:
    433
    Location:
    Annapolis MD
    I was surprized when I first found it as the Garmin AP sensor is nowhere near.
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