Alpha 4404 autopilot help

[bullislandken]

I have a 41 year-old boat that is new to me. It has an Alpha 4404 autopilot and we need help figuring out the function of each button on the control unit and the remote control unit.

I hear from reading online that these autopilots are quite good when they work (simple, low power draw, and robust) but we cannot get help from the manufacturer anymore.

I did try to find a manual and could only find one for the Alpha 3000, which seems similar but the manual says it cannot select a course from the remote unit.

The unit powers up and we can control the wheel using “helm” but it does not correct to stay on course. We tried “pilot” without success.

We are still looking for the compass for the Alpha. Some help with the function of the buttons would be a big step in the right direction. I think there are still some of you using the Alphas so I am hopeful we can get some input.

I trust you are all having a good holiday season!
Thanks!
Ken
S/V Zoe
1982 Baba 40 cutter
Polson, Montana
Now in Lake Worth on the Florida east coast…shakedown time!

[GordMay]

Alpha 3000 and 4404 autopilot manuals:

Originally Posted by pdx_sailing

I have what look like original alpha marine autopilot manuals for the 3000 and 4404 units. plus some other documents from Alpha and the web the PO had collected. Contact me if you would like them, I know some units are still out there.

Contact ‘pdx_sailing’ ➥ https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...ng-240573.html

[bullislandken]

Hi, Gord,

I have seen your helpful posts for many years. I appreciate your prompt response.

I would definitely like to get a copy of what you have. Could you photograph and send the pictures in an email? Is it a lot of pages? You could bring it to a print shop for copying and shipment and I would be happy to pay for all that. I am in Florida and use an address in the Keys.

Thanks, Gord. Let me know what you think is easiest. Am I allowed to put my direct email here? Well, here it is: bullislandken@gmail.com

Many thanks!
Ken
S/V Zoe
1982 Baba 40 cutter
Polson, Montana

[bullislandken]

Digging thru some older posts that showed up when I posted this thread, I downloaded a couple documents that may be duplicate of what you have.

[Kello]

My boat also came with an autopilot! Without getting into any gory details, here is the answer:
https://www.scanmarinternational.com/