Help, Auto Helm 3000

[h20]

Thank you for your help. Where can we get an auto helm 3000 control head?
Or Where to Fix the one we got?

[lifeofreilly57]

What type of actuator do you have?
I had an autohelm 3000 with an electric ram mounted below decks to the rudder stock, this was on a boat I owned previously. When the control head failed I talked to the autohelm techs and found that the ram was still compatible with the newer style controls. Usually the actuators will work with whatever controller you put them with.
My current boat has an autohelm actuator with a different brand controller, unfortunately the hydraulic ram has started to leak and they do not sell the rebuild kit for them so I'll be replacing with another brand that sells a hydraulic ram and also supplies rebuild kits. I've finally had enough of Raymarines BS, I won't be doing business with them in the future.
But, if your actuator is in good shape they should be able to supply you with a controller thats compatible.
What does it have for an actuator?

[h20]

Thanks! it has a belt motor, so hook a another control head to it?
I appreciate your Help. Dan Gerhadt was going to fix it but he backed out for reason i cant understand. I sold the boat and family is waiting for me to fix. Your attention to this matter is very nice of you and hope I can pay it forward! Dan Root

Originally Posted by lifeofreilly57

What type of actuator do you have?
I had an autohelm 3000 with an electric ram mounted below decks to the rudder stock, this was on a boat I owned previously. When the control head failed I talked to the autohelm techs and found that the ram was still compatible with the newer style controls. Usually the actuators will work with whatever controller you put them with.
My current boat has an autohelm actuator with a different brand controller, unfortunately the hydraulic ram has started to leak and they do not sell the rebuild kit for them so I'll be replacing with another brand that sells a hydraulic ram and also supplies rebuild kits. I've finally had enough of Raymarines BS, I won't be doing business with them in the future.
But, if your actuator is in good shape they should be able to supply you with a controller thats compatible.
What does it have for an actuator?

[Jim Cate]

AH 3000 parts appear on E-bay now and then... have a cruise through there and other such sites.

Jim

[sailorchic34]

It is surprisingly easy to burn out one or more darlington transistors on the old 3000's. But it's pretty easy to fix too. Just need two tip120 and two tip121 darlingtons to replace the four power transistors in the 3000.

Well that and a desoldering iron and a 15 watt soldering iron and a bit O solder.

Or you can replace with a autohelm 4000 control head. Same motor and belt system on both 3000 and 4000 heads.

[kwikreports]

Originally Posted by sailorchic34

It is surprisingly easy to burn out one or more darlington transistors on the old 3000's. But it's pretty easy to fix too. Just need two tip120 and two tip121 darlingtons to replace the four power transistors in the 3000.

Well that and a desoldering iron and a 15 watt soldering iron and a bit O solder.

Or you can replace with a autohelm 4000 control head. Same motor and belt system on both 3000 and 4000 heads.

Would you happen to have any photos or wiring diagram of the board or that fix? I have the same problem but can't make out what burnt up along with some of the board.