Free to Good Home – Neco Autohelm

[39Schuss]

Hi all,
I have replaced the original Neco autohelm in my 1978 NC33. All the bits are complete as far as I know and worked before being taken out. The kit comprises the compass, control box, massive motor drive and chain a junction box and an actuator type thingy from the rudder (please excuse my non-tech speak). Must be good for spares at least. New “owner” collects from Dorset. Donation to Macmillan Nurses would be appreciated but not compulsory. Thanks
Nick Clegg

[Roger Sturge]

Hi Nick

Most of my Neco (NC Mk2 1977)seems to be working OK – control unit proclaimed fit by Derek the ex-Neco engineer who lives at Southborne and the motor drive turns the wheel (and I assume the rudder) but I must have a problem with the compass bit of the system since I haven’t yet been able to make steer to a heading. I guess it’s a problem with the compass. I’m not certain if the gimballed flux gate compass in the forecabin is the operative instrument or there’s another compass somewhere controlling the Neco. (I am not encouraged by the fact that the repeater for the forecabin compass reads a the reciprocal of the heading.)

I hope to investigate all this when I visit Wild Cat this week, but I’d be very glad of advice and it’s possible I would be interested in the kit.

Roger Sturge (Wild Cat)

[39Schuss]

I’m not certain if the gimballed flux gate compass in the forecabin is the operative instrument or there’s another compass somewhere controlling the Neco.

Back in 2011 when I acquired Naïla I spent monthes tracking every wire in the boat to draw plans and maps. Up to this acquired knowledge I feel safe to assert that this gimballed compass under the portside fore berth is the only source of orientation.
This is also asserted in the documentation by Neco (available on this site)

Regards,
Yves (Naïla, NC33 MkII 1978)

[39Schuss]

Hi Roger,

I am not an expert to be honest but I agree with Yves (thanks for the comment Yves). The fluxgate compass is the source of directional info. Before removing everything we had already moved the compass from the forward locker to midships below the saloon floor. We did this to make room for a thruster. The compass and autohelm still worked but I never got round to re-calibrating.

Keep in touch ref the kit.

Regards

Nick

[39Schuss]

Hello Rogers and Nicholas,

Should no one be temptated with Nicholas Neco parts, I’ll glady make some free room in his attic, for spares.
But anyone having a more precise usage takes precedence, of course.
Regards,
Yves.

[39Schuss]

Hi Roger, how did you get on?
Regards
Nick

[Roger Sturge]

Still no joy. I’ve tried all season from time to time but she still goes round n circles. It may be a calibration problem. but I don’t know how to do that.

[Roger Sturge]

Hi Yves

I’m satisfied it’s the fluxgate n the forecabin – mine is on the floor between the bunks.

Do you have the wiring diagrams you prepared? i’d be willing to pay the cost of copies (well aware that your circuits may be different from mine.)

Roger

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