I thought I'd post this since it was pretty useful information to know.
I have a new (in 2002) Minn Kota trolling motor with auto-pilot. Ever since I got it I have had problems where it would start spinning out of control while running - sometimes wrapping the cord around itself.
I emailed Minn Kota and they told me to have it serviced because the compass needed re-calibration.
When I took it in the service tech said it had a bad circuit board. It wouldn't calibrate correctly so replaced that piece and now its fine.
That's when he told me the interesting stuff.
Apparently, he said that auto-pilot will only work correctly if the boat stays with 10 degrees of level - so obviously even medium sized waves will upset the auto-pilot.
He also said that the compasses can have problems if they go through a lot of vibration or are exposed to water/moisture, but the water/moisture problem usually didn't happen since that part of the unit is sealed.
However, he did say that if you are rough with your trolling motor and just drop it into the water instead of being gently, and slam it back up again too, it can over time cause the auto-pilot to need re-calibration. Apparently some guys have to get this done every year.
Don't take me wrong, I'm not anti-technology. Battery powdered items will always have their place. I'm mean you don't want your girl friend or wife in the bedroom playing for their gas powered adult toys!! That would be a bit loud and smokey!
That’s right. My 84 year old dad loves his electric chain saw. Light weight and quiet. Besides, at his age he’s not cutting a bunch. Where as myself I want something with more power and heavier duty. Look at how many people have switched back to gasoline cars after running one in winter if you travel a lot.
As long as my strike master works I’ll keep using gas. Maybe my next will be electric, but who knows, you can find used gas ones pretty reasonable as others buy electric.
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I thought I'd post this since it was pretty useful information to know.
I have a new (in 2002) Minn Kota trolling motor with auto-pilot. Ever since I got it I have had problems where it would start spinning out of control while running - sometimes wrapping the cord around itself.
I emailed Minn Kota and they told me to have it serviced because the compass needed re-calibration.
When I took it in the service tech said it had a bad circuit board. It wouldn't calibrate correctly so replaced that piece and now its fine.
That's when he told me the interesting stuff.
Apparently, he said that auto-pilot will only work correctly if the boat stays with 10 degrees of level - so obviously even medium sized waves will upset the auto-pilot.
He also said that the compasses can have problems if they go through a lot of vibration or are exposed to water/moisture, but the water/moisture problem usually didn't happen since that part of the unit is sealed.
However, he did say that if you are rough with your trolling motor and just drop it into the water instead of being gently, and slam it back up again too, it can over time cause the auto-pilot to need re-calibration. Apparently some guys have to get this done every year.
Just what I learned today...
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