C28 GHC 10 question

[JonR]

Ok, one more question from the ignorant newer owner of a previously owned 2014 C28.

I'm getting a notification of 'Searching for Autopilot Controller' on my GHC 10 controller. I read in the Garmin trouble shooting website on what actions should be taken and they involve checking a bunch of wiring (which would involve cutting a bunch of zip ties behind the console / bathroom mirror). Before I go that route I'm wondering if there isn't some experience with this - a place to go to first?

As a side note, earlier in the day and prior to getting into this state, while fishing with autopilot on, I got an alarm and a notice 'Low GHC Supply Voltage' which I acknowledged and when I did so, the system continued to function for roughly an hour.

Are these two things related and, if indeed, low supply voltage is the issue what's the best path forward? Any thoughts?

I have already tried a simple reset by totally unplugging the GHC unit (like when the remote stops working) - was hoping for 'simple' but no such luck. Also, roughly 4 months ago, I replaced the heading sensor to resolve a separate issue if that makes a difference.

Sincerely,
Jon Rider

 

[knotflying]

I would assume you batteries are fully charged? If so check your connections. Especially at the four connections for the auto-pilot. I am not sure where they would be on the C-28. On the R-27 classic they are located right bu the Auto-pilot pump in the starboard cockpit lazzarette. Lots of moisture back there and corrosion on the connections can form. I had cleaned up all my connections and then applied some No-Ox ID. Been fine ever since.

 

[bill46]

We have had the "searching" error many times. Mostly when weather is cold. Have reseated and cleaned connections, powered system down and usually will connect, usually shutting house power off for a few minutes worked most of the time.. Never a problem in warm weather. Think, but not sure it is a connection to pump controller.

 

[Boatagain]

I hope yours is a simple problem that will be resolved by one of the suggestions above. Hate to be a buzz killer but when I got that message the fix was to replace the controller as mine had failed - on the C30 it’s located at the forward part of the cave behind a mouse-fur panel under the helm seat. It’s a small little black box about the size of a pack of cigarettes. Full price for a new unit from Garmin is about $1K but they also offer a refurbished unit for a mere $600. I went with the refurb and it’s working fine...now if I could just get the darn thing to engage and follow a route...

 

[Cutwater28GG]

i sometimes get that if I turn on the garmin electronics in the wrong order.

try starting the autopilot. then the plotter

 

[JonR]

Thank you all for the input. My Autopilot controller is also located just forward of the pump is a back side hatch, Also located in the most forward part of that hatch is the hot water heater. Just before I had the autopilot issue, I had the cold water hose 'pop' off the fitting and it dumped the whole tank of water into the bilge and egress to the bilge is through this hatch. After reading these posts, it dawned on me that this two things may be related and that it might simply be the increase in moisture that may be causing the issue. Opened the hatch and let things air/dry out and the problem went away 🙂

 

[Automaticman865]

I have also seen errors when using the autopilot and you come to a stop with it still engaged.

Stuart