tr-1 problems

[1fife]

it seems when i am heavier waves(2 feet or more) and windy condtions(10+ mph) my tr-1 doesnt stay on line very well. I have to keep adjusting it by hand(remote). Thjis kinda defeats the idea of the autopilot. Its a 2000 tr-1 .I just thought it would stay straight in almost anything. I bought my boat used with it on already. Is there a way to see if it is calibrated correctly, or if something is wrong with it. Service place?maybe
i live in se michigan

[1fife]

boat is a 1895 storm with 15hp merc

[Dutchman]

I don't personally own a TR1 but have fished in a few boats that use this set up. I would have to say that from what I've seen they all work pretty hard at keeping the bow going in a given direction in the wind, as the bow has a tendency to blow around pretty fast and the auto pilot is constantly working to keep the bow on line with the given coordinates. I use a bow mount auto pilot and while fishing in the wind it also is constantly correcting. Less than the TR1, but do to the forces on the bow it's still constantly working. The reason the TR1 works harder is it's pushing from the transom verse's pulling from the bow. The old saying of "what's easier?, pushing a log chain or pulling it" some what applies here. If it's keeping you on the correct heading I would have to say it's working and the only thing you can due to stabilize your boat more would be to turn up the RPM's and go a little faster, ie. more thrust/more power/better control. Just my 2 cents.....


" Fishing is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope "

[targa2]

The TR1 seems like a great gadjet but I am a firm believer in the phrase" it's just one more thing to break down". I'm not sure I understand why anyone would want to replace the hands on method. It's not as if you need the extra hands while you are trolling in most cases. I suppose there are exceptions but to me , if you are a serious troller, pulling out all the stops , you need hands on control for speed pulsing and quick manuevering. Lets face it ,you see a lot of guys still using an extension handle on their kicker.

[jason]

When you have 6 or 8 lines out, it's the only way to go.

[1fife]

thanks for your editorial comments

but thats NOT the question

obviously you dont have one or need one

have you ever salmon fished?-doubt it

well reel in a 25 king in 3 foot waves and 15 mph cross wind
and only have 2 guys on board-one to net one to reel. It can get hard and its nice to stay on line. This is only one of many reasons i want it.

thanks for your 2 cents

[redbone]

fife, possibly the gyro compass is mounted too far towards the rear of the boat. this makes it harder for it to detect the bow swing. the compass needs to be in the forward 1/3 of the boat.
If its mounted far enough forward then you can calibrate the gyro to be more sensitive. It'll detect the swing sooner and that will make the motor react quicker.

Redbone

[1fife]

its mounted in the compartment in front of the drivers winshield

this woiuld make it roughly 1/4 the way back id guess

[whitetips]

n/m

[Jim Ordway]

I hope you have a manual for the TR1. It explains how to adjust how fast the gyro reacts to changes. You can adjust the TR1 to react to the slightest change or react more slowly. The faster reaction time uses more battery because of the additional cycles. IF you are trying to run real slow in nasty weather, it may not be able to compensate because the thrust of the motor cannot push the boat around fast enough to keep up with the wind. at 2-3 mph, it should handle most weather. Maybe you could call TR1 for a manual? I had the unit on my old boat, so I do not have my manual anymore to help you out.
Good luck,

[pete frederick-TR-1]

All you have to do is call 1-800-588-7655 I can help. Is your compass mounted next to a magnetic object?

Pete(TR-1)

[jawbreaker]

they have great cust serv your problem may be in the juice in the lines it needs to be bled and new replaced.

[coldsteel]

Check to see if your pump reservoir is full. I was losing fluid & that's when the TR1 would not hold course properly. Call Nautamatic, they are extremely helpful!