CPT Autopilot Operation Manual
© 2018 CPT AUTOPILOT INC.
VERSION 22
PAGE 17 OF 21
Connector Maintenance
Connectors for the power cable and control cable, if installed, should be maintained by applying silicone
dielectric grease to both plug and socket contacts each season. Caps should be in place and tight if plugs are
not fitted together. Connectors are a liability if not maintained and kept greased. The cable jacket should be
kept sealed and not open or exposed. Corrosion inhibitor, Boeshield T-9 or similar lubricants should NOT be
used on electrical contacts as they can leave an insulating film which inhibits electrical connections and is
difficult to remove.
The CPT cables are not detachable from their boxes
. The black cable fittings on control box and motor box are
not plugs—do not loosen them. Attempting to remove them will void the warranty and may cause damage. The
control box cable and power cable are soldered directly to circuit boards inside the boxes. An extension cable is
available to easily extend the length of the control cable without cutting the cable. After sea trials the control box
cable may be cut and spliced for routing or connected to a terminal block below deck. The cable is color coded and
shielded.
Be sure the power wires are completely disconnected from the battery before cutting the control
cable.
Wheel Pulley
After a season or two, check to make sure the wheel pulley is still centered on the steering wheel and adjust if
needed
. Do not over-tighten J-bolts or the pulley will warp and distort over time. Tighten J-bolt until it
makes contact and grips the spoke, then tighten the nut only another ¼ turn.
(See Installation Manual)
Factory Service
It is recommended that the CPT be returned to the factory to have the watertight seals replaced every 10 years
depending on weather exposure and amount of use. This is also worthwhile if it has been used for many years
and you are planning an extensive passage. There is a nominal charge, but if the seals become worn or brittle
and salt water enters the unit, repairs may be extensive. The motor box and control box should be securely
bubble-wrapped with ½" bubble-wrap, then separated by cardboard and boxed, and boxed again with 1" of
peanuts when shipping.
Troubleshooting
Specialized equipment is required to service the CPT; there is no internal fuse or other internal parts that are
owner-serviceable. For satisfactory and warranted repairs, repairs should be done only by the factory.
UNAUTHORIZED REPAIR ATTEMPTS VOID THE WARRANTY REGARDLESS OF CIRCUMSTANCE
Does Not Steer In Either Direction
Be sure shear pins are not damaged and that clutch is engaged.
Test that CPT has a good 12-volt power connection, with no oxidized connections. Check battery voltage (12
volts minimum), check voltage at power cable connection as pilot motor runs or would normally attempt to
run (turn rudder to 10 and set to tack). A large voltage drop when the motor attempts to run indicates poor
12-volt connections and/or inadequate wire size. Trace power circuit back to the power supply for breakage,
loose/oxidized connections, a blown fuse, defective fuse holder, etc. Poor connections, switches, and small
gauge wires can cause voltage drop, blown fuses and damaged circuits. The pilot will compensate for voltage
drop by drawing more current.
With the belt off and clutch engaged, turn the rudder control to 10 and tack to port or starboard; if you grip
the small drive pulley with your hand you should feel good torque and not be able to stop the motor.
Motor: Engage the clutch after 1 minute warm-up, set rudder 5, deadband 1, toggle to hold-heading and press
10-degree button: CPT motor should rotate to make a heading correction. If there is no response, try back-
driving the motor briefly by turning boat’s wheel by hand; if this brings a response from the motor, it may be
