Jeffa Autopilot Failure

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   FWIW guys, the drag link does not need to be at 90 degrees to the arms. As long as there is symmetry then the forces will be equal on port and starboard, as will the turn rate.  The important thing is the ratio of pilot arm length to rudder arm length.  That’s what give the system power when needed. Extending the drag link so the arms are parallel will get you 99% there.

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Arcadia Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admiral Joined: 27 November 2017 Location: Sag Harbor, USA Status: Online Points: 1112	Post Options Post Reply Quote Arcadia Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 20 October 2022 at 17:08
	FWIW guys, the drag link does not need to be at 90 degrees to the arms. As long as there is symmetry then the forces will be equal on port and starboard, as will the turn rate. The important thing is the ratio of pilot arm length to rudder arm length. That’s what give the system power when needed. Extending the drag link so the arms are parallel will get you 99% there.
	Leon / ARCADIA 2018 Hanse 588 Sag Harbor, NY

Wild Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Vice Admiral Joined: 18 March 2010 Location: Turkey-Greece Status: Offline Points: 937	Post Options Post Reply Quote Wild Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 20 October 2022 at 17:58
	Fwiw On the picture of Tobo the rudder is in the 0 our middle position “street away”and the drive also in the middle position. If you make the draglink longer ,one of them wil change position and angle. I suppose by the setup of the AP the drive can correct a bit but I don’t believe this much, or possible that’s only correct the angle sensor of the AP to correct the zero point to the AP blackbox???? In the installation instructions Jefa “ rotate the drive lever to the same offset angel as steering system and mount the draglink “ IMO bring both levers in the right position (rudder and drive in midship position,adjust to the right length and mount the draglink.
	Wild and Wet Belgium 545e#268

Arcadia Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admiral Joined: 27 November 2017 Location: Sag Harbor, USA Status: Online Points: 1112	Post Options Post Reply Quote Arcadia Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 20 October 2022 at 21:35
	The drive has no zero. It is determined by the sensor. Once the set up is corrected, the sensor should be recalibrated to zero as well as plus and minus rudder stops. All this is in the autopilot settings.
	Leon / ARCADIA 2018 Hanse 588 Sag Harbor, NY

Ggerrit Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Captain Joined: 19 June 2016 Location: Monnickendam Status: Offline Points: 163	Post Options Post Reply Quote Ggerrit Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 21 October 2022 at 11:37
	On the pictures it looks that the arm on the rudder is not in the centerline of the rudder....
	H400 2008 2 cabin

DJgun Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Captain Joined: 04 April 2020 Location: SydneyAustralia Status: Offline Points: 287	Post Options Post Reply Quote DJgun Report Post Thanks(1) Quote Reply Posted: 23 May 2025 at 14:15
	I have added findings of Jefa DD1 (B&G DD15) problems under topic DD1 Faiure in 415/418 forum with photos.
	DJ.....Sailor Ordinaire HIN DE-HANJ0331J708

tobo2 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Captain Joined: 14 February 2014 Location: Switzerland Status: Offline Points: 303	Post Options Post Reply Quote tobo2 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 04 June 2025 at 08:46
	Since yesterday our DD1 (H508) when engaged sounds like working but it doesn't move the rudder quadrant and the message on the Zeus comes with "no rudder response". Any idea of this issue? Resetting and switching off the batteries for 30 sec didn't help. The status of the rudder sensor ist ok. My mecanics talks about 2 fuses. Where the heck should they be?

Arcadia Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admiral Joined: 27 November 2017 Location: Sag Harbor, USA Status: Online Points: 1112	Post Options Post Reply Quote Arcadia Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 04 June 2025 at 09:08
	There is a 30 amp fuse inside the NAC-3 behind the cover on the bottom left. If blown, the computer would still operate but the drive would not. However, if you say that it sounds like it’s working then maybe the problem is in the DD1 gear box. Also, check the linkage to rudder.
	Leon / ARCADIA 2018 Hanse 588 Sag Harbor, NY

DJgun Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Captain Joined: 04 April 2020 Location: SydneyAustralia Status: Offline Points: 287	Post Options Post Reply Quote DJgun Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 04 June 2025 at 14:04
	There should also be an inline fuse between the drive unit and the NAC, in the red wire. Edited by DJgun - 04 June 2025 at 14:05
	DJ.....Sailor Ordinaire HIN DE-HANJ0331J708

tobo2 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Captain Joined: 14 February 2014 Location: Switzerland Status: Offline Points: 303	Post Options Post Reply Quote tobo2 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 17 June 2025 at 18:25
	It wasn't the fuse: the clutch or some gearbox issue caused the failure. We didn't fuss around too long, as we had to go on. A week later the mecanics installed a new DD1. (It's the third after 5 years!). He will open the old one and tell what was wrong. So I will have a spare one, which probably is a good idea. This was the situation in summer. Now in October the mecanics took apart the DD1 and were shocked to see the water damage inside. The story and some pics is here: https://www.sarabella.ch/jefa-autopilot-repair/ ; Edited by tobo2 - 13 October 2025 at 12:50



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