Operator manual Simrad AP50 Autopilot English www.simrad-yachting.com Sw.1.
Simrad AP50 Autopilot About this document Rev. A First issue. Rev. B Updated according to software revision V1R2. Minor corrections in text. RF14XU added. Rev. C Updated according to software revision AP: 1.2.02 and J50: 1.2.02. CI300X substituted by GI51. S100 substituted by JS10. Technical Specifications for RI9 and Panorama Mk2 indicators included. Rev. D The AP50 Instruction Manual was splitted into one Operator Manual and one Installation Manual. Manuals updated according to software version 1.
Operator Manual Operator Manual This manual is a reference guide for operating the Simrad AP50 Autopilot. The manual applies for both a Standard System and a Plus System. Great care has been taken to simplify the set-up and operation of the AP50; however, an autopilot is a complex electronic system. It is affected by sea conditions, speed of the vessel, and vessel hull shape and size.
Simrad AP50 Autopilot Contents 1 SYSTEM DESCRIPTION ....................................................................................1 1.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................1 1.2 How to Use This Manual................................................................................2 1.3 System Components .......................................................................................3 1.4 AP50 Control Unit.............
Operator Manual 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15 20221032 / E Follow-Up (FU) Steering..............................................................................15 Non-Follow-Up (NFU) Steering ..................................................................15 S9 (NFU) Steering Lever..............................................................................15 JS10 (NFU) Joystick.....................................................................................
Simrad AP50 Autopilot 3 MAINTENANCE .................................................................................................41 3.1 Control unit...................................................................................................41 3.2 Junction Unit.................................................................................................41 3.3 Rudder Feedback ..........................................................................................41 3.4 Compass (RC25)........
System Description 1 SYSTEM DESCRIPTION 1.1 Introduction Congratulations on the purchase of your new Simrad AP50 autopilot system and thank you for selecting what we feel is one of the most advanced autopilot systems available on the market today. Today, Simrad manufactures a complete range of autopilots for all types of vessels, from leisure boats to advanced steering systems for merchant marine vessels. Our factory for these products is located in Egersund on the southwest coast of Norway.
Simrad AP50 Autopilot Simrad has no responsibility for the incorrect installation or use of the AP50 autopilot, so it is essential for the person in charge of the installation to be familiar with the relevant requirements as well as with the contents of this manual, which covers correct installation and use.
System Description 1.3 System Components A basic AP50 system may consist of the following units (refer to Figure 1-1): • AP50 Control Unit with accessories • Heading Sensor • Rudder Feedback Unit with transmission link • Junction Unit • Drive Unit The basic system can be expanded with remote control unit, hand held remote and steering lever. Figure 1-1 AP50 Basic system 1.
Simrad AP50 Autopilot 1.6 JD5X Distribution Unit The JD5X series distribution unit replaces the J50 Junction Unit in an AP50 Autopilot Plus System. The Plus System is made for steering gears with dual analog control or direct operation of dual directional valves. The JD5X units contain the steering computer and interface circuits to all system components. Depending on model it contains drive circuits for directional valves or analog steering gears.
System Description CD100A Course Detector and CDI35 Course Detector Interface The sensor and interface unit connects the AP50 system to a magnetic compass. The AP50 provides excitation current for CD100A and converts the analog sine/cosine signal to digital two-wire format for the autopilot steering computer. General NMEA Compasses Any compass outputting a NMEA 0183 message with either HDT, HDG, or HDM sentence can be connected directly to the J50/J50-40 junction units or to the NI300X NMEA Interface.
Simrad AP50 Autopilot The JP21 Jack Point can be used for simple connection/ disconnection of the AP51 at different locations on the vessel. Refer to the AP51 manual. R3000X Remote Control This small hand-held remote control has two buttons for power steering and course selection (port and starboard) and one button with a built-in lighted indicator for (limited) mode selection. JS10 Joystick The JS10 Joystick is a Non-Follow-Up steering lever designed for indoor and outdoor console mount.
System Description FU50 Follow-Up Steering Lever The FU50 Follow-up steering lever features a dial (scale) with 5° rudder angle markings. The rudder will move and stop at the angle selected on the dial. The FU50 has a mid-position indent, buttons for (limited) mode selection, and mode indicators (STBY, FU, AUTO, NAV, WORK, and THRUSTER). It is designed for indoor and outdoor bulkhead- or panel-mounting. Refer to the FU50 manual.
Simrad AP50 Autopilot RI9 Rudder Angle Indicator The RI9 is manufactured in non-corrosive aluminium with a nonreflective black finish. The indicator is made in standard modular size (144x144 mm). It is designed to operate from both voltage and current signals. The instrument gives a continuous reading of the rudder angle up to 45 degrees on either side of the midship’s position. (60, 70 or 90° as option).
Operation 2 OPERATION OF THE AUTOPILOT Caution ! An autopilot is a very useful navigational aid, but it DOES NOT under any circumstance replace a human navigator.
Simrad AP50 Autopilot Buttons Action Single short press: Selects AUTO mode and sets the heading reference. Second short press Sets new heading reference (Heading catch) Short press: Selects NAV mode prompt screen from AUTO mode. AUTO Verifies new course to steer when alert screen is shown (can also use the course knob, see below). NAV S ETUP WORK Function Quick double press: Selects User Set-up menu for selected mode. Long press (5 sec.): Selects Installation menu.
Operation Buttons Course knob Action Function Press simultaneously Activates Follow-up steering mode. Rotate in Follow-up steering mode: Sets commanded rudder angle. Rotate in AUTO mode: Counter clock-wise = Port course change Clock-wise = Starboard course change Rotate in NAV mode: Verifies new course to steer when alert screen is shown. Rotate in DODGE mode: Presets heading Rotate in User Set-up Adjusts or confirms reading.
Simrad AP50 Autopilot The control unit shown in Figure 2-1 on page 9 can operate as a stand-alone unit in an autopilot system or it can be combined in a multistation system. In a multistation system, command can easily be transferred from one unit to another and units not in control will display "Inactive". The autopilot system may also be disabled from the ships’ steering system with an external switch.
Operation Junction unit model Simrad Software version (1), release (3), minor change (00) J50 SW 1.3.00 P05 M00 S000 Power board revision, Main board revision and Self check (SW and HW revisions shown are examples only) After approximately 5 seconds, the system is operative and the unit that was turned on will show the STANDBY mode display. Other units in a multistation system will display "Inactive".
Simrad AP50 Autopilot 2.3 AP50 with MSD50 Stern Drive unit Note ! The information in section 2.3 only applies if your autopilot is driving a Simrad MSD50 Stern Drive. The MSD50 Stern drive unit has a relative feedback signal which needs a zero point setting after the autopilot has been turned on. Refer to the MSD50 manual for further information.
Operation 2.4 Follow-Up (FU) Steering When both the (PORT) and (STBD) buttons are pressed simultaneously, the AP50 will enter Follow-Up steering mode and the course knob may be used to set rudder commands. One revolution of the knob equals a 45° rudder change. The rudder will move to the selected angle and stop. P FU 340.7 Display information: • Follow-Up mode RUDDER • Commanded rudder angle: 3° to starboard 02 • Rudder angle: 2° • The small starboard arrow shows that the rudder is moving.
Simrad AP50 Autopilot JS10 (NFU) Joystick In STANDBY mode, the rudder will move as long as the lever is offset to Port or Starboard. F1/2 (NFU) Push Button Remote Control In STANDBY mode, the rudder will move as long as the Port or Stbd button is pressed. R3000X Remote Control (NFU) SIMRAD Push buttons for Port and Stbd NFU commands STBY-AUTO STBY/AUTO mode button. AUTO or NAV mode is when lamp is lit In STANDBY mode, the rudder will move as long as the Port or Stbd button is pressed.
Operation The mode change sequence is as follows: AUTO STBY AUTO AUTO-WORK STBY AUTO-WORK Pressing the mode button returns the autopilot to the initial mode at the present course. NAV/NAV-WORK: Note ! It is not possible to change the set course by the lever. Pressing the mode button brings the autopilot to STANDBY mode, but the next press brings it to AUTO mode, not back to NAV mode.
Simrad AP50 Autopilot A329 340.7 Gyro1 RUDDER 02 Display information: • Automatic steering mode • Set heading: 329° • Boat heading from gyro compass: 340.7° • Rudder angle: 2° to port and still moving Rotate the course knob to change the course: Clock-wise = Starboard course change Counter Clock-wise = Port course change Press the PORT or STBD button to adjust the course by 1°.
Operation A S345 w 340.7 Gyro1 RUDDER 04 Display information: • AUTO-WORK mode • Set heading: 329° • Boat heading from gyro compass: 340.7° • Rudder offset of 4° to port becomes the Trim value If you prefer to have complete manual control of the rudder trim in AUTO-WORK mode, the Autotrim can be permanently disabled in the Installation Settings menu (Refer to the Installation Manual, Installation Menu/Settings/Autotrim). Caution ! The Off Heading alarm is permanently disabled in AUTOWORK mode.
Simrad AP50 Autopilot STANDBY mode STBY 340.7 S TBY 340.7 Gyro1 (Follow-up and Nonfollow up steering modes) AUTOWORK mode STBY 340.7 Gyro1 Gyro1 RUDDER 02 02 02 Heading to be Heading to be maintained Heading to be maintained maintained by rudder by rudder and thruster by thruster Aw 271 263.7 Gyro1 RUDDER 02 Aw 271 Aw 271 263.7 263.
Operation • The navigation receiver must be operating and the navigation system (GPS/Chart plotter or ECS) must be in full operating mode with adequate signal characteristics for valid position and steering data • At least one waypoint must be entered and selected as the current waypoint in the navigation receiver • The navigation source in the AP50 User Set-up menu must be set for the navigator that contains the current waypoint The AP50 is designed to steer in mixed mode operation.
Simrad AP50 Autopilot Route Navigation When operating the AP50 in NAV mode to automatically steer through a route of waypoints, the AP50 will steer to the first waypoint in the route after you accept the first waypoint as the location to steer towards. WP: BWW Chg. WP2 100° 035° OK? press NAV NEXT WP WP2 135.7 Gyro1 BPW DST 102 °T 02.
Operation The figure below may be used to select the appropriate waypoint circle on the GPS/chartplotter. Example: With the speed of 20 knots you should use a waypoint circle with radius 0.09 NM. Note ! The distance between any waypoints in a route must not be smaller than the radius of the waypoint arrival circle when using automatic waypoint shift. Electronic Chart System (ECS) An ECS has to be selected as NAV source. NAV SETUP Press the NAV button to activate the NAV prompt display.
Simrad AP50 Autopilot Caution ! If an ECS is selected as a navigator, the course change verification is waved. This is done so the AP50 is capable of following a route in which the radius of the course change is pre-set in the chart system. Users navigating in this mode must use extra caution. Selecting a Different Navigator If you have more than one navigation source connected to the AP50, you may choose any for navigation.
Operation • Next waypoint (Next WP): Simrad • Bearing from current position to next waypoint (BPW): 280° (True) • Distance to waypoint (DST): 25 nautical miles If you prefer to have complete manual control of the rudder trim in NAV-WORK mode, the autotrim can be permanently disabled in the Installation Settings menu (Refer to the Installation Manual, Installation Menu/Settings/Autotrim). Caution ! The Off Heading alarm is permanently disabled in NAVWORK mode. 2.
Simrad AP50 Autopilot Follow Up: Both and course knob. To preset a new Course, rotate course knob (Not possible in Follow Up. To return from DODGE mode, press one of the following: DODGE T URN AUTO Note ! Selects AUTO mode with the last set or new preset course. Selects AUTO mode with the current heading as the set course. If using Non-Follow-up or Follow-up steering modes while dodging, “NFU” or “FU” flash. Dodging in NAV Mode DODGE T URN 350° N GPS1 DODGE XTE 340.7 Gyro1 CTS .
Operation Note ! If using Non-Follow-up or Follow-up steering modes while dodging, “NFU” or “FU” flash. 2.10 TURN Mode U-turn The AP50 provides a special U-turn feature when in AUTO or AUTO-WORK modes. U-turn changes the current set course 180° in the opposite direction. The user must decide whether the U-turn should be made to Port or Starboard when bringing the boat on the new course. DODGE T URN U TURN PORT Press STBD RUDDER 340.7 00 Gyro1 A long press of the Turn.
Simrad AP50 Autopilot C TURN 90 °/min pressing the AUTO button, the new set course is shown in the upper portion of the display. STBD 340.7 RUDDER 05 Gyro1 Vessel turning starboard 2.11 Multiple Station System CTS A UTO 329 Inactive 340.7 Gyro1 RUDDER 02 Inactive control unit Note ! In the normal operation of multiple control units, control is accessible from every control unit and steering handle connected to the AP50 system.
Operation 340.7 Gyro1 RUDDER The display on the "active" control unit will first show a single key icon followed by the primary display on which the key icon will alternate with the mode index (not when selected as Master station). 02 Active control unit STBY 340.7 Gyro1 Inactive The “LOCK” function is unlocked by double-pressing the STBY button on the “active” control unit.
Simrad AP50 Autopilot 2.13 External system selection 340.7 Gyro1 Disengaged RUDDER 02 An external system selector can be used to change from automatic to manual steering and vice versa (refer to IMO resolution MSC.64 sec.4). The selector switch must adequately indicate which method of steering is in operation at any given moment.
Operation Steering function (only available if Thruster is selected in the Installation Dockside Menu). Select between the following steering functions: The boat is steered by the rudder; by the thruster; or by a combination of the rudder and the thruster, dependent on the selected mode. In AUTO mode and NAV mode the rudder is always selected. Speed (Man, Log, SOG) The AP50 adapts to the speed of the vessel and this setting should be adjusted accordingly.
Simrad AP50 Autopilot Steering Function (only available if Thruster is selected in the Installation Dockside Menu, see the AP50 Installation Manual). Same procedure as in STANDBY mode. Seastate Seastate determines the number of degrees the vessel may fall off the set course before any rudder commands are given to the rudder. Select the value for the Seastate filter: OFF: Provides precise steering but increases rudder activity.
Operation A 341° CTS 340.7 Gyro1 Speed (Man, Log, SOG) SETUP Move : Adjust : , Speed Log Off heading lim Turn mode RateOfTurn 04.9kt 03° ROT 240°/min Thruster sens 01° More Same procedure as in STANDBY mode. Off Heading Lim Off Heading Lim sets the limit for the Off Heading Alarm. An alarm occurs when the actual heading deviates from the set heading more than the selected limit. The default setting is 10° and the range is 3 to 35°.
Simrad AP50 Autopilot AUTO-WORK Mode NAV S ETUP NAV S ETUP Aw 341° CTS 340.7 Gyro1 SETUP Move : Adjust : , Backlight Contrast Steering function Rudder W Seastate AUTO W Rudder 0.50 W Count rudder 1.40 More To enter the User Set-up menu when in AUTO-WORK mode, quickly double press the NAV button.
Operation N .12NM 340.7 Gyro1 Speed Log SETUP Move : Adjust : , Speed Log 04.9kt Off heading lim 10° Nav Gain 3.5 Turn mode ROT RateOfTurn 240°/min Thruster sens 01° More Same procedure as in STANDBY mode. Off Heading Lim Same procedure as in AUTO mode. Nav Gain The Navigation Gain determines how many degrees the autopilot must change the vessel’s heading in order to bring the vessel back on track using the Cross Track Error and the vessel’s speed.
Simrad AP50 Autopilot Nw SETUP Move : Adjust : Trim Speed Log .12NM 340.7 Gyro1 Note ! 36 Nav Gain Turn mode W RateOfTurn , P01° 04.9kt 3.5 ROT 240°/min Thruster sens 01° More Use the course knob to adjust the trim value, if needed. The manual trim setting compensates for the Autotrim, which takes time to execute the appropriate rudder offset. Note that the trim setting is not stored. The Off Heading Limit setting is not available in Auto-Work mode.
Operation 2.15 Instrument Screens and Menu A number of instrument screens are available under each mode screen if the required NMEA 0183 sentences are provided (Refer to the Installation Manual, NMEA Sentences). Activate the instrument screen by pressing the (INFO) button. INFO Note ! The Instrument screens are also available on locked units. The left-hand side of the display will show the following information, depending on the mode: Nw Nw Aw Aw 340.7 Gyro1 STANDBY. Heading. Heading input source.
Simrad AP50 Autopilot GPS1 POSITION N 58° WIND DIRECTION 27.209 E 005° 58.322 COG SOG 274°T 12.40kt 270 Bow 090 P m/s WP SIMRAD BPW 272 °T DST 32.2 NM XTE 0.
Operation Screen Selection If you do not need all of the instrument screens to be present in the screen menu, you may temporarily remove screens by quickly double-pressing the (INFO) button. Move through the screens by pressing the (PORT) and (STBD) buttons. Each screen can be removed or selected by rotating the course knob.
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Maintenance 3 MAINTENANCE 3.1 Control unit Under normal use, the AP50 Control Unit will require little maintenance. The case is made from seawater resistant aluminum and it has a polyester coating to withstand the rigorous conditions of an exposed cockpit. It is recommended that units kept clean of salt, since salt will corrode metal over time. If the unit requires any form of cleaning, use fresh water and a mild soap solution (not a detergent).
Simrad AP50 Autopilot 3.
Maintenance • Remove the Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM) from the socket with the PROM extraction tool (part number 44139806). • Insert the tool by pressing the two grip pins down into the two slots in the corners of the socket. • Squeeze the tool and pull out the PROM. PROM extraction tool Cut-off corner Identification tag • When inserting new PROMS, make sure its cut-off corner matches with the corner in the socket. Press the PROM gently into the socket.
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Troubleshooting 4 TROUBLESHOOTING An autopilot is a complex system. Its performance depends on a proper installation and a successful sea trial. In the event of an autopilot failure, the AP50’s numerous test features will assist you in isolating a probable fault. Audible and visual alarm is provided for every fault being detected. The audible alarm is reset by pressing any button (e.g. by changing mode from AUTO to STANDBY).
Simrad AP50 Autopilot Display readout No rudder response (The system will switch to Stby mode) Rudder too slow Rudder test failed 46 Probable fault Recommended action − Steering gear not operative − Broken connection − Missing power − Rudder feedback not moving with rudder Note! If rudder control is from an AD50 or a JD5X, refer to the troubleshooting section in the AD50 manual or the AP50 Plus Installation Manual. 1. Check all connections. 2.
Troubleshooting Display readout Rudder test failed (continued) Rudder limit Steering compass missing Monitor compass missing Failure active Control Unit J50 current overload (Remains in actual mode without any rudder command) J50 Internal Voltage J50 high temp. 20221032 / E Probable fault Rudder test not completed within 2 min. a) Poor connections to the drive unit. b) Faulty Main PCB in the junction unit. c) Faulty Power PCB in junction unit. Rudder moves at full speed to one side.
Simrad AP50 Autopilot Display readout Probable fault Recommended action Bypass/clutch overload Clutch/bypass current 1. Check actual current exceeds specified load 2. Check voltage marking on coil (overload or short circuit) 3. Check coil resistance (through connecting wires) Memory failure Wrong checksum on memory parameters or variables in the J50 Junction Unit or GI51 Gyro Interface. Switch off and on again.
Troubleshooting Display readout Probable fault Recommended action No rudder cntrl voltage Ref. voltage for analog For AP50 Plus system, refer to the rudder control is missing. troubleshooting section in the AP50 Plus Installation Manual. No thruster valve voltage 1. External reference voltage missing for analog thruster control. Check voltage on TI51 - TB4. 2. Internal voltage missing for ±10V or 4-20mA thruster control. No thruster response Vessel off course End of route NAV.
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Glossary 5 GLOSSARY Apparent wind – The speed and direction from which the wind appears to blow with reference to the bow when the boat is moving (also called relative wind). Arrival alarm – An alarm signal issued by a voyage-tracking unit that indicates arrival at or at a predetermined distance from a waypoint. (see arrival circle). Arrival circle – An artificial boundary placed around the destination waypoint of the present navigation leg, the entering of which will signal an arrival alarm.
Simrad AP50 Autopilot Heading – The horizontal direction in which a ship actually points or heads at any instant, expressed in angular units from a reference direction, usually from 000° at the reference direction clockwise through 359°. IMO MSC(64)67 – (International Maritime Organization) Performance standards for heading control system. ISO 11674:2000(E) – (International Organization for Standardization) Specifies the structure, performance, inspection and testing of heading control systems.
Glossary VDR – Voyage Data Recorder. Recording and storing all information that can be relevant for reconstructing accidents, such as time, date, position, speed, heading, depth, video, communication, etc. Performance requirements are specified in the IMO A.861(20), the EU directive 1999/35/EC and IEC61996. Waypoint - A discrete point, stored in a navigator, located on the surface of the earth. Normally this point will be identified by Lat/Lon coordinates although in some systems it may be shown by T.D.'s.
Simrad AP50 Autopilot 6 INDEX Dodging A In Auto, 25 Alarm In Nav, 26 external, 45 internal, 45 drive unit stern drive, 14 Analog drive, 7, 15, 46 Analog rudder, 7, 11, 13, 45 E Apparent wind, 38, 51 Electronic Chart System, 23 arrival circle, 22 AUTO button, 10 External system selection, 30 AUTO Mode, 17 Extraction tool, 43 Autotrim, 19, 34, 36 F AUTO-WORK Mode, 18 Follow-up steering, 15 B G Backlight, 28, 30 GPS, 20, 51 BPW, 21, 51 H Buttons, 9 Heading, 52 BWW, 21, 23, 51 Headi
Index Mixed mode, 21 STANDBY button, 9 Monitor compass, 31 Steering compass, 31 Multiple Station System, 28 N Steering function, 18, 31, 32, 33 NAV button, 10 Stepper gyro, 13 Nav gain, 35 System select, 30 Nav source, 31 T Navigating, 20 Thruster sensitivity, 33 NAV-WORK Mode, 24 Thruster steering, 19 NFU Steering lever, 6 Transducer, 39 NMEA 0183, 52 Trim, 34, 36 Non-follow-up steering, 15 True bearing, 52 O True heading, 52 Off heading limit, 33 True wind, 38 On/off thrusters,
AP50 Autopilot Operator manual EN, Doc.no.20221032, Rev.
