Operation Manual

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System conguration | AP70/AP80 Installation Manual
¼ Note: Make sure that both the compass heading and the bearing to the object have the same
unit (Magnetic or True).
Drive conguration
The drive setup can usually be done while at dock, and only minor adjustments may be
required at seatrial.
Refer “Dockside - Drive system” on page 46.
Boat settings
These settings are used as initial values for the vessel. Each of them can be changed in the
different work profile settings.
Turn type and Turn value
Used for selecting how you want to control the vessel’s turn: either by defining the Rate of
Turn (Rate) or the radius.
• Rate range: 5°/minute - 720°/minute
• Radius range: 10 (m) - 10 (NM)
- The minimum radius can however never be less than the value corresponding to a Rate of
Turn = 720°/minute at the set Cruising speed
• Default: Rate
• Initial value: Determined during sea trial
Track approach angle
Defines the angle used when the vessel is approaching a leg.
This setting is used both when you start navigating and when you use track offset.
• Range: 5° - 60°
• Default: 30°
Tuning the autopilot for optimum steering performance
Providing you have entered correct vessel type, length and cruising speed, you may not have
to perform further manual- or automatic tuning. Refer “Vessel configuration” on page 52.
¼ Notes:
• If steering compass is magnetic type, perform any autopilot tuning steering East or West, as
this will yield the best-balanced parameters
• The speed during tuning should be as close as possible to cruising speed. Ensure that this is
set correctly and as described in “Vessel configuration” on page 52
• Active work profile that should be used during seatrial depends on vessel type.
- For displacement boats NORMAL work profile should be used
- Planing boats will have to tune both LO SPD and HI SPD work profiles
• All tuning should always be performed in open waters at a safe distance from other traffic
Initial automatic learning process
Before doing any manual or automatic tuning the autopilot needs to learn the turn
characteristic of the boat. This is done in AUTO mode by making a major course change (min
90°) to port and starboard. For this test you may use the U-turn function (180°).
The autopilot will now find the appropriate amount of rudder to maintain the set turn rate
during the turn. See also “Turn type and Turn value” on page 55.
When the automatic learning process is done, now proceed as follows to verify satisfactorily
steering:
1. Stabilize the vessel on a heading, and then select AUTO mode
2. Observe course keeping and rudder commands
- The autopilot should keep the vessel on the set heading within an average of +/-1 degree,
providing calm sea and wind