Installation manual Simrad AP24/AP28 Autopilots with AC12/AC42 Autopilot Computers English www.simrad-yachting.
Installation manual Simrad AP24/AP28 Autopilots with AC12/AC42 Autopilot Computers English Document no: 20222568 Revision: E Date: January 2011 The original language for this document is English. In the event of any discrepancy between translated versions and the English version of this document, the English document will be the official version. To the best of our knowledge, the content in this publication was correct at the time of printing.
About this manual Rev. A 19.10.07 First issue Rev. B 03.07.08 Corrections on system drawings. Spare parts list updated. Rev. C 10.11.08 Correction on board terminals page 13. Rev. D 27.01.09 Correction page 13. Rev. E 06.01.11 Correction on SimNet cable color This manual is intended as a reference guide for installing and maintaining the Simrad AC12 and AC42 autopilot computers and other components in an autopilot system.
Content 1 System description ..................................... 5 1.1 General .................................................. 5 1.2 How to use this manual ............................ 5 1.3 Software record ....................................... 6 1.4 Exchange of software program .................. 6 2 Installation ................................................. 7 2.1 Installation checklist ................................. 7 2.2 Unpacking and handling ............................ 7 2.
4 Technical specifications ............................ 35 4.1 Autopilot System .................................... 35 4.2 AP24 Control Unit.................................... 37 4.3 AP28 Control Unit.................................... 38 4.4 Autopilot Computers ................................ 39 4.5 FC40 Fluxgate Compass ........................... 41 4.6 RC42 Rate Compass ................................ 42 4.7 RF300 Rudder Feedback .......................... 43 4.8 RF25 Rudder Feedback ..............
1 System description 1.1 General The autopilot computer is the main unit in the AP24 and AP28 autopilot systems. It contains the steering computer and electronics for the drive unit motor and clutch and provides interface to other system components. Two models, AC12 (8/16 A motor current) and AC42 (30/50 A motor current) are available.
1.3 Software record Control units When the system is switched on, a status display shows the serial number and software version for the control unit. The shown readout is only an example! Autopilot computers Serial number and software version for autopilot computers and other SimNet sources can be found under the control unit User setup menu. Refer to Manual source selection in the autopilot operator manual. 1.
2 Installation An autopilot system includes several units that need to be mounted in different locations on the boat, and also need to interface with at least three different systems on the boat: The boat's steering system The boats electrical system (input power) Other equipment on board (SimNet interfacing) In addition, the advanced capabilities of the system require the installer to perform a series of settings and tests to verify proper operation of the system, refer to the check list below.
Autopilot computer (AC12 or AC42) with accessories SimNet cable 5,5 m (18’) Installation accessories AC12/AC42 Installation Manual Compass (FC40 or RC42) with 5,5 m (18') SimNet cable attached Feedback unit (RF300 or RF25) with transmission rod and cable attached. Appropriate drive unit for the installation (unless the autopilot is going to operate an existing drive unit or solenoids). Optional equipment that may have been ordered for the installation. 2.
unit. The VRF can be used on boats up to 40 ft. 2 The VRF technology requires a Simrad rate compass (RC42) for heading information to the autopilot system. 2.
AP24 Control Unit MODE 10 10 1 MENU AUTO AP28 Control Unit JS10 Joystick R3000X Remote Control TURN 1 STBY PWR MENU PWR Termination plug Autopilot Computer Compass 5,5 m 5,5 m 12/24V Motor supply 12V SimNet supply (SimNet cable with terminator) Drive unit Multijoiner RF25 Rudder Feedback Unit 5,5 m RF300 Rudder Feedback Unit (optional) LFI3000 Interface (optional) LF3000 Linear Feedback (optional) Non SimNet SimNet Figure 2-2 AP24 system layout with options 10 | Installation
2.5 Autopilot computer installation The autopilot computer is designed to operate in a location with ambient temperatures below +55°C (+130°F). The autopilot computer units (AC12 and AC42) should be mounted vertically in a place between the control unit and the drive unit. The unit should not be exposed to dripping or splashing water. Figure 2-3 Autopilot computer mounting Cabling Use only shielded cables and ready made SimNet cables and accessories.
Refer to the table below for recommended cable sizes. Cable length Drive unit voltage 1. Breaker panel to autopilot computer. 12 V 24 V AWG mm AWG mm2 Up to 3 m (10 ft.) 12 2,5 12 2,5 Up to 6 m (20 ft.) 10 4 10 2,5 Up to 10 m (32 ft.) 8 6 10 4 Up to 16 m (52 ft.) 6 10 8 6 2. Autopilot computer to drive unit motor (Length refers to each of the two cables) 2 Remove the bottom cover to get access to the plug-in terminals.
A SimNet cable is supplied with the autopilot computer. It has a connector only at the control unit end. The other end is prepared for screw terminals. AC12 Board Terminals AC42 Board Terminals White cable may be yellow on old SimNet cable versions! Polarity protection The fuse located in the lower left corner of the AC board is not put in its final position when supplied from factory. When the motor supply is connected to the terminal, a diode will light. If the light is red, you have to swap the wires.
Figure 2-4 Control unit connection J1 and J2 are the SimNet connectors. White cable may be yellow on old SimNet cable versions. 2.6 Rudder feedback installation The RF300 and RF25 Rudder feedback units mount close to the rudder, and are mechanically linked to the rudder tiller arm or rudder quadrant. Refer to Figure 2-5 for the recommended mounting arrangement. Do not remove the transmitter lever from the feedback unit.
Rotate the feedback transmitter lever to centre position. (Use the alignment mark to line up the transmitter lever to be opposite the cable entry into the feedback). Carefully observe the alignment marks. A rudder feedback alarm may be the result if the alignment instructions as per Figure 2-5 are neglected. Figure 2-5 Rudder feedback mounting (019356) Note that the transmitter lever has two slots for the transmitter link.
Autopilot Computer Optional RF300 Rudder Feedback RUDDER * Figure 2-6 * Non polarized (color independent) RF300 connection Figure 2-7 RF25 connection to SimNet 2.7 LF3000 Linear Feedback The rod of the LF3000 is not locked in place in the cylinder. Pay attention as it may slip out of its housing and end up on the seabed. The LF3000 is a waterproof feedback unit.
Cylinders. The hardware may not be appropriate for other systems. Center the drives. Loosely secure the LF3000 to the supplied mounting bracket, across the center of the drive unit cylinder. Either cylinder may be used if there is a dual set up. You may mount the feedback in either direction, i.e. the shaft of LF3000 may point to port or starboard. Loosen the end bolt (a) used to secure the cylinder to the drive unit mount. Insert the rod retaining assembly (b) and retighten the bolt.
Figure 2-9 LF3000/LFI3000 Mk2 connections 2.8 Drive unit installation The relations between drive units, drive unit voltage, autopilot computer, drive performance and interface to the steering gear are shown in the tables below. Refer to the connecting diagram for the different drive units on page 19 onwards. Installation instruction for the drive units are found in the manual for the individual units. The maximum drive current capability of the AC12 and AC42 autopilot computers are different.
LINEAR DRIVE UNITS MODEL MOTOR AUTOMAX PEAK MAX HARD-OVER PWR. TILLER VOLTS PILOT STROKE THRUST RUDDER TIME CONARM COM- mm (in.) kg (lb.) TORQUE sec. SUMP. mm PUTER Nm (lb.in.) (30% load) (in.
Connecting a hydraulic linear drive Hydraulic Linear Drive AC12 Autopilot Computer DRIVE ENGAGE SOL.GND SOL.-MOTOR Figure 2-11 SOL.-MOTOR DRIVE + Connecting a hydraulic linear drive Connecting a solenoid valve Solenoid Valve AC12 Autopilot Computer SOL.GND SOL.-MOTOR Sol. Sol. Sol. gnd. SOL.-MOTOR DRIVE Figure 2-12 Connecting a solenoid valve 2.
Panel mounting The mounting surface must be flat and even to within 0.5 mm. Drill the 4 mounting holes and make a panel cut-out according to supplied template. Connect the SimNet cable(s) to the control unit connector(s) To daisy chain units remove the blocking plug with a pair of pliers. Use the supplied 19 mm screws to fasten the control unit to the panel. Apply the front panel corners.
Figure 2-15 AP28 Panel mounting Figure 2-16 AP28 Bracket mounting 22 | Installation
2.10 FC40 and RC42 Compass installation Figure 2-17 Mounting The heading sensor is the most important part of the autopilot system and great care should be taken when deciding the mounting location. As the heading is displayed on the control unit, the heading sensor can be mounted at a remote location. The compass can be mounted on deck or bulkhead, athwart ship or along ship. Some of the products connected to the SimNet network may have a heading offset feature.
The compass face plate is the TOP. Never mount it upside down! Level the sensor as close to horizontal as possible. Use the supplied mounting kit and drill holes through the centre of the slots. Connect the compass to an available SimNet connector in the SimNet “backbone”. 2.11 R3000X Remote Control installation R3000X should be mounted in the supplied bracket that can be fixed by four mounting screws. The unit is weather proof and can be mounted outdoor.
2.13 S35 NFU Lever installation The unit is mounted to a bulkhead or panel by two screws from the front. The cable is connected to the autopilot computer according to Figure 2-19. Interchange the Port and Stbd wires to the screw terminals if necessary to make the direction of the lever movement coincide with the direction of the rudder movement.
2.15 SimNet The SimNet cable system with very small plugs in both ends makes it easy to run the cables, only 10 mm (3/8”) holes are required through panels and bulkheads. The SimNet accessory program contains the necessary items to make a successful installation. Refer to SimNet cables and accessories, page 33. SimNet network cables A SimNet unit has one or two yellow SimNet connectors. There are no dedicated “in” or “out” connectors.
3 It will power a SimNet compatible instrument system. Hence SimNet to other equipment can be supplied via the autopilot, see Figure 2-20, Figure 2-21 and Figure 2-22. 4 SimNet must be properly terminated, i.e. unless it is a small system (see Figure 2-20) there must be terminations at each end of the Simrad backbone. The SimNet network has to be terminated according to the number and type of products connected.
Figure 2-21 SimNet network, medium system 28 | Installation
Figure 2-22 SimNet network, expanded system 1. Maximum total length of SimNet cables is 150 m (500 ft.) 2. Drop cables must not exceed 6 m (19 ft) of length and the total length of drop cables must not exceed 60 m (200 ft). 3. Equipment should not be daisy-chained in a drop cable. 4. The wind transducer (*) has a built in terminator.
2.16 External alarm The external alarm circuit has an open collector output for an external alarm relay or buzzer. The operating voltage for the circuit is the main supply voltage. Max. load on external alarm output is 0.75 Amp.
3 Spare parts AP24 Control Unit 22096614 AP24 Control Unit 22096630 Mounting kit consisting of: 22095483 Cabinet corners (6) 44165181 Screw 3,5x19 (4) 24006355 SimNet blocking plug 22096820 Optional mounting bracket 24006355 SimNet blocking plug 22096515 AP24 Weather Cover AP28 Control Unit 22096622 AP28 Control Unit 22096630 Mounting kit consisting of: 22095483 Cabinet corners (6) 44165181 Screw 3,5x19 (4) 24006355 SimNet blocking plug 22096820 Optional mounting bracket 24006355 SimNet blo
FC40 Electronic Fluxgate Compass 22090187 FC40 Fluxgate Compass w/accessories 22081442 Installation accessories consisting of: 24006363 20104972 Mounting plate (2) 44140762 Screw 3.5x25 (2) 44140770 Screw 30x9 (4) 22081376 Plug (2) SimNet Cable, 5.5 m (18’) with one plug RC42 Rate Compass 22090195 RC42 Rate Compass w/accessories 22081442 Installation Accessories Consisting of: 24006363 20104972 Mounting plate (2) 44140762 Screw 3.
SimNet cables and accessories 24005829 SimNet cable 0.3 m (1’) 24005837 SimNet cable 2 m (6.6’) 24005845 SimNet cable 5 m (16.6’) 24005852 SimNet cable 10 m (33’) 24006363 SimNet Cable, 5.5 m (18’) with one plug 24005902 SimNet power w/termination 2 m (6.6’) 24005910 SimNet power w/o termination 2 m (6.6’) 24005729 SimNet cable to Micro-C. Adapter cable for SimNet products in a NMEA2000 network.
Blank page 34 | Spare parts list
4 Technical specifications 4.1 Autopilot System Boat type and size: ........ Sail- and Motor boat (displacement and planning), up to 80 ft.* Steering system types: ............................ Hydraulic, Mechanical Inter-unit connection: ..................................... SimNet network Maximum number of products connected in a network: .......... 50 System ON/OFF:.......................................... From control units Supply voltage: ............................................
Steering modes: ........................ Standby, Power steering, Auto, NoDrift, Nav, Wind, WindNAV Special Turn modes: ............Tack, Gybe, U-Turn, C-Turn, Spiral, Zigzag, Square, Lazy S, Depth Contour Tracking DTC.
4.2 AP24 Control Unit Dimensions: ..................................................... See Figure 4-1 Weight: ..........................................................0,3 kg (0,7 lbs) Material: ........... Front: Black ABS+PC, Back: Dark gray ABS+GF Supply and interface: .................................... 8-16V via SimNet Power consumption ....................................................... 1,2 W SimNet Network load factor (NL): ..........................................
4.3 AP28 Control Unit Dimensions: ..................................................... See Figure 4-2 Weight: ..........................................................0,5 kg (1.1 lbs) Material: ........... Front: Black ABS+PC, Back: Dark gray ABS+GF Supply and interface: .................................... 8-16V via SimNet Power consumption ....................................................... 1,7 W SimNet Network load factor (NL): ..........................................
4.4 Autopilot Computers Dimensions: ............................... See Figure 4-3 and Figure 4-4 Weight: AC12 ...................................................1,3 kg (2,9 lbs.) AC42 ....................................................2,8 kg (6,2 lbs) Material: .............................. Anodized aluminum and black ABS SimNet supply and interface: ......................... 8-16V via SimNet Supply voltage: AC12/AC42 .................................... 12-24V DC Power consumption:......................
Figure 4-3 AC12 Autopilot Computer - Dimensions Figure 4-4 AC42 Autopilot Computer – Dimensions 40 | Technical specifications
Figure 4-5 AC12/AC42 Cable retainer 4.5 FC40 Fluxgate Compass Dimensions: ..................................................... See Figure 4-6 Weight: ..........................................................0,9 kg (2,0 lbs) Material: ................................................................ Black ABS Environmental Protection: ................................................ IP56 Temperature range: Operation: ....................... 0 to +55 °C (+32 to + 130 °F) Storage:........................
Dynamic Performance: With random excitation of ±10° at max. 1 Hz: Heading error <5° With heading step input of 90° at a rate of 10°/s: Heading error 10 sec after turn <5° Output signal: ...................................................... PGN127250 NMEA2000 compliant Figure 4-6 FC40 Fluxgate Compass - Dimensions 4.6 RC42 Rate Compass Dimensions: ............................... Same as FC40. See Figure 4-6 Weight: ..........................................................0,9 kg (2,0 lbs) Material: .....
Power consumption:...................................................... 1,4 W SimNet Network load factor (NL): .......................................... 3 SimNet ports (input/output): ................................................ 1 Cable supplied:............ 5.5 m (18’) SimNet cable with connector Mounting: .................................................... Deck or bulkhead Automatic Performance: Calibration: ...... Automatically activated from control head Gain control:.............
Cable supplied:............. 10 m (33 ft.) twisted pair shielded cable Rudder angle: .............................................................. 90 ° Output signal: ..... Polarity independent two wire frequency signal Frequency resolution: ...... Centre: 3400 Hz, 20 Hz/degree of change Linearity: ................................ 3 ° up to 45 ° of rudder Transmitter link: ...... Stainless 345 mm (13.6") with 2 ball joints. Ball joint stud for rudder arm requires 4.2 mm diameter hole and 5 mm tap.
4.8 RF25 Rudder Feedback Dimensions: .............................. See Figure 4-7 and Figure 4-8. Weight: ..........................................................0,5 kg (1,1 lbs) Material: .................................................. Arnite T06 200 PBT Environmental Protection: ................................................ IP56 Temperature range: Operation: ..................... –25 to +55 °C (–13 to +130 °F) Storage:....................... –30 to +70 °C (–22 to + 158 °F) Mounting: .............
Cable length: .....................................................7 m, shielded Mounting bracket:..................................................... Supplied Figure 4-9 R3000X Dimensions Figure 4-10 JS10 Joystick Dimensions 4.10 JS10 Joystick Dimensions: .................................................. See Figure 4-10 Weight: .........................................................0.5 kg (1.1 lbs.) Environmental Protection: Joystick ................................................................
Vibration resistance (according to IEC 68-2-6): 16 g with frequency range from 40 to 500 Hz and maximum shifting 0,75 mm (peak -to- peak) 4.11 SimNet Maximum number of products connected in a network: .......... 50 Maximum cable length: ....................................... 150 m (500’) Bit rate of the bus:.......................................... 250 Kbit/second Maximum DC current through a single SimNet plug ................ 5A SimNet power supply: ..................................................
FIRST NUMBER Protection against solid objects SECOND NUMBER Protection against liquids IP TESTS IP TESTS 0 No protection 0 No protection 1 Protection against solid objects up to 50 mm, e.g. accidental touches by hands. 1 Protected against vertically falling drops of water (e.g. condensation). 2 Protection against solid objects up to 12 mm, e.g. fingers. 2 Protected against direct sprays of water up to 15° from the vertical. 3 Protection against solid objects over 2.
Data converted from SimNet/NMEA2000 to NMEA0183 (TX) and vice versa (RX). NMEA0183 sentence TX (max rate [Hz]) RX APB 0.5 x BWC 0.5 x BWR x DBT x DPT 11) 0.5 GGA x x GLL 0.52) HDG 4 x x x2) HDM HDT 4 HSC 0.1 MTW x 0.2 x MWV Relative Wind 1 x MWV True Wind 1 x RMA x RMB 0.5 x RMC 0.5 x RSA 3.33 VHW 0.5 VTG 0.5 VLW 0.2 0.5 x x 1) x VWR x WPL x XTE ZDA x 0.5 ZTG x x Open cells indicates no transmission or reception.
50 | Technical specifications
5 Index A autopilot computer installation, 11 specifications, 39 C cable N NMEA0183, 49 NMEA2000, 49 P polarity, 13 specifications, 11 R control unit specifications, 37, 38 D drive unit hydraulic pumps, 18 linear drive, 18 E external alarm, 30 remote control specifications, 46 rudder feedback installation, 14 specifications, 43, 45 S SimNet, 26 specifications, 35 steering lever installation, 25 F fluxgate compass specifications, 41 G grounding, 13 I system specifications, 35 T terminal
AP24/AP28 with AC12/AC42 Autopilot Computer, EN, 20222568, Rev E *20222568E*
