Operation Manual

Robertson AP300X Autopilot
26 22081814H
When in DODGE mode the course displayed is the current boat's
heading, however the previous set course is remembered by the
AP300X. When DODGE is displayed, the AP300X is no longer in
control of the steering, and you must either manually steer the boat or
take control using either Non Follow Up steering or Follow Up
steering. On manual steering the clutch (or bypass valve) in the drive
unit will be disengaged when dodging. The AP300X will remain in the
DODGE mode until you exit DODGE by a second press on the
DODGE button or select another mode.
U-Turn
The AP300X also provides a special U-turn feature that is available on
power boats when the AP300X is in the AUTO mode.
U-Turn changes the current set course to be 180 degrees in the opposite
direction. The user may decide if the U-Turn should be made to Port or
Starboard to bring the boat on the new course. U-Turn is activated by a
quick double press on the DODGE button, and can only be activated
when the AP300X is in AUTO or NAV modes. After the quick double
press, the AP300X will continue on the set course until you press either
the PORT or STBD button to select the direction to make the U-Turn. If
you do not press PORT or STBD within 1 minute, the AP300X will
return to the AUTO mode and stay on course.
Tacking in Auto mode
When the AP300X is installed on a sailboat, a tacking aid function with
a fixed tack of 100 degrees is available in AUTO mode.
The use of this function should be carefully considered based on the
boat's characteristics and the weather conditions. The tack function
may only be used when the boat is reaching and must be tried out in
good weather conditions with light wind to find out how it works on
your boat. Due to wide range in boat characteristics (from cruising to
racing boats) the performance of the tack function may vary from
boat to boat. Except for the course change of 100° and the difference
in displays, the procedure is similar to that of the U-Turn described
on the previous page.