Operation Manual

Autopilot Operation
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2.5 Navigating with the AP300X
The AP300X has the capability to use steering information from an
external navigator (GPS, LORAN, Decca) or the NAV. computer in
AP300DLX to direct the boat to a specific waypoint location, or
through a route of waypoints. In the NAV mode, the AP300X uses the
heading sensor as it's primary source of heading for course keeping.
The steering information received from the external navigator alters
the set course to direct the AP300X to the destination waypoint.
Note ! Navigational steering must only be used in open waters. The process of
having an external navigation receiver direct an autopilot can be a slow
acting process. By selecting the NAV mode, the AP300X is set for automatic
steering on the current set course and then waits for the user to accept the
course change to the destination waypoint.
To obtain satisfactory navigation steering, the following points must be
fulfilled prior to entering the NAV mode:
• The AP300X autosteering must be tested and found satsifactory.
• The navigation receiver must be operating and the navigation
system (GPS, LORAN, Decca) 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 AP300X USER SETUP menu must be
set for the navigator that contains the current waypoint.
The AP300X is designed to steer in mixed mode operation. This
combines the straight steering capability of cross track error (XTE)
steering in conjunction with the turning capability of bearing mode
steering (CTS).
When operating the AP300DLX in NAV mode to automatically steer
through a route of waypoints, the AP300X will steer to the first
waypoint in the route after you accept the first waypoint as the
location to steer to. When you arrive at the waypoint, the AP300X will
display an alert screen with the proposed new course information
displayed. You will need to verify that the upcoming course change is
acceptable. Verification is performed by pressing the NAV button after
the alert screen is displayed. If no verification is received, the AP300X
will continue on the current set course in AUTO mode.
Note ! Steering through a route of waypoints with the AP300X allows you the total
flexibility for automatic waypoint sequencing, but combines the safety
feature of requiring operator acknowledge for course changes in excess of 10
degrees.