Manual BASICTRIPLEPILOT
version 1.3UK
Page 12 of 19
BASICTRIPLEPILOT
4.1.6
BASICTRIPLEPILOT, use on pusher boats.
Especially for use on pushers boats the BASICTRIPLEPILOT has the ability to access and use a
second set of parameters to program the processor with. This feature enables the same pilot to
be used for sailing the pusher on its own as well as sail in convoy with barges fixed to the push
boat. In both cases the pilot functions excellent even though the sailing characteristics are quite
different.
Switching from ‘single push boat’ mode into ‘push boat with barges’ mode can be done
(depending
of the set up on board) by use of the “compass” or “aux” button.
4.1.7
Settings for the BASICTRIPLEPILOT
On the display a number of settings to the auto pilot can be changed at will. Depending on
circumstances and sailing conditions adjusting setting is even necessary. The following settings
can be adjusted:
- Rudder
- Trim
- Damping
Rudder: With this setting the reaction time of the rudder movements controlled by the auto
pilot can be adjusted to match the sailing characteristics influenced by the cargo load (depth of
the hull in water). The more cargo is loaded the
higher the “rudder” needs to be adjusted. In
case of fast reaction time of the ship to its rudder the “rudder” se
ttings need to be lowered.
Wh
en the ship is yawing the value of “rudder” is set to high. When the ships reaction time to a
steering command is to slow the value of “ruder” is set to low and it is possible
to hear a course
alarm.
The more light bars occur to the right on the display th
e higher “rudder”
sensitivity is set.
Trim: This setting is used to fine tune zero (sailing straight ahead). Check during a longer
stretch of time if the ship is sailing exactly 0 degrees/min, if not than adjust accordingly. The
range of “trim” adjusting
is 4 degrees to either side of zero. To light up a next led bar on the
display one need to push ‘trim’ 4 times (note: th
e trim is than adjusted 4 times! With the
amount of led lights fixed in the hardware and range of adjustment needed this ratio was the
only way to cope).
Damping: This setting dampens the rudder movements without influencing long term accuracy
of the pilot system.
The readout of the display is not influenced by adjusting the “damping”.
In
case of heavy swells (waves) or shallow water this setting needs to be increased so that small
swift changes of the rate of turn indicator (gyro sensor) will not affect the rudder as much.
Damping the ROT influence is at its highest when the far right led-light indicator on the display
is lit. When the far left led indicator burns the auto pilot will stir the ship as exact and direct as
possible.
