CPT Autopilot Operation Manual
© 2018 CPT AUTOPILOT INC.
VERSION 22
PAGE 9 OF 21
Calibrating the Autopilot Compass Magnetic Sensors
The magnetic sensors in the autopilot compass are calibrated in California to account for variations in the
individual sensors. In most cases this calibration is sufficient, however in some geographic locations the
magnetic field is significantly weaker (than in California) and the compass may need to be recalibrated on
location. Performing the magnetic calibration procedure will recalibrate the autopilot compass to the local
magnetic field strength. Do not calibrate the compass as a routine trouble-shooting measure. If the autopilot is
not steering well, first check for magnetic interference. Calibration will not correct for magnetic interference
near the control box.
·
This procedure must be performed in a magnetically clean environment. Stand several feet away from
any source of magnetism and at least six feet away from a steel hull or similar. Remove any
steel/magnetic items from your person. Any magnetic interference will skew the calibration results
and impair autopilot performance. Sources of magnetism include:
The autopilot motor
Batteries
Speakers
Steel or metal objects
Current carrying wires
LCD screens
Mobile phones
·
The magnetic reference must be re-set after the compass is calibrated.
·
Make sure that power to the autopilot is not interrupted during the procedure.
Steps:
7.
Set the toggle switch to STANDBY. Turn ON the autopilot (set the Rudder dial to 5). Leave the autopilot
on for 15 minutes or more to allow the temperature inside the control box to stabilize.
8.
After at least 15 minutes have elapsed, turn the Rudder dial to OFF and remove the control box from its
bracket.
9.
Comfortably hold the control box, keeping it away from metal objects and any possible magnetic fields.
The center of the cockpit, about shoulder high is usually free from magnetic fields on
most boats.
10.
Simultaneously press and hold both the Port 10° and Starboard 10° buttons then turn the
Rudder dial ON (past 1). Continue holding the buttons. After several seconds, the light
will BLINK GREEN to indicate the calibration is in progress: you can now release the
buttons. The autopilot will gather calibration data for approximately sixty seconds. The
light will continue to blink until the calibration is complete.
11.
For the next sixty seconds, rotate the control box to expose it to the magnetic field at
every angle. The speed of motion is not critical but move smoothly and not too fast. Try
to keep the control box in the same location and move your body around it (or turn it in
your hands) rather than moving it around your body.
a.
Rotate the control box 360° and back to the beginning position in each axis
(roll, pitch, yaw) as shown.
b.
Move the control box in figure-eight motions while turning it through all 360°
of headings.
12.
When the calibration is complete, the light will change to SOLID GREEN for twenty
seconds. If there was a problem with the calibration, the light will BLINK RED 25
times. The autopilot will then return to normal operation (the light will be red or
green, depending on the position of the Hold Heading toggle switch).
13.
The compass is now calibrated. Next, perform the magnetic reference procedure.
