© 2014 CPT Autopilot Inc.
www.cptautopilot.com
Page 11 of 17
*
Rudder set too high
: If the CPT steers too far to port and then too far to starboard, lower the
Rudder setting. The wheel turns too far when CPT makes corrections, the boat will over-steer; lower
just enough to prevent over steering. Set the rudder control as high as possible, but not so high that it
over steers.
(If the boat falls too far off while adjusting the rudder setting, toggle to STANBY, disengage the
clutch and return the vessel on heading before trying again
.)
* Deadband set too low
: If the motor runs continuously back and forth, to port and then to starboard
too frequently, or with each swell,
Raise the Deadband
. Gradually increase the deadband setting so
that corrections are made when needed but not constantly. This will reduce motor operation and the
vessel will still maintain a good average heading. If the CPT waits too long to make corrections,
gradually lower the deadband setting.
Push the 10° PORT or STARBOARD button once. The boat should turn to the new heading and settle
there. If it turns past the new heading, and then makes a series of corrections back, lower the rudder
setting and try again. If it approaches the new heading with a major correction and then additional
smaller corrections, increase the rudder setting. With a few trial turns you should find a setting to
bring the boat steadily to the new heading without over-steering or delays.
4.
For the CPT to steer, the boat must make adequate speed and headway.
At very slow speed,
when pointing too high, in irons, drifting, or when the wind dies, the boat’s rudder will be ineffective.
The boat will not respond to any autopilot rudder corrections, & the wheel will eventually hit the
rudder stops. Disengage the CPT until you are making adequate headway. Adequate speed must be
maintained for response to the boat’s rudder.
5.
The CPT will accept heading changes by pressing the 10° or 1° buttons. Push the 10° button two
times for 20°s, three times for 30°s. Due to differences between boats, heading adjustments are not
exact; check your ship’s compass after settling on the new heading. Make adjustments in increments
until you are on the ship's compass heading you require. Rather than pressing buttons repeatedly and
over-shoot your heading; it’s best to wait and allow the boat time to respond before continued
pressing, the boat may be slow to respond to due to wind, sail imbalance or sea conditions. You can
also toggle to Standby & then back to Hold Heading to avoid over-shooting a heading, or simply go
to Standby and hand steer to make major heading changes.
•
A tape mark works well to remember the rudder and deadband settings.
6. Tacking: Tack angles are approximate and will vary from boat to boat based on the magnetic environment.
You will have to see which angle works best for your boat. Set deadband low for more accuracy.
Port Tack
: Push the Port 1° & 10° buttons at the same time and hold for 5 seconds and release. The
pilot will make the turn until the new tack heading is reached. Be sure boat is making the tack with
adequate headway; disengage if the boat stalls or gets stuck in irons to avoid hitting rudder stops.
Depending on the conditions and the boat’s momentum, the boat may carry slightly past the tack
before correcting to the final heading.
Starboard Tack
: Push the Starboard 1° & 10° buttons at the same time and hold for 5 seconds and
release. The pilot will make the turn until the new tack heading is reached. Be sure boat is making
the tack with adequate headway; disengage if the boat stalls or gets stuck in irons to avoid hitting
rudder stops. Depending on the conditions and the boat’s momentum, the boat may carry slightly
past the tack before correcting to the final heading.
*Tack angle is set to 100° at the factory. To change tack angle: hold both the 10° port and starboard
buttons down at the same time with one hand, turn the deadband dial to the new tack angle, and
release both buttons. (Remember to turn the deadband dial back to the normal setting afterwards)
THIS COMPLETES THE SEA TRIALS