4H: Electronics
The boat is equipped with extensive electronic equipment, including VHF radios,
Radars, GPS, Plotter; Depth Sounder; Speed Log; Autopilot; and Navigation Computer.
Each unit is provided with a dedicated or shared circuit breaker in the DC power panel;
this breaker must be on for the unit to be used. Then the unit’s own power button must have
been depressed or its knob must be also be in the “ON” mode. (The computer runs on 110-
volt AC from shore power or the inverter.)
4H1: Electronics: Autopilot
The boat is equipped with a
Robertson-Simrad AP100DL Autopilot
System including a control console at each
helm.
For the unit to operate, be sure the
breaker is on in the Power Panel.
Basic operation is simple:
COMP
Turns the system on.
When on, the display will show the pilot's status, and the current rudder
position port or starboard.
PWR ST.
Allows the Autopilot to be used as a power steering control. Seldom
used.
AUTO
Engages the autopilot. It will hold the heading it was on when engaged.
NAV
Not connected.
RUDDER
Allows the operator to set the pilot’s sensitivity; adjust to suit the seas.
This is normally set to “High-Position 3”.
COURSE
When in the
AUTO
mode, turn to change course.
Port/Stbd
When in
AUTO
mode, press to correct course by a degree in either
direction.
To
Dodge
, (1) press and hold the
dodge
button, then (2) press
port or starboard
to swerve in that direction. (3) When past the obstacle,
release
dodge
.
To use the remote control at the lower helm, the flybridge
A/P control must be set first to “COMP”.
Maintain a careful lookout when using the
autopilot! It is an aid to comfortable cruising,
not a replacement for an aware
helmsperson! Remember, you can
disengage it quickly simply by switching to
“COMP"
.
Lower helm A/P Remote Control.
Section 4H: Electronics 4.19
