Garmin GPSMAP 9 3 Series, Owner'S Manual

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Autopilot
WARNING
You can use the autopilot feature only at a station installed next to a helm, throttle, and helm control device.
You are responsible for the safe and prudent operation of your vessel. The autopilot is a tool that enhances your
capability to operate your boat. It does not relieve you of the responsibility of safely operating your boat. Avoid
navigational hazards and never leave the helm unattended.
Always be prepared to promptly regain manual control of your boat.
Learn to operate the autopilot on calm and hazard-free open water.
Use caution when operating the autopilot near hazards in the water, such as docks, pilings, and other boats.
The autopilot system continuously adjusts the steering of your boat to maintain a constant heading (heading
hold). The system also allows manual steering and several modes of automatic-steering functions and patterns.
When the chartplotter is connected to a compatible Garmin autopilot system, you can engage and control the
autopilot from the chartplotter. For information about compatible Garmin autopilot systems, go to
garmin.com .
When the chartplotter is connected to a compatible Yamaha ® autopilot system, you can control the autopilot
from the chartplotter using the Yamaha autopilot screen and overlay bar ( Yamaha Autopilot, page 115 ). For
information about compatible Yamaha autopilot systems, contact your Yamaha dealer.
Autopilot Configuration
NOTICE
To avoid damage to your boat, the autopilot system should be installed and configured by a qualified marine
installer. Specific knowledge of marine steering and electrical systems is required for proper installation and
configuration.
The autopilot system must be configured to work properly with your boat. You can configure the autopilot using
a chartplotter on the same NMEA 2000 network as the autopilot. For configuration instructions, go to
support
.garmin.com , and download the configuration guide for your specific autopilot model.
Selecting the Preferred Heading Source
NOTICE
For best results, use the autopilot CCU internal compass for the heading source. Using a third-party GPS
compass can cause the data to be delivered erratically and may result in excessive delays. The autopilot needs
timely information, and therefore cannot often use third-party GPS compass data for GPS location or speed.
If a third-party GPS compass is used, the autopilot will likely report loss of navigation data and speed source
periodically.
If you have more than one heading source on the network, you can select a your preferred source. The source
could be a compatible GPS compass or a magnetic heading sensor.
1 From the autopilot screen, select Options > Autopilot Setup > Preferred Sources
2 Select a source.
If the selected heading source is unavailable, the autopilot screen does not display any data.
Opening the Autopilot Screen
Before you can open the autopilot screen, you must have a compatible Garmin autopilot installed and
configured.
Select Vessel > Autopilot.
Autopilot 109