
NW Explorations
DREAM CATCHER OPERATING MANUAL
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4G6: DC Voltmeter
In the DC Breaker Panel is a voltmeter with a battery selector switch.
When the photo was taken, the switch was in the “house” position, and the
meter showed 13.2 volts.
As the scale indicates, around 11.0 volts (red) is considered “dead”;
12.8 volts (100%) is a fully-charged, unused battery;
13.2 volts is a battery getting a “float” charge to keep it charged;
14.2 volts is a battery being “bulk” charged.
The switch positions are:
1 = The House Battery Bank
2 = The Starting Bank
3 = 20KW Generator Starting Battery
4 = 8KW Generator Starting Battery
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.