NT888G MK2 AUTOPILOT OPERATING MANUAL
2.2 The Autopilot ON Key Modes (Rudder/Thruster) … (Continued).
(i)
First press – Autopilot engaged in
RUDDER
only mode.
Displayed status ---
AUTO
NB.
After initial first press to engage the Autopilot subsequent Mode changes
require a 2 second continuous press of the key.
(ii)
Second press – Autopilot engaged in
THRUSTER
only mode.
Displayed status ---
AUTO
(iii)
Third press – Autopilot engaged in combined
RUDDER and
THRUSTER
mode.
Displayed status ---
AUTO
The Autopilot system controls the steering gear and the steering performance of the
vessel in the ON mode but can be disengaged at any time by operation of the
STBY /
OFF
key.
2.3 The Adaptive & Non Adaptive (PID) Autopilot Modes.
The Autopilot system may be operated as a conventional PID (Non Adaptive) system,
which typically involves manual adjustment of the Autopilot controls (Rudder, Yaw,
Counter Rudder etc.) to achieve optimum steering performance.
Alternatively, the NT888G MK2 can function as an Adaptive Autopilot where the
control parameters are automatically adjusted as a function of Speed and Draft input
data which, typically, requires little or no manual adjustment beyond initial installation
and Sea Trials.
Whilst PID operation is not dependent on Speed input data, it should be noted that
certain information such as Speed through the Water (STW) is an essential
requirement for the Speed Adaptive operating mode.
Similarly, Draft input data enables the Autopilot system to automatically set its
operational control parameters for changes in steering characteristics geared to
ballast/laden conditions.
In most displacement vessel applications – and always in High Speed Craft (HSC)
cases - the Adaptive Autopilot mode will be preferred and selected via reference to
the CONTROLS Menu where it will be seen that facilities also exist for manual control
adjustments – even when the Adaptive mode is selected – to permit immediate “fine
tuning” of the automatic parameters if required.
2.4 The CONTROLS Menu.
The Controls Menu is rapidly and conveniently entered from all Autopilot operating
modes (STANDBY, ON, TRACK etc.) by single press operation of the “
CONTROLS
”
key.