NorthStar Explorer AP380 Installation And Operation Manual Download Page 6

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Northstar

Explorer AP380 System

Installation and Operation Manual

To verify that the Explorer AP380 system is
operating correctly, perform sea trials (see
section 5).

Cleaning and maintenance

Clean the parts of the Explorer AP380 system with
a damp cloth or mild detergent. Avoid abrasive
cleaners, petrol or other solvents.

Do not paint any part of the Explorer AP380
system except for the cables.

1 Introduction

Using this manual

This manual describes how to install and set up
the Explorer AP380 system. Refer to the

Explorer

AP380 Operation Section

for information on how

to operate the Explorer AP380 display unit.

To install a Explorer AP380 system, you must
perform installation, dockside setup and sea trials
(see sections 3, 4 and 5).

To fully set up a Explorer AP380 system after
a part has been changed or if a problem is
suspected, perform dockside setup and sea trials
again (see sections 4 and 5).

Manual helm

GPS

NMEA

SPEED

WIND

Display

unit

Light duty

Heavy duty

12 V DC
Power supply

Gyro

Compass

MCU60

NavBus

Clutch drive

(optional)

Parts supplied with Explorer AP380 system
Other parts required
Optional parts

Rudder

feedback

unit

Rudder

Power switch or

switches and

power protection

Rudder

control

Key

1-1 A typical Explorer AP380 system installation

Optional instruments

Note:

Above shows typical installation

only. Please refer to the information
supplied with your drive for further
information.

display

units

Steering

drive

Summary of Contents for Explorer AP380

Page 1: ...www northstarnav com Explorer AP380 Autopilot Installation and Operation Manual ...

Page 2: ......

Page 3: ...ages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury or death WARNING WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation which if not avoided could result in death or serious injury CAUTION CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation which if not avoided could result in minor or moderate injury CAUTION CAUTION used without the safety alert symbol indicates a potentially hazardous situati...

Page 4: ...ation guide 10 3 3 Installing the MCU600 Main Control Unit 11 3 4 Installing the power supplies and steering drive 12 3 5 Installing the RFU rudder feedback unit 17 3 6 Installing the Compass 20 3 7 Installing the Gyro 22 3 8 Installing the Explorer AP380 display unit and other instruments 23 4Docksidesetup 27 4 1 Start dockside setup 27 4 2 Calibrating the rudder feedback unit 27 5Seatrials 28 5 ...

Page 5: ...re If in doubt consult a qualified boat builder UsingtheExplorerAP380system The Explorer AP380 system is intended as an aid to save a helmsman from having to steer for long periods of time not as the main means of steering the boat The Explorer AP380 system is not intended for use in extreme weather in adverse conditions or in water near other boats dangerous waters or land The Explorer AP380 syst...

Page 6: ...o install a Explorer AP380 system you must perform installation dockside setup and sea trials see sections 3 4 and 5 To fully set up a Explorer AP380 system after a part has been changed or if a problem is suspected perform dockside setup and sea trials again see sections 4 and 5 Manual helm GPS NMEA SPEED WIND Display unit Light duty Heavy duty 12 V DC Power supply Gyro Compass MCU600 NavBus Clut...

Page 7: ... or calibration in one instrument then the values will automatically change in all other instruments of the same type Each instrument can be assigned to a group of instruments called a NavBus group see NavBus group in the Setup Comms menu in the Explorer AP380 Operation Section If you change the backlight in an instrument in group 1 2 3 or 4 then the backlight will automatically change in the othe...

Page 8: ...improves performance Note If the Explorer AP380 system is connected to a Northstar series wind or speed instrument using NavBus then the Explorer AP380 system will automatically receive and use the wind or speed data and the NMEA connection need not be wired 2 mm 14 twin stranded cable for high current wiring RFU Rudder feedback unit 2 1WhatcomeswithyourExplorerAP380system ExplorerAP380systemNMEAo...

Page 9: ... breakers see section 3 4 Steering drive The Explorer AP380 system can power a hydraulic pump constantly running pump set hydraulic linear drive or mechanical drive rated at 12 V DC and up to 20 A Rudder linkage To link rudder to rudder feedback unit see section 3 5 For wiring see Select Wire Table in section 3 4 2 External beepers or lights optional The external output is switched to ground 30 V ...

Page 10: ...avy duty power supply and steering drive usually require high current cables Select the wire gauge from the wire size table see section 3 4 2 Fit high current cables at least 1 m 3 ft away from other electronic devices in the boat Keep the cables as short as possible Twin 2 mm 14 cable is supplied with the Explorer AP380 system and can be used for the high current cable if its gauge is suitable Al...

Page 11: ...the high current wiring Accessible for installation and service If possible on a vertical panel which does not vibrate Follow the location guide see section 3 2 1 Mount the unit with the cable connectors at the bottom or to one side using the screws provided Do not mount the unit with the connectors at the top because dust or moisture might enter the unit 200 mm 7 87 IMPORTANT 60 mm 2 36 clearance...

Page 12: ... one switch configuration Choose this configuration to have one switch to turn the Explorer AP380 system and any other instruments on and off Circuit breaker or fuse and switch current rating to suit steering drive Power supply two switch configuration Choose this configuration to be able to turn the drive power off and leave other instruments powered Fit strain relief Connector cover Switch Heavy...

Page 13: ... a 12 V system Cable length from main control unit to power supply or to drive 2 5 ft 0 7 m 5 ft 1 5 m 7 5 ft 2 2 m 10 ft 3 m 12 5 ft 3 7 m 15 ft 4 5 m 17 5 ft 5 2 m 20 ft 6 m Current 1 amp 18 0 75 mm 18 0 75 mm 18 0 75 mm 18 0 75 mm 18 0 75 mm 18 0 75 mm 18 0 75 mm 18 0 75 mm 2 amp 18 0 75 mm 18 0 75 mm 18 0 75 mm 18 0 75 mm 18 0 75 mm 16 1 5 mm 16 1 5 mm 16 1 5 mm 3 amp 18 0 75 mm 18 0 75 mm 18 ...

Page 14: ... to Motor Example of mechanical steered power vessels with hydraulic linear drive for sailing boat In the Setup Vessel menu See Explorer AP380 Operation Section set Drive Type to Motor Motor Clutch relay coil 1N4002 diode or equivalent Fit close to relay coil Connector cover No connection MCU600 Heavy duty power see section 3 4 1 Fit strain relief Wiring polarity does not matter Heavy duty power s...

Page 15: ...es not matter Motor MCU600 Clutch coil 1N4002 diode or equivalent Fit close to relay coil 1N4002 diode or equivalent Fit close to relay coil Relay coil MCU600 1N4002 diode or equivalent Fit close to relay coil Relay contacts Relay coil Starboard Port Motor Fit strain relief Heavy duty power see section 3 4 1 Heavy duty power see section 3 4 1 Wiring polarity does not matter Note Motor is not requi...

Page 16: ...l Installing solenoid valves or relays with jog or electric steering In the Setup Vessel menu See Explorer AP380 Operation Section set Drive Type to Spool ground MCU600 Starboard Port Fit strain relief No connection Jog steer controls Heavy duty power see section 3 4 1 ...

Page 17: ... nuts each end End of connecting rod snaps into one of the holes on the arm Mountingrequirements These two distances to be equal Base to be adjacent to rudder shaft so that this angle is 90 Rudder shaft to be parallel to shaft in base Rudder linkage and arm to move in the same plane Note The unit is completely waterproof but should not be immersed Mount the unit on a panel which does not vibrate F...

Page 18: ...tion that has the cable on the opposite side to the connecting rod Centre line Sets of lines show the two linear ranges of the unit Base Recommended rudder amidships Arrangements Recommended U shaped arrangement with the arm parallel to the length of boat Satisfactory U shaped arrangement with arm not parallel to length of boat for example Not recommended Z shaped arrangement for example If rudder...

Page 19: ...ints near centre line on base Fit two screws provided loosely in middle of slots Rotate base so arrow on arm points to centre line on base Fit third screw provided tighten all screws Join coupling to rudder linkage Snap end into correct hole in arm Ensure rudder is amidships If necessary cut connecting rod at this end then replace coupling and lock nut 4 Wire the cable back to the MCU600 following...

Page 20: ...r radar transmitter or antenna As close as possible to the centre of movement of the boat to minimise how much the compass moves when the boat rocks and pitches If the compass can not be mounted at the centre of movement it is usually best to mount the compass as low as possible On a vertical panel which does not vibrate The unit is completely waterproof but should not be immersed The compass is n...

Page 21: ...se a level to ensure the unit is vertical to within 10 Less than 10 10 3 Wire the cable back to the MCU600 following the wiring guide see section 3 2 2 Less than 10 10 MCU600 Plug connector into the Compass HS socket Holes in the bulkheads must be at least 18 5 mm 0 73 in diameter Note If you move the compass with respect to the gyro while the power is on wait for the heading to stabilize ...

Page 22: ...movement of the boat to minimize how much the gyro moves when the boat rocks and pitches Mount the gyro on a panel which does not vibrate The unit is completely waterproof but should not be immersed Follow the location guide see section 3 2 1 The Ideal location is at the centre of movement for planing hulls the centre of movement is usually close to the stern 101 mm 4 97 mm 3 8 71 mm 2 8 10 m 32 8...

Page 23: ...ilise 3 8InstallingtheExplorerAP380displayunitandotherinstruments There are two mounting arrangements Flush mounting requires a solid panel with access behind for wiring and mounting screws After flush mounting the display cannot be tilted or moved after installation to reduce any unwanted glare or reflections Carefully select the best viewing position before installation This would generally be i...

Page 24: ...nel is not likely to deform and is not subject to excessive vibration The bracket can be tilted and the dispaly can be removed after each use Select a position where the display unit will be At least 4 100 mm away from the compass At least 12 300 mm away from any radio transmitter At least 4 ft 1 2 m away from any antenna Easy to read and operate If possible mount the display unit in front of the ...

Page 25: ...mps for the external alarm If the beepers and lights require more than 250 mA fit an external relay 8 way connector Green Light duty power see section 3 4 1 Note Wire the display unit power wires red and black wires to the eight way connector terminals 1 and 2 to ensure the display unit and main control unit have the same light duty power supply Follow the wiring guide see section 3 2 2 Yellow ign...

Page 26: ...r other series instruments fit a separate light duty power supply for the extra instruments see section 3 4 or the instrument s installation manual The external alarm outputs green wire of Northstar series instruments and 500 series chartplotters can be connected together to drive the external beepers and lights In systems with several other instruments we recommend using NavBus junction boxes to ...

Page 27: ...ack unit to the rudder Note To exit the calibration at any time press ESC If you do not move the rudder as prompted or the rudder feedback unit is not working then the Explorer AP380 system can not finish the calibration The Explorer AP380 system will display an error Press ESC fix the problem and repeat the calibration In normal operation the Explorer AP380 system will not turn the rudder closer ...

Page 28: ...1Calibratingthecompass 5 Sea trials Perform the sea trials After performing the dockside setup see section 4 To check the operation of the Explorer AP380 system For the sea trials sail in an open area where there are no other craft or obstructions The sea should be calm the wind speed as low as possible and there should be no currents This aligns the Explorer AP380 system compass to display the co...

Page 29: ...se 9 10 New Zealand and Australia C Tick IEC 60945 2002 Clause 9 Environment Compass IPx6 and IPx7 completely waterproof Gyro IPx6 and IPx7 completely waterproof Rudder feedback unit IPx6 and IPx7 completely waterproof MCU600 Main unit Not waterproof requires a cool dry clean environment MCU600 Main unit 8 way Terminal connections Terminal Signal 1 Light duty power positive 10 5 to 16 5 V DC 2 Lig...

Page 30: ...Bus 4 Blue NavBus 7 Yellow Ignition wire 3 White Factory use isolate do not cut 8 Green External alarm switched to ground 30 V DC and 250 mA max 2 Brown Factory use isolate do not cut Green connector NavBusexpansion Pin Wire color Signal 5 Red Factory use isolate do not cut 1 Black Power negative 6 Orange NavBus 4 Blue NavBus 7 Yellow Factory use isolate do not cut 3 White Factory use isolate do n...

Page 31: ...enu Setup SYSTEM menu Language Night mode Key beep Auto power off SmartCraft Menu Setup OPTIONS menu Dodge angle Tack mode Tack angle Gybe mode Gybe angle Tack delay Turn rate Menu Setup VESSEL menu Vessel Type Drive Type Windfeatures selected Menu Setup ALARMS menu Course error XTE Waypoint akn Wind shift sail only Low battery High current ...

Page 32: ...Distance Compass Magnetic variation Wind Menu Setup COMMS menu NMEA mode NavBus group Menu Setup PROFILES menu Profile user1 Parameters Adaptive Response Ratio Advanced Trim C rudder GPS gain Wind gain Profile user2 Parameters Adaptive Response Ratio Advanced Trim C rudder GPS gain Wind gain ...

Page 33: ...rofile user3 Parameters Adaptive Response Ratio Advanced Trim C rudder GPS gain Wind gain Profile user 4 Parameters Adaptive Response Ratio Advanced Trim C rudder GPS gain Wind gain Profile user5 Parameters Adaptive Response Ratio Advanced Trim C rudder GPS gain Wind gain ...

Page 34: ...www northstarnav com Explorer AP380 Autopilot Operation Section ...

Page 35: ...ually steering the boat from the boats helm 39 2 8 Manually steering the boat using power steering 39 3 AP380operation 40 3 1 The keys 40 3 2 Turning the Explorer AP380 on 41 3 3 Turning the Explorer AP380 off 42 3 4 Backlight 42 3 5 Engaging AP380 42 3 6 Disengaging AP380 42 3 7 Setting the steering mode 42 3 8 Changing course 43 3 9 Dodge 44 3 10 Turn modes 46 3 11 Power steering 50 3 12 Alarms ...

Page 36: ... 6 5 Setup Alarms 59 6 6 Setup Units 59 6 7 Setup Comms 60 6 8 Setup Calibrate 60 6 9 Setup Simulate 60 7 Steeringmodes 61 7 1 Compass steering mode 61 7 2 GPS steering mode 63 7 3 Wind steering mode 66 8 Optimisingsteeringperformance 69 8 1 Steering parameters 69 8 2 Profiles 70 8 3 Adjusting the steering parameters 71 9 Troubleshooting 73 10Specifications 74 ...

Page 37: ...refully before using the Explorer AP380 Cleaning and maintenance Clean the parts of the Explorer AP380 with a damp cloth or mild detergent Avoid abrasive cleaners petrol or other solvents Do not paint any part of the Explorer AP380 except for the cables 1 1 AP380Modes 1 1 1 Operatingmodes The AP380 has three operating modes see sections 3 5 and 3 6 STANDBY The AP380 does not steer the boat except ...

Page 38: ...n the Control Dial in the direction of the intended course change for example To change course 10º to starboard turn the Control Dial 10 clicks clockwise To change course 30º to port turn the Control Dial a whole turn counter clockwise 2 4 Changingsteeringmodeduringavoyage It is possible to change the steering mode during a voyage for example Change from GPS mode to Compass mode at the end of a ro...

Page 39: ...heboatfromthe boatshelm To manually steer the boat 1 Press The AP380 is now disengaged and you have complete steering control 2 8 Manuallysteeringtheboatusingpower steering To manually steer the boat using the AP380 to move the rudder 1 Ensure the AP380 is in STBY by pressing 2 Press and hold or to turn the rudder to port or starboard Pressing both will centre the rudder 3 Release the button when ...

Page 40: ...oll through menus increment or decrement selected values follow up rudder control and to make course changes 6 Dodge Left Dodge to Port key repeated presses increments values Initiates left tack gybe 90 turns and 180 turns 7 Dodge Right Dodge to Starboard key repeated presses increments values Initiates right tack gybe 90 turns and 180 turns 8 Turns Opens turn menu to access tack gybe 90 turns and...

Page 41: ... mode Moves the rudder to port or to starboard half of a degree per click AUTO mode Changes the set course by one degree per click Note In GPS mode the set course can not be adjusted as the course is controlled by the navigation instrument 3 1 7 ESCkey When using menus and adjusting settings press to step back one level without saving changes When no menus or settings are displayed press to jump b...

Page 42: ...instruments that are connected on the same NavBus backlighting channel will also change 3 5 EngagingAP380 Select AUTO mode by pressing The AP380 is now steering the boat based on the selected steering mode 3 6 DisengagingAP380 Select STBY mode by pressing The AP380 is not steering the boat the helmsman must steer the boat using the manual helm 3 7 Settingthesteeringmode For a power boat For a boat...

Page 43: ...ectly to GPS mode Note for sailing boats The AP380 is not recommended for use in light changeable or gusty winds Take care when running downwind to avoid an accidental gybe Wind mode requires the wind instrument to be accurately calibrated Note To select GPS mode the AP380 must be receiving data from a compatible GPS instrument otherwise the GPS selection will not be available To engage the AP380 ...

Page 44: ...n the Options menu see section 6 3 Heading 45 CTS 45 CTS changes by the dodge angle Boat comes to new heading Press to continue on the new heading Press to resume the earlier heading or 3 9 1 Dodgingincompassmode 3 8 3 Changingsetwindangleinwindmode To change set wind angle SWA in 1 steps turn the Control Dial turn the Control Dial counter clockwise to change course to port turn the Control Dial c...

Page 45: ...back to the GPS plotted course Make sure there are no obstacles or dangerous waters in the way 3 9 2 DodginginGPSmode 3 9 3 Dodginginwindmode Press to resume the earlier wind angle SWA changes by the dodge angle Boat comes to new wind angle The Explorer AP380 beeps Wind SWA 40 The Explorer AP380 will steer back to the GPS plotted course Make sure there are no obstacles or dangerous waters in the w...

Page 46: ...ssmode Auto tacking is intended to tack a sailing boat The course to steer changes by the tack angle press select Tack Gybe then press to tack to port by the tack angle press select Tack Gybe then press to tack to starboard by the tack angle Press to initiate a tack to port or starboard Press or to select tack direction The boat sails straight while the Explorer AP380 counts down the tack delay Th...

Page 47: ...o starboard by 180 Note To tack to a fixed wind angle use the AP380 in Wind mode see section 7 3 To view or change the tack angle or the tack delay go to tack mode tack angle or tack delay in the Options menu see section 6 3 Gybe angle is not used in Compass mode Press to initiate a 90 or 180 turn to port or starboard Press or to select turn direction When auto tacking in Compass Mode the course t...

Page 48: ...he same as before the tack or gybe but on the other side After the boat has reached the tack angle the boat turns again so that the SWA set wind angle is the same as the SWA before the tack but from the other side Wind SWA 40 Press select Tack Gybe then press to initiate a tack to port The tack is finished when the boat reaches the new wind angle To cancel the tack at any time press At the end of ...

Page 49: ...irection once The Explorer AP380 counts down the tack delay The Explorer AP380 counts down the tack delay Press select Tack Gybe then press to initiate a tack to port Press select Tack Gybe Then press to initiate a gybe to starboard To cancel the gybe at any time press End of tack boat is at new SWA End of tack boat is at new SWA The course changes by the gybe angle Wind The course changes again s...

Page 50: ...ed the bezel backlight on the Explorer AP380 flashes the alarm window is displayed and the alarm status icon is shown in the color corresponding to the severity of the alarm Press or to acknowledge and reset the alarm This action does not disable the alarm Alarms can be set Menu Setup Alarms menu see section 6 5 Severity Alarm tone Color Description Info Single beep Blue Information message does n...

Page 51: ...Alarm history screen shows a list of up to 18 recorded alarm events To show the Alarm history screen Select Details from the alarm window or Go to Menu Setup Alarms Alarm History Turn the Control Dial to select an alarm in the list and press to see the Alarm details 3 12 4 Alarmdetails The alarm details window shows extra detail on an individual alarm 3 13 Keylock When keylock is activated the Exp...

Page 52: ... display with just the essential AP380 data Display area Function 1 Drive indicators Left and right boxes light up to indicate when the AP380 is driving the rudder 2 Heading Large digits show the heading of the vessel 3 Info panel This panel can be configured to display different data items Default Automatically switches between Rudder angle Course error and Cross track error 4 Set course STBY mod...

Page 53: ... cells Default Course to steer Course error 5 Bar data panels Customizable indicator bar Default Automatically switches between Rudder angle Course error and Cross track error 6 Mode panel Left hand side shows the steering mode COMPASS GPS WIND Right hand side shows the operating mode Standby Auto H Steer inside a colored tab Panel changes to blue when in AUTO mode The colored tab is yellow in STB...

Page 54: ...isplay different items Default Automatically switches between Rudder angle Course error and Cross track error 6 Deviationscale Indicates what data the deviation bar is currently showing and the magnitude 7 Mode panel Left hand side shows the steering mode COMPASS GPS WIND Right hand side shows the operating mode Standby Auto H Steer inside a colored tab Panel changes to blue when in AUTO mode The ...

Page 55: ...ph plots data over a period of time There are two graph series that can be configured red and green Default Rudder angle Course error 4 Time base The time base of the graph can be set from 2 minutes to 1 hour This is the amount of time it takes for new data to scroll from the right hand side to the left hand side Options menu Data setup Enters the data set up mode Use the Control Dial to highlight...

Page 56: ...arm status The AP380 and Compass screens have separate settings for the data header Header menu Data Turns the data header completely on or off Data setup Enters the data set up mode The Data header expands to display all 6 possible data cells Some data cells may be blank Use the Control Dial to highlight a data cell press to display a list of data types that can be displayed in that cell Size Sel...

Page 57: ...es an audible beep when a key is pressed or Control Dial is rotated Auto power off Select to have the AP380 power off automatically every time the boat s ignition is switched off This applies only if the display unit is wired for Auto Power see installation manual About Displays information about the unit Factory Reset Resets all settings to the factory default settings A warning box asks Are you ...

Page 58: ...50 maximum 160 Gybe mode Off gybing is disabled Auto vessel gybes to the same set wind angle but on the opposing tack Set angle vessel gybes through an angle set in Gybe angle then steers to the same set wind angle but on the opposing tack Gybe angle Set gybe angle if Set angle is selected in Gybe mode Minimum 40 maximum 140 Tack delay Set delay that the AP380 will use from the time a Tack is requ...

Page 59: ...nimum 1 maximum 90 Low battery The alarm will sound if the vessel battery voltage is below the setting Set OFF or a value in Volts Minimum 7 maximum 14 Volts High current The alarm will sound if the current drawn from the battery by the rudder drive system exceeds the setting Set a value in Amps Minimum 5 maximum 20 Amps Active alarms Displays a list of currently active alarms see section 3 12 2 A...

Page 60: ... the current heading Accept calibration Calibration complete Rudder Use this calibration wizard to calibrate the rudder Follow the on screen instructions Centre the rudder Turn rudder to Maximum Port Turn rudder to Maximum Starboard Set angle press and dial in the current rudder angle Centre the rudder Stand clear of the rudder and linkages so the AP380 can test the limits Testing limits press at ...

Page 61: ...and steer manually Never leave the helm unattended keep a watch at all times and be ready to resume steering the boat manually Do not try to turn the rudder by hand when the AP380 is engaged Local variations in magnetic field can affect the accuracy of the compass heading Such variations are the responsibility of the user 7 Steering modes 7 1 Compasssteeringmode The AP380 has three ways of steerin...

Page 62: ... example To engage HANDSTEER hold AUTO The AP380 steers the boat automatically The Explorer AP380 sets CTS course to steer to the current heading in this example 45 and starts steering on this course To disengage the AP380 press The AP380 returns to STBY mode Steer the boat manually Heading 45 CTS 45 Manually steer the boat to open waters Sail straight on the intended course 7 1 2 Engaginganddisen...

Page 63: ...ation BRG Bearing to destination The bearing to the destination from the boat COG Course over ground Direction in which the boat is moving over the ground CE Course error The difference between CTS and the boat heading CTS Course to steer Optimum course to steer to return to the plotted course DTG Distance to go Distance from the boat to the destination SOG Speed over ground The current boat speed...

Page 64: ...eer the boat to open waters Start the GPS navigating to a waypoint either a waypoint on a route or a single waypoint XTE distance to GPS course GPS plotted course to a waypoint GPS plotted course When the Explorer AP380 is engaged if the XTE is more than 0 05 nm or the boat heading is not within 30 of BRG then the Explorer AP380 displays a warning Press to remain in STBY mode or press to have the ...

Page 65: ...tart steering to the next waypoint When the boat reaches the final waypoint the AP380 shows the following alarm The AP380 continues steering on the old course Select OK change to Compass mode and continue sailing at the current heading Press to return to STBY mode Note To return to the last waypoint if the boat has passed the waypoint restart the GPS navigating to the waypoint 7 2 4 GPSgain In GPS...

Page 66: ...ourse to steer The course to steer to maintain the SWA set wind angle Course error The difference between APP wind angle and SWA set wind angle SWA Set wind angle The desired wind angle TRUE True wind angle The true wind angle at the boat P in front of the angle means the wind is from port S means that the wind is from starboard 7 3 Windsteeringmode The AP380 has three ways of steering the boat co...

Page 67: ... wind direction is closer to dead ahead than true wind direction Boat is at rest True wind speed is the same as apparent wind speed and true wind direction is the same as apparent wind direction True wind speed 20 kts Boat moving downwind Apparent wind speed is less than true wind speed and apparent wind direction is closer to dead ahead than true wind direction True wind speed 20 kts True wind sp...

Page 68: ... boat manually GPS plotted course The Explorer AP380 sets CTS course to steer to the current heading in this example 45 sets SWA set wind angle to the current wind angle and starts steering at this wind angle SWA 45 Wind APP P40 For example SWA 45 Wind APP P40 APP S40 SWA 40 Wind APP S120 SWA 120 Wind The Explorer AP380 can also be engaged on the starboard tack for example or when running for exam...

Page 69: ...oat movement The range is 1 broad course keeping to 10 tight course keeping Ratio gain How far the rudder moves relative to the degrees of course error The range is 1 small corrections to 10 large corrections Trim Trim gain Integral gain Watches if the boat is off course consistently in one direction Ex Due to a strong wind or poor weight distribution Trim Gain causes the AP380 to slowly apply ext...

Page 70: ...ditions To change a profile go to Menu Setup Profiles Profile menu Each of the five profiles can be individually named and configured with different steering performance settings and recalled as needed To name the currently selected profile go to Menu Setup Profiles Edit name then Use the Control Dial and to edit the name of the profile Rotate the Control Dial to select numerical and upper and low...

Page 71: ...atio Decrease counter rudder gain Decrease trim gain This causes wear on the steering linkage and uses power Decrease response Reduce ratio Reduce counter rudder gain Problem rudder turns too frequently Problem oscillations from side to side build up Decrease ratio Problem after a large course change boat takes too long to settle to new course Decrease counter rudder gain Problem after a large cou...

Page 72: ...eways current or wind the correction is applied too quickly or too slowly If the boat encounters a sideways force then it will move off course sideways The AP380 will automatically bring the boat back to the correct heading by applying a few degrees of rudder called trim Trim gain sets how quickly the trim is applied Trim gain should be adjusted to trim the boat in about one minute Getting the Tri...

Page 73: ...hould drift from side to side of the course when the AP380 steering is optimized b Change to a profile suitable for boat speed and sea conditions see section 8 2 c If the boat drifts too far from the course adjust response ratio counter rudder gain GPS gain if AP380 is in GPS mode or wind gain if AP380 is in wind mode see section 8 1 9 Troubleshooting 4 When sailing a straight course the boat drif...

Page 74: ... Orange NavBus 4 Blue NavBus 7 Yellow Factory use isolate do not cut 3 White Factory use isolate do not cut 8 Green External alarm switched to ground 30 V DC and 250 mA max 2 Brown 9V out Green connector NavBusexpansion Pin Wire color Signal 5 Red Factory use isolate do not cut 1 Black Power negative 6 Orange NavBus 4 Blue NavBus 7 Yellow Factory use isolate do not cut 3 White Factory use isolate ...

Page 75: ...75 Northstar Explorer AP380 System Installation and Operation Manual ...

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