29
Reference Manual
Use this feature when the autopilot is connected
to other Northstar instruments through NavBus or
any compatible NMEA instrument.
NMEA mode
Select NMEA port mode.
Input
– NMEA port can receive NMEA data
Slow
– NMEA port outputs heading and
rudder angle once per second
Fast
– NMEA port outputs heading data ten
times per second
The calibrate wizard screens are used during
the initial autopilot installation stage or if any
previously installed autopilot transducers have
changed or moved.
It is vital to the performance of the autopilot that
the transducers are installed in the best location
and carefully calibrated.
Compass
Use this calibration wizard to calibrate
the compass.
Follow the on-screen instructions:
• Slowly turn boat 2.5 times, observing the
turn rate indicator
• Align heading – press
and dial in the
current heading
• Accept
calibration
• Calibration
complete
Rudder
Use this calibration wizard to calibrate the rudder.
Follow the on-screen instructions:
• Center the rudder
• Turn rudder to Maximum Port
• Turn rudder to Maximum Starboard
• Set angle – press
and dial in the current
rudder angle
• Center the rudder
6-7 Setup > Comms
NavBus group
Use this when a group of Northstar instruments are
connected together using NavBus, to specify a group
of instruments for backlighting, if required. Then, if
the backlight setting on one instrument in the group is
adjusted, the other instruments change automatically.
Otherwise, select 0.
6-8 Setup
>
Calibrate
• Stand clear of the rudder and linkages so the
autopilot can test the limits.
• Testing limits – press
at any time to abort
the calibration
• Accept
calibration
• Calibration
complete
Align heading
Use to align the compass to the actual boat heading. If
a compass calibration has recently been performed, it
is not necessary to align the heading again.
Use the manual helm to sail a straight course and
ensure the boat heading does not change during this
procedure. Use an accurate reference compass or
external GPS to find the actual boat heading. If you
are using an external GPS, sail as fast as convenient to
ensure the heading is accurate.
Enter the actual course heading.
Minimum = 0°; maximum = 359° (degrees)
Center Rudder
Use to set the rudder center position. If a rudder
calibration has recently been performed, it is not
necessary to set the rudder centre position again. Ensure
the rudder is in the center position and that there is no
cross-wind or tidal current affecting the rudder.
Select OK and press
when the rudder is centered.
