OPERATING HINTS
The
4000’s computer
continuously optimises automatic steering
performance eliminating the need for
operator supervision.
It is, however, very important to
understand the effect of sudden trim
changes on steering performance. When
a sudden change in trim occurs the
automatic trim compensation system
requires approximately 60 seconds to
apply the necessary rudder off-set to
restore the automatic heading. In gusting
conditions, therefore, the course may
tend to wander slightly, particularly in the
case of a sailing yacht with badly
balanced sails. In the latter case, a
significant improvement in course
keeping can always be obtained by
improving sail balance. Bear in mind the
following important
l
Do not allow the yacht to heel
excessively.
l
Ease the mainsheet traveller to leeward
to reduce heeling and weather helm.
l
If necessary reef the mainsail a little
early.
It is also advisable whenever possible to
avoid sailing with the
dead astern in
very strong winds and large seas. Ideally,
the wind should be brought at least
away from a dead run and in severe
conditions it may be advisable to remove
the mainsail altogether and sail under
only. Providing these simple
precautions are taken the autopilot will be
able to maintain competent control in
gale force conditions.
It may be noticed that the autopilot
tends to be a little less stable on northerly
headings in the higher latitudes of the
northern hemisphere (and conversely
southerly headings in the southern
hemisphere). This is caused by the
increasing angle of dip of the earths
magnetic field at higher latitudes which
2 0
has the effect of amplifying rudder
response on northerly headings. The
tendency towards northerly heading
instability is usually more obvious at
higher speeds and when it occurs can be
corrected by reducing the rudder control
setting.
Passage making under automatic pilot
is a very pleasant experience which can
lead to the temptation of relaxing
permanent watch. This must alwavs be ,
.
avoided no matter how clear the sea
to be.
Remember, a large ship can travel two
miles in five minutes -just the time it takes
to make a cup of coffee!
WARNING
Hand steering is not possible with the
drive unit clutch engaged. The clutch
lever must first be rotated fully
to disengage the
clutch.
It is the skippers responsibility to
brief all crew members on this
procedure.
TOTE BAG
(Cat No.
A special zip top padded bag made from
tough PVC is available to protect and stow
your
control unit and
accessories and is available from
stockists.
Warning
l
Do not stow your
control
unit in a locker liable to flooding by the
bilge water.
l
Do not leave your
control
unit in a damp locker over the winter
lay up period.
MAINTENANCE
All moving parts of the system have been
lubricated for life at the factory. Therefore
no maintenance whatsoever will be
required. Should a fault develop the
autopilot’s plugability ensures that only
the defective unit need be returned.
Before this is done please double check
that the power supply cable is sound and
.
that all connections are tight and free
corrosion.
the control unit is the most
complex, there is a very high probability
that if a fault has occurred it is in this unit
which should therefore be returned for
repair, which will be carried out speedily
and at moderate cost. The drive unit has
proven to be extremely reliable and is very
unlikely to develop a fault. If however the
drive unit is suspected of being faulty it
may be checked by connecting 12V across
the sockets at the end of the drive unit
cable and ensuring the motor runs
normally.
If it is noticed that the drive is slipping
under normal steering loads, the drive
unit should be returned to the nearest
Distributor or Service Centre for
inspection.
In the case of
yacht fitted with
a
system if a fault occurs only in
vane mode then it is likely that a fault has
developed in the vane head.
LIMITED WARRANTY
Nautech or its appointed Distributors or
Service Centres will, subject to the
I
conditions below, rectify any failures in
this product due to faulty manufacture
which become apparent within two years
purchase date.
used in the country of
purchase should be sent directly to the
authorised Distributor for that country or
its appointed Service Centres. The product
will then be serviced free of charge and
returned promptly direct to the sender.
Equipment used outside the country of
purchase can be
a. Returned to the Distributor or Dealer in
whose country or from whom the
equipment was originally purchased
it will then be serviced free of charge
and promptly returned direct to
the sender, or
b. The product can be returned freight
pre-paid to the authorised Distributor
or its appointed Service Centres in the
country in which the product is being
used. It will then be serviced and
returned direct to the sender on the
basis that the Distributor or Service
Centre will supply any parts used free
of charge but the sender will be
invoiced for the necessary
and
return shipment at the local rate.
CONDITIONS
The warranty is invalid
a. The product has been misused,
installed or operated not in accordance
with the standards defined in this
manual.
b. Repairs have been attempted by
persons other than Nautech approved
Service personnel.
AFTER SALES SERVICE
Should for any reason your
4000 require attention ensure that you
return it to one of the Authorised Service
Centres. You will find a list enclosed.
Each service centre is trained and
equipped to provide expert attention to
your
4000.
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Summary of Contents for Autohelm 4000
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