4.0 FUNCTIONAL TEST PROCEDURES
The following functional test procedure is
recommended before attempting sea trials.
4.1 MAIN CONTROL UNIT
Switch to
Set
and observe that the compass
automatically sets to the present heading.
The
Steer
control will rotate while the
compass is setting and slow down as the
null position is approached. When the
compass is finally set both pilot lights will be
extinguished.
Switch to
Duty
and check that the drive unit
clutch is engaged by attempting to rotate
the steering wheel.
Adjust the
Sea
and Rudder controls to ‘0’.
Then adjust the Steer control one or two
divisions clockwise and then counter-
clockwise. The steering wheel should rotate
in the same direction as the
Steer
control. If
opposite wheel rotation occurs, reverse the
phase switch. (A small screwdriver will be
required to operate the phase switch after
removal of the blank rubber grommet from
the rear case).
Increase
Rudder
control setting and note
that larger wheel movements result when the
Steer
control is adjusted.
Increase
control setting and note
that larger movements of the
Steer
control
are necessary in either direction
steering wheei movement commences.
The automatic trimming capability of the
Ensure that the chain and sprockets driving
autopilot can be observed by the following test:
the actuator move freely and in alignment.
Switch to
Set
to realign the compass. Then
switch to
Duty
and offset the
Steer
control by
approximately two divisions i.e. approximately
10 degrees of heading change. This effectively
simulates a condition where the need for
standing helm has developed and the vessel is
not returning to course. You will notice that after
an initial fixed helm has been applied the drive
unit continues to apply further helm movements,
but at a much slower rate. If left in this condition
the wheel will eventually rotate hardover. If,
however, the vessel is moving through the water
the progressive application of additional helm
will eventually return the vessel to its original
course with the necessary standing helm
applied. This can be simulated by rotating the
steer control back to the original course
position. The progressive application of
standing helm will cease when the compass
senses that the original course has been
restored.
Ensure that chain tension is adjusted
correctly (see 2.2.1)
Select
Duty
and rotate the
Rudder
control
several turns to the right to drive the rudder
hardover.
When the actuator drives the rudder onto the
mechanical limit stops ensure that the
mounting of the drive actuator shows
no
sign of movement.
Rotate the
Rudder
control in the opposite
direction to reverse the rudder drive to the
opposite end stop. Check for any movement.
4.2 AUXILIARY CONTROL UNIT
Switch the auxiliary control unit to
Set
and
then
depress
Remote
on the main control
unit. In this position the compass
automatically sets to the present heading.
Switch the auxiliary control unit to
Duty
and
check
drive unit clutch is engaged
by attempting to rotate the steering wheel.
4.3 MECHANICAL TEST
PROCEDURES
Before attempting sea trials it is important to
verify that the vital link between the
5000 drive actuator and the vessel’s steering
system is free of obstruction and operating
correctly.
It is strongly advised that the following
simple checks are carried out.
Warning
When the steering system is being moved
manually or under drive from the actuator
do
not
touch any part of the system, sprockets,
chains or limit stops. The forces exerted are
considerable and could cause injury.
Rotary Drive Unit
Locate the actuator and with an assistant to
turn the main steering wheel switch on the pilot.
Press
Set
turn the steering wheel from
to hardover.
