Si-tex SP38, Installation And Operation Manual, Page: 73 / 193

Sitex SP38 Installation and Operation Getting Started
Document PN 29010101 V1r0
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Getting Started
This chapter describes all the basic concepts you need to be familiar with when using your
SP38 Advanced Autopilot System, and the steps needed to prepare it for use.
Autopilot Operations
After it is installed, almost all of your interaction with your autopilot system will be done by
means of the Control Head. These include:
•
selecting an operating mode
•
setting up the parameters you wish to use in each mode
•
monitoring your vessel’s Heading
•
setting a desired Heading to be followed
•
making Special Turns
•
monitoring the various system status items
System On/Off
The SP38 SPU, once wired to a battery, will always be in power on status. It can only be
powered down by remove the power supply.
This is also true for SP38 control Head and SP38 series of remote controllers. The pwr button
on the SP38 Control Head is used to turn the system to a sleep mode where the display is
turned off and minimum current is consumed.
First time power on
The first time you power on your system, the SP38 Controller will search for a SP38 SPU.
SP38 SPU will also search for suitable data sources it needs in various operations from the NMEA 2000
network. The following table shows what data are used for SPU
Data Source Required in Operation modes Where to select/change a source
Heading All modes
Rudder P.Steer, AUTO, NAV Fixed from RFU port
Navigation NAV
Position AUTO ALC mode
If you have more than one NMEA 2000 device that can provide the same type of data, you
can turn off all devices except the one you want SP38 to use before you power on your SPU.
Once SPU has found and saved a device, it will use the same device in the next power cycle.
You can only change this source through the Network Configuration menu (refer to Network
Config Menu for more details), or through a network reset to allow the SPU to pick a new
one.
If you want to use an non-NMEA 2000 data source, for example a fluxgate compass for
heading, you can change the source port from the SPU configuration menu. The following
table shows available ports