background image

 

6 | System description 

1.3

 

Software record 

Control units 

When the system is switched on, a status display shows 

the serial number and software version for the control 

unit.  

 

 

The shown readout is only an example!  

Autopilot computers 

Serial number and software version for autopilot 

computers and other SimNet sources can be found under 

the control unit User setup menu. Refer to Manual source 
selection
 in the autopilot operator manual. 

   

 

 

1.4

 

Exchange of software program 

For upgrading the software of Simrad products/devices, 

refer to Manual for Software Upgrade Tool, part no. 

20222956. 

 

Summary of Contents for AC12

Page 1: ...www simrad yachting com A brand by Navico Leader in Marine Electronics Installation manual Simrad AP24 AP28 Autopilots with AC12 AC42 Autopilot Computers English ...

Page 2: ...s and the English version of this document the English document will be the official version To the best of our knowledge the content in this publication was correct at the time of printing As we are continuously improving our products we retain the right to make changes to the product and the documentation at any time Updated manuals are available from our website www simrad yachting com and are ...

Page 3: ...ad AC12 and AC42 autopilot computers and other components in an autopilot system Please take time to read this manual to get a thorough understanding of the system components and their relationship to a complete autopilot system Important text that requires special attention from the reader is emphasized as follows Used to draw the reader s attention to a comment or some important information Used...

Page 4: ... 8 2 4 Autopilot system layout 9 2 5 Autopilot computer installation 11 2 6 Rudder Feedback installation 14 2 7 LF3000 Linear Feedback 16 2 8 Drive unit installation 18 2 9 AP24 and AP28 Control unit installation 20 2 10 FC40 and RC42 Compass installation 23 2 11 R3000X Remote Control installation 24 2 12 JS10 Joystick 24 2 13 S35 NFU Lever installation 25 2 14 Interfacing 25 2 15 SimNet 26 2 16 E...

Page 5: ... Unit 36 4 3 AP28 Control Unit 38 4 4 Autopilot Computers 39 4 5 FC40 Fluxgate Compass 41 4 6 RC42 Rate Compass 42 4 7 RF300 Rudder Feedback 43 4 8 RF25 Rudder Feedback 45 4 9 R3000X Remote Control 45 4 10 JS10 Joystick 46 4 11 SimNet 47 4 12 IP protection 47 4 13 AT10 SimNet NMEA0183 converter 48 5 Index 51 ...

Page 6: ...cts SimNet provides high speed data transfer and control of Simrad products integrated in a total steering and navigation system 1 2 How to use this manual This manual is intended as a reference guide for installing and maintaining the Simrad AC12 and AC42 autopilot computers and other components in an autopilot system Please take time to read this manual to get a thorough understanding of the sys...

Page 7: ... is only an example Autopilot computers Serial number and software version for autopilot computers and other SimNet sources can be found under the control unit User setup menu Refer to Manual source selection in the autopilot operator manual 1 4 Exchange of software program For upgrading the software of Simrad products devices refer to Manual for Software Upgrade Tool part no 20222956 ...

Page 8: ...ist below 2 1 Installation checklist 1 Determine the system configuration you are installing Page 8 2 Perform the hardware installation Page 11 3 Connect SimNet devices to SimNet page 26 4 Perform Set up refer to Operator manual 5 Test Autopilot Operation at Sea refer to Sea Trial instructions in the Operator manual 2 2 Unpacking and handling Care should be taken when unpacking and handling the eq...

Page 9: ... in Figure 2 1 and a system layout with options is shown in Figure 2 2 Plan your cabling and configure the SimNet network in accordance with chapter 2 15 on page 26 Pay particular attention to the autopilot computer drive unit combinations As most of the units are communicating on a common network SimNet with identical connectors the installation is simple Try to mount the units within the standar...

Page 10: ...formation to the autopilot system 2 4 Autopilot system layout 12 24V Motor supply Drive unit AP24 Control Unit Multijoiner Compass 5 5 m 5 5 m 5 5 m 24 AP MODE MENU AUTO STBY TURN 10 10 PWR 1 1 RF25 Rudder Feedback 12V SimNet supply SimNet cable with terminator Autopilot Computer Non SimNet SimNet Figure 2 1 AP24 basic system layout ...

Page 11: ...LF3000 Linear Feedback optional LFI3000 Interface optional RF25 Rudder Feedback Unit 12 24V Motor supply 24 AP MODE MENU AUTO STBY TURN 10 10 PWR 1 1 Autopilot Computer Multijoiner Compass 5 5 m 5 5 m 5 5 m 12V SimNet supply SimNet cable with terminator PWR NAV WIND TURN STBY DRIFT NO AUTO MENU Termination plug Figure 2 2 AP24 system layout with options ...

Page 12: ...xposed to dripping or splashing water Figure 2 3 Autopilot computer mounting Cabling Use only shielded cables and ready made SimNet cables and accessories This includes motor supply drive unit cables and if necessary extension of the optional rudder feedback cable s The clutch bypass cable and the solenoid cable should be 1 5 mm2 AWG14 The motor supply cable and the drive unit motor cable should h...

Page 13: ...Up to 3 m 10 ft 12 2 5 12 2 5 Up to 6 m 20 ft 10 4 10 2 5 Up to 10 m 32 ft 8 6 10 4 Up to 16 m 52 ft 6 10 8 6 Remove the bottom cover to get access to the plug in terminals Provide sufficient wire length so that the plug in terminals can be easily connected and disconnected Pull out each terminal before connecting the wires Remove all strands before putting back the terminal cover Plug in terminal...

Page 14: ...you have to swap the wires When the light is green the polarity is correct Switch off the supply voltage and put the fuse into correct position Radio Frequency Interference RFI The autopilot system has excellent RFI protection as per EMC Directive 2004 108 EC SimNet cables and other signal cables feedback NMEA should not be run in parallel with other cables carrying RF or high current such as VHF ...

Page 15: ... than described below Turn the helm wheel to set the rudder tiller arm to approximate centre position Set the mounting location to be in accordance with Figure 2 5 The centre of the feedback unit should be in line with the centre of the rudder post Mount the feedback unit to a suitable platform using the screws provided If necessary add blocking material under the feedback unit to adjust the heigh...

Page 16: ...point set the transmitter rod to the inner limit of the outer slot if possible Refer to Figure 2 5 Drill and tap the rudder tiller arm so that the Y1 dimension is equal to the Y2 dimension Use 4 2 mm drill and 5 mm tap Attach the ball joint to the tiller arm and connect the transmitter rod to the ball joint at the rudder tiller arm Tighten the mounting screws for both the feedback unit and the tra...

Page 17: ... in place in the cylinder Pay attention as it may slip out of its housing and end up on the seabed The LF3000 is a waterproof feedback unit It has a 300 mm 11 8 stroke and comes with a special mounting bracket which secures the LF3000 to the cylinder of the existing outboard drive unit The 8 5 m 28 cable is terminated in the LFI3000 Mk2 Linear Feedback Interface according to Figure 2 9 The mountin...

Page 18: ...r plate using the two washers and the cap nut provided Adjust the location of the LF3000 Linear Feedback to allow full travel of the hydraulic cylinder without causing the retainer plate to hit the end of the cylinder Check that the outboard motor can be tilted freely Tighten all nuts and the mounting bracket Turn the helm slowly by hand to the stop on either side check that the rod does not bind ...

Page 19: ...s on page 19 onwards Installation instruction for the drive units are found in the manual for the individual units The maximum drive current capability of the AC12 and AC42 autopilot computers are different Use the table below as reference and observe the notes on next page HYDRAULIC PUMPS RAM CAPACITY MODEL MOTOR VOLTS AUTO PILOT COMPU TER MIN cm3 cu in MAX cm3 cu in FLOW RATE AT 10 bar cm3 min c...

Page 20: ...00 19 3 10 A 298 11 7 MSD50 12V AC12 190 7 5 60 132 15 0 8 2 A Steering gear interface Connects to quadrant or tiller For stern drive power assisted steering only 1 For 12V drive units the motor voltage is stepped down by the autopilot computer when operating from 24V supply 2 The specified autopilot computer is necessary to achieve max drive unit capacity 3 Recommended operational thrust or torqu...

Page 21: ...L MOTOR SOL MOTOR SOL GND AC12 Autopilot Computer Solenoid Valve Figure 2 12 Connecting a solenoid valve 2 9 AP24 and AP28 Control unit installation Avoid mounting the control unit s where it is easily exposed to sunlight as this will shorten the lifetime of the display Do not install the control unit where moisture is present at the rear It may cause damage by entering the breathing hole or by co...

Page 22: ...template Connect the SimNet cable s to the control unit connector s To daisy chain units remove the blocking plug with a pair of pliers Use the supplied 19 mm screws to fasten the control unit to the panel Apply the front panel corners Do not over tighten the mounting screws Figure 2 13 AP24 Panel mounting Optional bracket mounting Figure 2 14 AP24 Bracket mounting ...

Page 23: ...22 Installation Figure 2 15 AP28 Panel mounting Figure 2 16 AP28 Bracket mounting ...

Page 24: ...e for the mechanical offsets that may be a result of the selected location and orientation of the compass If the connected products have no offset feature the compass must be deck or bulkhead mounted athwart ship with the cable gland pointing back Select a location that provides a solid mounting place free from vibration and as close to the vessel s centre of roll and pitch as possible i e close t...

Page 25: ... available SimNet connector in the SimNet backbone 2 11 R3000X Remote Control installation R3000X should be mounted in the supplied bracket that can be fixed by four mounting screws The unit is weather proof and can be mounted outdoor Autopilot Computer R3000X REMOTE LAMP YELLOW GREEN RED BLUE STBD PORT GND Figure 2 18 R3000X connection 2 12 JS10 Joystick Refer to separate installation instruction...

Page 26: ... Wht Pnk Gry Green STBD PORT GND Figure 2 19 S35 connections The unit is opened by removing the three screws on the back cover Inside are two sets of micro switches a printed circuit board with a plug in terminal and a jumper strap 2 14 Interfacing With the autopilot system there are several possibilities to connect to other equipment for data collection and exchange 1 Use SimNet 2 Use SimNet via ...

Page 27: ...red For cable extension in line cable joiners are available Total length of SimNet cable installed in a system should not exceed 150 meter 500 If you plan to extend your SimNet system in the future it may be advantageous to prepare for it by adding a few T joiners in central locations The T joiners provide easy access to the network and can be replaced with a new product or the new product can be ...

Page 28: ...o the number and type of products connected In a small system consisting of maximum 5 SimNet products and a total length of 5 m SimNet backbone cable you only need the SimNet power cable with built in termination red disc on cable plug For additional information about SimNet ask for the separate SimNet Manual AP24 IS20 Graphic 12V SimNet supply T joiner T joiner 5 5 m 5 5 m 5 5 m Compass Non SimNe...

Page 29: ...5 5 m 1 0 m 20 m 30 m 40 m 5 5 m 5 5 m Active depth transducer Analog Speed Temp sensor Autopilot 24 AP MODE MENU AUTO STBY TURN 10 10 PWR 1 1 RF25 Rudder Feedback 12V SimNet supply SimNet cable without terminator Autopilot Computer Non SimNet SimNet backbone SimNet drop cable Figure 2 21 SimNet network medium system ...

Page 30: ...URN 10 10 PWR 1 1 RF25 Rudder Feedback 12V SimNet supply Cable without terminator AC12 AC42 Non SimNet SimNet backbone SimNet drop cable SIMRAD RS82 WR20 Figure 2 22 SimNet network expanded system 1 Maximum total length of SimNet cables is 150 m 500 ft 2 Drop cables must not exceed 6 m 19 ft of length and the total length of drop cables must not exceed 60 m 200 ft 3 Equipment should not be daisy c...

Page 31: ...arm circuit has an open collector output for an external alarm relay or buzzer The operating voltage for the circuit is the main supply voltage Max load on external alarm output is 0 75 Amp Autopilot Computer ALARM Figure 2 23 External alarm connection ...

Page 32: ... AP28 Control Unit 22096630 Mounting kit consisting of 22095483 Cabinet corners 6 44165181 Screw 3 5x19 4 24006355 SimNet blocking plug 22096820 Optional mounting bracket 24006355 SimNet blocking plug 22096572 AP28 Weather Cover Autopilot Computers 22089841 AC12 Autopilot Computer 22097166 AC12 Installation accessories 22089858 AC42 Autopilot Computer 22097125 AC42 Installation accessories 2209698...

Page 33: ...Compass w accessories 22081442 Installation Accessories Consisting of 20104972 Mounting plate 2 44140762 Screw 3 5x25 2 44140770 Screw 30x9 4 22081376 Plug 2 24006363 SimNet Cable 5 5 m 18 with one plug RF300 Rudder Feedback Unit 20193462 RF300 Rudder Feedback 20193454 Transmitter link 44133122 Transmitter rod M5x325mm 20193624 Ball joint Ass y 2 RF25 Rudder Feedback Unit 22014302 RF25 Rudder Feed...

Page 34: ...ter cable for SimNet products in a NMEA2000 network 24005860 SimNet T joiner 3p 24006298 SimNet multijoiner 7p 24005878 SimNet cable gland 24005886 SimNet protection plug 24006355 SimNet blocking plug 24005894 SimNet termination plug 24005928 SimNet cable protection cap 44172260 SimNet In line joiner w o termination 44172278 SimNet In line joiner w termination 24005936 AT10 Universal NMEA0183 conv...

Page 35: ...34 Spare parts list Blank page ...

Page 36: ...er Drive Proportional rate or solenoid on off Parameter selection Automatic Autotune with manual override Sea state control Adaptive sea state filter or manual Language selection Dutch English French German Italian Norwegian Spanish Swedish NMEA2000 interface Via SimNet port and SimNet NMEA2000 adapter cable Heading sensors Standard RC42 Rate Compass Options FC40 Fluxgate compass Rudder feedback u...

Page 37: ...page interface Instrument screen SimNet NMEA2000 PGN Heading PGN127250 PGN130577 Rudder angle PGN127245 Speed PGN128259 PGN129026 PGN130577 Depth PGN128267 Wind angle speed and direction PGN130306 Position PGN126992 PGN127250 PGN127258 PGN129025 PGN129026 PGN129029 PGN129033 PGN130577 NAV PGN129283 PGN129284 PGN129285 PGN129029 PGN129291 Log PGN128275 Sea temperature PGN130310 PGN130311 Parameter ...

Page 38: ... Network load factor NL 2 SimNet ports input output 2 Display Type Backlit LCD matrix display Resolution 130 x 79 pixels Illumination Red or white Adjustable in 10 steps Safe distance to compass 0 3 m 1 0 ft Environmental Protection IP56 from front IP43 from back Temperature Operating 0 to 55 C 32 to 130 F Storage 30 to 70 C 22 to 158 F Figure 4 1 AP24 Control Unit dimensions Mounting bracket is o...

Page 39: ... Network load factor NL 3 SimNet ports input output 2 Display Type Backlit LCD matrix display Resolution 130 x 104 pixels Illumination Red or white Adjustable in 10 steps Safe distance to compass 0 3 m 1 0 ft Environmental Protection IP56 from front IP43 from back Temperature Operating 0 to 55 C 32 to 130 F Storage 30 to 70 C 22 to 158 F Figure 4 2 AP28 Control Unit dimensions Mounting bracket is ...

Page 40: ...Net ports input output 1 Clutch bypass current 0 6 mA 3 A Reverse voltage indication Yes Motor solenoid drive AC12 8 A continuous 16 A for 1 sec peak AC42 30 A continuous 50 A for 1 sec peak Heading Sensor input SimNet NMEA2000 PGN127250 PGN130577 NFU control input Yes Rudder feedback input SimNet NMEA2000 PGN127245 Optional rudder feedback input Frequency signal 3400 Hz 20 Hz deg Solenoid output ...

Page 41: ...40 Technical specifications Figure 4 3 AC12 Autopilot Computer Dimensions Figure 4 4 AC42 Autopilot Computer Dimensions ...

Page 42: ...o 70 C 22 to 158 F Supply and interface 8 16V via SimNet Power consumption 1 4 W SimNet Network load factor NL 3 SimNet ports input output 1 Cable supplied 5 5 m 18 SimNet cable with connector Mounting Deck or bulkhead Automatic Performance Calibration Automatically activated from control head Gain control Automatically adjusted continuously Deviation control Automatic Static Performance Roll Pitc...

Page 43: ...ror 10 sec after turn 5 Output signal PGN127250 NMEA2000 compliant Figure 4 6 FC40 Fluxgate Compass Dimensions 4 6 RC42 Rate Compass Dimensions Same as FC40 See Figure 4 6 Weight 0 9 kg 2 0 lbs Material Off white ABS Environmental Protection IP56 Temperature range Operation 0 to 55 C 32 to 130 F Storage 30 to 70 C 22 to 158 F Supply and interface 8 16V via SimNet ...

Page 44: ...ilized Static Performance Roll Pitch 35 Accuracy 3 degrees after calibration Repeatability 1 0 Dynamic Performance With random excitation of 10 at max 1 Hz Heading error 2 With heading step input of 90 at a rate of 10 s Heading error 10 sec after turn 2 Output signal PGN127250 127251 NMEA2000 compliant 4 7 RF300 Rudder Feedback Dimensions See Figure 4 7 and Figure 4 8 Weight 0 5 kg 1 1 lbs Materia...

Page 45: ...dent two wire frequency signal Frequency resolution Centre 3400 Hz 20 Hz degree of change Linearity 3 up to 45 of rudder Transmitter link Stainless 345 mm 13 6 with 2 ball joints Ball joint stud for rudder arm requires 4 2 mm diameter hole and 5 mm tap Figure 4 7 Rudder Feedback Dimensions Figure 4 8 Transmitter link Dimensions ...

Page 46: ...r NL 1 SimNet ports input output 1 Cable supplied 5 5 m 18 SimNet cable with connector Rudder angle 120 degrees Output signal SimNet NMEA2000 PGN127245 Accuracy 0 7 Repeatability 0 1 Transmitter link Stainless 345 mm 13 6 with 2 ball joints Ball joint stud for rudder arm requires 4 2 mm diameter hole and 5 mm tap NMEA2000 compliant 4 9 R3000X Remote Control Dimensions See Figure 4 9 Weight 0 4 kg ...

Page 47: ...ensions See Figure 4 10 Weight 0 5 kg 1 1 lbs Environmental Protection Joystick IP66 Terminals IP20 Safe distance to compass 0 15 m 0 5 ft Temperature range Operation 25 to 70 C 13 to 158 F Storage 40 to 70 C 40 to 158 F Mounting Panel mount Cable 10 meters 33 ft Shock resistance according to MIL 202 B method 202 A 1 2 sinusoid 11 ms No damage or disassembling at 100g ...

Page 48: ...all drop cables accumulated 60 m 200 Environmental protection Cable and plug connector system IP66 Maximum temperature 70 C 158 F 4 12 IP protection Each part of a Simrad autopilot system has a two digits IP protection code The IP rating is a method to classify the degree of protection against solid objects water ingress and impact afforded by electrical equipment and enclosures The system is reco...

Page 49: ...ainst solid objects over 2 5 mm tools wires 3 Protected against sprays to 60 from the vertical 4 Protection against solid objects over 1 mm tools wires small wires 4 Protected against water sprayed from any direction 5 Protection against dust limited ingress no harmful deposit 5 Protected against low pressure jets of water from all directions limited ingress permitted 6 Totally protected against d...

Page 50: ...T x DPT 0 5 11 x GGA x GLL 0 52 x HDG 4 x HDM x2 HDT 4 x HSC 0 1 MTW 0 2 x MWV Relative Wind 1 x MWV True Wind 1 x RMA x RMB 0 5 x RMC 0 5 x RSA 3 33 VHW 0 5 x VTG 0 5 x VLW 0 2 0 51 x VWR x WPL x XTE x ZDA 0 5 x ZTG x Open cells indicates no transmission or reception 1 Applies only for units with P N S N code AA 2 Applies for units with P N S N code BA onwards ...

Page 51: ...50 Technical specifications ...

Page 52: ...rive 18 E external alarm 30 F fluxgate compass specifications 41 G grounding 13 I interfacing 25 IP protection code 47 N NMEA0183 49 NMEA2000 49 P polarity 13 R remote control specifications 46 rudder feedback installation 14 specifications 43 45 S SimNet 26 specifications 35 steering lever installation 25 system specifications 35 T terminal board 13 V virtual feedback 8 ...

Page 53: ...52 Index Blank page ...

Page 54: ...AP24 AP28 with AC12 AC42 Autopilot Computer manual EN Doc no 20222568 ...

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