Simrad AP28 Operator'S Manual Download Page 3

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AP28 Manual | 3

Content

1 System description ..................................... 7

1.1 General ..................................................7

1.2 System components .................................8

1.3 AP28 Control Unit.....................................8

1.4 Autopilot Computer ..................................9

1.5 Rudder Feedback unit ...............................9

1.6 Heading Sensors .................................... 10

1.7 Optional equipment ................................ 10

1.8 Software record ..................................... 10

2 Operation.................................................. 11

2.1 Overview .............................................. 11

2.2 ON/OFF ................................................ 14

2.3 Backlighting .......................................... 15

2.4 Standby mode ....................................... 16

2.5 Automatic steering ................................. 17

2.6 NoDrift mode......................................... 36

2.7 Navigating with the AP28 ........................ 37

2.8 Wind vane steering (sailboats) ................. 41

2.9 Wind steering and navigation (sailboats) ... 45

2.10 Data pages.......................................... 48

2.11 Multiple station system ......................... 49

3 Main menu ................................................ 51

3.1 Data pages setup ................................... 52

3.2 Setup Menu........................................... 54

Summary of Contents for AP28

Page 1: ...OPERATOR MANUAL AP28 AUTOPILOT 20222527 A Sw 1 1 English A P 2 8 ...

Page 2: ...lease take time to read this manual to get a thorough understanding of the operation the system components and their relationship to a complete AP28 autopilot system In this manual names of menu commands dialog box text and keys are written in boldface e g Main menu Setup command Left key Important text that requires special attention from the reader is emphasized as follows Used to draw the reade...

Page 3: ...nal equipment 10 1 8 Software record 10 2 Operation 11 2 1 Overview 11 2 2 ON OFF 14 2 3 Backlighting 15 2 4 Standby mode 16 2 5 Automatic steering 17 2 6 NoDrift mode 36 2 7 Navigating with the AP28 37 2 8 Wind vane steering sailboats 41 2 9 Wind steering and navigation sailboats 45 2 10 Data pages 48 2 11 Multiple station system 49 3 Main menu 51 3 1 Data pages setup 52 3 2 Setup Menu 54 ...

Page 4: ...05 5 2 Acknowledging an alarm 106 5 3 Viewing active alarms 106 5 4 Alarm codes 106 6 Trouble shooting 109 6 1 SimNet status 109 6 2 System data 109 6 3 Resets 110 6 4 Alarms 111 7 Maintenance 115 7 1 General 115 7 2 Control unit 115 7 3 Autopilot Computer 115 7 4 Rudder Feedback 115 7 5 Compass 116 7 6 Drive unit 116 7 7 Exchange of software program 116 8 Optional equipment 117 ...

Page 5: ...AP28 Manual 5 8 1 R3000X Remote Control NFU 117 8 2 S35 Steering Lever NFU 118 8 3 JS10 Joystick NFU 118 8 4 AP28 with MSD50 Stern Drive unit 118 9 Glossary 121 10 Index 125 ...

Page 6: ...6 AP28 Manual Blank page ...

Page 7: ...orward in autopilot technology providing leisure boats between 30 and 50 feet with a host of features The autopilot system can be expanded and enhanced with a selection of options and accessories The brain in the AP28 autopilot system is the single intelligent autopilot computer that communicates on the proprietary SimNet data and control network to establish a reliable digital communication and p...

Page 8: ... 1 3 AP28 Control Unit PWR NAV WIND TURN ST BY DRIFT NO AUTO MENU A compact autopilot control for panel bulkhead or bracket mounting A multifunction LCD display with two color backlighting presents readout of autopilot and navigation data tactile keys dedicated mode keys and rotary course knob provide simple and precise operation It has two SimNet connectors for system interconnection and control ...

Page 9: ...25 Rudder Feedback Unit The RF25 is designed for connection to the SimNet network It comes with transmission link and 5 m 16 feet of SimNet cable with connector The RF25 provides rudder angle output to a separate rudder angle indicator also when the autopilot is switched off RF300 Rudder Feedback Unit optional The RF300 is designed for connection to the autopilot computer It comes with transmissio...

Page 10: ... cable with connector is attached FC40 Fluxgate Compass optional This is a compact magnetic heading sensor using a floating ringcore in a fluxgate coil A 5 m 16 feet SimNet cable with connector is attached The dynamic performance is second to the RC42 1 7 Optional equipment See page 115 1 8 Software record When the system is switched on a status display shows the software version for the control u...

Page 11: ...ity or extreme sea conditions When in areas where use of autopilot is prohibited by law When using an autopilot Do not leave the helm unattended Do not place any magnetic material or equipment near heading sensor used in the autopilot system Verify at regular intervals course and position of vessel Always switch to Standby mode and reduce speed in due time to avoid hazardous situations 2 1 Overvie...

Page 12: ...ack or gybe in Wind mode MENU Menu Enter key Enter Main Menu Enter value Confirm OK Action according to the softkey symbol Left key Back Left Cancel Exit Long press Return to Main page operation level 1 Action according to the softkey symbol Right key Next Right Action according to the softkey symbol Up key Up in menu or list box Increase Action according to the softkey symbol Down key Down in men...

Page 13: ...softkey symbol Softkeys When the basic operation of the keys is changed softkey symbols will be displayed right above the keys to indicate the alternate function The following softkey symbols are used Symbol Action Symbol Action Symbol Action Ok Up Increase Day backlighting Cancel Down Decrease Shallow to stbd Enter Increase Shallow to port Back Decrease Installation Next Night backlighting Presen...

Page 14: ...larms Alarms are presented in plain text to alert you of system and external data failure conditions Alarms are both audible and visual The alarm listing is on page 111 Transfer of command In a multistation system the command can easily be transferred from one unit to another by pressing the active mode key AP28 units not in control will display the icon Advanced operation Refer to the Setup item ...

Page 15: ...t goes to STBY mode before it is turned off after 3 seconds In an emergency it is possible on a multistation system to turn OFF the system at any control unit by pressing the PWR key Please note that even if the autopilot is turned off a small amount of current is drawn from the batteries unless you throw the circuit breaker 2 3 Backlighting The display backlighting may be adjusted at any time PWR...

Page 16: ...hen steering the boat at the helm Display information Standby mode Current heading 345 M Compass source RC42 Rudder angle 01 to stbd See page 80 about VRF Power steering NFU In Standby mode press any of the PORT or STBD keys The Non Follow up NFU display is presented and the rudder will move as long as the key is pressed Activates PORT rudder command Activates STBD rudder command When a NFU steeri...

Page 17: ...aph When the autopilot is operating on Virtual Rudder Feedback VRF the rudder angle bargraph is empty 2 5 Automatic steering AUTO Compass mode When the AUTO key is pressed the AP28 automatically selects the current boat heading as the set course and maintains the rudder angle This gives a bumpless transfer at the mode change Automatic steering mode Set course 340 degrees Compass reading 339 M Head...

Page 18: ...he boat will automatically turn to the new heading and maintain the new course Heading capture When in AUTO or NoDrift mode page 36 heading capture allows you to automatically cancel the turn you are in by an instant press on the AUTO key or the NoDrift key The autopilot will cancel the turn to continue on the heading read from the compass the very moment you pressed the AUTO key or the NoDrift ke...

Page 19: ... When operating in an automatic mode the AP28 utilizes two different sets of steering parameters HI LO The parameters control the response of the boat at different speeds or wind directions The two parameter sets can be automatically or manually selected and each set can be manually adjusted response adjust The speed at which the autopilot automatically changes from LO to HI parameters or opposite...

Page 20: ...h response parameters set manually LO M Low response parameter set manually Power boats On power boats the automatic selection of HI or LO is determined solely by the speed of the boat as shown in the diagram above Sailboats When sailing in WIND mode the parameter set is determined by the speed of the boat and the direction of the wind as per below So if you loose too much speed e g when tacking t...

Page 21: ... response can be set to nine levels Level 4 is default with parameter values as set by the Autotune function If no Autotune is made not recommended the level 4 values are the factory default values A low response level reduces the rudder activity and provides a more loose steering A high response level increases the rudder activity and provides a more tight steering A too high response level will ...

Page 22: ...l heading is at an acceptable minimum If the difference between the set wind angle and the actual wind angle is too big increase the Wind response to reduce the difference If the actual wind angle is S ing around the set wind angle or the rudder activity is too high the Wind response should be reduced MENU Range Change per step Default 1 9 1 4 ...

Page 23: ...ve parameter set and how it is selected Pattern steering power boats The autopilot offers a number of different pattern steering features when in AUTO mode There is a one minute time out between selecting a turn pattern and starting the turn During the time out period the autopilot will maintain the set course When steering in a turn pattern you may at any time adjust the variables by pressing the...

Page 24: ... Press either the or key to select the direction to make the U Turn and start the turn Boat makes starboard U turn C turn The autopilot provides a continuous turn feature when in AUTO mode This may be used for circling fish or a particular object on the seabed C turn makes the boat turn in a circle with a constant rate of turn The user decides whether the C turn should be made to port or to starbo...

Page 25: ...ch to make the C turn and start The turn rate ROT can be adjusted before the turn is initiated and during the turn Increasing the turn rate yields to a smaller circle and vice versa MENU Turn parameter Range Change per step Default Units Rate of turn 10 600 5 90 min ...

Page 26: ...ncreasing radius To enter Spiral turn mode TURN The initial radius can be set before the turn is started Press either the or key to select the direction in which to make the spiral turn and start During the turn the change in radius can be adjusted and the number of feet or meter is how much the radius is changed for each circle turned If the change radius is set to zero the boat will turn in a ci...

Page 27: ...increasing radius Increasing radius Decreasing radius Turn parameter Range Change per step Default Initial radius 33 ft 3281 ft 10 m 1000 m 10 10 164 ft 50 m Change of radius per turn 164 ft 164 ft 50 m 50 m 5 2 66 ft 20 m The unit for radius is the same as the unit set for depth feet or meter ...

Page 28: ...fore the turn is initiated 2 70 Press either the or key to select the direction in which to make the first course change and start While sailing in a zigzag pattern you can alter the course change leg distance and the main course An arrow shows the direction of the next course change MENU ...

Page 29: ...ft 25 m 3000 m 50 25 1641 ft 500 m The unit for leg distance is the same as the unit set for depth feet or meter Square turn The square turn feature in AUTO mode can also be made as rectangle or any pattern where the next turn is 90 To enter Square turn mode TURN Press either the or key to select the direction in which to make the first course change and start Leg distance ...

Page 30: ...so at any time change the distance of the leg until the boat makes a new 90 turn MENU Turn parameter Range Change per step Default Leg distance 82 ft 9843 ft 25 m 3000 m 50 25 1641 ft 500 m The unit for leg distance is the same as the unit set for depth feet or meter ...

Page 31: ...sted before the turn is initiated 2 80 Press either the or key to select the direction in which to make the first course change and start While in a Lazy S pattern you can alter the course change magnitude turn radius and the main average course An arrow shows the direction of the turn ...

Page 32: ...change Higher radius Lower radius Main course Main course Initial course change Turn parameter Range Change per step Default Course change 4 160 4 28 Radius 16 ft 1641 ft 5 m 500 m 10 5 164 ft 50 m The unit for radius is the same as the unit set for depth feet or meter ...

Page 33: ...et depth This is very useful if you want to follow a depth contour Make sure you have depth reading available in the system Smooth seabed Rocky waters Slope Narrow channel Ridge Do not use this feature unless the seabed is suitable Do not use it in rocky waters where the depth is varying significantly over a small area TURN ...

Page 34: ... want to follow If the contour line is making a big change in direction you should manually adjust the set course to the new direction This will result in a quicker response from the autopilot If the course is not adjusted the autopilot will need more time to turn and steer the boat back to the reference depth The sub screen has the following adjustments Depth gain The autopilot is tracking the de...

Page 35: ...nd makes the boat turn to cross the reference depth contour in the opposite direction The larger the CCA the bigger the turn Turn parameter Range Change per step Default Main course 0 359 1 Depth gain 5 95 5 5 Contour Cross Angle 0 50 1 0 Reference depth The reference depth is captured when the DCTTM is activated To change the reference simply use the Up or Down key CCA set to 15 degrees Approachi...

Page 36: ...t how it works on your boat Due to a wide range of boat characteristics from cruising to racing boats the performance of the tack function may vary from boat to boat Except for the fixed course change and the difference in displays the procedure is similar to that of the U Turn described on page 22 TURN 2 6 NoDrift mode The NoDrift mode is an alternative to route steering in NAV mode and is automa...

Page 37: ...es the course to steer to keep the boat on the track line and direct the AP28 to the destination waypoint If the AP28 is connected to a navigation receiver that does not transmit a message with bearing to next waypoint it will steer on Cross Track Error XTE only In that case you have to revert to AUTO mode at each waypoint and manually change set course to equal bearing to next waypoint and then s...

Page 38: ...t waypoint WP the bearing of the track line BWW from the previous waypoint to the destination waypoint the required course change CHG and the direction in which the boat will turn If only one waypoint has been entered the bearing will be from the present position to the destination waypoint NAV mode Course to steer CTS 005 is set internally by the autopilot to steer the boat onto the track line an...

Page 39: ...oint the AP28 will output an audible warning display an alert screen with the new course information and automatically change course onto the new leg If the required course change is more than the NAV change limit default 10 you have to verify that the upcoming course change is acceptable This is a safety feature See page 79 on how to change the NAV change limit Alert screen Press the softkey to v...

Page 40: ...rcle The intention is to make the autopilot start the heading change in due time to make a smooth turn onto the next leg The figure below may be used to select the appropriate waypoint circle on the GPS chart plotter Example With the speed of 20 knots you should use a waypoint circle with radius 0 09 nm The distance between any waypoints in a route must not be smaller than the radius of the waypoi...

Page 41: ...IND mode by pressing the WIND key The wind display presents the following information WIND Wind vane mode Set wind angle 008 degrees from starboard Measured wind angle 008 A apparent or T true Course to steer to maintain set wind angle 345 Heading 344 M magnetic or T true Rudder angle 00 to starboard Speed from log 12 8 kn Parameter LO A Low value automatic set The set course to steer CTS and set ...

Page 42: ...he tacking operation will immediately mirror the set wind angle to the opposite side of the bow A tack window will appear on the display The rate of turn during the tack will be given by the Tack time parameter set in the Setup Sailing menu page 63 The tack time is also controlled by the speed of the boat to prevent loss of speed during a tack A quick press on the TURN key will activate the tack f...

Page 43: ...at to make it as quick as possible within control Tack and gybe prevent When beating and running using the autopilot is most critical If the sails are unbalanced when beating yaw forces from the sails can drive the boat into the wind If the boat is driven beyond the set minimum wind angle see page 96 the thrust from the sails will suddenly disappear and ...

Page 44: ...o steer the boat with waves coming sideways or from behind The waves may yaw the boat into an unwanted gybe this can be hazardous for both the crew and the mast The gybe prevent function will be activated when the actual apparent wind angle becomes greater than 175 or gets opposite to the set wind angle More rudder will be commanded to prevent an unwanted gybe The tack and gybe prevent functions a...

Page 45: ...Operation 45 Blank page ...

Page 46: ... shows a scenario with a sailboat that enters WindNAV mode to sail the most efficient way to waypoint WP1 1 The autopilot is still in Wind mode approaching mark 2 and waypoint WP1 has been entered on the chart plotter 2 The WindNAV mode is entered and the autopilot prompts confirmation for a course change of 71 degrees to starboard 3 The boat is now on the leg to mark 4 where a starboard tack is r...

Page 47: ...Operation 47 8 You are on the last leg directly to the waypoint The autopilot is now keeping the boat on track XTE and displays bearing and distance to the waypoint Figure 2 2 ...

Page 48: ...trument pages to be available access the Main menu Data pages setup When displaying data pages the left hand side of the screen will show the following information depending on mode Standby mode Heading Heading source Auto mode Set course Heading Heading source LO parameters set automatically Nav NoDrift mode Course to steer Cross Track Error XTE LO parameters set automatically Wind mode Set wind ...

Page 49: ...onnected to the AP28 system One control unit is active and provides the user with access to all functions All remaining control units are inactive and have no effect on course changes A single press on any of the mode keys on an inactive control unit will allow transfer of command and make it active Inactive unit Main mode screen ...

Page 50: ...50 Operation Blank page ...

Page 51: ... SimNet config SimNet status System data Resets Demo About AP28 Dockside Seatrial Comm status Transition spd Autotune Recall autotuned Steer to compass Steer to wind Steer to navigator Boat speed Depth Apparent wind Compass Rudder feedback Virtual feedback SimNet groups Instance number Autopilot reset Global reset Boat type Rudder feedback Virtual feedback Drive voltage Drive engage Rudder test De...

Page 52: ...settings presented in an overlay window The keys are used as follows to navigate in the menu system KEY SINGLE PRESS PRESS AND HOLD MENU Confirm a selection parameter setting Go to next menu level parameter settings Go to previous menu level parameter listing Return to active mode display Go to previous next menu item increase decrease parameter value 3 1 Data pages setup All available data pages ...

Page 53: ... leave the menu and return to last active page Enabling pages A disabled page is only visible when using the Enable disable command A disabled page is indicated with a crossed rectangle Continue to select pages and repeat the procedure if more pages are to be enabled Press and hold the Left key to leave the menu and return to last active page ...

Page 54: ...owing items are described Changing the damping factors Alarm setup Automatic and manual source selection Changing the display settings Language selection Setting the units of measure Adjusting the seastate filter Changing the sailing parameters In this section it is assumed that the user is familiar with how to use the keys and how to maneuver in the menus If not refer to Main menu page 51 onwards...

Page 55: ...e Autopilot Computer Increasing the Wind damping will make the AWF output depend more on heading and boat speed Decreasing the Wind damping will make the AWF depend more on the raw apparent wind angle data The speed input to the AWF is Speed Over Ground SOG If SOG is not available the AWF will use speed through water If none of these are available the AWF will use a boat speed that is 1 5 times th...

Page 56: ... 5 0 1 ft 5 10 0 5 ft 10 50 1 ft 50 100 5 ft 100 320 10 ft 0 5 5 0 1 m 5 10 0 5 m 10 50 1 m 50 100 5 m Off ft m Wind shift The wind shift alarm monitors the wind angle The reference angle is set when the alarm is turned on and when the product is turned on The reference wind angle is reset to present wind angle when the commanded set wind angle is changed on the autopilot and when a wind shift ala...

Page 57: ...ally selected from an internal SimNet priority list If a data source is connected to SimNet after the first time turn on this will be identified and automatically selected if no other data source already is selected for the given data type It is only required to update the SimNet source selections if an alternative source is made available for a given data type and this source has not been selecte...

Page 58: ...rce from the list of available sources for the given data type or the replacing source is selected If a source is no longer available for the given data type the display will show instead of the source acronym If more than one source is found for each data type the preferred source may be manually selected Manual source selection Data sources can also be selected manually All devices providing dat...

Page 59: ...pear first Ref Installation Calibration Enter the Calibrate and Offset menu Ref Installation Calibration Proceed to display a list of available sources for the given data type Display The display is controlled by the Contrast setting and two user profiles that can be individually adjusted For each profile you can Adjust light level Adjust the light color Invert the display ...

Page 60: ...ing the PWR key and the softkeys Refer to Backlighting page 15 Display contrast The contrast controls the difference between the text graphics and the display background Level 9 gives the highest contrast Range Change per step Default 0 9 1 4 Day and night profiles The day and night settings controls the display background the light color and light level for the display and the keys ...

Page 61: ...lot is turned on for the first time Refer First time turn on page 69 It is however possible to change the language at any time The following languages may be selected Deutch German English English Español Spanish Français French Italiano Italian Nederlands Dutch Norsk Norwegian Svenska Swedish The language names are listed alphabetically in their own language Default language English ...

Page 62: ...for heading data is not solely determined by the user If true heading is wanted but the selected compass is a magnetic compass then the magnetic variation must be available from a position source The same applies if the user wants to read magnetic heading but receives true heading from the compass If magnetic variation is required but not available the compass decides which unit to display ...

Page 63: ...tivity in rough weather by an adaptive process The AUTO setting is recommended if you want to use the seastate filter MANUAL Linked to the Response control setting in the Main menu It may be used to manually find the optimum combination of course keeping and low rudder activity in rough but steady sea conditions Sailing Sailing is only available in the menu if Boat type is set to Sail in the Insta...

Page 64: ... Auto the autopilot will automatically select between apparent and true wind steering Auto is default and recommended for cruising When the boat is running it will also be surfing on the waves This may lead to significant changes in boat speed hence changes in apparent wind angle True wind steering is therefore used when running while steering to apparent wind is used when beating or reaching Appa...

Page 65: ...ack Error XTE from the navigator will keep the boat on the track line If the XTE from the navigator exceeds 0 15 nm the autopilot will calculate the layline and track towards the waypoint XTE will be displayed below the mode index when layline steering is active page 46 Range Default On Off On Course Adjust When using the PORT or STBD keys in AUTO mode you are changing the set course in 1 incremen...

Page 66: ...trol units When the Remote lock function is in use no transfer of command can take place only the active control unit stays in command The Remote lock function is enabled as follows On the active control unit a icon will alternate with the mode index The locked control units in the system will show The Lock function is disengaged by one of the following actions ...

Page 67: ...Main menu 67 The active control unit unlocks the other ones and makes them inactive 1 The system is switched OFF by any control unit press PWR key for 2 3 seconds ...

Page 68: ...68 Main menu Blank page ...

Page 69: ... installation instructions When the AP28 is powered on for the first time the instrument will run through an automatic start up sequence presenting Product name software version release date Language selection Automatic data source selection PWR The display will show which items of the installation setup that needs to be done and those already done Press the softkey to continue with the installati...

Page 70: ...n Calibration of sensors also partly part of Commissioning Boat type Select boat type also part of commissioning Rudder drive Rudder drive setup also part of commissioning SimNet config SimNet group setup Each group is designed to focus on specific functions and enable quick access when changes need to be made Some important points regarding the installation settings When the AP28 is delivered fro...

Page 71: ... menu items are accessible and can be set up in the Dockside menu Boat type Rudder feedback Virtual feedback Drive voltage Drive engage Rudder test Depth calibration Steer to wind Steer to navigator Boat type Type of boat selected will affect the steering parameters and the functions available in the autopilot system The options are Sail Displacement Outboard and Planing ...

Page 72: ...The rudder feedback calibration will set the correct relationship between the physical rudder movement and the rudder angle readout Manually turn the helm wheel to starboard until the rudder stops at starboard lock H O The Max starboard angle is the angle read by the rudder feedback unit before any adjustment is made If the actual rudder angle is different from that of the display correct the read...

Page 73: ...s for starboard rudder MENU Confirm Rudder feedback calibration to port by pressing the MENU key Many boats have 45 90 H O H O rudder angle as standard So if you are not going to make any adjustment to the displayed angle you should still highlight the reading and confirm This is necessary to prevent the rudder from hitting the end stops Rudder zero may still be inaccurate and should be adjusted u...

Page 74: ...l and repeat item 2 Refer to the AC12 AC42 Installation manual If this gives a better result keep the screen connected Set Rudder 0 zero Bring the rudder to midship position and confirm This will adjust an incorrect reading caused by misalignment of the rudder feedback unit Press the 1 key to return to the Dockside menu Drive voltage Set the drive voltage to the correct level The selections are 12...

Page 75: ...d the autopilot computer even if the protection circuits in the autopilot computer are activated The drive unit voltage setting does not apply when operating solenoids on a continuous running pump Hence the voltage to the solenoids will be the same as the supply voltage During the Rudder Test the AP28 system will automatically detect whether the drive unit is a reversible motor or a solenoid is op...

Page 76: ...nable the power assist steering be turned on prior to this test Stand CLEAR of the wheel and do not attempt to take manual control of the wheel during this test The Autopilot Computer will after a few seconds issue a series of PORT and STBD rudder commands and automatically verify correct rudder direction It detects minimum power to drive the rudder and reduces the rudder speed if it exceeds the m...

Page 77: ...Refer to the illustration on next page The value should be increased or decreased depending on whether the depth reading should be from the water line or from the keel respectively A negative offset equal to the vertical distance from the transducer to the keel will display the depth as measured from the keel a A positive offset equal to the vertical distance from the transducer to the water line ...

Page 78: ...symbol in front of the depth reading will change to indicate that the depth is measured from the keel or the water line Range Step Default value Units 10 10 0 5 0 1 5 10 0 5 0 0 m ft Press the MENU key to confirm the offset setting ...

Page 79: ... applies for the tack prevent function It also applies when the autopilot is operating in WindNAV mode You can select different minimum wind angles for port and starboard The difference between port and starboard will be taken into account when calculating the Distance To Turn DTT Range Change per step Default Units 15 90 1 30 Steer to navigator In NAV mode when the required course change is more ...

Page 80: ...signed for vessels up to 40 ft powered by outboard or stern drives only Installing a feedback unit however will enhance the performance of an autopilot and provide an accurate rudder angle indicator on the autopilot display Unless impractical or impossible a rudder feedback unit should be installed The autopilot is configured for Virtual Feedback when there is no feedback unit connected at first t...

Page 81: ...he Boat type is automatically set to Outboard Virtual Feedback calibration The Virtual feedback calibration is entered as a numerical value equal to the physical rudder angle observed at the hard over position Use the Up Down keys to set correct value and confirm with MENU Refer to pages 74 75 to set the Drive unit voltage and the Drive Engage ...

Page 82: ...e softkey The next step is to enter the correct direction of the rudder movement 3 sec If the rudder is not moving so as to give a starboard turn press the softkey and repeat When the rudder starts to move to starboard release and press the softkey to confirm Continue to follow the instructions on the display With the rudder hard over to starboard turn the wheel carefully a little to port to relea...

Page 83: ...ase the key when the rudder reaches the port hard over position The rudder will now be automatically centered B The Rudder test is verified by the display showing Motor OK or Failed If Failed is given check for correct electrical connection Also refer to Alarms beginning on page 111 ...

Page 84: ...n board magnetic interference and to compensate for a fixed offset A error in the final heading readout Wind calibration To compensate for a fixed mechanical offset of the Wind vane Boat speed calibration Transition speed the speed at which you want to change the set of steering parameters Automatic tuning A method of determining the steering parameters Set Rudder 0 zero This adjustment is a final...

Page 85: ...ation Before the compass calibration is started make sure that there is enough open water around the vessel to make a full turn The calibration should be done in calm sea conditions and with minimal wind to obtain good results Use about 60 90 seconds to make a full circle 1 Highlight the Calibrate line in the dialog 2 Begin turning the boat to port or starboard 3 Press the MENU key to start the au...

Page 86: ... the compass will measure the magnitude and direction of the local magnetic field If the local magnetic field is stronger than the earth s magnetic field the local field is reading more than 100 the compass calibration will fail If the local field is reading more than 30 you should look for any interfering magnetic objects and remove them or you should move the compass to a different location The ...

Page 87: ...pass calibration the difference between the compass lubber line and the boat s center line should be compensated for 1 Find the bearing from the boat position to a visible object Use a chart or a chart plotter 2 Steer the boat so that the center line of the boat is aligned with the bearing line pointing towards the object 3 Change the offset parameter so that the bearing to the object and the comp...

Page 88: ...e corrected manually by entering the required offset A positive value indicates starboard offset angle a negative value indicates port offset angle Range Change per step Default Units 180 180 1 0 Press the MENU key to confirm the offset setting Boat speed calibration The hull shape or the location of the speed sensor may cause incorrect speed readings and it may be required to calibrate the input ...

Page 89: ...lly re adjusted by running the boat at constant speed over a known distance in both directions and average the speed reading This reduces the effect of wind and tidal current Then adjust the SPD Correction factor to get the correct speed reading Range Change per step Default 0 50 1 50 0 01 1 00 Transition speed The transition speed is the speed at which the AP28 will automatically change the steer...

Page 90: ...ameters are also set automatically as a function of the boat type selection performed in the Dockside menu Automatic tuning is a procedure that is not required for the AP28 to function as it is preset with steering parameters that should steer most boats in the 30 50 foot range It is however recommended to perform an automatic turning as part of the seatrial Recommended speed during Automatic tuni...

Page 91: ...at a safe distance from other traffic The Automatic tuning function may take from 1 to 2 minutes to complete To stop the Autotune press the STBY key Activate the Autotune by pressing the softkey After an Autotune there should be no need for further adjustments Fine tuning of these parameters are made by the response control see page 21 However viewing or changing the parameters can be made in AUTO...

Page 92: ...ering and nav steering Recall autotuned To recall the parameter values that were achieved during the Autotune procedure select Recall autotuned under Automatic Steering and press the 1 key Confirm by pressing the softkey Steer to compass The steering parameters can be looked at and changed if needed under this menu item The parameters are divided into two sets page 23 HI value parameters for autom...

Page 93: ... 1 40 Autotrim HI 40 sec 40 sec Rate Lim HI 6 0 6 0 Rudder LO 0 35 0 20 Cont Rudder LO 1 00 1 00 Autotrim LO 40 sec 40 sec Rate Lim LO 6 0 6 0 Minimum rudder Off Off The values in the table are factory set default and listed for information only After having performed the Autotune the values may differ from those listed in the table See also Autotune previously in this chapter The two most importa...

Page 94: ...meter that counteracts the effect of the boat s turn rate and inertia For a short time period it is superimposed on the proportional rudder response caused by the heading error It may sometimes appear as if it tends to make the rudder move to the wrong side counter rudder The best way of checking the value of the Counter Rudder setting is when making turns The figures illustrate the effects of var...

Page 95: ...der deadband whirls disturbance of the water stream passing the rudder or it is a single nozzle water jet boat Turning the Minimum Rudder function On may improve the course keeping performance on some boats but will increase the rudder activity During the seatrial only set Minimum Rudder to ON if it proves to give a better course keeping performance in calm sea It should be set after the Autotune ...

Page 96: ...sition and the effect of LO and HI parameter settings page 19 Try the effect of the Response adjust page 21 Try the U turn function If a Non Follow up lever or handheld remote is connected test change of modes and verify port and starboard steering commands of the lever Set waypoints into each navigator connected to the system and verify that the AP28 steers in NAV mode for each NAV source Try the...

Page 97: ...d off Changing modes Explain briefly what takes place in the different modes Regaining manual control from any mode Point out in what modes the helm is engaged by the autopilot Taking command at an inactive station if applicable Using the lock mode how to lock unlock and how to shut the system down from a locked control unit if applicable Use of the Power steering mode NFU Use of a Non Follow up c...

Page 98: ...oning except for motor output and rudder deadband Motor output The Motor output displayed in percentage is the amount of maximum available power needed to achieve correct rudder speed on automatic steering Maximum speed is used in NFU mode This setting will allow you to adjust the rudder speed to be different from the one automatically set in the rudder test Rudder deadband The rudder deadband fun...

Page 99: ...us hunting A wide deadband will cause inaccurate steering It is recommended to check rudder stability in AUTO mode when the boat is moving to get pressure on the rudder Range Change per step Default Units AUTO 0 1 4 0 0 1 AUTO The rudder deadband setting is not available when the autopilot is configured for Virtual feedback SimNet configuration SimNet units can be assigned in groups and given an i...

Page 100: ... on the rest of the group members Setting Range Default value Display Simrad None 1 6 Simrad Sources Simrad None Simrad Units Simrad None 1 6 Simrad Language Simrad None 1 6 Simrad Damping Simrad None 1 6 Simrad Alarms Simrad None 1 6 Simrad Simrad Default group for AP28 None Not assigned to a group 1 6 Group numbers The figures on next page illustrates how the instruments on a flybridge and in a ...

Page 101: ...Setup at installation 101 DISPLAY 1 DAMPING 1 LANGUAGE NONE FLYBRIDGE COCKPIT DISPLAY 2 ...

Page 102: ...for easy identification of the unit Range Step Default value 0 20 1 0 4 3 Service Information Also see Troubleshooting page 109 about SimNet status System data and resets The main menu includes a Service item that access several options to display data used when testing or troubleshooting the system Demo The autopilot includes a demo mode useful for demonstration and on show All data displayed in ...

Page 103: ...ssage every 10 seconds as long as the demo is running If several products are going to operate in Demo mode in a SimNet system they should all be set to Demo mode initially To have the full benefit of the autopilot in Demo mode an Autopilot Computer must be part of the system About By selecting the About menu item an information window will display autopilot model software version number 1 1 softw...

Page 104: ...104 Setup at installation Blank page ...

Page 105: ... alarm The different alarm indications are shown in the table below Alarm type Sound Light Reminder interval Vital alarm 10s Important alarm Switching on off 20s Standard alarm Alternating between 2 tones 40s Warning Single beep 60s Light warning Single beep If AP28 is connected to other SimNet units any alarm in the system will be displayed on the control unit If no specific alarm text is display...

Page 106: ... intervals as long as the alarm situation exists An alarm received from other SimNet units must be rectified on the unit generating the alarm 5 3 Viewing active alarms A list of any existing alarm condition may be displayed at any time 5 4 Alarm codes If the text is received from other units connected to SimNet the alarm text may not be displayed The alarm condition will then be indicated with a c...

Page 107: ...issing 20 Wind data missing 21 Navigation data missing 22 Compass data missing 23 Off course 24 Rudder feedback data missing 25 Rudder feedback failure 26 Rudder response failure 27 Rudder drive overload 28 High temperature 29 Bypass clutch overload 30 Bypass clutch disengaged 31 High drive supply 32 Low drive supply 33 Autopilot control communication failure 34 Autopilot function communication fa...

Page 108: ...108 IS20 Alarm system Blank page ...

Page 109: ...es a Service item that access several options to display data used when testing or troubleshooting the system 6 1 SimNet status The SimNet status screen provides you with status information about the different SimNet messages used by the system 6 2 System data The System data screen provides you with status information about the different messages used by the system ...

Page 110: ...opilot reset To confirm the autopilot reset press the softkey The Installation and Setup procedures must be repeated after a reset has been performed In the event an Autopilot reset has been made refer to chapter 4 2 Global reset A Global reset resets the entire SimNet setup in the Simrad Group and initiates a new automatic interface setup See chapter 4 1 To confirm the Global reset press the soft...

Page 111: ... in the listed sequence 1 The Off course warning is automatically reset when the error is rectified 2 in a display indicates that data is missing 6 4 Alarms Display readout Probable fault Recommended action System failure Alarms Off course Boats heading is outside the fixed off course limit of 20 deg Automatic reset when inside limit Extreme weather conditions too slow speed Check steering paramet...

Page 112: ...fer to the Setup Sources menu to select a different compass Make a source update if no compass is available Check connections Replace the compass Note Do not cut cables There are screw terminals inside Rudder data missing not applicable for Virtual feedback installations Rudder feedback signal missing or erratic Check all connections Check the alignment as per the installation instructions Replace...

Page 113: ...ections to the drive unit Faulty PCB in the Autopilot Computer Check connections Check the PCB for traces of burned transistors Replace the autopilot computer Rudder moves at full speed to one side Faulty PCB in Autopilot Computer Replace the autopilot computer No active control unit Active control unit goes silent Press the STBY key on an Inactive unit to reset Check repair SimNet cable Replace t...

Page 114: ...ng checksum on memory parameters or variables Autopilot computer will use default values Perform a Master reset and make a new Dockside set up Switch off and on again If the alarm is repeated replace autopilot computer No Autopilot computer Faulty autopilot computer or poor cable connections from the same Check connectors and cable Replace autopilot computer Low drive supply Supply voltage less th...

Page 115: ... such as diesel petrol etc Make sure that all open SimNet connectors are fitted with a blocking plug part no 24006355 It is advisable at the start of each season to check all connections to the control unit head and cover with Vaseline or WD40 Always put on the weather cover when the unit is not in use 7 3 Autopilot Computer No special maintenance is required It is advisable however at the start o...

Page 116: ...o the weather make a visual inspection at 2 3 months intervals and at the start of each season 7 6 Drive unit Refer to the drive unit manual for maintenance instructions 7 7 Exchange of software program Contact Simrad Customer Support about software updates ...

Page 117: ...is lit In STANDBY mode the rudder will move for as long as the Port or Stbd key is pressed In AUTO mode and Wind modes the set course or set wind angle will change 1 each time the key is pressed If you keep the key pressed it will automatically change the setting in increments of 3 per second Mode changes are as per table below Initial mode 1st press 2nd press 1 NAV and WINDNAV modes can only be e...

Page 118: ...ck NFU The JS10 Joystick is a Non Follow up steering lever designed for indoor and outdoor console mount It has a spring loaded return to mid position and is equipped with 10 m 33 of cable and installation hardware Operation JS10 has no mode change feature The rudder will move for as long as the lever is held in left Port or right Starboard position 8 4 AP28 with MSD50 Stern Drive unit The informa...

Page 119: ...ws After turn on the rudder angle display will alternate between 10 degrees port and starboard to indicate that the rudder zero point need be set Turn the wheel from lock to lock H O to H O and count the exact number of turns Then start from one lock position and turn the half number of turns AUTO STBY Press AUTO and then STBY The zero point is now set and the display will show Return to the opera...

Page 120: ...120 Optional equipment Blank page ...

Page 121: ...Bearing Position Waypoint BWW Bearing waypoint to waypoint Bearing angle of the line between the TO and the FROM waypoint calculated at the FROM waypoint for any two arbitrary waypoints COG Course Over Ground The actual direction of progress of a vessel between two points with respect to the surface of the earth The vessel s heading may differ from the course over ground due to the effects of wind...

Page 122: ...e ability to share data including commands and status with other compatible equipment over a single signalling channel PGN An acronym for Parameter Group Number PGNs are used in NMEA2000 analogues with the three capital letters used in NMEA0183 sentences e g XTE Product ID A number suffix acronym or term that can identify a product Product name The name of a Simrad product known from sales and oth...

Page 123: ...ring corrected for compass error True heading Heading relative to true north the meridian VMG Velocity Made Good A vessel s true progress towards a waypoint taken into consideration all factors like leeway and current Waypoint A discrete point stored in a navigator located on the surface of the earth Normally this point will be identified by Lat Lon coordinates although in some systems it may be s...

Page 124: ...Glossary 124 Blank page ...

Page 125: ...intenance 116 offset 87 contour cross angle 35 contrast 60 control unit maintenance 115 counter rudder 21 90 setting 94 course adjust 65 cross track error 37 123 C turn 24 D damping 55 data pages 48 data pages setup 53 day profile 60 demo mode 102 depth calibration 77 depth contour tracking 33 depth gain 34 dockside settings 71 dodging 19 drive engage 75 drive unit maintenance 116 voltage 74 F fai...

Page 126: ...udder zero adjust 74 84 S seastate filter 63 seatrial 84 final 96 set rudder zero 74 setup 69 setup menu 54 shallow water alarm 56 SimNet configuration 99 groups 100 instance number 102 status 109 software program 116 version 10 sources 57 speed over ground 89 spiral turn 26 square turn 29 steer to compass 92 symbols 13 system data 109 T tack angle 64 tack time 42 64 tacking in auto mode 36 in win...

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Simrad AP28, Operator'S Manual

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