Autohelm 2000 User Manual

Distributed by

Any reference to Raytheon or

RTN in this manual should be

interpreted as Raymarine.

The names Raytheon and RTN

are owned by the

Raytheon Company.

AUTOHELM 2000

-----.---_--.--

-.______ -.-.--.-

Aulohelm 2000 is an up.to-lhe-minule
digital liller autopilot which shares Ihe
same microprocessor Iechnology

into our biggest and mosl sophisticaled

lully inslalled pilols.

powerful sleering

13m (43’) LOA.

The basic system comprises Ihe main
control unit, liller drive unil and basic
mounting fillings. This can be exlended
by adding any of Ihe following

accessories:

l

Windvane

l

Radio Navigation interlace

l

Hand Held Conlrol Unit

The lull

syslem

II will provide precise

lor

sailing yachls up lo

is shown below.

buill

Cockpil and

widely and lo ensure your Aulohclm
2000 inslallalion is as

possible a

is available
slockisls. Full delails are included.

In case 01 any dillicully please conlacl

our Technical Sales Deparlmenl lor

assislance.

The syslem is designed
inslallalion which aided by Ihe lollowing
guide should prove lo be a simple and
inleresling job. After filling
it is only necessary lo make a single

adjustment lo the control unit lo match

the

aulopilols response lo Ihe

characlerislics 01 your vessel.
hood Sailing!

loller

conliguralions vary

range ol

neal

lillrng accessones

lull

lrom aulhorised

and secure as

Aulohelm

lor

owner

the

equipment

sleenng

INSTALLATION

SLOPING RUDDERSTOCK

DRIVE UNIT

The drive unil is mounled belween the

toiler

and a single allachmenl poinl on the
yacht’s structure. After connection to the
yacht’s 12 volt electrical system the unit
becomes operational.

For

correcl

dimensions are critical (Fig.l):-

Dimension A = 620mm (24.5”)

mounling socket lo tiller pin

Dimenslon B = 460mm (16”)

rudder stock cenlre line to tiller pin

2

installation two basic

Clamp Ihe tiller on the yacht’s cenlre
line and mark
is measured on the STARBOARD side of
the cockpit) using masking tape to locate

the fixing points. Ensure the
measurements are at right angles as
shown.

The drive unit must be mounted

horizontally.

elf

dimensions A and B (A

PORTHAND MOUNTING

In certain
convenient to mount the unit on lhe

porthand side. When this is the case, the

changeover switch will require

adjustment as lollows. Use a screwdriver
to rotate lhe switch
the endstop is reached (Fig. 2).

I

light pressure only Is required.

circumslances

Never force the changeover switch,

it may be more

anli.clockwise

(/

until

BASIC INSTALLATION

Alter eslahlrshrng Ihe conlrol dimensions

the Aulohelm 2000 can usually be

mounled

cockprl seal (Fig 3). Proceed as

TILLER PIN (Cal No. 0001)

l

l

l

MOUNTING SOCKET
(Ca! No. D602)

0 Drill 12.5nlrn

drreclly

onto

the

Starboard

lollows.

Drill 6mm

deep al

(l/4”)

hole x 25mm (1”)

porn1

marked.

Using a Iwo parl epoxy adhesive such
as Araldile, bond the tiller pin into
place.

Position Ihe shoulder 01 Ihe pin

125mm (r/z”)

deep

above Ihe

(l/2”)

inlo

Ihe starboard cockpil seal.

liller surlace.

hole x 25rnrn (1”)

II Ihe slruclure thickness al Ihe

mounling posilion is less Ihan 25mm
(1”) carelully reinforce Ihe under

surface wilh a plywood plale bonded

into position.

lnslall

the mounling

par1

epoxy adhesive.

Note The aulopilol is capable

sockel

using Iwo

01

generating high pushrod loads. Ensure

lhal:-

l

The epoxy is allowed to harden

-

Ihoroughly before applying any loads;

l

Ail holes are drilled to correcl size and
where necessary

reinlorcing

is

provrded.

INSTALLATION
ACCESSORIES

II il is not possible lo
directly onto Ihe cockpil seal or
described, one 01

inslall

the

lollowing

Ihe drive unil

tiller

as

PUSHROD

The
exlended using one 01

pushrod
modified

accessories (or combinalion) will ensure
a perfect inslallalion.

Dimension C

.

_

_ ._

622mm (24.5”) Sld Dimension’

--.....-.. ----.-..--.--

__

646mm (25.5”) 25mm (1”)
673mm (26.5”)

--_ ^--....-........- __

699mm (27.5”)

_

.--. . ._.

Pushrod

.-.. -.--- .

..--__- __._ ._.. _ --.- - ._... _~_

-....-.- - -...--...

_ -. .._._. ..-

_.

Extekion

_

Length L Cat No.

_ _ _

51 mm (2”) DO04

76mm (3”) DO05

..___...._... -...-

724mm (26.5”) 102mm (4”)

749rnrn

(29.5;;) --

775rnm (30.5”) 152mm (6”)

.._

.- .

FICJ.

4

..__..._. -..--

127mm (5”)

._ _.

EXTENSIONS (Fig.4)

prrshrod lengllr

IWI~

be simply

Ilre

exlensions. Drrnension C

as

lollows:-

..__

0003

_~- ____._...........

.-

0006

Dcro7~-

--

DOOa.

~.._ ._.._.......____..._

slandard

­.-.-

..-~-..- -

.___

__--_-...

IS

--..

MOI.INTING SOCKET

TILLEII

PIN

TILLER BRACKETS (Figs.5 and 6)
Where the

herghl 01

Ihe

loller

above or
below Ihe cockpil seat or mounting plane
is such lhal slandard mounling is

not
practicat a range of tiller brackels allows
the

loller

pin o&et lo be varied.

Installation

l

Posilron

line (upper/lower) 01

the tiller bracket on Ihe cenlre

the

tiller and
eslablish lhe control dimensions A
and B.

.._..

.- _ . . .

Dimension Cl (below litter)

-..-

Dimension E (above litter)
25mm (1”)

5tmm

_-.

(2”) 76mm (3”)

______ __

..- _______.

___.. -..-...

.

-

76mm (3”) I ..-._

102mm

(G)

.127mm (5”)

._-._.

__

_.. ~_ ._.__

--. __~__.-------_-_

l

Mark

oil

Ihe position 01 the cenlres of

Ihe Iwo

l

Itxing

Drill Iwo 6mm

boll holes.

(Y4”)

diameler
clearance holes through Ihe cenlre
line 01 the Irtter.

l

Install Ihe

liller

bracket using 2 x 6mm

(I/J”) diameter bolls, nuts and

washers.

0

Bond lhe lixing bolls in place wilh

epoxy adhesive and fully lighlen the

nuts.

-._ ..~

Cat No.

5 1

nw1

(2”)

102mm (G)

127mm (5”) 0012
152mm (6”)

0006
DO10

DO11

DO13

-.

..

SLOPING TILLER

6

CANTILEVER MOUNTING (Fig.7)

Where II

is ncccessary lo nllach Ihe

aulopilol

cockpit
assembly is used.

254mm

GUI

mounting.

installation

lo a

verlical

srdewall

The maximum exlension ollsel is

(10”)

IO the exact lenglh necessary during

0 Clamp the tiller on the yachl’s cenlre

line.

l

Measure dimension F (aclual)

l

Refer lo table lo eslablrsh

length lor cantilever rod.

_______._____

Dimension F

686mm (27”) I
71

lmm(28”)

-.

737mm (29”)

762mm (30”) 127mm (5”)

_~. ._. .-__. _-. .-.-. ---..

787mm (3 1”)
8 13mm (32”)

.-..- _. _~

838mm (33”) 203mm (8”)

0

Cut cantilever rod to length L using a

hacksaw.
Measure

lace such as the

a

canlrlever

and Ihe canlilever can be

-.. _-.

from threaded end.

sockel

cutling

-

_.-.._-_-._-_--

Cut Length L

51 mm (2”)

.__ .._.. ._ _.._~

75mm (3”)

102mrn

(4”)

.- -----..---

152mm (6”)

_-

_._. _ _ _ --.

178mm (7”)

..-

. .

..-

---

.-

l

Remove burrs

0

Tr?rriporarily

by

scrcwrrlg

Ilange.

l

Ensure lhe drive unit is
and mark oil
mounting

l Mark and

clearance holes (ignore the two inner
holes).

0 Mount the llange using 3 x 6mm

diameter bolts wilh nuts and washers.
Be sure to install the backing plate
correctly. Bed the flange on a thin coal
of silicone sealant.

l

Screw the rod

tommy bar.
Roughen the end of the rod and the
inside 01 the cap to provide a key.
Apply
provided to the rod end and cap and

place the cap over the rod end.
Ensure the hole lor the drive unit

-.

-

mounting pin is lacing up.
Allow the epoxy adhesive 30 minutes
to

lully

load.

When the Autohelm is not in use the

complete rod assembly may be
unscrewed, leaving the cockpit
unobstructed.

with

assemble the cantilever

the rod into the mounting

Ihe

location ol the

Ilange.

drill

3 x 6mm

lirmly

Ihe

two part epoxy adhesive

harden before applying any

He.

horizontal

(V4”)

into place using a

(l/4”)

_ -_.

.._

._ F

--..

---_

.--..

.-__

-,

9

;/

PEDESTAL SOCKET MOUNTING

II may be necessary lo raise the hcrghl ot

Ihe Aulohelrn

mourrliny sock& above

Ihe

mounting surlace. For this a pedeslal
sockel assembly is used.

Selection

l

Lock Ihe lilter on the yacht’s cenlre

tine.

l

Establish the slandard control

dimensrons A and

l

Measure dimension G (Fig.8)

B.

l

Ensure that control dimensrons A and

B

are

corrccl

l Mark and

drrtt

3 x 6mm (VI”)
clearance holes (ignore Ihe Iwo inner

Iroles).

0 Mounl

Ihe

ltange using 3 x 6mm
diameter bolls, nuls and washers,
being sure Ihe back ptale is installed
correclty. Bed Ihe ltange on a thin coat

01

silicone rubber sealanl (Frg.9.)

l Screw

Ihe

mounling socket lirmty inlo

place.

ensuring Ihe Aulohetm aclualor is

When

lhe

horizontal.

0 Setecl lhe appropriale pedestal

socket assembly from

Ihe

table

mounling sockel may be unscrewed lo
leave

Aulohelm is nol in use

Ihe

cockpit unobslrucled.

shown.

Installation /

l Mark oft Ihe position

llange on Ihe cockpil seal or

01 Ihe

mounling

counler.

Dimension G Pedestal Socket Length L Cat No.

38mm

(1.5”)

__-_---_-.

Std. Dimension

--- -

--_ --_. ._ _ ._ _ __.-__-

76mm (3.0”) 38mm (1.5”)

69mm (3.5”)

102mm

(4 .O”)

114mm (4.5”) 76mm (3.0”)

_... - _..._.. -__ ._

.

_ .~ .._. _. _ .__

127mm (5.0”)

50mm (2.0”)
64mm (2.5”)

__ _
89mm (3.5”)

.-- .________._.....___._

- -.... - -_-

._.. ._ -.

_.

-

DO26
DO27
DO28
DO29 --

--_.

DO30

dramcler

(I/q”)

Ihe

.

--..

___....

TILLER PINS

For

cerlain

non-slandard inslattations e

range 01 litler pins is available.

Description

..--. -

___......____

Small lhreaded titter pin

..-.----.-

._.-.. .._._..

-_--_--------

..--.

Extra length tiller pin
Extra lenglh lhreaded tiller pin

10

25mm (1”)
72mm (2.8”)

-_.-----_-

72mm (2.8”)

Sire

. . - ..-. -

._.__.__

..-- .-___-._--. __._ -_- _____.

Cat No.

DO14

-___

_.--__

DO20

____. -..------ ___._..

DO21

11

Battery Connection

The waterprool ‘Dri-Plug’ srrpplied
should be

Ihe

length. The Dri-Plug sockel musl be
connecled

electrical dislribulion panel and on no
account paralleled into exisling wiring for
other equipment.

independently switched and
by a 5 amp fuse or current trip.

based il is very imporlant lhat vollage
losses in supply cables are minimised.

silualetl

as close as possible lo

Aulohelm 2000 lo minimise lead

directly lo

The Aulohelm supply must be

Since the autopilot is microprocessor

the vessels

protecled

Supply cables sl~oulcl Iherelore he as

shorl as possible and 01 no less size
sl~own

in

Ihe

The
lead should be connecled
connections are accidenlly reversed Ihe
Aulohelm 2000 will nol operate bul no
damage will result

Lead Length

-.tJp
UP

up

lollowirg

brown

wire of the Autohelm 2000

to 25m

lo

(6’) 1 .Omm*

P!vF! (‘3’1 _ _ .__

65m

(22’) 2.5mm2

_

__ __ _--

lable.

lo positive.

Cop&r

__ !:?mmf.. - -...

..------.-

Area

..------

Win

II

CONTROL UNIT

The conlrol unit slols into a permanently
mounled socket sited in the cockpit II
contains a gimballed fluxgale compass
and Iherefore has some
mounling posilion.

The control unit should be siled where

it

can be operated easily
steering positron. It should also be
posilioned al

lrom lhe

devialion of both compasses.

Deviation of the control unit

compass is less imporlanl since

leas1

main steering compass lo avoid

reslriclions

horn

Ihe

60cm (2’6”) away

fluxgale

on

headings are always adjusted by
reference lo the main sleering compass.

Nevertheless, deviation should be
avoided if possible and thus the conlrol
unit should be siled as far away from

other

magnelic

praclical.

Having selected the besl mounling
site, the mounling sockel may be
secured lo a convenient wooden or glass
libre surface using the self lapping
screws provided. The mounling surface

may slope away from verlical by a
maximum of 459

or iron devices as

Accessory Connection

In common wilh all
accessories, the drive unit plugs inlo Ihe
conlrol unit lo facilitate slowing and

servicing. To ensure reliable connection
each plug incorporates a locking ring

which should be turned clockwise lo
secure.

Ihe

Aulohelm 2000’s

Although each accessory has a
unique socket and cannot be

misconnected,

connected lo

Ihe

windvane

and the hand held remole conlrol lo Ihe
sockel marked

Ihe drive unit should be

Ihe

sockel marked

to Ihe socket marked Vane

Remote.

Helm,

WINDVANE ATTACHMENT

TIE w~ndvane atlaclrrrrcnt
niounled cenlrally on lhe alter rail where

it can be sited in clear

lacks. The windvane mounting masl is
clamped lo Ihe
bolls provided (Fig.12). The
inlerconnecling cable should be broughl

Ihrough Ihe slol lo allow Ihe windvane

head to be plugged into Ihe lop 01 Ihe

masl (Fig.13). The inlerconnecling cable
can lhen be run back and plugged

Ihe Aulohelm 2000.

Note The windvane head is supplied

with Ihe vane detached for ease of

packing. The vane is easily assembled lo

lhe head and secured by means 01 lhe

circlip provided (Fig.14). Care should be
laken lo ensure

correclly locqled

aller

that

is normally

wrnd

on bolh

rail by Ihe Iwo ‘U’

inlo

the small circlip is

inlo

lhe groove.

\

OPERATION

I

I!,

I

\

.I

BASIC PRINCIPLES

m

lollowing descriplion

2000’s principle of operalion will help you
lo make lull use 01 ils advanced lealures.

The powerful combirralion of a Iluxgale
compass and microprocessor conlrol
provides ‘aulolock’ course selection

logelher

adjuslmenl.
monilored by a sensitive fluxgate

wilh precise push-bullon course

Deviation from course is continuously

compass and
applied lo relurn lhe vessel lo course.
The applied rudder is proporlional lo
course error al any lime and lhus when

Ihe course is restored Ihe rudder will be

neulralised.

When changes in vessel lrim occur
due lo varialions in wind pressure or
engine Itirollle selling lhe course can
only be rnainlained by Ihe applicalion

permanenl rudder
lo reslore balance. II permanenl rudder

oll-sel

the vessel will bear on lo a new heading.
Under lhese circumslances Ihe

correclive

is nol applied lo restore balance

01

Ihe Aulohclrn

rudder is

oif-sel

(standing helm)

01

Arrlol~elm

course is

conlinues lo apply addrlional rudder
scl

vessel
Aulomalic lrimming capability ensures
that Ihe originally sel course is held
irrespective of any changes in balance

Ihal may occur during Ihe course 01 a

passage.

continuously monilors Ihe pallern of
applied rudder correclion and can
distinguish unnecessary repetilive
corrections caused by

Ihe vessel lrom those necessary

rnainlain Ihe

,

Ihal aulopilol aclivily and power
consumplion is

al minimum levels.
made possible by the micro compuler

simplilies
bulton

2000

clclecls llial Itie origrnal

nol berng reslored

in

llie appropriale direclion urilil the

relurns

lo Ihe

The Aulohelm 2000’s computer also

The computer will automatically

neglecl

The high degree of control aulomalion

selecled

all unnecessary

conlrnuously

user control lo a series 01 push

operations.

and

origirral

treading.

prlch

and roll

heading.

correclions

oll-

of

IO

so

oplimised

14

KEYPAD OPERATION

Full conlrol of Ihe Autohelm 2000 is

provided via a simple six bullon key pad.

The basic control functions are as

tallows:-

When the aulopilol is swilched on il wilt

always

star1

Stand by mode Ihe pushrod can be
exlended or relracled lo engage wilh Ihe

tiller pin using the four black bullons.

up in Stand by mode. In

ii

ii

Push and hold down lo

exlendlrelracl Ihe pushrod.

t,

0

.ul

0

AUTO

66

-10 4-10

STAN

Push once lo engage the aulopilot
lo mainlain Ihe
push twice (wilhin 2 seconds) lo
return lo Ihe previous aulomalic
heading.

Push lo
slarboard (+) in incremenls of 1
and 10 degrees.

Push once lo disengage Ihe
autopilot and relurn to Stand by
mode.

(The previous automatic heading

will be memorised).

currenl

heading or

aller

course lo port (-) or

-- __. _

_ _ _ _

WINDVANE SYSTEM

Pcrlormance under windvano has been
improved by Ihe inlroduction of Wind
Trim.

Wilh Wind Trim the compuler uses

fluxgate compass as the primary

heading
occur in the apparent wind angle the
compuler automatically adjusts Ihe
compass heading lo maintain

relerence.

-10

However, as changes

Ihe

+10

Ihe

original

apparent wind angle.

This syslcm eliminates the ellecls
turbulence or
and provides smooth precise

perlormance under windvane with
minrmum current consumption.

When a wrndvane syslem is
new layer 01 control

aulomatically opened as

Push both red keys togelher once
to engage the

mainlain

angle.
or
Push both red keys logelher twice
to return lo

wind angle.

__---

Push once to alter the vessel’s
heading relative lo the apparent
wind in increments of 1 or 10
degrees.

Note + keys always turn the vessel
to starboard.

shorl

term wind varialions

funclions

follows:-

windvane

Ihe

currenl apparent wind

Ihe

previous apparenl

and

---

lilled.

is

01

a

AUTOTACK FUNCTION

The Aulohelm 2000 has
lacking lunction which operales in both
compass and windvane mode as

lollows:-

an

automalic

0

-

+1

Push -1 and -10 keys logelher
once to iniliale a tack to port.

,

Push +l and +lO keys togelher
once lo initiale a lack to starboard.

a

0

STAND BY

0

AUTO

0

Push once lo disengage Ihe

windvane

previous apparent wind angle
be memorised).

or
Push once to change over to ,

aulomalic compass heading

control and maintain Ihe current
heading.

for manual sleering. (The

wilt

-

The Aulo Tack function operales by
selecting a preset course change

(100”) to bring Ihe vessel

opposite tack.

During the tack, the
Alarm may sound. This indicates
the autopilot is adjusting trim to
acquire the new course.

On completing the tack and

having sheeted and retrimmed the

onlo

Of1

Course

the

sails, the vessel rnay be brought

onlo Ihe

desired apparenl wind
angle by line adjuslmenls lo lhe
course using the
adjustments should be made
within 1 minule of
tack to allow the Autopilot to
compensate lor the helm trim on
the new tack.

t/-lo

keys. No

compleling

the

II

19

OPERATING MODE INDICATION
The operating mode of Ihe Aulohelm
2000 is indicated by a flashing LED as

follows:-

OPERATING MODE

STANDBY
Enables Ihe pushrod lo be

positioned over the tiller pin and
provides power

sleenng.

AUTO
Autopilot steers to maintain

compass heading.

--

WINDVANE

Aulopilol sleers lo maintain
apparent wind angle. Windvane
mode is also confirmed by a single
beep tone emitled every 30

seconds.

Hand Held Control Unit
(Cat No. 2076)
An optional hand held conlrol unit can be
plugged

inlo

Ihe control

unil

to

provide
full course change capability from
anywhere on board. The

unil

duplicates
the main control units four course
change keys and may be used in bolh

Stand by and Auto modes. The
operalion of the main conlrol

unil

is
unchanged when Ihe hand held conlrof
unit is connecled.

20

LED FLASIHING CODE

1 I I

-

-mliow

Radio Navigation Interface

(Cal

No

‘IIll:; llllOllilCX! lll;ly IX?
IliIVI~)kIIlOIl SySl(?llt Ill;\1 Olllfl~llS

Irack crlor

or 0183 slailtlartl. II

AII~~II~II~I
f)l~!:;(!lC!c:lC!C

I

iirc :;i~f~~hxl wilh

I’rocli~c:l Sirfqboi

IO

SySlC!lll!; Wlll1 Sllll~ll~lO illllOflllOl C~lllf~lll.

2075 .- MMEA lormal)

IlWtl

will1

lo

olllicr

IIIC

NMEA

cross

Olt10, OltK?

sufX!rvisos II1e

2000

lo

inainlniil Ihc

I

I~.A~~~~I~II

Yt~tr III;III\ (11:;hd NIIOI

;1(lvlsti YOII 01 f3~1tl10 NZIVI<);UI~II

IliK~lt WI 011

sysloi~i. hll

II I(! racllo

of kmlrlg

mcli

inicrface*

or

I

f.h:fx~~l~~~~!~ll wlfl 110 alh

NiIlIl(X:ll’~

iIl\y riltftl>

tlchrls

FUNCTIONAL TEST
PROCEDURE

Afler

compleling
should carry out the following lunclional

lesl

lo familiarise yourself wilh Ihe syslem

before allempting sea

Plug Ihe Aulohelm 2000

sockel

and switch on Ihe
supply. The unit will emit a short beep
Lone lo indicale
LED will flash to indicate Stand by

operaling mode.

Ensure the mounting pin is engaged in
the socket. Using Ihe four course control
keys to extend or

posilion

the

unit will emil a short beep lone on each
press of a key lo confirm valid
Place Ihe pushrod end on Ihe
and press Ihe +lO key. The
move lo

porl.
slarboard, the changeover switch is
incorredy set and musl be adjusted as

described on page 3.

Press Auto lo place the
under compass control. The LED will be
tit constantly to indicale that Ihe unit is in

Auto mode. If Ihe yacht is swinging

aboul

ils

variations in heading cause the
apply

correclive

Press Stand by lo relurn Ihe
Stand by mode.

(he ins(allalion

you

Irials.

inlo

Ihe power

eleclrical

lhat

it is

aclive

and

relracl

Ihe pushrod

end over Ihe tiller pin. The

enlries.

liller

liller

should

II the litter moves to

aulopitot

mooring, you will see

lhat

unii

action lo the rudder.

unit

lo

(he

pin,

small

to

Rudder Control Adjustment

Before

allempling sea lrials Ihe rudder

conlrol

musl lirsl

be

adjusled

lo Ihe

selling shown below.

This

selling

for

inilial

be fine

will provide stable control

sea trials and may, if necessary,

luned

later (see page 25).

’

21

i/ ”

SEA TRIALS

i

_- _....._ _. _. ..-. -..

--

_.-. __..

’

.

lnltial sea trails should be carried

calm conditions with plenly 01 sea room.
The previously

will have verified lhal

operaling

familiar with all of its conlrols.

During lrrst sea trials.

conslanlly changing heading, and il is,
Iherelore.

constant

The following initial lrial procedure is

recommended:-

@ Steer on to

hold the course steady.

l

Using the
position and lhen place Ihe
end over

conducled

Ihe

correclly

very imporlanl lo mainlain a

look.oul.

lour

Ihe lillcr

aulopilol is

and

lhal
Ihe

Ihe

desired heading and

course control keys,

pin.

oul

in

functional

you are

vessel will be

lesl

pushrod

l

Aller

course lo porl or slarboard in

rnulllple incrcmenls

degrees.

of 1 and 10

Power Steering

l

Press

Stand by

steering using the four course conlrol
keys.

l

Press

Auto

return to Ihe original automatic

heading.

Hand Steering

l

Press

Stand by

lrom the tiller pin lor return to hand

sleering.

Automatic Sea State Control

During the sea Irial. the operation 01 the
automatic sea stale conlrol can be
observed. When the aulopilol is initially

engaged in
respond lo all
During the
be noticed lhat repetitive movements of
the vessel are gradually neglected until

linally

true varialions in course.
the sea stale control is automatically reset

whenever a 10 degree course change is

executed.

lirsl minule

the aulopilot will respond only lo

To ensure accurale course adjustment

and

praclice

lwice

(wilhin 2 seconds) lo

and Ml the autopilol

Auto

mode the aulopilot will

pilch

and roll movemenls.

of operation, it will

power

Sea State tnhibit

Where

maxmum

accuracy is required the automatic sea
stale control may be inhibited by
pressing -1 and +l keys together once

Autopilot

consumption will be increased but

, course keeping accuracy will be

maximised.

The automatic seaslale control is
reslored by pressing
together.

Note

Engaging the autopilot (pushing

Auto)

or engaging the windvane (both
red keys logelher) will always reslore the

automalic

course keeping

aclivity

and lherelore power

the

-1 and +l keys

sea state conlrol.

0 Press Auto lo lock on lo

heading. In calm sea conditions a

perfectly constant heading will be
maintained.

22

Ihe

currenl

_.--..--.~

-

- - --

Auto-Tack Function
The following addilional trial is
recommended:

Steer onto a constant heading
approximately loo free of close
hauled
Press Auto to lock onto the current
heading or bolh red keys lo lock

Ihe apparenl wind if a vane is filled.

l

Decrease the apparenl wind angle

(using the +l key if on the slarboard

lack)

unlil

hauled al oplimum penetration.

l

Prepare to lack and then press Ihe + 1
and

starboard lack) to initiate a lack
slarboard.

the yachi is sailing close

+lO

keys together (if on the

OnlO

I

O

l

The yacht will complele a 100° course
change

IO

lack.

bring it onto Ihe opposite

WINI)

v

1

.

v

On compleling lhe lack and having
sheeted and retrimmed Ihe sails, the
vessel may be brought onlo the desired
apparent wind angle by fine adjuslmenls
lo Ihe course using Ihe

adjuslmenls should be made within 1
minute of compleling the lack lo allow the
Autopilot lo compensale for the helm trim
on Ihe new lack.

+ll-lo

keys. No

Disengagement
The pushrod is held
wilh the

aclualor unit. This melhod of

engagement is secure and has been
adopted for safely reasons lo allow Ihe

*

pushrod lo be easily disengaged when

manual override becomes necessary.
OFF-COURSE ALARM

w

.

.

lilter

pin by Ihe

When the autopilot is set lo either Auto or
Vane mode a built in off-course alarm is

aulomatically sel up. The off-course

alarm will sound when the vessel
deviales for any reason from the original
course by more than 15 degrees for over

10 seconds. II is denoled by a continuous

series of bleep lones.

The alarm will be silenced if the vessel
returns to within 15 degrees of the
original course.

In Auto, if the vessel does not return
within these limils the alarm can only be
silenced by selecting Standby.

In Vane, the alarm will sound when the
wind direction changes by more lhan 15
degrees and may be accepted by
pressing bolh red keys together. This will
silence the alarm and advance Ihe off
course alarm datum to
compass heading.

CURRENT LIMITING AND
CUTOUT
If the autopilot is driven into its end stops,

Ihe drive will be pulsed lo prevent

overloading Ihe motor. If the
this condition for 30 seconds the
microprocessor will aulomalically cut
power to the motor and sound the alarm
continuously.

To restore the autopilot for normal
operation the standby key must be
pressed lo put Ihe unit in standby
operating mode.

inlo

engagement

weigh1

of

the

current

pilol

the

is left in

out

Rudder Control Adjustment
The rudder conlrol setting
recommended on page 21 will provide
slable control for
However, sailing
their response lo
adjustment of Ihe rudder control setting
may improve Ihe Autohelms steering
characteristics.

An excessively high rudder control

selling results in oversteer which can be

recognised by Ihe vessel swinging slowly
lrom side lo side of Ihe aulomalic
heading accompanied by excessive
rudder movemenl. In addition,
overshool will be observed when Ihe
course is changed. This condition can be
corrected by reducing the rudder control
selling (rolaling rudder control
clockwise).

Similarly, an insufficient rudder control
selling results in understeer which gives
sluggish sleering performance and is
particularly apparent when changing
course. This is corrected by increasing

Ihe rudder control selling (rotating

rudder control clockwise). These

lendencies are most easily recognised in

calm sea condilions where wave aclion
does not mask basic sleering

performance. The rudder control setting
is

nol

over critical and should be sel lo

Ihe lowest selling consislenl with

accurate course keeping. This will
minimise actuator movements and hence
reduce power consumplion.

inilial

sea trials.

crafl

can vary widely in

the

helm and further

distincl

anti-

25

it

OPERATING HINTS

- -~--_._--______---___-------

-_-~_

.

-.----z.-p-

The Aulohelm 2000’s computer
continuously optimises automalic

steering performance etiminaling the
need

lor

operalor supervision.

II is, however, very imporlanl lo
undersland the effect of sudden trim
changes on steering performance. When

a sudden change in
automatic trim compensation system
requires approximately 60 seconds to
apply the necessary rudder off-set to
restore the aulomalic heading. In gusling
condilions, therefore, the course may
lend lo wander slightly. particularly in Ihe
case 01 a sailing yachl with badly

balanced sails. In Ihe

signiticant

keeping can always be obtained by
improving sail balance. Bear in mind the
following imporlanl poinls:-

l

l

0 It

lo avoid sailing with the wind dead astern
in very slrong winds and large seas.
Ideally, the wind should be brought al
least

severe conditions il may be advisable to
remove the mainsail altogether and sail
under headsait only. Providing lhese
simple precautions are taken the
autopilot will be able to mainlain
competent control in gale force
condilions.

improvement in course

Do not allow the yacht lo heel

excessively.

Ease lhe mainsheel
leeward lo reduce heeling and
weather helm.

necessary reef the mainsail a
early.

II is also advisable whenever possible

30°

away from a dead run and in

lrim

occurs the

laller

case, a

travetler

lo

tillle

It may be noliced
tends lo be a
headings in the higher lalitudes of the

r~orllrerr~

soutt
hemisphere). This is caused by the
increasing angle of dip of the
magnetic field at higher latitudes which
has the effect of amplifying rudder
response on northerly headings. The
tendency towards norlherty heading
instability is usually more obvious al

hemisphere (and corivcrscly

rerly

headings in the southern

higher speeds and when it occurs can
be corrected by reducing the rudder
control selling.

Passage making under automatic pilot
is a very pleasant experience which can
lead lo the temptation of relaxing

permanent watch. This must always be
avoided no malter how clear the sea may
appear to be.

Remember, a large ship can travel Iwo
miles in five minutes -just the lime it takes
lo make a cup of coffee!

TOTE BAG

A special zip top padded bag made from
lough PVC is available lo prolecl and
stow your Aulohetm and is available from
Autohetm slockisls.
Warning

l

Do not slow your Aulohelm in a locker

liable to flooding by the bilge water.

0

Do

not

leave your Autohelm in a damp

locker over the winter lay up period.

Ihat ltre

litlle less

slable on northerly

(Cat No. D089)

autopitol

earlh’s

MAINTENANCE

All moving
lubricated for life at the faclory. Therelore

ii0 mainlenance whatsoever will be

required. Should a

autopilot’s plugabilily ensures that only
the defective unit need be returned.

Before lhis is done please double

check that the power supply cable is

sound and that
and free from corrosion.

Since Ihe control unit is lhe most
complex, there is a very high probability
that if a fault has occurred it is in this unit

parIs.

the system have been

lault

develop Ihe

alt

connections are light

LIMITED WARRANTY

Naulech or ils appointed Distributors or
Service Cenlres will, subject lo Ihe
condilions below, rectify any failures in

this producl due to
which become apparent within two years
ot its puchase date.

Equipment used in lhe country of
purchase should be sent directly to the
aulhorised Distributor for that counlry or
its appointed Service Cenlres. The
product will then be serviced
charge and returned promptly direct to
the sender.

Equipment used outside the country of
purchase can be eilher:-
a. Returned to the Distributor or Dealer

in whose country or from whom Ihe
equipment was originally purchased
it

will

then be serviced free of charge
and promptly returned direct to the
sender, or

faully

manutacture

lree

of

AFTER SALES SERVICE

Should for any reason your Autohelm
2000 require attention ensure that you

return it lo one of the Authorised Service

which should therefore be returned for
repair, which wilt be carried out speedily

and al moderate cost. The drive unit has

p10va11

very unlikely to develop a fault. If however
the drive unit is
it may be checked by connecting 12V
across the sockets al the end of the drive
unit cable and ensuring the motor runs
normally.

In Ihe case of a sailing yacht fitted with
a windvane system if a fault occurs only
in vane mode then it is likely lhal a fault
has developed in the vane head.

b. The product can be

pre-paid to the authorised Dislributor
or its appoinled Service Centres in the
country in which the product is being

used. II will then be serviced and
returned direct lo 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 labour and
return shipment at the local rate.

CONDITIONS
The warranty is invalid
a. The product has been misused,

installed or
accordance with the standards

-

defined in this manual.

b. Repairs have been attempted by

persons other lhan Nautech approved
Service personnel.

Centres. You will find a list enclosed.

Each service cenlre is trained and
equipped lo provide expert allenlion to
your Autohelm 2000.

lo be extremely reliable and is

suspecled

operaled

of being faulty

relurned

if:-

freight

not in

/

26

_...

_--

..-

SERVICE CENTRES - UK, Eire and Channel Islands

Marine Eleclrontcs Systems

rmdgc
Buckland Brewer
8ulelold

North

tiamprhtre

0243 378314

-.,

Isle

of Wighl

\’

(’ I,>‘, Cecmac Marine Ehxtre4Ccs
($ .2 A”CdSl.3

5

(’

’E!.-?

Mame

Cl-WCS

low

0983 293996

Lymtngro”lPoole

.)\I Grcenhrm Marine Lid

thng Saltcr”r lane

I ymu~qto”

Ilampstlw
0590

75771

Dew”

0805 22870

Ocean Marine Servicer

43 aw”“rie

Pl~“KXlllI
0752

23922

Quay Electrtcs (TeignmoutlJ Ltd

Il”‘\.ut,,4,

( ?.‘I

E

:

a

Dale Sailing Co

Dak
Ilavcrto!d

Wnl

l)“hl

Mr( 65 349

Ltd

co Antnm

O96Q3

65565

Dublin

11

000134259C1
Rtder

Sewter

Gk”blwk
P.lwgC west
CoCmk
1tlol532184 III6

Ayrrtlac

0292

315355

Jell Rulherlard
Electronic Services

Largr Yacht Have”
llvule

Rwd

btgr
Ayvshwe

0475686091

-

Greenham Marine Ltd

011.y ‘NW M.w”a

2 3 west

ally
rodr
Dcisel

0202676363

Road

28

IIPollw1 tIPlbw,

t4Jllhd#

0758613193

Sailtronk Marine
CtnrrctlSlrcl?l
GLm

Cmwy,

cohyn

nay

c‘w

0492 68 536

Robbins Marine Radio

051709

5431

Sew&r

l&$glZ&

‘ . tw

SCdhWll~
Strdd”ll

059588645

tdgaf
Swth Qwwateuy
Edmburgh

0313314343

EkCtrO”ks

29

,,

OVERSEAS REf%ESENTATlVES

__ _ - 1.

-.-.

_...

-.-

--

II & 1

Marine Ekclronkr

2

Bach Avenue

Argcnlinr
lrimrr

S.A.

I

,.,y

I\ M

,lr‘,,ll

,475 Hlrnlw,

AIqPIIlIM

lr,

to10 54I)774

lv+” 3
AUSlnlia

Solo Marine pty Ltd

11 Gwen Street
Rev&y
r\,lnrrlii
114

(01061 2)7745255

lel~r

Far (01061 2) 7745291

AMIda

Wwnw Ober.Yacbtekktronik

A 6”‘Il I mtrlm,

Rn<lvAt,.lrv
I%“,,,.,

Id (Olfl43)55772419
lax

,010

Barbados

C.O.

WaflPllS

5.1

t&heal

Lt.vbda
lel

(010 I809)425 2250

T&-x 007 392 2366 COW
la*

gcfgium

Wert
R

8450 Nwwpoon

I

<“lwwq

Belqwl

Tel tO103258)234061
Fax. [phone] 9246

Bermuda

Marine Communications
72 PIIB flay Road
Pembroke HM
Bermuda

Tel

010 1809) 295-0558

Tekr- 007 290 3795 MARCO LtA
Far (010 I 8091292 0079

Brazil
Fall YXhlS

Cnrlrol
tndwlre E
POLlo.127Kl
S.lil
Llr.17d
T@l (01055)
Tekr

Fax- (010 55) 11 5482070

British Virgin Islands
Cay Electronics

P 0

Road Town
Tortola
Ehlnh vrgtn Itilds
ICI

Iekx

Fax

r’t,*IMt,

nlln

,117121653

007

(“IO 1

(010 180949)42400

372Iv4470

11041 It AIt

NSW 2212

71 127045

Willialnr

Diep Yachting Centrc

5 A

F.l”lO

007 38 1124612 CNIO LtR

Box

007 255510

1010

38

43)

5577 24195

ElectrkalCo. Ltd

Em) 474 0374

2

06

Comerico

-

SP

11 5211944

345

1809 49) 44707

SOLMARAA

1006891 ESLUll

WE

SPRL

Canada
lom laylor Co Ltd.

I2 I,.v.w *wlrr
lwcrltr~
OlU?lllO

r

MGK 31 I

.u>n

k

H

w1tt t 4,b~)5ttl

kb. I”,, ,, ,x,5,41 I7

far (010 1416)5304J45

Canary Islands
Notdert

<Is

hr<ln

Sallla

CllP
canaly

Tel [phone]) 284 871

Tekx

007 52 92230

f.w(0103422)287311
CYPNS

Mcrcwy

53

$ymu AlaollzW sllwt

I’

0

Box

lsr,awll

(‘ypw,

k-1

(010 357 51)65497

Irk.

007 605 4976 MtRCOM CY

Finland

Oy

Marilim AB
Wtwrnl~k~imhe I
51

- 00210,ldnnki

Fuda,ul

k-l

1010358lO673331

Tckx

007 57 124788

Far-(010358)06927917

France

SD. Marine
17-25 Rue Barian
78500Sartrowilk
Frdl-Ke
81(01033~l39146833
Telex: 007 42 698347 SOMtLEC

Fax (010 33) I

Gibraltar

SI-IVW

Bond

The l&kyxd
G,blaltar

Id

(010

114,x 007 405

Far: (010 350) 73726

S&i
H. Sletmsrd L Co.

walnl;;t

G4~raltar
kl (010
T&ax:

Greece
Piraeur

46

Aktl Mwts~lou
Manna zeas
185

36

Gwece

Tel

(010301)453 1027Ml817g7

lck~OO76Ot74l219DORlGR
Fw(010 301)418 1091

lnlt

Bwwa 57

de

Iclvtlk

IsbMh

COON

Divcrl

Co. Limited

469

MAR,1

Eiectronique

39t3

3022

lnrlrumentation

350)

73701

237.3

GlRltLI’bK

350) 77183

007

405 2324 MARtNA GK

Electronic

F’iraeur

IOMIAYYCO ,011

ltoornana’s ttnldeb,,a~tul~a~,),ii lt.V
I’0 Ilo.N, 501?8
1305 AC

Akwte I t&-xl
~lnllalld
Id

(010 3)

3240) 11514

1vk.r

no744 70171 GllwNL

Id”

IOIU3l

32401

Hong Kong

Far East Yacht
M2

Floor
Baskct-alk

22

Ice
Hong Kong
Td ~010852~525701515 229394

E

SF

Tekr 007

lrl

(twa354l)R4077

k*lrx

007

lax 1010 3541)29323

Israel

Briza
ICI

Aviv P 0. Box 39232

1‘1.d

Td

(010

lrlrx 265871

I14y

Deck Marine

V~ak

20151

naly

Tel (010

Telex- 007 43 353147 DECK I

Fax: [phone]

Japan
J.&J. Limited

2F lnago 0Mg 370

) layam.
Mnm
Kanagawa
lap1tl
lrk(OlO81)468761S~~

Irlw

lax. 010

ltipardlarvan L

IS6

Y&l Mallna

Malta

Trl

(010 356)

Tekr WI

Netherlands Antilles

Radio-HollandCaribbean NV

PO. Box 146

PhQxlxIrg

51.

Ma;lltel

Nrlhcdands
Id u)10599)522589
fax (010

II519

SpecialislsLimited

lhnae

I

Iwse’Slrmt

802

65925 KRtMA

501

2 334 MXIX

Yacht & Marine Supply

9721320 259913284432

(“wts

ICI 137AUR) MONRtF

Cerdola 155

M1am

392)

308 7229

-

bhiki

007 72

3RS2532

81468

14’xLwx

Sr4lra1t

35591

406 994

Ant&s

599) 522589

IMJIIW I

76 1044

Ripard

YOl5 MW

IS

IIX

G

New Zealand

Lusly 6 illundell Limited

89 Wait al Road

Takapuna
Atat.la,,d IO
New 2raLwd
lrl

(010 64 9) 444 3675

lekr 007 74 60324 LUSlY
rar (010

64 9) 444 3798

Norway

Sratronic AIS

I ,.,,.,k, I

la.ld‘lgmJl
15OOMOSS
NCWOy
Cl

~01047)92727331231272835

kh IX?7

56 76547

rm [phone]

Portugal

A.

Pereiralordao

Rusdc

k-wF~lk.w 152.156

4cOO Put0

codex

rorlugal
Id ~0103512)209479
Irk-s

002 404 22308

Fal tOlO3Sl 2)314169
Singapore

Communications Systems
Engineering Pte Ltd
67

Ayer lla,ab CrescenlO7.01
Slngapore0513
ld

[phone]

Telex

007 87 23036

Fax: (010 65) 77 66795
South Africa

Central Boating Pty Limited

a1 ewe SIreel
cap-2 Towll8Ool
South AInca
Tel (010

27

21) 248026/7/E

lcim 007

955 2G712

far

(tHOZ7

20242564

Spain
Sit&a

Mlmtancr 44

tlaKelor1.l

II

Sp4lll

Tr1.(010343)3234315
Telec

007 52 542l8YlEE

fax:[phone]C62

Sweden

Axhede & Hanrson
Nva Wvvc.1
5b21

71V. Frdunda

Swdm

lrl. (01046311291111
lclcx

w75421447AX1lAs

Fax:

(0104631)292789

5

SIRON

DEBEGPL

SA

N2

N

IORDAOP

lng

Hai Company Limited
PO 00x9 54

lip0
l‘lww
l&

10108862~5312088

Tekx

CXJ7

785 13951 VIRAGO

Fax

(OIORB

62)5976531

nlrkcy
Lrimpex

M Rud,aw,,n, lckh,
llaywtll!,

hLrleslcad 1-7
AffitKI Rnaktar
klanbl,l

lvl ,010, lCi4GRR/161 01 32
I,+.

00760726613 tRlMl1

USA

SWW
Autohelm

America

NON

wlullleki
Guillord. Cl 06437

USA

lrl
Ma:
Fax: [phone]

West Gcrmanv
Ferropilot GM&

2084 Relkngen
siimnslrasse

West Germany

Tel
Telex-00741 218916OFEF’lD
Fax:[phone]~301214

West Indies

The Signal Locker

N&m’s Dockyayard
AhJlM
West
1,-+t0101809)4631528

lclcr
Fax.[phone]

Yugoslnvis

Mate Nostrum

Y.?.cllhng C0nSUllUlg
llorut

M

opat1ja
Yugorlavla
Tel
T&x. 007 62 24215

SlleeI

(010 I 2031453 8753

007

230643 804

35

(010494101)301240

krdrr

(007393)2147/2119

lIYRIW1 II

AKNAClllS

Ciw.Sam

Told

85

~0103851~713506

IMI

IEHRI

AK

YU

30