B&G Network Pilot User Manual

Network Pilot User Manual

CONTENTS

GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO B&G NETWORK ......................2

INTRODUCTION TO NETWORK PILOT.......................................3

SWITCHING THE NETWORK PILOT ON.....................................3

NETWORK PILOT DISPLAY UNIT ...............................................4

NETWORK PILOT HAND-HELD CONTROLLER.........................5

JOYSTICK (TYPE 2 SYSTEMS ONLY) ........................................6

BASIC PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION .........................................7

MODE SELECTION .......................................................................7

STEER TO COMP MODE.............................................................. 8

ENGAGING PILOT ON CURRENT HEADING.............................8

DISENGAGING THE PILOT..........................................................8

ENGAGING PILOT ON PREVIOUS HEADING............................9

CHANGING PILOT COURSE .......................................................9

MEMORISING THE NEW COURSE...........................................10

RETURNING TO THE PREVIOUS COURSE ............................10

PRESETTING THE PILOT HEADING ........................................11

USING THE DISPLAY KEY IN COMP MODE............................12

STEER TO NAV MODE ...............................................................13

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.....................................................13

SELECTING NAV MODE IN STDBY..........................................14

INSTALLATIONS WITH TWO POSITION FIXERS....................14

PILOT ENGAGED - SELECTING NAV MODE...........................15

CHANGING COURSE.................................................................16

RETURNING TO THE PREVIOUS COURSE ............................16

WAYPOINT ARRIVAL - NEXT LEG............................................17

USING THE DISPLAY IN NAV MODE........................................18

STEER TO VANE MODE.............................................................19

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.....................................................19

SELECTING VANE MODE..........................................................19

STDBY - PRESETTING TARGET AWA.....................................19

PILOT ENGAGED - SELECTING VANE MODE.........................20

CHANGING COURSE.................................................................20

AUTO TACK ................................................................................21

AUTO GYBE................................................................................22

USING THE DISPLAY KEY IN VANE MODE.............................23

OPERATIONS FOR ALL STEERING MODES ...........................24

USING THE SPEED KEY.............................................................24

USING THE MANUAL SPEED BANDS..............................................25

SETTING THE MANUAL SPEED BANDS..........................................26

USING THE SETUP KEY.............................................................27

SPEED DATA SOURCE SELECTION................................................28

RESPONSE.........................................................................................29

WATCH ALARM..................................................................................30

OFF COURSE ALARM........................................................................31

COMPASS DAMPING.........................................................................32

JOYSTICK STEERING MODE............................................................33

FAULT REPORTING...........................................................................34

DISPLAY TYPE....................................................................................35

SETTING ILLUMINATION LEVELS.............................................36

MAN OVERBOARD PROCEDURE (OPTIONAL).......................37

MANUAL RECOVERY (ALL BOATS)................................................38

AUTOMATIC RECOVERY (POWER ONLY).....................................39

NETWORK ALARMS...................................................................40

FAULT AND ERROR MESSAGES..............................................41

TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE....................................................42

HB-0504-03

1

GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO B&G NETWORK

The B&G Network range of instruments is designed to be
used as individual units or connected together to form an
integrated navigational system. A single network cable is
used to carry data and power between units. The latest
technology and screened cables throughout the Network
System ensure the ultimate protection from interference
between units and other systems. All Network instruments
can be linked to Network PILOT, Network CHART, Network
GPS or Network LORAN receivers or via NMEA 0183 (v1.5)
to other navigational equipment.

INSTRUMENTS NAVIGATIONAL AIDS
Network SPEED Network GPS

Network DEPTH Network LORAN
Network QUAD Network NAV
Network WIND Network CHART
Network TACK
Network DATA

AUTOPILOTS COMMUNICATIONS
Network PILOT Network VHF (USA only)

2

INTRODUCTION TO NETWORK PILOT

This manual describes how to operate your Network PILOT
after it has been installed, commissioned and had it's initial
sea trial. These procedures are all described in the Network
PILOT Installation Manual.
Network PILOT can be used as a stand-alone autopilot with
a Network PILOT Display Unit and/or a Hand-held Controller
or as part of an integrated Network navigational system,
used in conjunction with any of the units listed above.

SWITCHING THE PILOT ON

Your Network PILOT will usually have two circuit breakers,
one which supplies the Network PILOT Display and Network
Instruments (light duty supply) and the other that supplies the
Ram Drive or Pump Unit (heavy duty supply). Both must be
switched on before the autopilot will operate.

3

NETWORK PILOT DISPLAY UNIT

The back-lit Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) shows the following
information.
LARGE DIGITS (top left) - When the Network PILOT is
disengaged the digits show compass heading. When the
autopilot is engaged the digits show the course the autopilot
is steering.
TEXT WINDOW (top right) - When visible, information and
messages can be displayed.
RUDDER ANGLE BAR DISPLAY - Analogue indication of
rudder position. First 6 divisions 10 resolution, then 2 of 20,
then 4 of 50. Maximum rudder angle ±300.MODE LEGENDS
(bottom row) - Text legends appear depending upon the
steering mode and if the autopilot is engaged or disengaged.

The six large keys are the main control keys of the Network
PILOT.

AUTO Engages the autopilot in any mode, also used to

execute certain steering functions.

OFF Disengages the autopilot and returns the boat to

manual steering.

<10,<1 PORT course change buttons for increments of

100 or 10.

10>,1> STARBOARD course change buttons for

increments of 100 or 10.

The five keys in the lowest row of the Network PILOT Display
provide additional functions as follows:
MODE Changes the steering mode. Steer to COMPass,

Steer to VANE (requires Network WIND), Steer
to NAV (requires NMEA input from position fixer
e.g. GPS, LORAN, DECCA.

DISPLAY Changes the information displayed in the text

window of the LCD, this depends on mode
selected.

SPEED Selects speed information displayed in the text

window of the LCD.

SETUP Enables autopilot parameters and alarms to be

set and enabled.

LIGHTS Three levels of illumination and off.

4

NETWORK PILOT HAND-HELD CONTROLLER

The Handheld Controller provides remote control of the
Network PILOT. The six keys give the same control functions
as the six large keys on the Network PILOT display unit.

< 100 > 10
< 10 > 1

auto/resume PILOT engage and return to course

off PILOT disengage

0

course change

0

course change

Standby
Pilot Engaged
Course Change
Commissioning
Compass Cal.
Fault
Man Overboard

_ _ _
________
____ ____
_ _ _ _ _
_ ___ _ __
__ __ __
_ _ _ _ _ _

In the centre of the handheld controller is an LED that will
flash the coded sequences shown in the table above.

5

JOYSTICK (OPTIONAL TYPE 2 SYSTEM ONLY)

The joystick allows direct control of the rudder via the
autopilot computer unit for quick and responsive steering.
There are two modes of joystick operation available to the
helmsman, giving different steering control, (see USING THE
SETUP KEY, JOYSTICK STEERING to select the modes).
The button at the top of the joystick enables the Network
PILOT to be engaged and disengaged in joystick steering
mode.

1. NORMAL STEERING
The rudder moves in the direction of the joystick, when the
joystick is returned to the central position the rudder
movement stops. The greater the movement of the joystick
the faster the response of the rudder.

2. PROPORTIONAL STEERING
The position of the rudder imitates the position of the joystick,
when the joystick is returned to the central position the
rudder returns to its initial position.

ENGAGING THE PILOT IN JOYSTICK MODE

• Turn the steering wheel so the rudder is in the midships

position. See NOTE.

• Press the button on the top of the joystick to engage the
PILOT.

• Move the joystick to port or starboard to move the
rudder.

When the PILOT is engaged in joystick mode the text area of
the Network PILOT LCD will show JOYSTCK, the rudder
angle bar display will show rudder position, and heading (in
degrees) will be shown on the large LCD digits.

NOTE : When the PILOT is engaged using the joystick
button the rudder position (at the moment of engaging) will
be the central position of the joystick. It is advisable to
ensure that this is the midships position of the rudder.
By steering the vessel on to a straight and steady course
before engaging the autopilot, any external influences on the
steering will be counteracted, e.g. wind and tide. However
this is only true as long as you maintain the same course.

DISENGAGING THE PILOT FROM JOYSTICK MODE
EITHER:

• Press the joystick button.
OR

• Press the red OFF key on any Network PILOT display.
When the PILOT is disengaged from joystick mode the

Network PILOT LCD will return to the normal STDBY display.

IMPORTANT NOTE

The Network PILOT red OFF key can be used to disengage
the autopilot and resume manual steering from any mode.

6

BASIC PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION

When the Network PILOT is powered on it will be in Standby
mode, STDBY indicated on the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD).
The LCD also shows the Current Heading in digits, the
rudder position on a bar display and the operating mode,
initially Compass COMP. To steer the boat automatically,
turn the boat onto the desired heading and engage the
autopilot by pressing the AUTO key on any Network PILOT
display or Hand-held Controller. If manual steering is
required press the red OFF key and the autopilot returns to
standby, STDBY.
When the autopilot is steering, course changes are made by
multiple presses of the <10 or 10> keys and the <1 or 1>
keys on any Network PILOT display or Hand-held Controller.

WARNING

When the autopilot is engaged manual steering is not
possible. To resume manual steering the red OFF key
must be pressed on any Network PILOT Display or Hand­held Controller. It is the responsibility of the skipper to
brief all crew members about this procedure.

MODE SELECTION

The MODE key enables the steering mode to be changed.
There are three steering modes, however selection is
dependant upon your boat type and Network System.

• COMP Steer to Compass. The basic mode for all
autopilot systems on power and sail boats. When
switched on the Network PILOT is always in this
mode.

• VANE Steer to Wind. Only selectable on sail boats that
have a Network System containing a Network
WIND unit.

• NAV Steer to Navigational data. Selectable with all
autopilot systems that are linked to an NMEA
position fixer e.g. GPS, Decca, Loran.

Depending upon the mode extra operations and displays are
available, refer to the sections on VANE and NAV.

7

STEER TO COMP MODE

8

ENGAGING PILOT ON CURRENT COURSE

• If necessary, press the MODE key to select COMPass.

• Press the AUTO key once to engage the autopilot on the

current course.
NOTE

The Network PILOT has a Course Memory, the previous
autopilot course is stored in it when the autopilot is
disengaged for future use. The previous autopilot course is
displayed for 4 seconds in the LCD text area, this is recalled
from the autopilot Course Memory.

DISENGAGING THE PILOT

• Press the OFF key to disengage the autopilot.

• The previous autopilot course is MEMorised.

NOTE

The previous autopilot course is always stored in the course
memory when the autopilot is disengaged.

9

ENGAGING PILOT ON PREVIOUS COURSE

• Press the AUTO key twice within 4 seconds to engage
the autopilot on the previous MEMorised course.

NOTE

In this example the current course is 2700, the previous
autopilot course was 0900, displayed in the LCD text window.
The autopilot will steer the boat on to 0900 as soon as the

AUTO key is pressed the second time.

CHANGING PILOT COURSE

• Press <10 or <1 to alter course to port in 100 or 10

increments.

• Press 10> or 1> to alter course to starboard in 100 or 10

increments.

• Multiple presses of the keys are added together to give

the required course change, e.g. for 200 to port press <10
twice, for 110 to starboard press 10> then 1>.

• The previous autopilot course is MEMorised and

displayed in the LCD text window.

10

key twice within 4 seconds to return to

orised course shown in the LCD text

MEMORISING THE NEW COURSE

• Press AUTO key once to store the new course in the

autopilot course memory.

NOTE
It is suggested that this carried out after every permanent
course change, i.e. not when you have just steered around
an obstacle.

RETURNING TO THE PREVIOUS COURSE

• Press the AUTO

the previous MEM
window.

NOTE
If you have used the course memory after every permanent
course change then the autopilot will steer the boat back on
to your last autopilot course. If not, the autopilot will steer on
to the last course that was memorised. Check that the
MEMorised course in the LCD text window is the one that
you want.

11

PRESETTING THE PILOT COURSE

• The autopilot has to be disengaged in STDBY to preset

the course.

• Use <10,<1,10>,1> keys to alter the course
displayed in the LCD text window.

• Press AUTO to engage the autopilot and automatically
steer on to the preset course.

12

USING THE DISPLAY KEY IN COMP MODE

Press the DISPLAY key to cycle through additional autopilot
and navigational information, displayed in the LCD text
window.

• RUD Rudder Angle - Digits indicated rudder angle in
degrees to port <, or to starboard >.

• W A Watch Alarm - Will indicate OFF or the time in
minutes and seconds until the alarm sounds.

• HDG Heading - This is the actual compass heading in
degrees. The large digits indicate the autopilot
course.

PILOT IN STDBY

PILOT IN AUTO

13

STEER TO NAV MODE

14

NAV MODE - ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The position fixer has a compatible NMEA 0183 (v1.5)

up and connected in accordance with the

The signal and noise levels are within the manufacturers

The waypoint have been entered correctly, and the

If using waypoints in a Route or Sail (cruise) Plan, they

When the autopilot in engaged in NAV mode it will steer a
course using waypoint data from a position fixer programmed
with the waypoint positions.
The position fixer can be any GPS (Global Positioning
System), DECCA or LORAN-C receiver, with a compatible
NMEA 0183 (v1.5) interface.

POSITION FIXER ERRORS
It is important to remember that when the autopilot is steering

to NAV, any erratic or positional errors generated by the
position fixer due to poor reception, bad satellite constellation
or radio beacon chain transitions, will be transferred to the
autopilot via the NMEA interface. This could cause steering
inaccuracy so always maintain a log and positional plot on a
current chart. Also ensure that the autopilot course will steer
you clear of any obstacles, taking into account tides.

Before using your position fixer to steer to NAV, check the
following:

•

interface, set­manufacturers instructions.

• It is switched on and has the correct current position.

•

recommended levels.

•

waypoint arrival alarm switched on (if it has one).

•

are entered correctly and the route is enabled.

15

PILOT IN STDBY - SELECTING NAV MODE

Steer to NAV can be selected from any other mode when the
autopilot is engaged or when in STaNDY. This enables you
to change directly from COMP to NAV or VANE to NAV and
back again during an autopilot steered passage.

IMPORTANT NOTE

If the autopilot is already engaged in another mode, as
soon as NAV mode is selected the autopilot will begin to
steer the boat on to the selected waypoint bearing.
Ensure that when NAV is selected any change of course
does not cause the boat to tack or gybe unexpectedly or
steer the boat in to danger.

ONE POSITION FIXER TWO POSITION FIXERS

INSTALLATIONS WITH TWO POSITION FIXERS

If the Network PILOT has two sources of NMEA data from
two position fixers (supplied via the NMEA input interfaces of
two Network PILOT Displays), when the MODE key is
pressed NAV1 or NAV2 will be displayed. Select NAV1 or
NAV2 to change the source of the NMEA data eg, from GPS
to DECCA.

16

PILOT ENGAGED - SELECTING NAV MODE

• Steer the boat until the compass heading is

approximately the same as the selected waypoint bearing

ONE POSITION FIXER TWO POSITION FIXERS

(refer to your position fixer).

• Press the MODE key to select NAV, NAV1 or NAV2.

• Press the AUTO key to engage the autopilot if it's not

already engaged.

• The Network PILOT Display indicates XTE (cross track
error) to port < or starboard > in Nautical Miles, and the
autopilots course on the large digits.

• If necessary, use the <10,<1,1>,10> keys to alter the
autopilots course to port or starboard until the XTE value is
less than 0.03, this will enable the autopilot to find the
correct track more quickly. Refer to CHANGING COURSE
for more information about course changes.

17

key twice within 4 seconds to return to

CHANGING COURSE

• Press <10 or <1 to alter course to port in 100 or 10

increments.

• Press 10> or 1> to alter course to starboard in 100 or 10
increments.

• NAV OFF and XTE are shown alternatively in the LCD
text window.

NOTE
When a course change is made Steer to NAV is temporarily
disabled until the autopilot is instructed to return to the
previous course. The autopilot will continue to steer the
current compass course.

RETURNING TO THE PREVIOUS COURSE

• Press the AUTO

the previous NAV autopilot course.

18

WAYPOINT ARRIVAL - NEXT LEG

Many position fixers automatically switch to the next leg
when a programmed waypoint is reached. The Network
PILOT will not automatically steer the boat on to the next leg.
It will prompt the helmsman when the waypoint is reached by
displaying NXT and the new waypoint bearing. Initially the
displayed bearing maybe unstable, once the bearing has
stabilised the helmsman can instruct the pilot to steer on to
the new course.

• Press the AUTO key TWICE when the displayed bearing
has stabilised.

19

USING THE DISPLAY KEY IN NAV MODE

Press the DISPLAY key to cycle through additional autopilot
and navigational information, displayed in the LCD text
window.

• XTE Cross Track Error indicated to port < or >
starboard in Nautical Miles.

• RUD Rudder Angle - in degrees.

• W A Watch Alarm - in minutes and seconds or OFF.

• HDG Heading - The actual compass heading in

degrees. The large digits indicate the autopilot
course.

• WPB Waypoint Bearing - The bearing to the selected
waypoint in degrees.

• WPD Waypoint Distance - The distance from the
selected waypoint in Nautical Miles.

• WP Waypoint - The selected waypoint name or
number (first 4 characters only).

PILOT IN STDBY

PILOT IN AUTO

20

STEER TO VANE MODE

21

VANE MODE - ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

VANE mode is only available to sailing boats fitted with a Network

WIND unit.
When the autopilot is engaged in VANE mode it will steer a course that
maintains a set Target Apparent Wind Angle (Target AWA). If the AWA
shifts the autopilot will alter course so that the Target AWA remains the
same. Steer to VANE is usually used when sailing upwind, however it
can be used on all points of sailing.

IMPORTANT NOTE
If the autopilot is engaged in another mode and VANE is selected

ensure that shifts in AWA will not cause the boat to tack or gybe
unexpectedly.

SELECTING VANE MODE

Steer to VANE can be selected from any other mode when the autopilot
is engaged or when in STaNDY. This enables you to change directly
from COMP to VANE or NAV to VANE and back again during an
autopilot steered passage.

PILOT STDBY - PRESETTING TARGET AWA

A Target AWA can be set before the autopilot is engaged.

• With the autopilot in STDBY press MODE key to select VANE.

• Use the <10,10>,<1,1> keys to alter the Target AWA displayed in

the LCD text window in increments of 100 and 10 to port < or to
starboard >.

• Press the AUTO key to engage the autopilot on the preset Target
AWA.

22

PILOT ENGAGED - SELECTING VANE MODE

• Check that the AWA on your Network WIND. (AWA can also be

read from Network DATA or Network TACK).

• If safe to do so change mode by pressing the MODE key to select

VANE.

• The Network PILOT display will show the Target AWA in the LCD

text window, and the autopilot course on the large digits.

CHANGING COURSE

Changes to the autopilot course while in VANE mode uses the same
four keys as for other autopilot steering modes, however their purpose
is different.

• The <10,10>,<1,1> keys alter the Target AWA in increments of 100
and 10 to port < or to starboard >. The autopilot then calculates the
course required to maintain the Target AWA.

NOTE
When the autopilot is in VANE mode the previous course is NOT
memorised as there is no a course memory. To return to your previous
course you must enter the reciprocal course change.

23

AUTO TACK

When the autopilot is engaged in VANE mode the True Wind Angle
(TWA) is calculated. This enables the autopilot to indicate when you
can execute a PILOT controlled tack. When the autopilot keys are
pressed the boat will be quickly steered through the wind until it is at the
same Target AWA on the opposite tack.

When TWA is in the range

-0900 to +0900 the boat is
sailing in the autopilot
TACK SECTOR.

The PILOT display
alternatively shows WND
(target AWA) and TACK in
the LCD text window.

Press <10 and 10> keys
together on any display or
handheld controller to
TACK.

The autopilot will quickly
steer the boat on to the
same Target AWA on the
opposite tack.

24

AUTO GYBE

When the autopilot is engaged in VANE mode the True Wind Angle
(TWA) is calculated. This enables the autopilot to indicate when you
can execute a PILOT controlled gybe. When the autopilot keys are
pressed it will control the steering of the boat so that as the wind passes
astern the boom and sails can be safely transferred to the opposite
tack. The autopilot will then maintain the same Target AWA on the
opposite tack.

When TWA is in the range

-1200 to +1200 the boat is
sailing in the autopilot
GYBE SECTOR.

The PILOT display
alternatively shows WND
(target AWA) and GYBE in
the LCD text window.

Press the <10 and 10>
keys together on any
Network PILOT display or
Hand-held Controller to
GYBE.

The autopilot will steering
the boat on to the same
Target AWA on the
opposite tack.

25

USING THE DISPLAY KEY IN VANE MODE

Press the DISPLAY key to cycle through additional autopilot and
navigational information, displayed in the LCD text window.

• WND TARGET Apparent Wind Angle (TARGET AWA)

in degrees to port <, or to starboard >.

• RUD Rudder Angle - Digits indicated rudder angle in

degrees to port <, or to starboard >.

• W A Watch Alarm - Will indicate OFF or the time in

minutes and seconds until the alarm sounds.

• HDG Heading - This is the actual compass heading in

degrees. The large digits indicate the autopilot
course.

PILOT IN STDBY

PILOT IN AUTO

26

OPERATIONS FOR ALL STEERING MODES

27

USING THE SPEED KEY

When the SPEED key is pressed, boat speed and the source of the
speed data will be displayed in the LCD text window. Selection of the
speed data source is carried out with the SETUP key, refer to SPEED
DATA SOURCE SELECTION.

There are five sources of displayed boat speed data:

1. SPD Speed data supplied from a Network SPEED or QUAD
unit (connected to a speed sensor) via the system
network cables. This is the usual speed source, your
Network PILOT is supplied with this selected. If speed
data is not available (eg fouled speed sensor) SPD with
no digits is displayed. It will then be necessary to select
an alternative source of speed data using the SETUP key.

2. SOG Speed data (Speed Over Ground) supplied from a
position fixer via the NMEA interface into the Network
PILOT display unit.

3. SLW Slow manual speed band.

4. MED Medium manual speed band.

5. FST Fast manual speed band.

The use and setting of the manual speed bands is described below.

SPEED DISPLAY

SOG DISPLAY

MANUAL SPEED BANDS

28

USING THE MANUAL SPEED BANDS

The manual speed bands enable the Network PILOT to be used when
there is no speed from the system network due to a damaged or fouled
speed sensor or if there is no speed sensor fitted (some stand alone
autopilots).
The three speed bands are factory set to the values shown opposite,
they are different for sail and power boats, the selection is made
automatically by the Network PILOT for you installation. They are all
adjustable and can be set according to your own boat speed
requirements.

• SLW Slow preset speed stored in the autopilots memory. This
value should be adjusted to suit the speed required for
slow manoeuvring in harbour or restricted speed areas.

• MED Medium preset speed stored in the autopilots memory.
This value should be adjusted to your normal cruising
speed.

• FST Fast preset speed stored in the autopilot memory. This
should be adjusted to your fast cruising or maximum
speed.

FACTORY SET MANUAL SPEED BANDS
SAIL BOAT POWER BOAT

The manual speed band should be selected appropriate to the
estimated boat speed. It is not necessary to continuously adjust the
value but you must change the bands as you accelerate and
decelerate. This can be done instantly by pressing the SPEED key. The
band displayed is the one that is used by the autopilot for all it
calculations, so the correct selection is important for the performance of
your Network PILOT.

29

SETTING THE MANUAL SPEED BAND VALUES

Select the speed band to be adjusted with the SPEED key. (SPD and
SOG cannot be adjusted).

Press SPEED key, to
display the speed band to
be adjusted.

Press ENTER key, the
display will flash.

Use the ÙÙ or ÚÚ keys to
alter the displayed speed
bands value.

Press ENTER key to
memorise the new speed
value.

30

USING THE SETUP KEY

The SETUP key allows the autopilot operating parameters to be set.
These apply to all steering modes.
Press the SETUP key to cycle through the following options displayed
in the LCD text area.

• SPD TRA Speed data source selection.

• RESP N Autopilot steering response and power consumption

setting.

• W A 4 Watch Alarm time interval setting.

• W A OFF Watch Alarm enable/disable setting.

• O C 150 Off-course Alarm deviations setting.

• O C OFF Off-course Alarm enable/disable setting.

• DMP 4 Compass heading display damping.

• JS NORM Joystick steering mode.

• F R ON Fault reporting enable/display setting.

• TYPE N Display unit operating type.

The setting of the parameters are described overleaf.

31

SPEED DATA SOURCE SELECTION

This SETUP parameter is used to select the source of the speed data
used in the autopilots calculations.

SPD TRA Speed data from a Speed Sensor supplied via the system

network cables from a Network SPEED or QUAD. This is
the usual setting for most systems and is the factory
setting.

SPD SOG Speed data via the NMEA interface from a
position fixer.
SPD MAN Manual speed band selection.

Press SETUP key, to
display SPD.

Press ENTER key, the
display will flash.

Use the ÙÙ or ÚÚ keys to
cycle through the
options.

Press ENTER key to
memorise the new SPD
setup.

32

STEERING RESPONSE

This SETUP parameter allows one of three different autopilot steering
response to be selected as follows:

RESP N Normal steering mode, this setting is suitable for most
steering requirements. Factory set mode.
RESP E Economy steering mode, the power consumption of the
autopilot is reduced by minimising the amount of rudder

movement. The rudder drive is the main drain on battery
power when steering by autopilot. There will be a slight
reduction in course keeping as the autopilot will not make
so many rudder position changes.

RESP D Downwind steering mode, this setting modifies the steering
response for sailing downwind.

Press SETUP key until
RESP N is displayed.

Press ENTER key, the
display will flash.

Use the ÙÙ or ÚÚ keys to
select OFF or ON.

Press ENTER key to
memorise the new RESP
setup.

33

WATCH ALARM

The Watch Alarm can be set to sound the alarm at regular intervals to
keep the on-watch crew and helmsman alert.

Press SETUP key until
W A 4 is displayed.

Press SETUP key until
W A OFF is displayed.

Press ENTER key, the
display will flash.

Press ENTER key, the
display will flash.

Alarm Rang 1 to 360 minutes
Factory set 4 minutes: OFF

Use the ÙÙ or ÚÚ keys
to alter the displayed
alarm value.

Use the ÙÙ or ÚÚ keys to
select OFF or ON.

Press ENTER key to
memorise the new
W A value.

Press ENTER key to
memorise the new
W A setup.

34

OFF COURSE ALARM

The Off Course alarm can be set to sound if the boat deviates off
course by more than the value set. The alarm is temporarily disabled
during autopilot turns.

Press SETUP key
until O C 150 is
displayed.

Press SETUP key until
O C OFF is displayed.

Press ENTER key,
the display will flash.

Press ENTER key, the
display will flash.

Alarm Range 10 to 990
Factory set 150 : OFF

Use the ÙÙ or ÚÚ keys
to alter the displayed
alarm value.

Use the ÙÙ or ÚÚ keys to
select OFF or ON.

Press ENTER key to
memorise the new
O C value.

Press ENTER key to
memorise the new
O C setup.

35

COMPASS DAMPING

This SETUP allows the response time of the displayed compass
heading to be adjusted. The heading is averaged over a set time
period, the longer the time period the smooth the response of the
displayed heading but the longer it takes to display a change.
Adjustments to compass damping DO NOT effect the response and
performance of the autopilot steering.

Press SETUP key until
DMP 4 is displayed.

Press ENTER key, the
display will flash.

Damping Range1 to 99 seconds
Factory set 4 seconds

Use the ÙÙ or ÚÚ keys to
alter the damping value.

Press ENTER key to
memorise the new DMP
value.

36

JOYSTICK STEERING MODE

This SETUP allows the joystick to control the in steering in one of two
different methods.

JS NORM Normal steering mode. Factory set to this mode.
JS PROP Proportional steering mode.

Press SETUP key until
JS NORM is displayed.

Press ENTER key, the
display will flash.

Use the ÙÙ or ÚÚ keys to
alter the steering mode.

Press ENTER key to
memorise the new
steering mode.

37

FAULT REPORTING

This SETUP enables the Network PILOT fault reporting to be disabled
preventing continuous alarms in the event of an intermittent rudder or
compass fault. The autopilot would not be able to steer the boat, but in
STDBY the PILOT display will still show compass heading and rudder
angles (unless there is a total system failure).

Press SETUP key until
F R ON is displayed.

Press ENTER key, the
display will flash.

Use the ÙÙ or ÚÚ keys to
select OFF or ON.

Press ENTER key to
memorise the new
F R setup.

38

DISPLAY TYPE

This SETUP enables the display to run an internal demonstration
program. The display should be set to Normal for the autopilot to
operate correctly.

Press SETUP key until
TYPE N is displayed.

Press ENTER key, the
display will flash.

Use the ÙÙ or ÚÚ keys to
select Normal or Demo
display type.

Press ENTER key to
memorise the new
TYPE setup.

39

SETTING THE ILLUMINATION LEVEL

The Network PILOT Display unit has 3 levels of illumination and off,
controlled by the LIGHTS key. The level set is for the entire Network
System.

• LIGHT 0 Off

• LIGHT 3 High

• LIGHT 2 Medium

• LIGHT 1 Low

The LIGHTS key also changes the key legend lighting.
The LIGHTS key is always illuminated so even in complete darkness
the key can be located.

40

MAN OVERBOARD PROCEDURE (OPTIONAL)

The Man Overboard Button (MOB) is an optional extra that activates
the Network PILOT's man overboard alarm procedure. For this facility to
operate you must have a speed sensor input, it will not work with
Manual Speed Bands or Speed Over Ground.
It's purpose is to aid you in the recovery of the person or persons that
may have been lost overboard. The procedure will help to guide the
boat back to the point where the MOB was first pressed, by giving the
bearing and distance to that point.
Power boat owner's can use the Network PILOT for Automatic
Recovery, the Network PILOT will control the steering of the boat to
execute a "Williamson Turn" and return the boat along the reciprocal
course.
Sail boats owner's however, because of the need to tack or gybe, have
to use Manual Recovery, the bearing and distance displays must be
followed and the boat steered back to the person in the water.

When the MOB is pressed the internal alarms will sound in all Network
Unit, except Network WIND and TACK, and the LCDs will show the
message shown opposite. The alarm is silenced by pressing any of the
five keys in the lowest row on any display (except WIND and TACK).

WILLIAMSON TURN

Power boats will follow an autopilot steered course similar to the
diagram shown below.

The full procedures for Manual and Automatic Man Overboard
Recovery are described overleaf. They should be practised and
explained to everybody on board your vessel because one day it could
help save a life.

41

MANUAL RECOVERY (ALL BOATS)

1.

• Press the MOB as soon as the person is lost overboard.

• The alarm will sound and the display will show the man overboard

message.

2.

• Press any of the five keys in the lowest row to silence the audible

alarm.

• The PILOT display will now show the bearing and distance to the

person overboard.

3.

• ALWAYS maintain a lookout and keep visual contact with the person

in the water.

• Steer the boat back to the person overboard following the bearing and
distance display.

• The boat can be steered using the course change buttons when the
PILOT is engaged, or press the OFF key to disengage the PILOT and
manually steer the boat.

• Recover the person overboard.

4.

• Press and hold the MOB for 5 seconds to cancel the MOB sequence.

• The bearing and distance display will be cancelled and if your

autopilot was engaged it will disengage and return to STDBY, COMP
steering mode.

42

AUTOMATIC RECOVERY (POWER ONLY)

1.

• Press the MOB as soon as the person is lost overboard.

• The alarm will sound and the display will show the man overboard

message.

2.

• Press any of the five keys in the lowest row to silence the audible

alarm.

• The PILOT display will now show the bearing and distance to the

person overboard.

• Press the MOB three times to initiate the automatic recovery.

3.

• ALWAYS maintain a lookout and keep visual contact with the person

in the water.

• Reduce the boat speed to less than 8 knots.

• The autopilot will control the steering and execute a `Williamson Turn',

or press the OFF key to disengage the PILOT and manually steer the
boat.

• Recover the person overboard.

4.

• Press and hold the MOB for 5 seconds to cancel the MOB sequence.

• The bearing and distance display will be cancelled and if your

autopilot was engaged it will disengage and return to STDBY, COMP
steering mode.

43

NETWORK ALARMS

The Network PILOT display unit has an internal buzzer that will sound
when an alarm condition is met on a Network unit that has alarm
functions ie. Network DEPTH and Network QUAD for depth alarms and
Network PILOT for Watch Alarm and Off Course alarms. The unit will
also display which alarm is activated.
To silence the internal alarm and return the display to normal operation
press any of the five keys.

DEPTH ALARM DISPLAY

Depth alarms can be set for the following:
Shallow water
Deep water
Anchor Watch
Check your Network DEPTH or QUAD unit to see which alarm is
activated.

NETWORK PILOT ALARM DISPLAYS

The Watch Alarm is a count-down timer with is activated at the end of
the preset count-down period. The display alternates between the
messages above.

The Off Course alarm is activated when the boat deviates off course by
a preset amount. The display alternates between the messages above.

44

FAULT AND ERROR MESSAGES

NETWORK PILOT FAULT DISPLAY

If Network PILOT should have a fault the autopilot computer unit will
send a message to all other Network Display Units. The Network units
will alternately display the message above, the actual fault will have to
read from the Network PILOT Display unit.

UNIT INTERNAL ERRORS

In the unlikely event that your Network PILOT display unit should
develop an internal error, the unit will sound it's alarm continuously and
the display will show an error number. Pressing the keys will not silence
this alarm.
In some cases the fault can be cleared by switching off the instruments
at the supply, waiting a few moments and then switching on again. If
this does not clear the fault the error number should be recorded.
Switch off the supply and disconnect the faulty unit. Return it with the
error number to your dealer for servicing.

45

TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE

ERROR MESSAGES

The Control Unit is continually monitoring the Network Pilot and
Network System for correct operation. If an error is detected the
Network Pilot Display will show an error message, the Hand-held
Controller status LED will flash the error pattern, and the system alarm
buzzers will sound.

• To cancel alarm buzzer, press any of the five lower keys on any

Network Pilot Display unit, or in an integrated system any of the five
lower keys on any Network display except the Network WIND and
Network TACK units.

• Press the DISPLAY key on any Network Pilot Display to cancel the

displayed error message.

• Persistent errors should always be checked by an authorised B&G

service dealer.

46

TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE

ERROR PROBABLE CAUSE REMEDIAL ACTION
UNCOMIS

INT CMP
RUD ERR
RUD DRV

NO SPD

NO WIND
NO NMEA
BAD XTE
ERR ##

TYP RES

The rudder end stop positions are invalid or the
Network has been reset.

Internal compass fault. Return the Control Unit for servicing
Rudder reference unit error, invalid data from unit. Check cabling and output from RRU
Rudder drive error. The Computer Unit has attempted

to move the rudder but there was no feedback from the
RRU.

No boat speed data. Networked Speed sensor fault or
autopilot engaged when boat was stationary.

No wind data. Networked Wind sensor fault or no wind. Inspect Network Wind unit, wind sensor and interconnections.
No NMEA data. The position fixer output has failed.
XTE (cross track error) data is erratic. Check as above.
Internal Computer Unit error. Switch off autopilot at main breaker, switch on again. If fault does not clear

Type Selector not fitted or incorrect. Check type selector is fitted in Control Unit and is correct for type of boat.

Recommission the rudder end stop positions

Check the rudder drive cabling, inspect the drive and linkages.

Inspect Network Speed or Quad units, speed sensor and inter-connections.
Engage autopilot while moving. Select manual speed bands with Pilot
display.

Check position fixer has a fix, signal level good etc, and inter-connections.

record number and contact service dealer.

EXT CMP
TRIP

NET ERR

External Compass fault. Inspect external compass and connections.
Drive unit motor or clutch jammed, shorting or poor

connection (i.e. high resistance joint).
Network communication error between display and

computer unit.

Check the steering system is free to move. Inspect all connections to the
motor and clutch.

Check the connections between the display and the computer unit.

47