All Rights Reserved. This document, subject matter and all information
herein is the sole, exclusive and confidential property of SeaStar
Solutions and shall not be disclosed, copied, reproduced or used in
whole or in part for any purpose other than as specifically authorized in
writing by Marine Canada Acquisition (DBA SEASTAR SOLUTIONS).
All information, illustrations and specifications in this manual are based
on the latest information available at the time of publishing. The
illustrations used in this manual are intended as representative reference
views only. Moreover, because of our continuous product improvement
policy, we may modify information, illustrations and/or specifications to
explain and/or exemplify a product, service or maintenance
improvement. We reserve the right to make any change at any time
without notice.
is a registered trademark of the American Boat &
Yacht Council (http://www.abycinc.org)
®
NMEA 2000
is a registered trademark of the National Marine Electronics
Association.
Optimus, Optimus EPS, Optimus 360, SeaStar, and BayStar are all
trademarks of SeaStar Solutions.
California
Proposition 65 Warning
Battery posts, terminals, and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to the
state of California to cause cancer
and reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling.
TM
Thank you for choosing Optimus
SeaWays is an integrated autopilot system that will ease and improve
your boating experience.
SeaWays by SeaStar Solutions.
About this Book
This manual serves as both an installation and user’s manual for
Optimus SeaWays autopilot. It contains the information you need to
install and safely operate SeaWays. It must remain on the boat.
Notice to the Installer & Operator/User
Throughout this publication, Dangers, Warnings and Cautions
(accompanied by the International Hazard Symbol ) are used
to alert the user to special instructions concerning a particular
service or operation that may be hazardous if ignored or performed
incorrectly or carelessly. Observe them carefully!
These safety alerts alone cannot eliminate the hazards that they
signal. Strict compliance with these special instructions during
installation, operation, and maintenance, plus common sense
operation, are important measures to prevent accidents.
Failure to adhere to these notices may lead to propeller injuries
causing severe bodily injury and/or death.
IMMEDIATE HAZARDS WHICH, IF NOT ACTED UPON, WILL RESULT
IN SEVERE PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
HAZARDS OR UNSAFE PRACTICES WHICH, IF NOT ACTED UPON,
COULD RESULT IN SEVERE PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
Hazards or unsafe practices which could result in minor injury or
product or property damage.
Information which is important to proper use or maintenance, but is
not hazard -related.
i
ABBREVIATIONS
The following abbreviations are used in this manual:
ABYC American Boat & Yacht Council
CAN Controller Area Network
EPS Electronic Power Steering
GPS Global Positioning System
NMEA National Marine Electronics Association
NMEA 2000® A protocol for digital communication on a CAN Bus
PCM Pump Control Module
RPM Revolutions Per Minute
SBAS Satellite-Based Augmentation System
STBD Starboard (right)
Note: Some abbreviations not listed here may be found in their
respective sections.
THE SAFETY INFORMATION PROVIDED BELOW IS INTENDED TO
INFORM YOU OF THE DANGERS THAT MAY BE PRESENT BEFORE,
DURING AND AFTER USE. IT IS CRITICAL THAT YOU READ AND
UNDERSTAND ALL THE POINTS NOTED.
THE OPTIMUS SEAWAYS SYSTEM MUST ONLY BE INSTALLED BY
AN AUTHORIZED DEALER OR BOAT BUILDER.
Safe operation of the SeaWays system depends upon proper
installation and maintenance of the system, and the common sense,
safe judgment, knowledge, and expertise of the operator. Every installer
and operator of SeaWays should know the following requirements
before installing or operating.
If you have any questions regarding any of these warnings, contact
SeaStar Solutions.
To reduce the risk of severe injury or death:
1. Always wear a Coast Guard Approved personal flotation device
(PFD) and use an engine shut-off cord (lanyard).
2. Engaging SeaWays causes the boat to steer automatically. This
could injure someone in the water. It is the operator’s responsibility
to make sure no one is in the water or enters the water. If someone
enters the water, pull all engine lanyard(s).
3. Read and understand this User’s manual and the Quick Reference
Card provided with your vessel control components.
SeaStar and Optimus components are highly engineered and safety
4.
tested to ensure system integrity. DO NOT substitute any component.
Substitution with non-SeaStar or non-Optimus components may
compromise system safety, performance, and reliability.
Refer to your Optimus 360 manual for maintenance instructions.
Keep our waters clean for all current and future users. Dispose of
all fluids in accordance with your local regulations.
2.0 INSTALLATION
2.1 Over view
SeaWays is an integrated autopilot system. SeaWays builds off of an
Optimus 360 system by adding a GPS and heading sensor. The system
uses position and heading data to steer the vessel automatically.
Once your Optimus 360 system is installed, adding SeaWays is simple:
1. Install the SeaWays Sensor
2. Route CAN2 cable from sensor to Optimus CAN2 backbone
3. Apply Sensor license provided with kit (captured on back cover
of this booklet)
4. SeaWays commisioning
2.2 Before You Begin
Before installing GPS Sensor:
1. Optimus 360 must be fully installed and commissioned.
2. All software must be up to date – See book 65 for instructions on
updating software.
2.3 Contents
1. 682175 - SeaStation Installation and Users Manual
The sensor should be mounted
as low as possible while still
maintaining good sky visibility.
This will reduce false movement
due to the boat rocking back
and forth.
Mounting Location
This section provides information on determining the best location
for the sensor.
GPS Reception
When considering where to mount the sensor, consider the following
GPS reception recommendations:
• Ensure there is a clear view of the sky available to the sensor so
the GPS and SBAS satellites are not masked by obstructions that
may reduce system performance.
• Mount the sensor as close to the center of the vessel as possible.
This includes both the fore-aft direction and the port-starboard
direction.
• Locate any transmitting antennas away from the sensor by at least
several feet to ensure tracking performance is not compromised,
giving you the best performance possible.
• Make sure there is enough cable length to tie into the Optimus
CAN2 backbone of the vessel.
• Do not locate the antenna where environmental conditions exceed
those specified in the table 2-1 Environmental Conditions below.
Environmental Considerations
The sensor is designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions;
however, adhere to the following limits when storing and using the sensor:
ItemSpecification
Operating Temperature-30°C to +70°C (-22°F to +158°F)
Storage Temperature-40°C to +85°C (-40°F to +185°F)
Humidity100% non-condensing
Table 2-1. Environmental Conditions.
VHF Interference
VHF interference from devices such as cellular phones and radio
transmitters may interfere with GPS operation. For example, if installing
the sensor near marine radios consider the following:
•
VHF radios can interfere with GPS signals.
• Follow VHF radio manufacturers’ recommendations on how to
mount their radios and what devices to keep a safe distance away.
Before installing the sensor use the following diagram to ensure
there are no nearby devices that may cause VHF interference.
Figure 2-1. Sensor mounting distance from nearby VHF antennas and other equipment.
SPOTLIGHT
FISHING ROD
AND METAL
HOLDER
Mounting Alignment
The SeaWays sensor should be mounted parallel to, and along the
centerline of, the axis of the boat. The bottom of the sensor has an
arrow - the arrow must point forward.
The top of the sensor enclosure incorporates sight design features
to help align the sensor with respect to a centered feature on your
vessel, such as the bow.
To use the sights, look through the medallion in the center of the
enclosure such that the sighting post is centered, as shown in figure
2-2. Adjust the sensor until the vessel’s centered feature is in line
with the medallion channel and the center post.
SeaStar Solutions does not
supply the mounting surface
hardware. You must supply the
appropriate fastening hardware
required to complete the
installation of the sensor.
Flush Mount
The bottom of the sensor contains two holes for flush mounting the
unit to a flat surface (figure 2-5). The flat surface may be something
you fabricate per your installation, an off-the-shelf item (such as a
radar mounting plate), or an existing surface on your vessel.
Figure 2-5: Flush mounting with holes in the SeaStation sensor.
WARNING
WHEN INSTALLING THE
SENSOR, HAND TIGHTEN
ONLY. DAMAGE RESULTING
FROM OVER-TIGHTENING
IS NOT COVERED BY THE
WARRANTY.
Before flush mounting the sensor
• Choose a location that meets the mounting location requirements.
• Using the fixed base as a template, mark and drill the mounting
holes as necessary for the mounting surface.
Flush mounting the sensor
1. Mark the mounting hole centers and connector center on the
mounting surface.
2. Place the sensor over the marks to ensure the planned hole
centers align with the true hole centers (adjusting as necessary).
3. Use a center punch to mark the hole centers.
4. Drill the mounting holes to a diameter of 1/4” appropriate for
the surface.
5. Drill the connector hole to a diameter of 1-1/8” appropriate for
the surface.
6. Pull the cable through the center connector hole and attach the
cable directly to the sensor, ensuring the connector is fastened
securely to the unit.
7. Place the sensor over the mounting holes and insert the
mounting screws through the top of the sensor and through the
mounting surface.
8. Use two M6 washers and M6 nuts to secure the sensor to the
OVER-TIGHTENING MAY DAMAGE
THE SYSTEM. THIS IS NOT
COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.
Before pole mounting the sensor
• Choose a location that meets the mounting location requirements.
Mark and drill the mounting holes as necessary for the threaded pole.
•
Pole mounting instructions for sensor (Inside Pole)
Required tools: 5 mm Allen key for M6 screws and adjustable wrench
to tighten jam nut.
1. Insert mating cable through both the jam nut and 1” mounting
adapter base.
2. Place the jam nut on the pole followed by the 1” adapter base.
Hand tighten the base to the desired orientation.
3. Adjust the jam nut to secure the orientation.
4. Connect the mating end of the cable to the sensor connector
located on the bottom of the unit.
5. Insert the base adapter into sensor by placing the tongue of
the base into the groove of the sensor unit. When the tongue
is properly seated in the groove, the rest of the base can be
pressed into place to create a smooth seam between the base
and sensor unit.
6. Use 5 mm Allen key to fasten two M6 screws to secure sensor
OVER-TIGHTENING MAY DAMAGE
THE SYSTEM. THIS IS NOT
COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.
8. Install plastic cap with O-ring onto sensor unit (rectangular notch
faced towards the outside).
9. Align and set the direction of sensor unit, while using the jam nut
to secure the unit (hand-tighten).
Pole mounting instructions for sensor (Outside Pole)
Required tools: 5 mm Allen key for M6 screws and adjustable
wrench to tighten jam nut
1. Place the jam nut on the pole followed by the 1” adapter base.
Hand tighten the base to the desired orientation.
2. Adjust the jam nut to secure the orientation.
3. Run the cable throughout the vessel making sure to leave enough
slack to mate the CAN cable to both the Optimus CAN2 and the
sensor unit.
4. Run the CAN cable through the opening in the side of the pole
mounting adapter. And then connect the mating end of the cable
to the sensor connector located on the bottom of the unit.
5. Insert the base adapter into sensor by placing the tongue of
the base into the groove of the sensor unit. When the tongue
is properly seated in the groove, the rest of the base can be
pressed into place to create a smooth seam between the base
and sensor unit.
6. Use 5 mm Allen key to fasten two M6 screws to secure sensor
onto adapter. Use 15 in-lb torque.
7. Insert each O-ring onto a plastic cap.
8. Install plastic cap with O-ring onto sensor unit (rectangular notch
faced towards the outside).
9. Align and set the direction of sensor unit, while using the jam nut
to secure the unit (hand-tighten).
The SeaWays sensor connects to the Optimus CAN2 backbone. The
installation kit comes with a 20 foot CAN2 cable, a 1 foot CAN2 cable
and a tee connector. If the CAN2 hub in the Optimus 360 installation
is full, remove the terminator and connect the 1 foot CAN2 cable in its
place. Install the tee connector at the opposite end of the 1 foot cable
and reinstall the terminator on the tee. The 20 foot cable can now be
routed from the tee connector up to the SeaStation sensor.
If the 20 foot CAN2 cable is not long enough to reach from the CAN2
hub to the SeaWays sensor, a longer cable (CM10030) must be
ordered separately. In this case the 30 foot cable must be connected
directly to the hub and the tee, and the terminator and 1 foot cable
are connected at the SeaWays sensor end of the 30 foot cable.
2.7 Enabling SeaWays
NOTICE
The license key is shared with
SeaStation and will be the same.
The sensor can be alternatively connected to CAN3 (public N2K network).
If the sensor is installed on public network, it can replace any other
GPS or compasses that may have been installed otherwise.
CAN3 is the preferred connection if a chartplotter is used.
SeaWays requires a license code that is specific to each installation.
A copy of the license is fixed to the back of your original manual as
well as to the bottom of your SeaWays sensor.
The license key must be entered in the CANtrak display to enable
SeaWays. Follow these steps:
1. Using the CANtrak, navigate to Dealer Menu > Initial Setup >
SeaWays and SeaStation > Enter New License Code.
SeaWays has to be enabled and
commisioned before use.
WARNING
Some parts of SeaWays commissioning can be performed
at dock with the boat securely
restrained, but others will
require deep open water with
adequate operating space.
ALWAYS wear a PFD and
connect the engine lanyard(s)
to the operator during
commisioning.
DO NOT PERFORM
COMMISIONING:
• AT EXTREME SPEED
• IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AREAS
OR IN NARROW WATERS
• IN POOR VISIBILITY OR
EXTREME SEA CONDITIONS
• WHEN IN AREAS WHERE
USE OF AUTOPILOT IS
PROHIBITED BY LAW
Autopilot Parameters
The autopilot uses the following values for optimal performance:
Engine speed at • Idle • Planing • WOT
AP sensitivity • Low Speed • High Speed
The Autopilot parameters can be accessed using the CANtrak display:
1. Using the CANtrak, navigate to Dealer Menu > Initial Setup >
SeaWays and SeaStation > SeaWays Commisioning.
Figure 2-10.
SeaWays autopilot must be enabled before use. If SeaWays is not
4. Drive boat at 5–6 knots, engage heading mode, jog target heading by
10°. Reduce sensitivity if boat turns too aggressively or overshoots.
Increase sensitivity if autopilot is too lazy.
Figure 2-14.
5. Drive at at cruising speed (30–35 knots). Repeat step 4.
• Verify the course and position of the vessel at regular intervals
• Always switch to Standby mode, and reduce speed in sufficient time
to avoid hazardous situations
An autopilot is a useful navigational aid, but DOES NOT under any
circumstances replace a human navigator.
WARNING
WARNING
DO NOT USE AUTOMATIC STEERING WHEN:
• AT EXTREME SPEED
• IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AREAS OR IN NARROW WATERS
• IN POOR VISIBILITY OR EXTREME SEA CONDITIONS
• WHEN IN AREAS WHERE USE OF AUTOPILOT IS PROHIBITED
BY L AW
2.9 Troubleshooting Guide
WHENEVER, IN THE FOLLOWING TEXT, A SOLUTION CALLS FOR
REMOVAL FROM VESSEL AND/OR DISMANTLING OF STEERING
SYSTEM COMPONENTS, SUCH WORK MUST ONLY BE CARRIED
OUT BY A QUALIFIED MARINE MECHANIC. SEASTAR SOLUTIONS
OFFERS THE FOLLOWING AS A GUIDE ONLY AND IS NOT
RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENCES RESULTING FROM
INCORRECT DISMANTLING OR REPAIRS.
Optimus SeaWays will provide years of safe reliable performance with
a minimum of service if properly commissioned.
Most faults occur when the installation instructions are not followed and
usually show up immediately. Listed below are the most common faults
encountered and their likely cause and solution.
SeaWays requires a GPS fix. In
some conditions, this may
require a few minutes after
power on.
ENGAGING SEAWAYS CAUSES THE BOAT TO STEER WITHOUT
INPUT FROM DRIVER. WHEN USING SEAWAYS ALL PERSONS ON
THE VESSEL SHOULD BE SECURED. THE OPERATOR SHOULD
NEVER LEAVE THE HELM STATION.
A single button press is all that’s required to engage SeaWays:
• From the run screen (shown below) you have the option of
Heading, Track, or Route.
• Route will only be available if a route has been setup and
activated in the chartplotter
• Press the desired autopilot mode.
Figure 3-4.
Figure 3-4 shows a screen while pilot is engaged. SeaWays can be
disengaged by pressing the STBY button.
Autopilot is temporarily disabled when the helm is turned. For Heading
and Track mode the autopilot re-engages automatically when the helm
is no longer turned and the boat heading is stable. When the autopilot
re-engages, the current heading becomes the new desired heading.
When using Route mode the autopilot will not re-engage automatically
if steering override is used. It will have to be re-engaged by pressing
the Route button.
3.2.4
Heading Bump
While SeaWays is engaged, changes to your heading can be made by:
These arrival alarms pop up automatically when a way point is reached
and a 10° or more course change is required.
The screen disappears when the user presses the OK button or
automatically after 10 seconds. The CANtrak display will provide
audible beep when the screen is displayed.
The vessel will initiate turning regardless if the arrival alarm OK
is pressed.
When the screen is up, the green arrow blinks at 2 Hz and the
10 second timer counts down.
3.3 3rd Party Autopilots
When a 3rd party autopilot is engaged, the SeaWays buttons on the
CANtrak are disabled, so you cannot engage SeaWays.
If SeaWays is engaged and you engage a 3rd party autopilot, SeaWays
will dis-engage and give priority to the 3rd party autopilot.
3.4 SeaWays Faults
3.4.1
Cross Track Error (XTE)
XTE faults are usually resultant from strong wind or water currents
biasing the vessel laterally from the desired track.
If a communication fault occurs, contact technical support for
assistance.
2. Signal Fault
Often a signal fault is due to the GPS-Compass having no signal or
a poor quality signal. Try moving to an area with better sky visibility,
or give the system more time to track and acquire satellites.
Following the routine maintenance schedules outlined below will ensure
years of service from your Optimus SeaWays System, as well as keep
you and your passengers safe from the dangers that are present on
and off the water.
NOTICE
WARNING
3.5.1
3.5.2
Follow all maintenance procedures in Book 65.
Owner(s) (End Users)
Prior to every use:
1. Inspect all electrical cables for wear.
2. Verify that no alarms or warnings are shown on the CANtrak display.
DO NOT OPERATE BOAT IF ANY COMPONENT IS NOT IN PROPER
WORKING CONDITION.
Qualified Marine Mechanic
After the first 20 hours, then every 100 hours or 6 months
thereafter (whichever comes first).
1. All points noted above.
2. Check for signs of corrosion. If corrosion is present contact your
dealer or SeaStar Solutions.
3. Check all electrical cables for chafing and wear.
See Book 65 for details on replacement parts within your steering
and joystick systems.
EPSK1600 – GPS-Compass Kit
A new SeaStation/SeaWays license key will be provided with the kit —
the system must be updated with this new license. See section 2.7.
4.0 WARRANTY
4.1 Statement of Limited Warranty
We warrant to the original retail purchaser that Marine Canada
Acquisition Inc. DBA SEASTAR SOLUTIONS (herein forward referred
to as SeaStar Solutions) products have been manufactured free from
defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty is effective for two
years from date of purchase, excepting that where SeaStar Solutions
products are used commercially or in any rental or income producing
activity, then this warranty is limited to one year from the date of
purchase.
We will provide replacement product without charge, for any SeaStar Solutions product meeting this warranty, which is returned (freight
prepaid) within the warranty period to the dealer from whom such
product were purchased, or to us at the appropriate address. In such
a case SeaStar Solutions products found to be defective and covered
by this warranty, will be replaced at SeaStar Solutions’ option, and
returned to the customer.
The above quoted statement is an extract from the complete
Solutions products warranty statement. A complete warranty policy is
available on the SeaStar Solutions website: