Simrad AP20, AP21 User Manual
Simrad AP20 and AP21
Autopilots
ALWAYS AT THE FOREFRONT OF TECHNOLOGY
MANUAL
This page is intentionally left blank
Instruction manual
Instruction Manual
This manual is intended as a reference guide for operating and
correctly installing the AP21 and AP22 autopilots.
Great care has been paid to simplify operation and set-up of the
autopilots. However, an autopilot is a complex electronic system.
It is affected by sea conditions, speed of the vessel, hull shape and
size.
Please take time to read this manual to get a thorough
understanding of the operation and system components and their
relationship to a complete autopilot system.
Other documentation material that is included in this manual is a
warranty card. This must be filled out by the authorized dealer that
performed the installation and mailed in to activate the warranty.
20220596G 1
Simrad AP21 and AP22 Autopilots
Document revisions
Rev Date Written by Checked by Approved by
– 09.03.98
A 21.04.98
B 09.03.99
C 23.06.99
D 15.03.00
E 14.06.00
F 02.10.01
G 27.05.02
N.G. N.S. Th.H.
N.G. Th.H.
N.G. N.S. Th.H.
N.G. Th.H.
N.G. Th.H.
N.G. Th.H.
N.G. I.K. Th.H.
Document history
Rev. – First edition
Rev. A Drawings for panel mounting the control unit included. Changed note,
page 118. Spare parts list: Changed description of part no. 22085872
from Optional mounting kit to Optional mounting bracket.
Rev. B AP21 and JP21 included.
Rev. C Minor corrections in text. Added spare parts for AP21
Rev. D LFI3000 Mk2 included.
Rev. E Minor modifications in text. New art. no. on Robnet connectors, page
123. Distributor list updated.
Rev. F
Rev. G
2 20220596G
IS11 instruments replaced by IS15. Added RPU300, 24V to the table on
page 58. CD100A included. Minor corrections to text.
Updated according to software versions AP21&AP22 V1R3 and J300X
V1R8.
Instruction manual
Contents
1 INTRODUCTION........................................................................................9
1.1 General ............................................................................................9
1.2 How to use this manual.........................................................................9
1.3 System components.............................................................................10
1.4 AP22 Control Unit ..............................................................................11
1.5 AP21 Control Unit ..............................................................................11
1.6 Junction units ......................................................................................11
1.7 Rudder Feedback unit .........................................................................12
RF300 Rudder Feedback unit..............................................................12
LF3000 Linear Feedback ....................................................................12
LFI3000 Mk2 Linear Feedback Interface...........................................12
1.8 Heading Sensors..................................................................................13
RFC35 Electronic Fluxgate Compass.................................................13
RFC35R Rate compass .......................................................................13
CDI35 Course Detector Interface and CD100A Course Detector......13
NMEA compass..................................................................................13
Other fluxgate compass models..........................................................13
Simrad RGC10 and RGC50 gyrocompasses.......................................13
1.9 Optional equipment.............................................................................14
R3000X Remote Control.....................................................................14
S35 NFU Lever...................................................................................14
FU35 Follow-Up Steering Lever ........................................................14
NI300X NMEA Interface Unit ...........................................................14
CI300X Compass Interface.................................................................14
Mounting Bracket................................................................................14
2 Operation of the autopilot.........................................................................15
2.1 Overview ..........................................................................................15
2.2 ON/OFF - Standby mode....................................................................16
20220596G 3
Simrad AP21 and AP22 Autopilots
2.3 AP21 and AP22 with MSD50 Stern Drive unit..................................18
Zero point setting ................................................................................18
Operation.............................................................................................19
2.4 Follow-Up steering (FU).....................................................................19
2.5 Non-Follow-Up steering (NFU)..........................................................19
2.6 R3000X Remote Control.....................................................................20
2.7 S35 Steering lever...............................................................................20
2.8 Automatic Steering..............................................................................20
2.9 Automatic Speed selection..................................................................21
2.10 Manual speed selection.......................................................................22
2.11 Navigating with the AP21 or AP22 ....................................................23
2.12 Selecting a different Navigator ...........................................................25
2.13 Dodging ......................................................................................26
2.14 Dodge in NAV ....................................................................................27
2.15 TURN-mode ......................................................................................28
2.16 Tacking in Auto mode.........................................................................28
2.17 Wind vane steering..............................................................................29
2.18 Tacking in Wind mode........................................................................30
2.19 Multiple station system.......................................................................31
2.20 Lock function......................................................................................31
2.21 User Set-up Menu ...............................................................................33
3 Technical Specifications ............................................................................37
3.1 AP21 and AP22 Autopilot System......................................................37
3.2 AP22 Control Unit ..............................................................................38
3.3 AP21 Control Unit ..............................................................................40
3.4 Junction units ......................................................................................41
3.5 RFC35 Fluxgate compass ...................................................................43
3.6 RFC35R Rate compass .......................................................................44
3.7 CDI35 Course Detector Interface .......................................................44
3.8 RF300 Rudder Feedback.....................................................................45
4 20220596G
Instruction manual
3.9 CI300X Compass Interface.................................................................46
3.10 NI300X NMEA Interface....................................................................47
3.11 R3000X Remote..................................................................................48
S35 NFU Steering Lever..............................................................................48
3.13 LF3000 Linear Feedback ....................................................................49
3.14 LFI3000 Mk2 Linear Feedback Interface...........................................49
3.15 NMEA sentences.................................................................................50
3.16 IP protection ......................................................................................52
4 Installation ..........................................................................................53
4.1 General ..........................................................................................53
4.2 Installation checklist............................................................................53
4.3 Unpacking and handling .....................................................................54
4.4 Determine the system configuration ...................................................54
4.5 Autopilot System Layout.....................................................................55
4.6 RF300 Rudder feedback installation...................................................55
4.7 Junction unit installation.....................................................................57
4.8 Cable connections ...............................................................................58
4.9 Grounding and RFI .............................................................................58
4.10 Drive unit installation..........................................................................60
Connecting a reversible pump.............................................................62
Connecting a hydraulic linear drive....................................................63
Connecting a solenoid valve ...............................................................63
4.11 Control unit installation.......................................................................64
Panel mounting of AP22.....................................................................64
Alternative panel mounting of AP22 ..................................................64
Optional bracket mounting of AP22...................................................65
4.12 ROBNET network cables....................................................................65
4.13 Control unit connection.......................................................................67
AP22 connection.................................................................................67
AP21 connection.................................................................................67
20220596G 5
Simrad AP21 and AP22 Autopilots
JP21 Jack Point installation.................................................................68
4.14 RFC35 Fluxgate Compass installation................................................69
4.15 RFC35R Rate Compass installation....................................................70
4.16 R3000X Remote Control installation..................................................72
4.17 S35 NFU Lever installation ................................................................73
4.18 Interfacing ......................................................................................74
4.19 Single NMEA input/output.................................................................74
4.20 Double NMEA input/output................................................................75
4.21 Additional NMEA output on Port 2....................................................75
4.22 NMEA Compass in.............................................................................75
4.23 Radar Clock/Data................................................................................76
4.24 IS15 Instrument installation................................................................76
4.25 External Alarm....................................................................................78
4.26 NI300X NMEA Interface Unit ...........................................................78
4.27 CI300X Analogue Interface Unit........................................................80
4.28 LF3000 Linear Feedback ....................................................................81
4.29 CD100A Course Detector...................................................................83
4.30 CDI35 Interface...................................................................................84
4.31 Software Setup Procedure...................................................................85
Description of Installation Settings.....................................................85
Installation Menu ................................................................................86
Language selection..............................................................................88
4.32 Dockside settings ................................................................................89
Drive unit voltage selection ................................................................90
Rudder Feedback Calibration..............................................................90
Automatic Rudder Test.......................................................................92
Transition Speed..................................................................................93
Interface Settings.................................................................................94
4.33 Sea Trial ....................................................................................100
Rudder zero adjust.............................................................................100
Compass calibration..........................................................................101
6 20220596G
Instruction manual
Compass Offset.................................................................................102
Automatic tuning...............................................................................103
View parameters................................................................................104
Manual parameter adjust...................................................................105
NMEA Test.......................................................................................107
Master Reset......................................................................................107
Final sea trial.....................................................................................107
Providing user training......................................................................108
5 Maintenance ........................................................................................109
5.1 Control unit .......................................................................................109
5.2 Junction Unit.....................................................................................109
5.3 Rudder Feedback...............................................................................109
5.4 Compass ........................................................................................109
5.5 Drive unit ........................................................................................109
5.6 Exchange of software programme ....................................................110
6 Trouble shooting ......................................................................................113
6.1 Alarms ........................................................................................113
6.2 System Data Menu............................................................................117
6.3 NMEA Data Menu............................................................................118
Decoding...........................................................................................119
NMEA signal monitor.......................................................................120
NMEA (hardware) test......................................................................120
7 Spare Parts List........................................................................................121
8 Glossary ........................................................................................124
SALES AND SERVICE WORLDWIDE
TERMS OF WARRANTY
WARRANTY CARD
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Swedish,
Norwegian
20220596G 7
Simrad AP21 and AP22 Autopilots
8 20220596G
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 General
Congratulations on the purchase of your new Simrad autopilot
system and thank you for selecting what we feel is the most
advanced autopilot system available on the market today.
Today Simrad manufacture a complete range of autopilots for all
types of vessels, from leisure boats up to advanced steering
systems for merchant marine vessels. Our factory for these
products is located in Egersund on the south/west coast of
Norway. The company's involvement in autopilots began in 1953
with equipment for the North Sea fishing fleet. Professional
mariners around the world acknowledge that the Simrad name is
synonymous with the absolute best in autopilot technology.
Introduction
The Simrad AP21 and AP22 autopilots represents yet another
step forward in autopilot technology with the intent to provide
leisure boats between 30 and 80 foot with a host of new f eatures.
The system can be expanded and enhanced with a selection of
options and accessories.
The brain in the autopilot system is the single "intelligent"
junction unit that communicates with all other system modules
on the ROBNET network. The ROBNET has been developed to
establish a reliable digital communication and power distribution
network between the units in the system. The ROBNET
simplifies installation and enables the autopilot system to be
easily expanded at any time.
1.2 How to use this manual
This manual is intended as a reference guide for operating,
installing and maintaining the Simrad AP21 and AP22 autopilots.
Great care has been paid to simplify operation and set-up,
however, an autopilot is a complex electronic system. It is
affected by sea conditions, speed of the vessel, hull shape and
size.
Please take time to read this manual to get a thorough
understanding of the operation and system components and their
relationship to a complete autopilot system.
20220596G 9
Simrad AP21 and AP22 Autopilots
Other documentation material provided with your system
includes a warranty card. This must be filled out by the
authorized dealer that performed the installation and mailed in to
activate the warranty.
1.3 System components
A basic autopilot system consists of the following units (refer to
Figure 1-1 and Figure 1-2):
• AP22 Control Unit or AP21 Control Unit
• Heading sensor (compass)
• Rudder Feedback Unit with transmission link
• Junction Unit
• Drive unit
The basic system can be expanded with remote control unit, hand
held remote and steering lever.
JUNCTION
UNIT
AP22
CONTROL
UNIT
REVERSIBLE
PUMP
RFC35
FLUXGATE
COMPASS
RF300
RUDDER
FEDDBACK
Figure 1-1 AP22 Basic system
10 20220596G
AP21
CONTROL
UNIT
Introduction
JUNCTION
UNIT
RFC35
FLUXGATE
COMPASS
REVERSIBLE
PUMP
Figure 1-2 AP21 Basic System
1.4 AP22 Control Unit
A compact autopilot control for panel, bulkhead or overhead
mounting. It has a multifunction LCD display for readout of
autopilot data, dedicated keys and rotary course knob. Two
Robnet connectors are provided for system interconnection and
expansion.
1.5 AP21 Control Unit
RF300
RUDDER
FEDDBACK
A portable control unit with 7 m (20 ft.) of cable. It has the same
autopilot functions as AP22 and can be used as a hand held
autopilot or be mounted in a fixed, bracket mount.
1.6 Junction units
The junction unit is the heart in the autopilot system. It contains
the steering computer, interface circuits to all system components
and drive circuits for the drive unit motor and clutch. Three
models, J300X, J300X-40 and J3000X are available.
20220596G 11
Simrad AP21 and AP22 Autopilots
Junction unit comparison chart:
Supply voltage 10-28 V 10-40 V
J3000X J300X (J300X-40)
Motor current
(continuous/peak)
Clutch/bypass current 1,5 A 1,5 A
Number of Robnet units 2 5
NMEA ports (input/output) 1 2
Solenoid output x x
Input for NFU control x x
External alarm x
Radar clock/data interface x
1.7 Rudder Feedback unit
RF300 Rudder Feedback unit
Rudder feedback unit with transmission link and 10 m (30 feet)
of cable. Transforms the angular travel of the rudder to a digital
signal read by the autopilot steering computer.
6/10 A 10/20A (20/40A)
LF3000 Linear Feedback
Linear feedback unit for boats with outboard engine. Transforms
the linear movement to an analogue signal. Supplied with 8,5 m
cable and mounting clamps.
LFI3000 Mk2 Linear Feedback Interface
Interface unit for LF3000 Linear Feedback. Converts the
analogue LF3000 signal to the standard digital feedback signal
for the autopilot steering computer.
12 20220596G
1.8 Heading Sensors
The AP21 and AP22 autopilots can be used with the following
combinations of heading sensors:
RFC35 Electronic Fluxgate Compass
A compact heading sensor from Simrad with 15 m (45 feet) of
cable. The direction of the earth's magnetic field is sensed by a
floating ring core in a fluxgate coil and transformed to a digital
signal read by the autopilot steering computer.
RFC35R Rate compass
Fluxgate compass with integrated rate sensor. Provides a dramatic
improvement to the dynamic performance of both the autopilot
and a stabilized radar display when connected to the autopilot
system.
Introduction
Same dimensions as RFC35.
CDI35 Course Detector Interface and CD100A Course Detector
Interface and sensor unit to connect AP21 and AP22 to a
magnetic compass. The autopilot provides excitation current for
CD100A and converts the analogue sin/cos signal to digital two
wire format for the autopilot steering computer.
Note ! You can not connect both an RFC35 and a CDI35 at the same
time.
NMEA compass
(Applies for AP21&AP22 V1R3/J300X V1R8)
Any NMEA 0183 compass with HDT, HDG or HDM messages
can be connected directly to the J300X/J300-40X junction units.
Other fluxgate compass models
The optional CI300X can interface AP21 and AP22 to fluxgate
compasses with heading signal on a sine/cosine format.
Simrad RGC10 and RGC50 gyrocompasses
The optional CI300X unit is needed to interface these two
gyrocompass models. Other gyrocompass models with synchro
1:1 (max 110V) can also be interfaced.
20220596G 13
Simrad AP21 and AP22 Autopilots
1.9 Optional equipment
A series of options are available for the basic AP21 and AP22
systems.
R3000X Remote Control
A small handheld remote control with two push buttons for
power steering or course selection (port and starboard), and one
push button with built-in lighted indicator for limited mode
change.
S35 NFU Lever
S35 is designed for indoor and outdoor bulkhead mount. The
lever has spring loaded return to mid-position. A push button
with light indicator is used for limited mode change.
FU35 Follow-Up Steering Lever
The FU35 Follow-up steering lever features a dial (scale) with
10° markings. The rudder will move and stop at the commanded
angle as read on the dial. FU35 has a mid-position detent, push
buttons for (limited) mode selection and mode indicators (STBY,
FU, AUTO and NAV). It is designed for indoor and outdoor
bulkhead or panel mount. See separate manual for FU35.
NI300X NMEA Interface Unit
Unit with 4 NMEA I/O ports for communication to other
systems, and a selectable heading output for radars (Anritsu or
Furuno). Includes two Robnet connectors for connection to the
autopilot system.
CI300X Compass Interface
Unit for interface to non-Simrad fluxgate compasses and
windvane systems with analogue output, and NFU levers. Input
for Simrad RGC50 and RGC10 gyro compasses.
Mounting Bracket
Optional bracket for bulkhead or overhead mount of AP22. See
Figure 4-8 on page 65.
14 20220596G
Introduction
2 OPERATION OF THE AUTOPILOT
WARNING ! An autopilot is a very useful navigational aid, but DOES
NOT under any circumstance replace a human navigator.
Do not use automatic steering when:
• 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
When using an autopilot:
• Do not leave the helm unattended
• Do not place any magnetic material or equipment
near heading sensor used in the autopilot system
• Verify at regular intervals course and position of
vessel
• Always switch to Standby mode and reduce speed in
due time to avoid hazardous situations
2.1 Overview
STBY
PWR
AUTO
SPEED
NAV
SETUP
TURN
PORT key
Multifunction LCD
Rotary course knob
STARBOARD key
DODGE / U-TURN / TACK
NAV or WIND / setup
AUTO / manual speed select
STANDBY / POWER On/Off
Figure 2-1 AP22 Front Panel
20220596G 15
Simrad AP21 and AP22 Autopilots
Multifunction LCD
PORT key STARBOARD key
Rotary course knob
STANDBY / POWER On/Off
AUTO / manual speed select
DODGE / U-TURN / TACKNAV or WIND / setup
Figure 2-2 AP21 Front Panel
The control unit can operate as a stand alone unit in an autopilot
system or combined in a multistation system. In a multistation
system the command can easily be transferred from one unit to
another. Units not in control will display "Inactive".
The autopilot system is capable of the following primary steering
modes: STBY (manual steering), AUTO, NAV or WIND, each
mode having a dedicated push button.
Each of the mode push buttons is clearly identified with the
primary function in large text, and a secondary function listed in
smaller text. Each button provides you with access to a primary
display and a secondary.
A group of user adjustable settings and selections are provided in
the USER SETUP MENU (page 33). Adjustment of display
visibility, selection of heading sensors, navigation sources are
among the menu items.
Alarms are presented in plain text to alert you in the event of
system or external data failure conditions. Alarms include both
audible and visual presentations. The alarm listing is on page
113.
2.2 ON/OFF - Standby mode
A single press on the STBY button switches the system ON and
the following status displays are shown:
16 20220596G
Robertson
AP22
SW V1R3
HW rev. 0
Robertson
J300X
SW V1R8
P00 M00 S000
Operation
Autopilot model
Software V(ersion) and R(elease)
Hardware revision
Junction unit model
Software V(ersion) and R(elease)
Self check
Power board revisi o n
Main board revision
SW and HW revisions shown are examples only.
After approx. 5 seconds the system is operative and the unit that
was turned on will show the STBY mode display. Other units in
a multistation system will display "Inactive". Control can be
available at any unit by pressing the STBY button.
STBY
First press
Standby mo de
Current heading
RFC
STBY
Second press
P
Stan dby mod e.
Current heading from RFC compass.
HI speed parameter manually selected.
Rudder angle: 12 degrees to starboard.
12
S
A long press (2-3 sec.) on the STBY button switches the system
OFF.
Note ! In an emergency it is possible on a multistation system to turn
OFF the system at any control unit by pressing down the STBY
button for 2-3 seconds.
STBY mode is also the mode that is used when steering the boat
at the helm.
20220596G 17
Simrad AP21 and AP22 Autopilots
2.3 AP21 and AP22 with MSD50 Stern Drive unit
Note ! The information in this paragraph only applies if your autopilot
is driving a Simrad MSD50 Stern Drive.
The MSD50 Stern drive unit has a relative feedback signal which
needs a zero point setting after the autopilot has been turned on.
Refer to paragraph 1.1 of the MSD50 manual for further
information.
Zero point setting
Note ! If you not need a rudder angle display when leaving the dock,
just steer the boat manually on a straight course and press the
AUTO button. The zero point is then set automatically.
If you prefer to use the rudder angle display when leaving the
dock, proceed as follows:
After turn on the rudder angle display will alternate between 10°
port and 10° starboard to indicate that the "rudder" zero point need
be set.
RFC
P
Use the wheel to bring the "rudder" to midship position. Turn the
wheel from lock to lock (H.O. to H.O.) and count the exact
number of turns. Then start from one lock position and turn the
half number of turns.
Press AUTO and then STBY. The zero point is now set and the
display will show:
10
S
RFC
PS
18 20220596G
00
Operation
Operation
Follow the operating instructions on the following pages. There is
no further need for zero point setting until next time you turn the
autopilot on.
2.4 Follow-Up steering (FU)
When both the PORT and STBD push buttons are pressed
simultaneously the autopilot is set to Follow-Up mode and
rudder commands can be set by the course knob. One revolution
of the knob equals 44° rudder command. The commanded rudder
angle is shown on the display and the rudder will move to the
commanded angle and stop.
Note ! The maximum rudder angle is limited to the LO rudder limit
setting. Refer to paragraph “View parameters” on page 104.
Press both buttons
simultaneously to
activate Fol lo w-U p
Use course knob to
comma nd ru dd er angle
P
S
Follow-Up mode. Current heading.
Commanded rudder angle 22° to stbd.
Rudder angle: 12° to stbd.
Return to manual control
in STBY by pressing:
22
STBY
WARNING ! While in Follow-Up mode, you cannot take manual control
of the wheel.
2.5 Non-Follow-Up steering (NFU)
When PORT or STBD push button is pressed in STBY mode the
NFU display is presented. The rudder will move as long as the
button is pressed and the actual rudder angle is shown on the
display.
PORT Rudder Command STBD Rudder Command
20220596G 19
Simrad AP21 and AP22 Autopilots
2.6 R3000X Remote Control
In the STBY mode the rudder will
move as long as the Port or Stbd
REMOTE
Push buttons for Port and
Stbd NFU commands
button is pressed.
In AUTO mode, the set course will
change 1° each press.
STBY-AUTO
STBY/AUTO mode button.
AUTO mode is when lamp is lit
R3000X
2.7 S35 Steering lever
The principle is similar to that of R3000X Remote Control (see
above). The rudder will move as long as the lever is offset to Port
or Starboard.
Note!
If you keep the button pressed, it
will automatically change the
course at a rate of 3°/second.
Operation of mode button cycles
the pilot as follows:
AUTO
NAV
→
STBY → AUTO
→
STBY → AUTO *
* NAV mode can only be entered
from the Control unit
Note ! When a NFU steering lever or remote control is operated, the
control unit(s) become "Inactive".
2.8 Automatic Steering
The AUTO mode is used to make the autopilot steer the boat
automatically on a set course. AUTO is always available from
any mode or function within the autopilot by a single press on the
AUTO button. When changing from STBY to AUTO mode, the
autopilot uses the current boat heading as the set course and the
simultaneous rudder angle. This gives a bumpless transfer at the
mode change.
20 20220596G
Operation
AUTO
First press
Automatic steering mode
Set course
In AUTO, the autopilot is issuing rudder commands to keep the
boat on the set course. Heading input is provided by the compass
for course keeping.
AUTO
RFC
LOG
Second press
The autopilot will keep the boat on the set course until a new
mode is selected or a new course is set with either the course
knob or the PORT or STBD buttons. One revolution of the
course knob equals 44° course change.
Course adjust Course change
Decrease Increase
1°(or 10°)/push
Once the course is changed to a new set course, the boat will
automatically turn to the new heading and continue to steer the
new set course.
HI
Automatic steering mode.
RFC compass heading.
Speed input from log (HI ) .
Rudder angl e: 12 degree s to starboard.
P
CW: Increase
CCW: Decrease
S
2.9 Automatic Speed selection
The autopilot provides two different sets of steering parameters
to control the response of the boat at different speeds (HI or LO)
while in AUTO and NAV modes.
The autopilot always selects the HI speed steering parameters
when first switched on. This is a safety feature. After initial turn
20220596G 21
Simrad AP21 and AP22 Autopilots
on, selection of the steering parameters may be accomplished
automatically, based on the availability of input data from either
an external speed log or an external navigator, or manually.
The autopilot automatically selects the HI or LO parameter set.
The speed at which the autopilot changes from HI to LO (or
opposite) is determined by the "Transition Speed" set in the
Installation Setup Menu.
Note ! It is not recommended to use automatic speed switching if input
is from Loran.
Example of
Transition speeds with
26
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
AUTOMATIC Speed parameter
selection
s
r
e
t
e
m
a
r
a
p
d
e
e
p
s
O
L
s
r
e
t
e
m
a
r
a
p
d
e
e
p
s
I
H
Transition to HI parameters
with increasing speed: 10 Knots
Transition Speed set to 9 Knots
Transition to LO parameters
with decreasing speed: 8 Knot s
2.10 Manual speed selection
Select AUTO mode. To toggle between HI and LO speed
parameters, press the "AUTO" button two times quickly.
If you change boat speed it is recommended that you select HI or
LO parameters correspondingly.
AUTO
Quick double
press to toggle
between HI and LO
speed pa rameters
Note ! The manually selected speed setting (HI or LO) will override the
automatic speed selection and remain in effect until you re-enter
AUTO mode.
HI
setting
HI speed parameters
22 20220596G
2.11 Navigating with the AP21 or AP22
The autopilot has the capability to use steering information from
an external navigator (GPS/Chart Plotter) to direct the boat to a
specific waypoint location, or through a route of waypoints. In
NAV mode, the autopilot uses the heading sensor as it's
reference for course keeping. The steering information received
from the external navigator alters the set course to direct the
autopilot to the destination waypoint.
The autopilot is designed to steer in mixed mode operation. This
combines the straight steering capability of cross track error
(XTE) steering in conjunction with the turning capability of
bearing mode steering.
To obtain satisfactory navigation steering, the following points
must be fulfilled prior to entering the NAV mode:
• The autopilot autosteering must be tested and found
satisfactory.
Operation
• The navigation receiver must be operating and the navigation
system (GPS/Chart Plotter) must be in full operating mode
with adequate signal characteristics for valid position and
steering data.
• At least one waypoint must be entered and selected as the
current waypoint in the navigation receiver.
• The navigation source in the AUTOPILOT USER SETUP
menu must be set for the navigator that contains the current
waypoint.
Note ! Navigational steering must only be used in open waters. The
process of having an external navigation receiver direct an
autopilot can be a slow acting process. By selecting the NAV
mode, the autopilot is set for automatic steering on the current
set course and then waits for the user to accept the course
change to the destination waypoint.
WP: Egersund
Press
NAV
to activate
prompt display
Brg.: 153°
Chg.: 23°
OK?:P ress NA V
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Simrad AP21 and AP22 Autopilots
Press
NAV
again to
activate
NAV mode
* CTS (course to steer) is the course set internally in the autopilot
to steer the boat on to the track.
NAV
Second p ress
173
CTS
Course to steer: 173° *
Cross track error: 0.02 nm to stbd.
Egersu nd
BRG 153°M
MAN DST 23.0 nm
HI P 03 S
Next waypoint: Egersund
Bearing to waypoint: 153°
Distance to waypoint: 23.0nm
HI speed parameter manually selected
Rudder angle: 3° to starboard
When operating the autopilot in NAV mode to automatically
steer through a route of waypoints, the autopilot will steer to the
first waypoint in the route after you accept the first waypoint as
the location to steer to. When you arrive at the waypoint, the
autopilot will give an audible warning and display the proposed
new course information. If the required course change is more
than 10° you will need to verify that the upcoming course change
is acceptable. Verification is performed by pressing the NAV
button after the prompt screen is displayed. If no verification is
received, the autopilot will continue on the current set course in
AUTO mode.
Verify course
change greater
than 10° by
pressing
At the arrival of each new
waypoint in a route:
WP: Fish ing
Brg.: 100°
NAV
Chg.: 3 5°
OK?:Press NAV
Name of new waypoint.
Bearing to new waypoint.
Required cour se ch ange .
Regain manual steering
at any time by pressing:
STBY
24 20220596G
Origin
New heading accepted
automatically after
NAV/SETUP button is pressed
Waypoint 1
Waypoint arriv al zone
(determined by the navigator)
2.12 Selecting a different Navigator
If you have more than one navigation source connected to the
autopilot, you will be able to choose any for navigation. Refer to
the User Set-up menu for details on selecting a different
navigator.
Operation
Waypoint 2
Note ! If the autopilot is connected to a navigation receiver that does
not transmit a message with bearing to next waypoint, it will pick
a XTE message and steer on Cross Track Error only. In that case
you have to revert to AUTO mode at each waypoint and
manually change set course to equal bearing to next waypoint
and then select NAV mode again.
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Simrad AP21 and AP22 Autopilots
2.13 Dodging
Dodging is useful in situations where you need to quickly take
control of the helm to steer around an obstruction, and then wish
to return to the previous set heading after performing the evasive
manoeuvre. Dodging is activated by a quick press on the
DODGE button.
When in DODGE mode the displayed set course is the last one
set prior to activating the dodge function. When DODGE is
displayed, the autopilot is in STBY mode and is no longer in
control of the steering. You must either manually steer the boat
by the helm or take control using Non Follow Up or Follow Up
steering. The autopilot will remain in DODGE mode until you
exit DODGE by a second press on the TURN/DODGE button or
select another mode.
Press to
activate
DODGE mode
DODGE
DODGE
Perform do dge using:
Press
both
DODGE
Next press
AUTO
A123
Last set course: 123°
Current heading: 034°
Wheel
or Non Follow Up
Follow Up
P
Selects AUTO mode at the last set course
Selects AUTO mode with current heading as set course
S
034
Note ! Using NFU or FU modes while dodging will make “NFU” or
“FU” flash instead of “DODGE”.
26 20220596G
2.14 Dodge in NAV
Press to
activate
DODGE mode
Operation
DODGE
DODGE
Perform dodge using:
or Non Follow Up
Press
both
To return from Dodge mode press one of the foll owin g buttons :
Selects NAV mode at present position with
NAV
new bearing to wayp oint
AUTO
Selects AUTO mod e with current heading as set course
Returns to NAV mode at the current trac k
DODGE
(not recommended as it may result in a big course change)
P
Wheel
Follow Up
S
N.02 nm
Cross track error: 0.02 nm to st arboard
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Simrad AP21 and AP22 Autopilots
2.15 TURN-mode
The autopilot provides a special U-turn feature when in AUTO
mode. This feature is very useful in a man overboard situation.
U-Turn changes the current set course to be 180 degrees in the
opposite direction. The user may decide if the U-Turn should be
made to Port or Starboard to bring the boat on the new course. UTurn is activated by a quick double press on the DODGE button.
The autopilot will continue on the set course until you press
either the PORT or STBD button to select the direction to make
the U-Turn. If you do not press PORT or STBD within 1 minute,
the autopilot will return to the AUTO mode and stay on course.
Quick double
press to enter
TURN mode
DODGE
DODGE
U
TURN
Press
PORT STB D
Press
Boat makes STBD U-turn
2.16 Tacking in Auto mode
When the autopilot is installed on a sailboat, a fixed tack of 100
degrees can be made in AUTO mode.
The use of this function should be carefully considered based on
the boat's characteristics and the weather conditions. The tack
function should only be used into the wind and must be tried out
in good weather conditions with light wind to find out how it
works on your boat. Due to wide range in boat characteristics
(from cruising to racing boats) the performance of the tack
function may vary from boat to boat. Except for the course
change of 100° the procedure is similar to that of the U-Turn
described above.
to select STBD U-turn
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