Simrad AP27, AP26 User Manual
MANUAL
Simrad
AP26 and AP27
Autopilots
This page is intentionally left blank
Instruction manual
Instruction Manual
This manual is intended as a reference guide for operating and
correctly installing the AP26 and AP27 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.
20221586B 1
Simrad AP26 and AP27 Autopilots
Document revisions
Rev Date Written by Checked by Approved by
A 18.03.04 NG ThH ThH
B 27.04.04
Document history
Rev. A First edition.
Rev. B FU50 substituted by FU25. Part no. for AC40 Power PCB ass’y, page 124
corrected. Added notes in chapter 3.19. Minor corrections in text and
display pictures.
2 20221586B
Instruction manual
Contents
1 System description ....................................................................................... 9
1.1 General..................................................................................................9
1.2 How to use this manual......................................................................... 9
1.3 System components.............................................................................10
1.4 AP26 Control Unit .............................................................................. 11
1.5 AP27 Control Unit .............................................................................. 11
1.6 Autopilot Computer ............................................................................ 11
1.7 RF300 Rudder Feedback unit ............................................................. 12
1.8 Heading Sensors..................................................................................12
RC36 Rate compass ............................................................................ 12
RFC35 Electronic Fluxgate Compass (optional) ................................ 12
NMEA compass (optional) ................................................................. 13
Simrad RGC10 and RGC50 gyrocompasses ...................................... 13
1.9 Optional equipment............................................................................. 14
R3000X Remote Control ....................................................................14
JS10 Joystick.......................................................................................14
FU25 Follow-Up Steering Lever ........................................................ 14
Multiple stations.................................................................................. 14
2 Operation.................................................................................................... 15
2.1 Overview.............................................................................................15
2.2 ON/OFF - Standby mode....................................................................17
Flashing course knob icon ..................................................................18
Alarms ................................................................................................. 18
2.3 AP26 and AP27 with MSD50 Stern Drive unit.................................. 18
Zero point setting ................................................................................ 18
2.4 Follow-Up steering (FU).....................................................................19
2.5 Non-Follow-Up steering (NFU) ......................................................... 20
2.6 R3000X Remote Control (NFU).........................................................21
20221586B 3
Simrad AP26 and AP27 Autopilots
JS10 Joystick (NFU)........................................................................... 21
2.7
2.8 Automatic Steering ............................................................................. 22
Heading catch...................................................................................... 22
2.9 Automatic control of steering parameters........................................... 23
Power boat........................................................................................... 23
Sailboat................................................................................................ 24
2.10 Manual Parameter Selection ............................................................... 24
2.11 U-Turn................................................................................................. 25
2.12 Dodge in AUTO.................................................................................. 26
2.13 Tacking in Auto mode ........................................................................27
2.14 Navigating with the AP26 and AP27..................................................27
Setting the waypoint arrival circle ...................................................... 30
2.15 Dodge in NAV .................................................................................... 31
2.16 Selecting a different Navigation source.............................................. 31
2.17 Wind vane steering..............................................................................32
2.18 Tacking and gybing in Wind mode.....................................................33
Gybing................................................................................................. 34
Tack and gybe prevent ........................................................................34
2.19 Wind steering and navigation ............................................................. 35
Operating in WIND
mode ............................................................. 37
NAV
RACING .............................................................................................37
2.20 Multiple station system....................................................................... 38
2.21 Lock function...................................................................................... 38
2.22 User Set-up Menu ............................................................................... 39
Alternating Course Knob Icon ............................................................ 39
STANDBY Mode ...............................................................................39
AUTO Mode ....................................................................................... 44
NAV Mode.......................................................................................... 45
WIND Mode .......................................................................................45
2.23 INFO menu ......................................................................................... 46
Course knob icon ................................................................................48
4 20221586B
Instruction manual
INFO menu flowchart ......................................................................... 49
Alternative mode screens in STBY, AUTO and NAV....................... 50
INFO menu and Main screen, active unit ........................................... 50
INFO menu and Main Screen, inactive unit .......................................50
3 Installation.................................................................................................. 51
3.1 General................................................................................................ 51
3.2 Installation checklist ........................................................................... 51
3.3 Unpacking and handling ..................................................................... 52
3.4 Determine system configuration......................................................... 52
3.5 Autopilot System Layout.................................................................... 53
3.6 RF300 Rudder feedback installation...................................................53
3.7 Autopilot computer installation .......................................................... 55
3.8 Cable connections ............................................................................... 55
3.9 Grounding and RFI ............................................................................. 56
3.10 Drive unit installation..........................................................................58
Connecting a reversible pump ............................................................60
Connecting a hydraulic linear drive.................................................... 61
Connecting a solenoid valve ............................................................... 61
3.11 Control unit installation ...................................................................... 62
Panel mounting of AP26..................................................................... 62
Alternative panel mounting of AP26 .................................................. 62
Optional bracket mounting .................................................................63
3.12 ROBNET2 network cables .................................................................63
AP27 connection................................................................................. 65
3.13 RC36 Rate Compass installation ........................................................ 65
3.14 RFC35 Fluxgate Compass installation ...............................................67
3.15 R3000X Remote Control installation .................................................68
3.16 JS10 Joystick....................................................................................... 68
3.17 S35 NFU Lever installation ................................................................ 68
3.18 Interfacing ........................................................................................... 69
3.19 SimNet.................................................................................................69
20221586B 5
Simrad AP26 and AP27 Autopilots
SimNet network cables ....................................................................... 70
SimNet power and termination ........................................................... 70
3.20 Single NMEA input/output.................................................................75
3.21 Double NMEA input/output ............................................................... 75
3.22 NMEA output on Port 2......................................................................76
3.23 NMEA Compass input........................................................................76
3.24 Radar Clock/Data................................................................................ 77
3.25 IS15 Instrument installation................................................................77
3.26 External Alarm....................................................................................79
3.27 LF3000 Linear Feedback.................................................................... 79
4 Configuration and setup ........................................................................... 83
4.1 First time turn on................................................................................. 83
4.2 Description of Installation Settings..................................................... 84
4.3 Installation Menu ................................................................................ 85
Language selection.............................................................................. 87
4.4 Dockside settings ................................................................................ 87
Boat type ............................................................................................. 88
Drive unit voltage................................................................................ 88
Rudder Feedback Calibration .............................................................89
Rudder Test ......................................................................................... 90
Drive engage ....................................................................................... 91
Rudder Deadband................................................................................ 92
Wind setup ..........................................................................................92
Minimum wind angle (NORMAL)..................................................... 93
Minimum wind angle (RACING)....................................................... 93
Tack angle (RACING)........................................................................ 93
Tack time (RACING).......................................................................... 94
Wind shift alarm limit (RACING)...................................................... 94
4.5 Interface Settings.................................................................................95
4.6 Display units ....................................................................................... 95
4.7 Sea Trial .............................................................................................. 96
6 20221586B
Instruction manual
Set Rudder zero................................................................................... 97
Minimum rudder ................................................................................. 97
Compass calibration............................................................................ 98
Compass Offset ................................................................................. 100
Wind Offset.......................................................................................101
Wind damping...................................................................................101
Depth Offset...................................................................................... 102
Automatic tuning............................................................................... 102
Transition Speed ...............................................................................103
Init NAV ...........................................................................................104
4.8 Parameters.........................................................................................104
Manual parameter adjust................................................................... 105
Recall Autotuned?.............................................................................107
4.9 Service Menu .................................................................................... 107
System Data Menu ............................................................................ 108
SimNet and NMEA Data Screen ......................................................108
NMEA Port test (AC hardware) .......................................................110
SimNet setup ..................................................................................... 110
Master Reset......................................................................................112
Final sea trial..................................................................................... 112
Providing user training...................................................................... 113
5 Maintenance ............................................................................................. 115
5.1 Control unit .......................................................................................115
5.2 Autopilot Computer .......................................................................... 115
5.3 Rudder Feedback...............................................................................115
5.4 Compass............................................................................................ 115
5.5 Drive unit .......................................................................................... 115
5.6 Exchange of software programme ....................................................116
Autopilot Computer .......................................................................... 116
Autopilot Control Unit...................................................................... 117
20221586B 7
Simrad AP26 and AP27 Autopilots
6
Trouble shooting ...................................................................................... 118
6.1 Alarms...............................................................................................118
7 Spare Parts List........................................................................................ 123
8 Technical Specifications .......................................................................... 126
8.1 AP26 and AP27 Autopilot System ................................................... 126
8.2 AP26 Control Unit ............................................................................ 127
8.3 AP27 Control Unit ............................................................................ 129
8.4 Autopilot Computers......................................................................... 130
8.5 RC36 Rate compass .......................................................................... 132
8.6 RFC35 Fluxgate compass ................................................................. 133
8.7 RF300 Rudder Feedback...................................................................133
8.8 R3000X Remote Control .................................................................. 135
8.9 JS10 Joystick..................................................................................... 135
8.10 FU25 Steering Lever......................................................................... 136
8.11 IS15 Rudder ...................................................................................... 137
8.12 SimNet...............................................................................................138
8.13 IP protection......................................................................................139
8.14 NMEA and SimNet messages........................................................... 140
9 Glossary ....................................................................................................144
10 Index.......................................................................................................... 147
SALES AND SERVICE WORLDWIDE
TERMS OF WARRANTY
WARRANTY CARD
8 20221586B
1 SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
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 manufactures a complete range of autopilots for
all types of vessels, from recreational boats to merchant marine
vessels. Our factory for these products, Simrad Egersund AS, is
located in Egersund on the southwest coast of Norway. The
company's involvement in autopilots began in 1953 with
equipment for the North Sea fishing fleet under the brand name
Robertson. Professional mariners around the world acknowledge
that the Robertson and Simrad brand names are synonymous
with the absolute best in autopilot technology.
System Description
The Simrad AP26 and AP27 autopilots represents yet another
step forward in autopilot technology with the intent of providing
leisure boats between 30 and 80 foot with a host of new features.
The system can be expanded and enhanced with a selection of
options and accessories.
The brain in the autopilot system is the single "intelligent"
autopilot computer that communicates on the Robnet2 network.
The Robnet2 has been developed to establish a reliable digital
communication and power distribution network between the
units in the autopilot system.
In the AP26 and AP27 autopilots Simrad introduces the new
SimNet data and control network. SimNet provides high speed
data transfer and control between Simrad products that are
integrated as a total steering and navigation system onboard.
1.2 How to use this manual
This manual is intended as a reference guide for operating,
installing and maintaining the Simrad AP26 and AP27
autopilots. Great care has been paid to simplify operation and
set-up.
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.
20221586B 9
Simrad AP26 and AP27 Autopilots
Other documentation material that is 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):
• AP26 Control Unit or AP27 Control Unit with accessories
• Autopilot Computer
• Rate compass
• Rudder Feedback Unit with transmission link
• Drive unit
The basic system can be expanded with multiple fixed and hand
held full function control units, hand held remote and steering
lever.
AUTOPILOT
COMPUTER
AP26
CONTROL
UNIT
REVERSIBLE
PUMP
RATE
COMPASS
RF300
RUDDER
FEDDBACK
Figure 1-1 AP26 Basic system
10 20221586B
AP27
CONTROL
UNIT
System Description
AUTOPILOT COMPUTER
RATE
COMPASS
REVERSIBLE
PUMP
Figure 1-2 AP27 Basic System
1.4 AP26 Control Unit
A compact autopilot control for panel, bulkhead or bracket
mounting. It has a multifunction LCD display for readout of
autopilot data, mode keys and a rotary course knob. It has two
Robnet2 connectors for system interconnection and expansion
and two SimNet connectors for control and data sharing with
other Simrad products. A NMEA2000 Adapter Cable is available
for interface through a SimNet port (page 125).
RF300
RUDDER
FEDDBACK
1.5 AP27 Control Unit
A portable control unit with 7 m (20 ft.) of cable. It has the same
autopilot functions as AP26 and can be used as a hand held
autopilot or be mounted in a fixed, bracket mount.
1.6 Autopilot Computer
The autopilot computer is the heart in the autopilot system. It
contains the steering computer, interface to other system
components, NMEA 0183 interface and drive electronics for the
drive unit motor and clutch. Three models, AC10, AC20 and
AC40 are available.
20221586B 11
Simrad AP26 and AP27 Autopilots
Autopilot computer comparison chart:
AC10 AC20 (AC40)
Supply voltage 10-28 V 10-40 V
Motor current (continuous/peak) 6/10 A 10/20A (20/40A)
Clutch/bypass current 1,5 A* 1,5 A*
Number of control units 2 7
NMEA 0183 ports (input/output) 1 2
Solenoid output x x
Input for NFU control x x
External alarm x
Radar clock/data interface x
Input for NMEA compass x
* 3A on later models.
1.7 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.
1.8 Heading Sensors
The AP26 and AP27 autopilots can be used with the following
combinations of heading sensors:
RC36 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.
RC36 comes as standard with the autopilot.
RFC35 Electronic Fluxgate Compass (optional)
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
12 20221586B
System Description
floating ring core in a fluxgate coil and transformed to a digital
signal read by the autopilot steering computer.
RFC35 can operate as a low cost back-up compass for the AP26
and AP27 autopilots.
NMEA compass (optional)
A well performing compass that outputs NMEA 0183 HDT or
HDG messages at 10 Hz
can be connected directly to the AC20
or AC40 autopilot computer.
It is absolutely necessary for the autopilot that the heading rate is
minimum 10 Hz.
Simrad RGC10 and RGC50 gyrocompasses
The optional GI51 unit is needed to interface these two
gyrocompass models. Ask your Simrad dealer for information.
20221586B 13
Simrad AP26 and AP27 Autopilots
1.9 Optional equipment
A series of optional equipment are available for the basic AP26
and AP27 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.
JS10 Joystick
The JS10 Joystick is a Non-Follow-Up steering lever designed
for indoor and outdoor console mount. It has a spring-loaded
return-to-mid-position feature and is equipped with 10 m (33’) of
cable and installation hardware.
FU25 Follow-Up Steering Lever
The FU25 Follow-up steering lever features a dial with 5° rudder
angle markings. The rudder will move and stop at the angle
selected on the dial. The FU25 has a mid-position indent, buttons
for (limited) mode selection, and mode indicators. It is designed
for indoor and outdoor bulkhead or flush panel-mounting. Refer
to the FU25 manual for more information.
Multiple stations
Multiple control units can be added to the system. See page 11
14 20221586B
Installation
2 OPERATION
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
NAV
WIND
SETUP
DODGE
INFO
Figure 2-1 AP26 Front Panel
20221586B 15
Simrad AP26 and AP27 Autopilots
STBY
PWR
NAV
WIND
SETUP
AUTO
DODGE
INFO
Figure 2-2 AP27 Front Panel
The control units shown above 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"
and/or
.
The autopilot system is capable of the following primary steering
modes: STBY (power steering), AUTO, NAV and 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 a multiple function
mode display.
A group of user adjustable settings are provided in the User
Setup Menu (page 39).
Alarms are presented in plain text to alert you of system and
external data failure conditions. Alarms include both audible and
visual presentations. The alarm listing is on page 118.
16 20221586B
2.2 ON/OFF - Standby mode
Note ! At first time turn on see paragraph 4.1.
A single press on the STBY button switches the system ON and
the following status displays are shown:
Installation
Autopilot model
Simrad
AP26
Software version
SimNet no.
Autopilot computer model
Software version
Power board revision
Main board revision
SW and HW revisions shown are examples only.
After approximately 5 seconds, the system is operative and the
unit that was turned on will show the Standby mode display.
Other units in a multistation system will display "Inactive".
Control is transferred to any single unit by pressing its’ STBY
button.
SW 1.0.00
HW rev. 00
Sn xxxxxx
Simrad
AC20
SW 1.0.00
P00 M00 S000
Software release
Hardware revision
Software release
Self check
The main Standby mode display
shows the current heading.
Alternatively, the Standby mode
display can show the following
information by a long press on
the TURN/DODGE/INFO
button:
− Standby mode
− Current heading 345°M
− Compass source: Rate
compass
− Rudder angle =00°.
Refer to INFO menu, page 46.
20221586B 17
Simrad AP26 and AP27 Autopilots
A long press (2-3 sec.) on the STBY button switches the system
OFF and during this time, the alarm will sound.
Note ! In an emergency, it is possible, on a multistation system, to turn
OFF the system at any control unit by pressing the STBY button
for 2-3 seconds.
STBY mode is the mode that is used when steering the boat at
the helm.
Flashing course knob icon
When the course knob and the PORT/STBD buttons are used
for settings etc., an icon will flash on the screen to tell that no
course changes can be made unless you press the AUTO
button.
Alarms
In the event there is an audible alarm with explaining text on the
control unit, refer to section 6 Trouble shooting.
2.3 AP26 and AP27 with MSD50 Stern Drive unit
Note ! The information in section 2.3 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 the MSD50 manual for further information.
Zero point setting
Note ! If you do 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 degrees port and starboard
to indicate that the "rudder"
zero point need be set.
18 20221586B
Installation
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:
Follow the operating
instructions on the following
pages. There is no further
need for zero point settings
until next time you turn the
autopilot on.
2.4 Follow-Up steering (FU)
In the Follow-Up steering mode the course knob may be used to
set rudder commands. The commanded rudder angle is shown on
the display and the rudder will move to the commanded angle
and stop.
Press both buttons
simultaneously to
activate Follow-
Up
WARNING ! While in Follow-up mode you cannot take manual control
of the wheel.
Use course
knob to
command
rudder angle
Commanded rudder angle 10° to
port. Rudder angle: 4° to port
and moving.
Return to manual control in Standby by
pressing the STBY button
20221586B 19
Simrad AP26 and AP27 Autopilots
2.5 Non-Follow-Up steering (NFU)
In Standby mode, the NFU display is presented when the PORT
or STBD button is pressed. The rudder will move as long as the
button is pressed and the rudder angle is shown on the display.
Activates
PORT rudder
command
Note ! When a NFU steering lever or remote control is operated, other
control units become “Inactive”.
Activates
STBD
rudder
command
20 20221586B
2.6 R3000X Remote Control (NFU)
In STANDBY mode, the rudder will
SIMRAD
Push button for
Port and Stbd
commands
STBY-AUTO
STBY/automatic.
Automatic modes
are active when
the lamp is lit.
move as long as the Port or Stbd
button is pressed.
In AUTO mode and Wind modes the
set course or set wind angle will
change 1° each time the button is
pressed.
Note!
If you keep the button pressed, it will
automatically change the setting in
increments of 3° per second.
Installation
Simrad R3000X
Notes !
Mode changes are as per table below.
Initial mode
STBY
AUTO
NAV
STBY
AUTO
WIND
WINDN
st
press 2nd press
1
AUTO
STBY
STBY
WIND
STBY
STBY
STBY
STBY
AUTO
AUTO
STBY
WIND
WIND
WIND
1. When NAV mode is selected in User Setup
2. When WIND mode is selected in User Setup
3. NAV and WIND
modes can only be entered from the
N
Control unit because you have to accept the prompt displays.
1)3)
2)
2)
2)
3)
2.7 JS10 Joystick (NFU)
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. JS10 has no mode change feature.
Note ! When a NFU steering lever or a remote control is operated, the
control units and FU25 become "Inactive".
20221586B 21
Simrad AP26 and AP27 Autopilots
2.8 Automatic Steering
When AUTO mode is selected, the autopilot automatically picks
the current boat heading as the set course and maintains the
simultaneous rudder angle. This gives a bumpless transfer at the
mode change.
The main Auto mode display
shows the mode index and the
set course.
Alternatively, the Standby mode
display can show the following
information by a long press on
the TURN/DODGE/INFO
button:
Automatic steering mode
Set course: 340 degrees
Steering parameter: LO-A
Compass reading: 340°M
Rudder angle: 00°
Refer to INFO menu, page 46.
The autopilot will keep the boat on the set course until a new
mode is selected or a new course is set with the course knob or
the PORT or STBD buttons. One revolution of the course knob
equals a 45° course change.
Decrease Increase
Course adjust 1°
(or 10°)/ push
Note ! On power boats it is possible in the User Setup menu to set the
buttons to change the course by 10° per press (see page 45).
Once the course is changed to a new set course, the boat will
automatically turn to the new heading and continue to steer
straight.
CCW: Decrease CW: Increase
Course change
Heading catch
When in Auto mode this feature allows you to automatically
cancel the turn you are in by an instant press on the AUTO
22 20221586B
Installation
button. The autopilot will immediately counteract the turn and
the boat will continue straight ahead on the heading read from
the compass the very moment you pressed the AUTO button.
Automatic steering mode
New “caught” heading: 305°
Compass reading: 303° M (magnetic)
or T (true)
Rudder angle: 00°.
Steering parameter: LO-A
Regain manual steering by pressing the STBY button
2.9 Automatic control of steering parameters
The autopilot provides two different sets of steering parameters
for controlling the response of the boat at different speeds or
wind directions while in AUTO, NAV or WIND modes.
Power boat
The autopilot selects the LO (response) steering parameters
when engaging an automatic mode from STBY provided there is
no speed input. This is a safety feature. When entering an
automatic mode at low speed, the steering parameters may be
changed to HI automatically by input data from a speed log or a
GPS navigator, or manually.
The speed at which the autopilot automatically changes from LO
to HI parameters (or opposite) is determined by the "Transition
Speed" set in the Installation Setup Menu (Sea trial). See
diagram below.
Legend
HI-A High response parameters set automatically
LO-A Low response parameters set automatically
HI-M High response parameters set manually
LO-M Low response parameter set manually
20221586B 23
Simrad AP26 and AP27 Autopilots
Speed
26
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
s
e
r
I
H
r
a
p
e
s
n
o
p
2
0
Sailboat
When sailing in WIND mode, the parameters are automatically
changed by the direction of the wind as per below or by the boat
speed.
s
r
te
e
m
a
r
a
p
e
s
n
o
p
s
e
r
O
L
s
r
te
e
m
a
Transition to HI parameters
with decreasing speed: 8 Knots
Transition to LO parameters
with increasing speed: 10 Knots
Transition Speed set to 9 Knots
The transition between HI and LO parameters and vice versa
will have a different characteristics with regards to the wind
angle compared with the transition controlled by the speed of the
boat.
If you loose too much speed e.g. when tacking, the parameters
will change to HI to gain sufficient rudder response. This should
be observed when setting the transition speed on sailboats.
2.10 Manual Parameter Selection
Manual selection of steering parameters is necessary if there is
no speed input to the autopilot or if you want to override the
automatic control.
24 20221586B
Notes !
Installation
To toggle between LO and HI parameters, press the "AUTO"
button two times quickly.
Quick
double
press
1. If you are in NAV or WIND modes you need not
enter AUTO
mode to manually change the parameter set. Just make a
quick double press on the AUTO button.
2. The manually selected setting (HI or LO) will override the
automatic selection and remain in effect until you re-enter
any automatic mode from STBY.
2.11 U-Turn
This feature is very useful in a man overboard situation and
whenever you want to steer back on a reciprocal heading.
U-Turn changes the current set course to be 180 degrees in the
opposite direction. The user must decide whether the U-Turn
should be made to Port or Starboard when bringing the boat on
the new course. U-Turn is activated by a quick press on the
TURN/DODGE/INFO 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.
TURN/DODGE
/ INFO to enter
U-TURN
Press
STBD
U-turn
Select
Boat
makes
STBD
U-turn
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Simrad AP26 and AP27 Autopilots
2.12 Dodge in AUTO
Dodging is useful in situations where you need to quickly take
control of the helm to steer around an obstruction, and then
resume the previous set heading. Dodging is activated by a quick
double press on the TURN/DODGE/INFO 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 no longer in control of the steering,
and you must either manually steer the boat in STBY mode or
take control using Non Follow Up or Follow Up steering. On
manual steering (STBY mode) the clutch or bypass valve in the
drive unit will be disengaged. The autopilot will remain in the
DODGE mode until you exit DODGE by a second press on the
TURN/DODGE/INFO button or select a mode.
Quick double press to activate
Dodge mode
Perform dodging in one of the following ways:
1. Manually steer the boat
by the wheel:
2. Non Follow Up steering
by pressing:
3. Follow Up steering by
pressing both:
To return from Dodge mode, press one of the following:
Selects AUTO
mode and
returns to the
last set course
or
or
current heading as
or using NFU
steering lever
and using the
course knob
Selects AUTO
mode with the
the set course
Note ! Using NFU or FU modes while dodging will make “NFU” or
“FU” flash instead of “DODGE”.
26 20221586B
2.13 Tacking in Auto mode
The tack function is only available in sailboats when the system
is set up for SAIL boat type in the installation setup.
Tacking in AUTO mode is different from tacking in WIND
mode. In AUTO mode the tack angle is fixed and can be set in
the Installation/Dockside menu.
Tacking should only be performed into the wind and must be
tried out in calm sea conditions with light wind to find out how it
works on your boat. Due to a wide range of boat characteristics
(from cruising to racing boats) the performance of the tack
function may vary from boat to boat. Except for the fixed course
change and the difference in displays, the procedure is similar to
that of the U-Turn described on page 25.
Installation
Select
tack
Boat
makes
STBD
tack
Press to enter
TACK mode
STBD
2.14 Navigating with the AP26 and AP27
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
the NAV mode, the autopilot uses the compass as heading source
for course keeping. The information received from the navigator
alters the set course to keep the boat on the track line and direct
the autopilot to the destination waypoint.
Note ! Navigational steering should only be used in open waters. 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 track line or destination
waypoint.
To obtain satisfactory navigation steering, the following points
must be fulfilled prior to entering the NAV mode:
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Simrad AP26 and AP27 Autopilots
• The autopilot autosteering must be tested and determined
satisfactory.
• The navigation receiver (GPS, Chart Plotter) must be in full
operating mode with adequate signal characteristics for valid
position and navigation data.
• At least one waypoint must be entered and selected as the
current “Go to” waypoint.
• The navigation receiver (source) for the autopilot will be the
one that is automatically selected in the interface set-up or
manually selected in the User setup menu item called “Source
select” (page 42).
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 (Course To Steer, CTS) and automatic
waypoint shift.
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.
Press the NAV button to activate the NAV prompt display.
NAV
The prompt display shows the
name or number of the next
waypoint (WP), the bearing of the
track line (BWW) from the
previous waypoint to the
destination waypoint, the required
course change (CHG) and the
direction in which the boat will
turn.
Note ! If only one waypoint has been entered the bearing will be from
the present position to the destination waypoint.
Press the NAV button again to accept the waypoint as the
location to steer towards. The autopilot turns the boat onto the
track line.
28 20221586B
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