Simrad AP44 Quick Manual

AP44

Quick Guide

1 2 3 4 5

STBY MODE AUTO

STBY key

Press to turn the autopilot to Standby mode.

MENU/X key

With no menu active:

• Press to display the Settings menu

• Press and hold to display the Display setup dialog

Menu and dialog operation:

• Press to return to previous menu level or to exit a dialog.

Rotary knob

Menu and dialog operation:

• Turn to move up and down in menus and dialogs

• Turn to adjust a value

• Press to select a menu option and to enter the next menu level

In FU mode:

• Turn to set rudder angle

In AUTO, NoDrift and Wind mode:

• Turn to change set heading/set course/set wind angle

MODE key

Press to display the Mode list

AUTO key

Press to turn the autopilot to AUTO mode

Alarms

Alarm indication

Acknowledging the alarms

Acknowledge alarms by pressing the rotary knob. A reminder reappears at given intervals for as long as the alarm condition exists.

Enabling the alarm system and the alarm siren

Accessing the Device list

*988-11194-001*

Autopilot modes

Mode Activate Mode display Rotary knob

Press Rotate

Standby

STBY

Switch to FU mode

No action

Follow-up From any mode:

select the Follow-up option in the Mode list.

From Standby mode: press the rotary knob.

No action Set the

rudder angle

AUTO

No action Adjust

the set heading

Wind* From AUTO mode:

select the Wind option in the Mode list

No action Adjust set

wind

NoDrift From AUTO mode:

select the NoDrift option in the Mode list.

No action Adjust the

set course

NAV From any mode:

select the NAV option in the Mode list.

No action No action

¼ Note: * Mode is only available when the boat type is set to SAIL.

The autopilot page

The content varies with active mode. All modes include:

• Response (AC12N/AC42N/SG05) / Proﬁle (NAC-2/NAC-3) mode (A)

• Heading indicator, analog and digital (B)

• Autopilot mode indication (C)

• Rudder indicator, analog and digital (D)

Display setup

When the Backlight level ﬁeld is active, subsequent presses on the MENU key adjusts backlight level in decrements of 30% .

Selecting an autopilot mode using the MODE key

Press the MODE key and select the relevant option from the Mode list.

ENGLISH

AP44

Operator Manual

www.simrad-yachting.com

Preface

Disclaimer

As Navico is continuously improving this product, we retain the right to make changes to the product at any time which may not be reflected in this version of the manual. Please contact your nearest distributor if you require any further assistance.

It is the owner’s sole responsibility to install and use the equipment in a manner that will not cause accidents, personal injury or property damage. The user of this product is solely responsible for observing safe boating practices.

NAVICO HOLDING AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES, BRANCHES AND AFFILIATES DISCLAIM ALL LIABILITY FOR ANY USE OF THIS PRODUCT IN A WAY THAT MAY CAUSE ACCIDENTS, DAMAGE OR THAT MAY VIOLATE THE LAW.

Governing Language: This statement, any instruction manuals, user guides and other information relating to the product (Documentation) may be translated to, or has been translated from, another language (Translation). In the event of any conflict between any Translation of the Documentation, the English language version of the Documentation will be the official version of the Documentation.

This manual represents the product as at the time of printing. Navico Holding AS and its subsidiaries, branches and affiliates reserve the right to make changes to specifications without notice.

Trademarks

Simrad® is used by license from Kongsberg. NMEA® and NMEA 2000® are registered trademarks of the National

Marine Electronics Association.

Warranty

The warranty card is supplied as a separate document. In case of any queries, refer to the brand website of your display or

system: www.simrad-yachting.com.

Preface | AP44 Operator Manual

Compliance statements

This equipment complies with:

• CE under EMC directive 2014/30/EU

• The requirements of level 2 devices of the Radio communications

(Electromagnetic Compatibility) standard 2008

The relevant Declaration of conformity is available in the product's section at the following website: www.simrad-yachting.com.

About this manual

This manual is a reference guide for operating the AP44. It assumes that all equipment is installed and configured, and that the system is ready to use.

The manual assumes that the user has basic knowledge of navigation, nautical terminology and practices.

Important text that requires special attention from the reader is emphasized as follows:

Note: Used to draw the reader’s attention to a comment or

some important information.

Warning: Used when it is necessary to warn

personnel that they should proceed carefully to prevent risk of injury and/or damage to equipment/ personnel.

Manual version

This manual is written for software version 1.0. The manual is continually updated to match new software releases. The latest available manual version can be downloaded from www.simradyachting.com.

Preface | AP44 Operator Manual

Contents

7 Introduction

Manuals 8 AP44 Front panel and keys 9 The autopilot page

10 Basic operation

10 Safe operation with the autopilot 10 Turning the unit on and off 11 Operating the menu system 12 Display setup

13 Autopilot modes

13 Selecting an autopilot mode 13 Standby mode 13 Follow-up (FU) mode 13 AUTO mode (Heading hold) 15 Wind mode 16 NoDrift mode 17 Heading capture 17 NAV mode 19 Turn pattern steering 23 Using the autopilot in an EVC system

24 Trip log

25 Alarms

25 Alarm indication 25 Acknowledging the alarms 26 Enabling the alarm system and the alarm siren 27 Alarm history

28 Software setup

28 Calibration 33 Damping 34 Autopilot settings 40 System settings

Contents | AP44 Operator Manual

45 Maintenance

Preventive maintenance 45 Cleaning the display unit 45 Checking the connectors 45 Software update

48 Menu flow chart

50 Technical specifications

51 Dimensional drawing

52 Terms and abbreviations

54 Supported data

54 NMEA 2000 PGN (transmit) 54 NMEA 2000 PGN (receive)

Contents | AP44 Operator Manual

Introduction

The AP44 is a networked autopilot display and control unit. The unit is compatible with a range of Navico autopilot computers,

including AC12N, AC42N, NAC-2, NAC-3 and SG05 autopilot computers.

The AP44 systems include several modules that need to be mounted in different locations on the vessel and that need to interface with at least three different systems on the boat:

• The boat’s steering system

• The boat’s electrical system (input power)

• Other equipment onboard

All parts of the autopilot system must be installed and configured according to supplied documentation prior to using the autopilot. The following steps are required:

• Mechanical installation and wiring of all units. Refer to separate

documentation for the units

• Software setup of the system. Refer to "Software setup" on page 28

• Commissioning and setup of the autopilot computer. Refer to

the installation and commissioning documentation for your autopilot computer

Manuals

The following documentation is available for the AP44 system:

• AP44 Operator manual (988-11189-00n) - this manual

•

AP44/IS42/Triton2 Installation guide (988-11229-00n)

•

AP44/IS42/Triton2 Mounting template (988-11230-00n)

• NAC-2/NAC-3 Autopilot computer Commissioning manual

(988-11233-00n)

• AC12N/AC42N Installation manual (988-10276-00n)

Note: The last digit in the part numbers is the document's

revision code. The latest version of all documents can be downloaded from the product website on www.simradyachting.com.

Introduction | AP44 Operator Manual

AP44 Front panel and keys

1 2 3 4 5

STBY

MODE AUTO

1 STBY key

Press to turn the autopilot to Standby mode.

2 MENU/X key

With no menu active:

• Press to display the Settings menu

• Press and hold to display the Display setup dialog

Menu and dialog operation:

• Press to return to previous menu level or to exit a dialog

3 Rotary knob

Menu and dialog operation:

• Turn to move up and down in menus and dialogs

• Turn to adjust a value

• Press to select a menu option and to enter the next menu

level

In FU mode:

• Turn to set rudder angle

In AUTO, NoDrift and Wind mode:

• Turn to change set heading/set course/set wind angle

4 MODE key

Press to display the Mode list

5 AUTO key

Press to turn the autopilot to AUTO mode

Introduction | AP44 Operator Manual

The autopilot page

The content of the autopilot page varies with active mode. All modes include:

• Response (AC12N/AC42N/SG05) / Profile (NAC-2/NAC-3) mode

(A)

• Heading indicator, analog and digital (B)

• Autopilot mode indication (C)

• Rudder indicator, analog and digital (D)

For more information, refer to the separate mode descriptions and to the "Terms and abbreviations" on page 52.

Introduction | AP44 Operator Manual

Basic operation

Safe operation with the autopilot

Warning: An autopilot is a useful navigational aid,

but DOES NOT replace a human navigator.

Warning: Ensure the autopilot has been installed

correctly, commissioned and calibrated before use.

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 an autopilot is prohibited by law

When using an autopilot:

• Do not leave the helm unattended

• Do not place any magnetic material or equipment near the

heading sensor used by the autopilot system

• Verify at regular intervals the course and position of the vessel

• Always switch to Standby mode and reduce speed in due time to

avoid hazardous situations

Turning the unit on and off

The unit has no power key, and it will be running as long as power is connected to the NMEA 2000 network backbone.

First time startup

When the unit is started for the first time and after a factory reset, the unit displays a setup wizard. Respond to the setup wizard prompts to select some fundamental setup options. These settings can later be changed and further configuration made as described in "Software setup" on page 28.

Basic operation | AP44 Operator Manual

Sleep mode

In Sleep mode, the backlight for screen and keys are turned off to save power. The system continues to run in the background.

You select Sleep mode from the Display setup dialog, activated by pressing and holding the MENU key. Switch from Sleep mode to normal operation by a short press on the MENU key.

Operating the menu system

All settings and configuration in the unit are available from the Settings menu, activated by pressing the MENU key.

• Turn the Rotary knob to move up and down in the menus and in

the dialogs

• Confirm a selection by pressing the Rotary knob

• Return to previous menu level by pressing the MENU key

Edit a numeric value

1. Turn the Rotary knob to select the entry field

2. Press Rotary knob to turn the field into edit mode

The left digit starts flashing

3. Turn the Rotary knob to set the value for the flashing digit

4. Press the Rotary knob to move focus to the next digit

5. Repeat step 3 and 4 until all digits are set

6. Press the Rotary knob to leave edit mode for the selected field

7. Turn the Rotary knob to select the Cancel or Save buttons, then

press the Rotary knob to confirm your selection and to close the dialog

Selected field Field in edit mode

Note: You can at any time press the MENU key to leave a

dialog without saving the entries.

Basic operation | AP44 Operator Manual

Display setup

The display setup can be adjusted at any time from the Display setup dialog, activated by pressing and holding the MENU key.

The following options are available:

• Backlight level: Adjusts the backlight level from Min (10%) to Max

(100%) in 10% increments

When the Backlight level field is active, subsequent presses on the MENU key adjusts backlight level in decrements of 30%

• Display group: Defines which network group the unit belongs to

• Night mode: Activates/deactivates the night mode color palette

• Night mode color: Sets the night mode color palette

• Invert day color: Changes the background color for the pages

from default black to white

• Sleep: Turns the backlight for screen and keys off to save power

Note: All changes made to the display setup will apply to all

units belonging to the same display group. For more information about network groups, refer to "Network groups" on page 43.

Basic operation | AP44 Operator Manual

Autopilot modes

The autopilot has several steering modes. The number of modes and features within the mode depend on the autopilot computer, the boat type and available inputs, as explained in the description of the following steering modes.

Selecting an autopilot mode

You select Standby mode and AUTO mode by pressing the dedicated STBY and AUTO keys.

You select other modes and automatic features by selecting the relevant option from the Mode list, activated by pressing the MODE key.

Standby mode

Standby mode is used when you steer the boat at the helm.

• Switch to Standby mode by pressing the STBY key.

Note: If sensor data vital for autopilot operation (e.g. rudder

response) is lost when the autopilot is running in an automatic mode, the system will automatically switch to Standby mode.

Follow-up (FU) mode

In FU mode you turn the rotary knob to set the rudder angle. The rudder will move to the commanded angle and then stop.

• Switch to FU mode from any mode by selecting the Follow-up

option in the Mode list, or switch directly from Standy mode to FU mode by pressing the rotary knob.

AUTO mode (Heading hold)

In AUTO mode the autopilot issues rudder commands required to steer the vessel automatically on a set heading. In this mode the autopilot does not compensate for any drifting caused by current and/or wind (A).

Autopilot modes | AP44 Operator Manual

• Switch to AUTO mode by pressing the AUTO key. When the

mode is activated, the autopilot selects the current boat heading as the set heading.

Changing set heading in AUTO mode

You adjust the set heading by turning the rotary knob. An immediate heading change takes place. The new heading is

maintained until a new heading is set.

Tacking and Gybing in AUTO mode

Note: Only available when the boat type is set to SAIL.

Tacking and Gybing in AUTO mode uses the heading as reference. The tacking/gybing operation changes the set heading to port or starboard with a fixed angle.

The tacking parameters are set in the Setup/Sailing parameters: The Tack angle defines the tacking angle, while the Tack time defines the rate of turn during the tack/gybe. Refer to "Autopilot settings" on page 34.

• Initiate the Tack or Gybe function by selecting the Tack/Gybe

option in the Mode list.

The turn is started when the direction is selected in the dialog.

Autopilot modes | AP44 Operator Manual

Wind mode

Note: Wind mode is only available when the boat type is set to

SAIL. It is not possible to activate wind mode if wind information is missing.

When wind mode is engaged, the autopilot captures the current wind angle as steering reference, and adjusts the heading of the boat to maintain this wind angle.

Prior to entering wind mode the autopilot system must be operating in AUTO mode and with valid input from the wind transducer.

• Switch to Wind mode by selecting the Wind option in the Mode

list

Warning: In wind mode the autopilot steers to the

apparent or true wind angle and not to a compass heading. Any wind shift could result in the vessel steering on an undesired course.

Tacking and Gybing in Wind mode

Tacking and Gybing in Wind mode can be performed when sailing with apparent or true wind as the reference. In either case the true wind angle must be less than 90 degrees (tacking) and more than 120° (gybing).

The tacking/gybing operation will mirror the set wind angle on the opposite tack.

The rate of turn during the tack/gybe is set by the Tack time in the Setup/Sailing menu. Refer to "Autopilot settings" on page 34.

• Initiate the Tack or Gybe function by selecting the Tack/Gybe

option in the Mode list.

• Confirm the tack/gybe in the dialog.

Autopilot modes | AP44 Operator Manual

Note: The autopilot will temporarily add a 5 degree bear-away

on the new tack to allow the boat to pick up speed. After a short period the wind angle will return to the set angle.

Note: If the Tack/Gybe is not confirmed the dialog will close

after 10 seconds, and the requested tack/gybe will not be initiated.

NoDrift mode

Note: It is not possible to select NoDrift mode if GPS position

and heading information is missing.

In NoDrift mode the vessel is steered along a calculated track line, from present position and in a direction set by the user. If the vessel is drifting away from the track line due to current and/or wind (A), the vessel will follow the line with a crab angle.

Prior to entering NoDrift mode the autopilot system must be operating in AUTO mode and with valid input from GPS and heading sensor.

• Switch to NoDrift mode by selecting the NoDrift option in the

Mode list

The autopilot will draw an invisible track line based on current heading from the vessel’s position

The autopilot will now use the position information to calculate the cross track distance, and automatically steer along the calculated track.

Changing set course in NoDrift mode

You adjust the set course by turning the rotary knob. An immediate course change takes place. The new course is

maintained until a new course is set.

Autopilot modes | AP44 Operator Manual

+ 42 hidden pages

Simrad AP44 Quick Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual