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1. PRINCIPLE OF THE AUTOPILOT
Principle of Autopilot
An autopilot is an automatic device for steering a vessel and maintaining its
heading in an intended direction. Boat and ship operators can really appreciate
the advantages of the autopilot – It steers the boat for you so that you are free to
carry out navigational checks, trim adjustments, etc. or to simply relax and enjoy
the ride.
The NAVpilot-511/520/611 autopilot utilizes a proportional rate system to steer
the boat. This system is similar to the highly accurate and reliable systems used
on aircraft, missiles and space vehicles. The proportional rate autopilot provides
the necessary course correction to the steering system relative to the speed and
amount that the boat moves off course.
Dead band is the area (in degrees) that an autopilot is allowed to drift before
correcting the vessel’s course. Since your NAVpilot-511/520/611’s advanced
processor does not utilize a dead-band, it will not drift or wander, and will steer
the boat reliably and accurately, taking action if even a minute course error
occurs.
Because wandering is eliminated, the proportional rate autopilot uses less power
and lowers wear and tear on the steering system. Course correction is smooth,
and consistent, and the boat will not jerk back and forth at any speed.