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1. PRINCIPLE OF THE AUTOPILOT
1.1 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-500 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-500’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.