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Robertson AP45 Autopilot
Operation
Simrad Robertson AS
Egersund - Norway
Page 2-5
The PORT and STBD push buttons are for minor course adjustments, pressed
once gives a one degree course change in the appropriate direction. In WORK-
mode however, the buttons are used for manual rudder trim, and course
changes can therefore only be made by the course selector knob.
The AP45 has the capability to use steering information from an external
navigator (GPS, LORAN, Plotter) to direct the boat to a specific waypoint location,
or through a route of waypoints. In the NAV mode, the AP45 uses the heading
sensor as it's primary source of heading for course keeping. The steering
information received from the external navigator alters the set course to direct the
AP45 to the destination 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 AP45 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.
To obtain satisfactory navigation steering, the following points must be fulfilled
prior to entering the NAV mode:
• The AP45 autosteering must be tested and found satisfactory.
• The navigation receiver must be operating and the navigation system (GPS,
LORAN, Decca) must be in full operating mode with adequate signal
characteristics for valid position and steering data.
• The magnetic compass or Fluxgate must have a minimum of deviation.
• At least one waypoint must be entered and selected as the current waypoint in
the navigation receiver.
The AP45 is from the factory set up to steer in mixed mode operation (CTS &
XTE). This combines the straight steering capability of cross track error (XTE)
steering in conjunction with the turning capability of bearing mode steering (CTS).
When operating the AP45 in NAV mode to automatically steer through a route of
waypoints, it 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, you will
need to verify that the upcoming course change is acceptable. Verification is
performed by pressing the Alarm reset button after the alert screen is displayed. If
no verification is received, the AP45 will continue on the current set course in
AUTO mode.
Navigating with the
AP45
Mixed mode, XTE &
CTS