Page 6-6 Robertson AP45 Autopilot
Start-Up procedure / Commissioning
Simrad Robertson AS
Egersund - Norway
In some occasions, e.g. at very low speed, it may also be wanted to disengage the
Off course alarm in Work mode. This is done by pressing the DECREASE (-)
button.
The purpose of the sea trial is to verify that the AP45 has been properly installed
and is well performing as a result of that. A successful sea trial is dependant of the
following assumptions:
• The compass is placed correctly
• The compass is compensated by an authorised compass adjuster, particularly if
the vessel's magnetic steering compass is used
• Rudder hardover to hardover time is appropriate
• Rudder feedback geometry is correct
• Initial settings are in accordance with “Selection of parameter settings”, page 6-
2.
• Autopilot works at the dock side.
The sea trial should take place in open waters with sufficient room for
manoeuvring. It is also recommended to find a place where the sea is reasonably
calm.
Note!
Do not use the PORT and STBD buttons during steps 2-4 of the sea trial.
1. Rudder Feedback centring procedure
Enter Debug mode (Press the hidden button just above the + button and then
the Weather button).
Step through the Debug loop until you find the following text:
Bring the vessel up to normal cruising speed.
Place the rudder in exact midposition where the vessel steers a straight line.
Press Increase button and the display will show:
Step back through the Debug loop until you read the rudder angle, and verify
that this now indicates zero.
2. Refer to the Operation section and set WEATHER to OFF and RUDDER to 1.0.
Press the WORK button and disengage the autotrim function as described in
“Disengage of autotrim-function in WORK-mode”, page 6-5.
3. Maintain cruising speed and keep a straight course on different headings. Refer
to “RUDDER”, page 2-4, to find the best setting of the RUDDER value.
Disengage of Off
Course alarm in
Work mode
WORK: OFFC. ALARM
OFFC. ALARM OFF?: -
Sea Trial
Centre Rudder
Yes: Press Inc
Rudder Feedback
* centred *