Simrad AUTOPILOT SYSTEM AP50 - Manual (Page 32)

Simrad AP50 Autopilot
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20221032B
Caution ! When operating an On/Off thruster it is important to note that
most electrical thrusters have a built in thermal cut-off switch
that will shut off the electromotor if it is overheating and re-
engage it when it has cooled down. The water temperature also
affects the running time. The On/Off thruster may only run for
a few minutes, and its total running time for a longer period
should be limited by increasing the thruster sensitivity value
(see page 156).
2.8 Navigating with the AP50
The AP50 has the capability to use steering information from an
external navigator (GPS/Chart plotter or ECS) to direct the boat
to one specific waypoint location or through a series of
waypoints. In the NAV mode, the AP50 uses the heading sensor
as its heading source for course keeping. The steering and speed
information received from the external navigator alters the set
course to direct the AP50 to the destination waypoint.
Note ! Navigational steering must only be used in open waters. By
selecting the NAV mode, the AP50 is set for automatic steering
on the current set course to a destination waypoint.
To obtain satisfactory navigation steering, the following
conditions must be fulfilled prior to entering the NAV mode:
• The AP50 autosteering must be tested and determined
satisfactory
• The navigation receiver must be operating and the navigation
system (GPS/Chart plotter or ECS) must be in full operating
mode with adequate signal characteristics for valid position
and steering data
• At least one waypoint must be entered and selected as the
current waypoint in the navigation receiver
• The navigation source in the AP50 User Set-up menu must be
set for the navigator that contains the current waypoint
The AP50 is designed to steer in mixed mode operation. This
combines the straight steering capability of Cross Track Error
(XTE) steering in conjunction with the turning capability of
bearing mode steering (Course To Steer [CTS]).
NAV
SETUP Press the NAV button to activate the NAV prompt display.