System Description; Introduction - Simrad AP50 Operator's Manual

1 SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

1.1 Introduction

20221032 / E
Congratulations on the purchase of your new Simrad AP50
autopilot system and thank you for selecting what we feel is one
of the most advanced autopilot systems available on the market
today.
Today, Simrad manufactures a complete range of autopilots for
all types of vessels, from leisure boats to advanced steering
systems for merchant marine vessels. Our factory for these
products is located in Egersund on the southwest coast of
Norway. The company's involvement in autopilots began in
1953 with equipment for the North Sea fishing fleet under the
brand name Robertson. Professional mariners around the world
acknowledge that the Robertson and Simrad brand names are
synonymous with the absolute best in autopilot technology.
The brain in the AP50 autopilot system is an "intelligent"
junction unit or distribution unit that communicates with all
other system modules on a Robnet network. The Robnet has
been developed to establish a reliable digital communication and
power distribution network between the units in the system. The
Robnet simplifies installation and enables the AP50 system to be
easily expanded at any time. Any unit that is connected to the
autopilot system via Robnet is called a Robnet Unit.
The AP50 system is produced and tested in accordance with the
European Marine Equipment Directive 96/98. This means that
the AP50 complies with the highest level of tests for non-
military marine electronic navigation equipment existing today.
The Marine Equipment Directive 96/98/EC (MED), as amended
by 98/95/EC for ships flying EU or EFTA flags, applies to all
new ships, to existing ships not previously carrying such
equipment, and to ships having their equipment replaced.
This means that all system components covered by annex A1
must be type-approved accordingly and must carry the
Wheelmark, which is a symbol of conformity with the Marine
Equipment Directive.
While the AP50 may be installed on vessels not needing to
comply with the Marine Equipment Directive, those requiring
compliance must have one AP50 Control Unit set-up as a
"master unit" in order for the installation to be approved (see
also the AP50 Installation Manual, Master Operation).
System Description
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