Basic Operation; Safe Operation With The Autopilot; External Follow-Up Override - Simrad AP70 Operation Manual

Basic operation

2

Safe operation with the autopilot

under any circumstances replace a human navigator.
Do not use automatic steering when:
• In heavy traffi c areas or in narrow waters
• In poor visibility or extreme sea conditions
• When in areas where use of autopilot is prohibited by law
When using an autopilot:
• Do not leave the helm unattended
• Do not place any magnetic material or equipment near the magnetic or fl uxgate compass
used in the autopilot system
• Verify the course and position of the vessel at regular intervals
• Always switch to Standby mode, and reduce speed in suffi cient time to avoid hazardous
situations
Using an external system selector to control autopilot
operation
IMO resolution MSC64 and other regulations require that an external switch is used for
changing over from manual to automatic steering.
Manual steering
When an external system selector is set to manual steering, the autopilot will be disengaged.
The control unit will display information as in Standby mode. It is not possible to change to
FU, NFU or to any automatic mode. The menus can however be used, alarms acknowledged
and illumination adjusted.
When the autopilot is disengaged by an external switch, this will be indicated in the mode
display.
When a mode key is pressed, a dialog will show that the autopilot system is disengaged.
Autopilot operation
When the external selector is set to automatic steering, the autopilot will go directly to AUTO
heading mode with present heading as set reference. The autopilot can then be used in all
operational modes.

External follow-up override

On some autopilot computers you can connect a switch for allowing an external follow-up to
override autopilot control of the rudder. Refer the autopilot installation manual for connection
details.
When external follow-up override is selected, it is not possible to use any mode keys. The
menus can however be used, alarms acknowledged and illumination adjusted.
When the rudder is controlled by an external FU, this will be indicated in the mode display.
If you press a mode key, external control is indicated in the display.
Basic operation |
Warning: An autopilot is a useful navigational aid, but DOES NOT
AP70/AP80 Operator Manual
| 9