Simrad AP50 Installation Manual
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Simrad AP50 Installation Manual

Autopilot plus system
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Installation manual

Simrad AP50
Autopilot
Plus system
English
Sw.1.3
www.simrad-yachting.com
A brand by Navico - Leader in Marine Electronics

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  • Page 1: Installation Manual

    Installation manual Simrad AP50 Autopilot Plus system English Sw.1.3 www.simrad-yachting.com A brand by Navico - Leader in Marine Electronics...
  • Page 2 INSTALLATION MANUAL SIMRAD AP50 Autopilot Plus System 20222410/B Sw. 1.3. English...
  • Page 3 Simrad AP50 Autopilot About this document Rev. A First issue. Rev. B Minor corrections © 2007 Navico Egersund AS. All rights reserved. No part of this work covered by the copyright here on may be reproduced or otherwise copied without prior permission from Navico Egersund AS. The information contained in this document is subject to change without prior notice.
  • Page 4 AP50 Plus system. Note ! The AP50 Plus is an upgraded version of the AP50 Autopilot System. A full range of new distribution units (JD50, JD51, JD52 and JD53) are offered to cover the applications and performance of the well recognized AP9Mk3 Autopilot.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    How to Use This Manual................2 INSTALLATION ....................3 General......................3 Unpacking and Handling ................3 Installation Index ....................3 Determining System Configuration..............4 AP50 Plus System Layout ................5 RF14XU Rudder Feedback Unit ..............6 Mechanical mounting ..................6 Electrical installation ..................6 Final check....................10 RF45X Rudder Feedback Unit ..............10 Electrical Connection ...................11...
  • Page 6 General Information 2.13 S9 Steering Lever ..................38 Mounting ......................38 Connection....................38 2.14 R3000X Remote Control ................40 2.15 JS10 Joystick ....................41 2.16 S35 NFU Steering Lever ................41 2.17 F1/2 Remote Control ..................42 2.18 Interfacing to Optional Equipment (THD, Navigation Receiver, etc.)..42 Single NMEA input/output................43 Double NMEA input/output .................43 Input from “NMEA Compass”...
  • Page 7 Simrad AP50 Autopilot Thruster zero ....................69 Direction and Maximum Thrust STBD, Analog Thruster .......70 Direction and Maximum Thrust PORT, Analog Thruster .......70 Minimum Thrust, Analog Thruster............71 Speed source ....................71 Set Cruising Speed...................72 Set Rudder Zero ..................72 Set Rate of Turn ..................72 Adjust rudder angle/Set rate of turn............73...
  • Page 8 Minimum thrust ..................91 Thruster hyst ....................91 Thruster Drive..................92 Response delay..................92 SPARE PARTS LIST ..................95 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ..............99 AP50 Autopilot System ................99 AP50 Control Unit..................100 AP51 Remote Control ................101 JD5X Distribution Units ................102 RC25 Rate Compass ...................103 CDI35 Course Detector Interface ...............104 CD100A Course Detector................105...
  • Page 9 Simrad AP50 Autopilot TROUBLESHOOTING ..................115 Solenoid control..................115 Analog rudder control.................116 Failure Mode Effect Analyses ..............118 INDEX.........................119 APPROVALS .....................123 Product compliance schemes..............123 CE mark ....................123 Wheelmark.....................123 Certificates....................124 viii 20222410 / B...

  • Page 10: General Information

    “master unit” in order for the installation to be approved. Simrad has no responsibility for the incorrect installation or use of the AP50 autopilot, so it is essential for the person in charge of the installation to be familiar with the relevant requirements as well as with the contents of this manual, which covers correct installation and use.

  • Page 11: How To Use This Manual

    Simrad AP50 Autopilot Plus System. Great care has been taken to simplify the set-up and operation and of the AP50; however, an autopilot is a complex electronic system. It is affected by sea conditions, speed of the vessel, and vessel hull shape and size.

  • Page 12: Installation

    This section provides detailed information required to properly install the AP50 Autopilot Plus System. The AP50 plus system includes several modules that need to be mounted in different locations on the vessel and that need to interface with at least three different systems on the boat: •...

  • Page 13: Determining System Configuration

    11.Provide the user with training (see page 78) 2.4 Determining System Configuration It is important to become familiar with the configuration of the system prior to beginning the installation. The AP50 Plus system with options is shown in Figure 2-1 on page 5. 20222410 / B...

  • Page 14: Ap50 Plus System Layout

    (refer to Technical Specifications, section 5, beginning on page 95. Robnet Extension Cable (10m) is available from your Simrad distributor. Refer to the Spare Parts List on page 95 for part numbers. 2.5 AP50 Plus System Layout...

  • Page 15: Rf14Xu Rudder Feedback Unit

    Simrad AP50 Autopilot 2.6 RF14XU Rudder Feedback Unit Mechanical mounting Before installation, check that the alignment mark on the mounting plate agrees with the mark on the shaft. Bring the rudder to Midships position. The feedback unit should be mounted on a plane surface and secured by bolts through the three holes in the mounting plate.
  • Page 16 Installation The feedback unit has an external ground terminal and must have a proper ground connection to the hull. The grounding wire should be as short as possible and at least 10 mm wide. The RF14XU can be powered either from the rudder angle indicator supply (19-40V DC) or directly from the autopilot distribution unit.
  • Page 17 10, for +/-90˚ connect violet lead to terminal 10. White lead must remain connected. Figure 2-4 RF14XU Internal wiring Figure 2-5 shows how to connect the RF14XU Rudder Feedback Unit to an AP50 system with 24V autopilot supply. 20222410 / B...
  • Page 18 JD5X Vbat+ instead of JD5X Supply+. Note ! This configuration is only for 24VDC. Figure 2-5 RF14XU connected to an AP50 system and optional rudder angle indicators Note ! The resistor R (0.5-1K, 0.5W) has to be mounted. The resistor is not supplied by Simrad.

  • Page 19: Final Check

    However, it can be mounted with the shaft pointing downwards for increased convenience. The deflection can then be inverted in the AP50 software or as illustrated in Figure 2-7 on page 11. An “upside-down” installation will make access to the unit more efficient as it can be opened without moving it from the mounting base.

  • Page 20: Electrical Connection

    Installation Use the enclosed template (Drawing 22011225) to drill the required mounting holes. The unit is fastened to the mounting base by the two Allen screws enclosed (other types of screws may be used if it is to be fastened to another type of base, i.e. a wooden base).
  • Page 21 Simrad AP50 Autopilot Figure 2-8 RF45X Connection to RI9 Rudder Angle Indicators and RI35 Mk2 (optional) The above connection diagram shows how to connect an RI9 Rudder Angle Indicator to a system with RF45X Rudder Feedback Unit. For connection of RI35 Mk2 Rudder Angle Indicators only, refer to the RI35 Mk2 manual.

  • Page 22: Mechanical Alignment

    Installation Mechanical Alignment The purpose of this procedure is to find the zero point and to allow the feedback unit to operate within its active segment. If the unit operates outside this segment, there will be a feedback failure alarm. 1.

  • Page 23: Jd51 Distribution Unit (P/N 20126827)

    VALVE PUMP 1 PUMP 2 RF14XU NOTE 2 Figure 2-9 AP50 system with ON-OFF valves Note 1: RF45X: No limit switches, current output for rudder angle indicator(s) Note 2: RF14XU: Limit switches included, voltage (output) for rudder angle indicator(s) 20222410 / B...

  • Page 24: Jd53 Distribution Unit (P/N 20126843)

    GEAR 1 ELECTRONICS ELECTRONICS Feedback Feedback Figure 2-10 AP50 system with Dual Analog output Note! Check with steering gear system if switches for control of autopilot auto mode are included. If so, refer to drawing of External Mode Selector (Figure 2-21).

  • Page 25: Electrical Connections

    Analog voltage or current output is also available for steering gears that require analog input signals. Grounding and Radio Frequency Interface (RFI) The AP50 system has excellent Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) protection and all units use the distribution unit as a common ground/shield connection. The distribution unit has an external ground terminal and must have a proper ground connection to ships hull.

  • Page 26: Steering Gear With Directional Valves (On/Off)

    Installation Pull out each terminal before connecting the wires. Be careful not to drop screen cuts inside the cabinet. Connect the wires to the terminal. Crimp the supplied Faston terminal to the screen and connect to the grounding plug-in terminal. Secure the cable by using the supplied cable ties (See Figure 2-11).
  • Page 27 Simrad AP50 Autopilot Figure 2-12 Solenoid steering gear connection Note! Remove the jumper between TB14, 1 and 2 when external solenoid supply is used. Change-Over Switch A Change-Over (C/O) switch may be required to isolate the autopilot system from the steering gear system. This switch is normally included as part of the steering gear system.
  • Page 28 Installation Eventually a separate Change-Over switch Man-Auto may be required if not included in the steering system, in order to disconnect the autopilot and hence avoid an uncontrolled hard- over rudder movement in the event of an autopilot failure. Figure 2-14 Separate Change-Over switch 20222410 / B...
  • Page 29 Simrad AP50 Autopilot D9X Solid State Board The D9X Solid State Board is designed for connection to limit switches. Normally each set of solenoids (Port – stbd.) will have one set of limit switches, and the RF14XU Feedback Unit includes two individual set of limit switches.
  • Page 30 Installation Figure 2-16 D9X Solid State Board, component layout 20222410 / B...

  • Page 31: Analog Steering Gear Control

    Simrad AP50 Autopilot Analog Steering gear control The JD53 Distribution Unit provides dual analog control of rudder(s) in an AP50 system by either continuous voltage or current signal. The following description shows how to connect the various analog control signals of JD53 to the steering gears.
  • Page 32 Installation Voltage control with external reference Figure 2-18 shows how an external reference voltage (12-24V) is wired to the Dual Analog Board TB20 and TB22, terminals 3 and 4. With the external voltage return (terminal 4) as reference the default rudder zero voltage and control range output at terminals 1 and 4 will depend upon the external reference voltage and can be adjusted in the Dockside setup (ref.
  • Page 33 Nav modes and can be used to provide change-over of the steering gear from Manual to Autopilot steering. Alternatively the (Mode) changeover can be set to operate only in Auto and Nav (ref. Drive Engage setting in AP50 Installation Manual. Figure 2-20 Mode and autopilot status External Mode Selection The most common signals from a steering gear to an autopilot are shown below.
  • Page 34 Installation Figure 2-21 External mode selection 20222410 / B...
  • Page 35 Refer to the component layout below to identify LEDs and switches. Software upgrade is possible by connecting a PC to J3 via a Special programming kit (Simrad P/N 22088595) Figure 2-22 JD53 Dual Analog Board, component layout 20222410 / B...
  • Page 36 Installation Installation setting summary: S1 to S4: External/Internal ref. voltage and voltage/current control (ref. Figure 2-17 to Figure 2-19). For open/closed or always closed analog signal line(s), ref. page 28. Always closed Open /closed depending on system status CPU RUNNING: Alternating green when JD53 is operative (ref.

  • Page 37: Jd50 Alarm Interface

    A Dual Analog Board can, by dip-switch setting, be installed as an Alarm Interface option in any of the JD5X units. This is necessary for the AP50 autopilot system to comply with DNV NAUT OSV class when a direct i/o type central alarm panel is installed.
  • Page 38 Installation The board will interface to the central alarm panel as shown on Figure 2-25. The ALARM contact will stay activated for as long as an autopilot alarm is present. Upon alarm acknowledge on the autopilot control unit, the ACK contact will be activated for 0.5 sec and the sound from the autopilot system will cease.

  • Page 39: Control Unit

    • Connect the Robnet cable(s) to the control unit connector(s) (see “Note!” on page 33). Optional Bracket mounting (This may be ordered separately from Simrad, part no. 20212130). Note ! When the control unit is bracket-mounted, it is not weatherproof from the back due to a breathing hole in the back cabinet.

  • Page 40: Robnet Units And Robnet Network Cables

    Figure 2-26 AP50 Bracket mounting Robnet Units and Robnet Network Cables The following Robnet units are available in a system: AP50 Control Unit, AP51 Remote Control, RC25 Rate Compass, FU50 Follow-Up lever, GI51 Gyro Interface, NI300X NMEA Interface, TI51 Thruster Interface and AD50 Analog Drive.
  • Page 41 55 (180’) 50 (165’) 45 (150’) 40 (130’) If the total length exceeds the recommended length, please contact your Simrad distributor on how to arrange the system to minimize the voltage drop. Examples of interconnecting Robnet units: CONTROL CONTROL CONTROL...
  • Page 42 Table 2-1 Robnet Plug Pin Configuration AP50 JD5X DISTRIBUTION UNIT CONTROL MAIN PCB TB15 UNIT Pnk Gry Yel ROBNET Figure 2-29 Control Unit Connection Note ! For installations that require special cable lengths, contact your Simrad distributor for information. 20222410 / B...

  • Page 43: Ap51 Remote Control Connection

    Simrad AP50 Autopilot AP51 Remote Control Connection If the AP51 Remote Control is part of the system, use the Robnet connector in a free receptacle (see Figure 2-27). Alternatively, cut the connector from the cable and connect the wires in parallel with the cable shown on Figure 2-29 using the same color code.

  • Page 44: Rc25 Rate Compass

    2.10 RC25 Rate Compass Figure 2-31 RC25 Rate Compass Mounting The heading sensor is the most important part of the AP50 system and great care must be taken in choosing the mounting location. The heading sensor can be mounted at any location where there is a minimum of magnetic interference and minimum movements.
  • Page 45 CONTROL UNIT Figure 2-32 RC25 Connection to AP50 Control Unit • Connect the Robnet connector to the AP50 Control Unit (or GI51 or NI300X if installed). • Alternatively, if there is no free receptacle, cut the connector from the cable and connect the wires in parallel with the wires going from the distribution unit to the control unit.

  • Page 46: Fu50 Steering Lever

    2.12 TI51 Thruster Interface The TI51 Thruster Interface is designed to provide control signal for operating one thruster in an AP50 system by either on/off solenoid, continuous control, or Sauer Danfoss PVEM valve. Refer to separate manual for the TI51 Thruster Interface.

  • Page 47: S9 Steering Lever

    Simrad AP50 Autopilot 2.13 S9 Steering Lever Mounting Refer to Figure 2-34. For bulkhead mounting, use the 8 bushings enclosed with the unit. These are placed two and two against each other and the screws are put through them. Direct contact between S9 and a steel bulkhead is then avoided and corrosion is prevented.
  • Page 48 Installation Figure 2-36 S9 connection to JD5X 20222410 / B...

  • Page 49: R3000X Remote Control

    Simrad AP50 Autopilot Priority steering by S9 Steering Lever The illustration shows one example of arranging an override steering function by the S9 Steering Lever when connected to JD53 Distribution Unit. Figure 2-37 Priority steering by S9 Notes ! 1. Make sure the S9 is within the rated specifications for the valves.

  • Page 50: Js10 Joystick

    Installation JD5X DISTRIBUTION UNIT R3000X POWER PCB REMOTE CONTROL G n R ed Blu R EM O TE R E M O T E Figure 2-38 R3000X Remote Control Connection 2.15 JS10 Joystick Refer to separate installation procedure for JS10 (document no. 20221610) 2.16 S35 NFU Steering Lever The S35 NFU Steering Lever may be mounted to the bulkhead...

  • Page 51: F1/2 Remote Control

    Figure 2-40 F1/2 Remote Control Connection 2.18 Interfacing to Optional Equipment (THD, Navigation Receiver, etc.) With the AP50 autopilot system, there are several options for connection to other equipment for data exchange: 1. The JD5X distribution units include two NMEA input/output ports and a Clock Data heading interface to Simrad and Furuno radars.

  • Page 52: Single Nmea Input/Output

    Installation Single NMEA input/output NAV RECEIVER JD5X DISTRIBUTION UNIT OR PLOTTER MAIN PCB (NMEA talker) TB13 TB14 NMEA NMEA Input 1 Output1 NMEA listener RUDDER instr. COMPASS instr. RADAR Figure 2-41 Single NMEA Connection Double NMEA input/output JD5X DISTRIBUTION UNIT MAIN PCB POWER PCB GPS or ECS...

  • Page 53: Input From "Nmea Compass

    Simrad AP50 Autopilot Input from “NMEA Compass” A gyro compass or GPS compass (or other) with NMEA 0183 HDT (or HDG, HDM message) is connected to the JD5X Distribution Unit NMEA Input2 terminal. JD5X DISTRIBUTION UNIT POWER PCB NMEA COMPASS...

  • Page 54: Analog Heading Repeater

    GI51 Gyro Interface The GI51 Gyro Interface is required when a gyrocompass with geared synchro or stepper signal output is connected to the AP50. The GI51 is also required when a speed log signal with 200 pulses/NM is connected to the system.

  • Page 55: Ni300X Nmea Interface Unit

    Simrad AP50 Autopilot NI300X NMEA Interface Unit The NI300X NMEA Interface Unit is normally installed inside of a console or locker close to navigation receivers, radar, and instruments to keep the cables short. The unit does not have controls that need to be operated during installation or use, but you should be able to take the lid off for inspections and to view LED indication of received signals.

  • Page 56: Cd100A Course Detector

    Simrad and Furuno. The 12V output is designed for driving instruments with a total maximum load of 250 mA. Configuration for Simrad or Furuno is selected in the Installation Interface Menu (see page 66). CD100A Course Detector The owner may prefer to use the boat’s own compass.

  • Page 57: Cdi35 Interface

    Figure 2-49 CDI35 Interface Connections Note ! The CD100 is a previous model and its cable has a connector that must be cut off for connection in the AP50 system (e.g. to the GI51 or the CDI35). CD109 Course Detector For retrofit installations, a CD109 Course detector may be connected to the CDI35 according to Figure 2-50.

  • Page 58: Software Set-Up Procedure

    Some important points regarding the Installation Set-up values: • When the AP50 is delivered new from the factory, (AND ANY TIME AFTER A MASTER RESET OF MEMORIES SETUP REQUIRED...

  • Page 59: Installation Menu

    Simrad AP50 Autopilot stored in the memory of the AP50 system. No specific action is required to save the selected values to memory. Once the value is changed, it is stored until the next time the menu item is selected and changed.

  • Page 60: Language Selection

    NAV buttons. On new installations, and whenever a junction unit or software is replaced in an AP50 system, it is recommended that a Master Reset be performed as described under SERVICE in the Installation Menu (see page 81) prior to proceeding with the set- up procedure.

  • Page 61: Master Operation

    Simrad AP50 Autopilot • Rudder / Feedback calibration • Rudder test • Rudder limit • Rudder deadband • Thruster type Select STANDBY mode and enter the Installation Menu as previously described. Select "Dockside" by pressing (STBD) button and confirm by rotating the course knob clockwise.
  • Page 62 Software Set-up Procedure ENTER INSTALLATION MENU SYMBOLS INSTALLATION BY PRESSING AND HOLDING THE MENU NAV BUTTON FOR 5 SECONDS SELECT OR CONFIRM BY ROTARY COURSE SELECTOR PROCEED TO NEXT MENU ITEM LANGUAGE MENU BY PRESSING STBD BUTTON LANGUAGE ENGLISH DEUTSCH REVERT TO PREVIOUS FRANCAIS MENU ITEM...

  • Page 63: Drive Unit Voltage

    Simrad AP50 Autopilot Drive Unit Voltage The Drive unit voltage setting does not apply when operating solenoids on a continuous running pump/steering gear. Hence, the output voltage to the solenoids will be the same as the input voltage. Note ! If the Drive Engage port (TB6) on the Power Board is used, the port voltage is the same as the selected Drive Unit Voltage (ref.

  • Page 64: Rudder Calibration

    Software Set-up Procedure Note ! If no adjustment has been made to the display readout (i.e. not turning the course knob), the AP50 will set the physical stop to 45°. “Max. rudder limit” will be set to 2° less. Note ! Rudder-zero may still be inaccurate and should be adjusted later during sea trial.
  • Page 65 ---- Note that every time the “Voltage output” display is shown, the steering system must be set for autopilot control, either manually or via “System select”. Refer to “System Select” in the AP50 Installation Manual. Note! Rudder Zero = 0 will give full range and equal level of the signal to each side, but will be limited by the Maximum rudder setting.

  • Page 66: Rudder Test

    DOCKSIDE clockwise. Rudder test ---- --------- drive Clutch --- -------- The AP50 will, after a few seconds, issue a series of PORT and Rudder limit Rudder deadband Thruster ---- STBD rudder commands, automatically verify correct rudder direction, detects minimum voltage for running, and reduce the rudder speed (reversing pumpset or proportional valves) if it exceeds the maximum acceptable speed for autopilot operation.

  • Page 67: Rudder Limit

    Simrad AP50 Autopilot DOCKSIDE DOCKSIDE Rudder test Done Rudder test Done Drive out Solenoid drive Clutch NOT installed Clutch NOT installed Rudder limit 10° Rudder limit 10° Rudder deadband 0.2° Rudder deadband 0.2° Thruster ---- Thruster ---- The Drive out (displayed in percentage) is the amount of...

  • Page 68: Rudder Deadband

    Thruster direction and the Maximum thrust. Interface Set-up The AP50 system provides a flexible approach to the input of data from heading sensors and other external equipment. Identification of the type of equipment connected to the AP50 system is performed in the Interface Menu.
  • Page 69 This turn radius will allow the ship to turn before the waypoint is reached and enables the AP50 to follow a route seamlessly. Note ! Confirmation for course change by the user will not be required.
  • Page 70 1 to 5 times/sec. on TX1 port. or VDR data HDT and RSA 5x/sec. Output RADAR Clock/data heading output to May select Simrad, Furuno, or radars Special** (for both JD5X and NI300X) Automatic course change at waypoint will now occur during navigation in NAV mode.
  • Page 71 Simrad AP50 Autopilot To begin Interface set-up, proceed to the Interface Set-up menu under the Installation Menu. LANGUAGE DOCKSIDE INTERFACE SEATRIAL To access the Interface Set-up items, turn the course knob SERVICE SETTINGS clockwise. 1.2.02 Oct 29 2004 The display now shows the first name on the list. Select the...
  • Page 72 Software Set-up Procedure Interface Set-up - Input Signal Set-up item Equipment Connected to terminal Assign hardware (abbrev. name) connected (name) (use one available from list) port to set-up item (* = default setting) GPS1 Not connected – – – – JD5X, Main PCB NMEA I/P RX1+,RX1–...
  • Page 73 Simrad AP50 Autopilot Set-up item Equipment Connected to terminal Assign hardware (abbrev. name) connected (use one available from list) port to set-up item (name) (* = default setting) GYRO2 Not connected – – – – * Connection to Robnet ROBNET ** JD5X, Power PCB NMEA I/P RX2+,RX2–...
  • Page 74 Software Set-up Procedure Set-up item Equipment Connected to terminal Assign hardware (abbrev. name) connected (use one available from list) port to set-up item (name) (* = default setting) FLUX1 Not connected – – – – RC25 Connection to Robnet ROBNET* Distribution unit: HS+, HS–...

  • Page 75: Sea Trial

    • Compass Offset (to offset the final compass heading readout) • Max/Minimum thrust, thrust direction and levels (only if thruster is selected) • Set cruising speed (in the AP50) • Set rudder zero (to indicate the precise midships position of the rudder) •...

  • Page 76: Compass Calibration

    1.2.02 Oct 29 2004 Compass Calibration This function will activate the automatic compass calibration procedure (for Simrad compasses connected through Robnet and through JD5X distribution unit Heading Sensor (HS) terminal, and compasses connected through GI51). Note ! If an optional magnetic compass is installed and connected to JD5X or GI51, or if a gyrocompass, or other manufacturer’s...

  • Page 77: Compass Offset

    (STBY) button. S TB Y Note ! If an optional NMEA compass from Simrad or another manufacturer is installed, refer to the optional compass’ manual regarding calibration. Compass Offset The compass Offset feature allows you to correct for a constant compass heading offset.

  • Page 78: Set Thrust Direction, On/Off Thruster

    Software Set-up Procedure Set Thrust Direction, On/Off Thruster (ONLY IF ON/OFF THRUSTER IS SELECTED, proceed to page 70 if continuous thruster or Danfoss thruster is selected) Rotate the course knob clockwise to activate the Set thrust SEATRIAL direction setting. Compass Flux1 Calibration Offset...

  • Page 79: Direction And Maximum Thrust Stbd, Analog Thruster

    Simrad AP50 Autopilot Direction and Maximum Thrust STBD, Analog Thruster (ONLY IF CONTINUOUS THRUSTER OR DANFOSS SEATRIAL THRUSTER IS SELECTED) Thruster zero Maximum thrust STBD ---% Maximum thrust PORT ---% Minimum thrust Rotate the course knob clockwise to activate the Maximum thrust STBD setting.

  • Page 80: Minimum Thrust, Analog Thruster

    Software Set-up Procedure Minimum Thrust, Analog Thruster (ONLY IF CONTINUOUS THRUSTER OR DANFOSS THRUSTER IS SELECTED) The Minimum thrust determines the amount of power (in % of SEATRIAL Thruster zero the maximum control signal) that is applied as the "first Maximum thrust STBD 080% Maximum thrust PORT 079% Minimum thrust...

  • Page 81: Set Cruising Speed

    Simrad AP50 Autopilot Set Cruising Speed Steer the boat at cruising speed. The speed is shown at the Set SEATRIAL cruising speed line. Rotate the course knob clockwise to Compass Flux1 Calibration Offset +005° confirm the cruising speed. Heading 288°...

  • Page 82: Adjust Rudder Angle/Set Rate Of Turn

    Software Set-up Procedure automatic modes (Ref. User Set-up in the Operator Manual). The Turn gain may also be readjusted (Refer to Turn Gain on page 89). Note ! The Set rate of turn function is only activated when using the course knob, NOT the Port and STBD buttons.

  • Page 83: Manual Tuning

    Run the boat at cruising speed. Rotate the course knob clockwise Set rudder zero Done Set rate of turn to activate the Manual Tuning. The AP50 will now control the 210 Done 000°/min Manual tuning steering of the boat. If another course is desired, rotate the...

  • Page 84: Automatic Tuning

    Software Set-up Procedure While at cruising speed, adjust the Rudder value by turning the course knob until the autopilot keeps the boat on a steady course. Counter Rudder SEATRIAL Press the (STBD) button to display the set course. Make a 90° ADJUST course change (CTS) by rotating the course knob and observe the transition to the new set course.
  • Page 85 Simrad AP50 Autopilot Selecting the boat type and length has set default values for these parameters (Installation Dockside menu). Before doing any parameter tuning, check if the boat steers satisfactory with the default setting (can be checked as described under Manual Tuning or by normal Auto steering).

  • Page 86: Speed Response

    Automatic tuning response from the main steering. Speed response From the Sea trial menu, select Speed response by rotating the course knob clockwise. The AP50 will now take control over the SEATRIAL ADJUST steering of the boat. If another course is desired (CTS), rotate the course knob until RUDDER 340 .

  • Page 87: Providing User Training

    • Set waypoints into each navigator connected to the system, and verify that the AP50 steers in NAV mode for each Nav. source. • Provide user training.

  • Page 88: Advanced Settings

    Select "SERVICE" by pressing the (STBD) button and confirm by rotating the course knob clockwise. “SYSTEM DATA” and “NMEA DATA” are test functions to analyze data processed by the AP50. SYSTEM DATA NMEA DATA NMEA PORT TEST To exit the menu, press any mode key (STBY, AUTO or NAV).

  • Page 89: Nmea Data

    ---m Decoding The incoming signals are decoded according to a built-in priority table in the AP50. Cross Track Error and bearing information is taken from the NMEA messages with highest priority. For all data items, one of the following codes will be displayed: No data or no NMEA sentence containing the data needed at the input port.

  • Page 90: Nmea Port Test (Jd5X Hardware)

    Turn CCW Warning: Will restore factory clockwise. settings. New setup will be required STBY Exit the Installation Menu by pressing the (STBY) button to return to normal AP50 operation. 20222410 / B...

  • Page 91: Settings Menu

    Simrad AP50 Autopilot 4.2 Settings Menu Select SETTINGS in the Installation Menu by pressing the SETTINGS (STBD) button and confirm this by rotating the course knob STEERING THRUSTER clockwise. Two groups of settings are available; Steering and Thruster (only when thruster is installed).

  • Page 92: Course Adjust

    Advanced Settings The Autotrim value can be adjusted from 10 seconds to 400 seconds with the course knob. The default value depends on the boat length. The Autotrim parameter is reset every time the AUTO mode is entered or when a course change greater than approximately 20° is made by the course knob.

  • Page 93: Drive Engage

    Simrad AP50 Autopilot Drive engage This determines the use of the JD5X Drive Engage port (TB6). The port voltage is the same as the selected Drive Unit voltage. Drive engage has the following different settings: Bypass/clutch: This port will activate (go high), in all modes except for STANDBY and DODGE hand-steering.

  • Page 94: Drive Type

    Advanced Settings Drive type This indicates the type of drive installed. The display will show “Motor”, “Solenoid”, “Proportional” or “Analog”, respectively. The reading is obtained from the Automatic rudder test under the Dockside menu. The set value may be changed here. Drive out Not applicable for “Analog”...

  • Page 95: Rudder

    Simrad AP50 Autopilot Rudder Rudder sets the rudder gain, which is the ratio between the commanded angle and the heading error. Default value depends on boat length. Range: 0.05 to 4.00. Counter rudder Counter Rudder is the parameter that counteracts for the effect of the boats turn rate and inertia.

  • Page 96: Transition Speed

    Planing boats may often have very different steering characteristics before and after planing. The same may apply for water jet driven boats at low and high speed. AP50 offers the possibility of using the Auto-Work mode values for Rudder and Counter Rudder at low speed.

  • Page 97: Turn Mode

    Simrad AP50 Autopilot Minimum Rudder 0.1° Rudder deadband 0.3° P-factor/Counter Rudder 1.0° Total rudder amount 5.3° Range: 0 to 10° in 0.1° increments Default: OFF Turn mode This allows for the selection of Rate of Turn (ROT) steering or Radius (RAD) steering.

  • Page 98: Init Nav

    Advanced Settings Init NAV Sets a firm or soft approach to the rhumb line when entering the NAV mode at the first leg. The approach angle is dependant (adaptive) on the distance (XTE) from the rhumb line and the boat speed. Range: Soft - Firm Default: Firm Turn Gain...

  • Page 99: Thruster

    Simrad AP50 Autopilot Thruster Select Thruster in the Settings menu by pressing the (STBD) SETTINGS button and confirm this by rotating the course knob clockwise STEERING THRUSTER (only available when Thruster is selected for steering). Thruster inhibit SETTINGS Thruster inhibit is a feature that will block the thruster from...

  • Page 100: Minimum Thrust

    Advanced Settings When operating in “Continuous” mode, the thruster gain setting determines the power from the thruster versus heading error. For higher values, the power increases with the same error signal. If the vessel tends to oscillate around set heading, the value should be decreased.

  • Page 101: Thruster Drive

    Simrad AP50 Autopilot Thruster Drive (Only applicable for Continuous and Danfoss thrusters) For On/Off thrusters, it is important to keep thruster activity to a minimum. TI51 therefore has a feature that adaptively adjusts the length of each thruster command to bring the vessel back on heading without over- or undershoot.
  • Page 102 Advanced Settings SETTINGS Displayed parameter Boat type (Default settings) Own boat Displacement Planing Waterjet Autotune Manual Dockside Menu Master Operation Boat length 0-50 feet 0-50 feet 0-50 feet Drive unit voltage Rudder limit 10° 10° 10° Rudder deadband AUTO AUTO AUTO Thruster - - - -...
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  • Page 104: Spare Parts List

    Spare Parts List 5 SPARE PARTS LIST AP50 Control Unit 20214045 AP50 Control Unit with accessories 20212247 Installation Accessories 20212130 Mounting Bracket ass’y 20211819 Protection Cover 20212213 AP50 Front Housing Ass’y 20211868 AP50 Board Ass'y 20212189 PROM (programmed) V..R.. AP51 Remote Control...
  • Page 105 Simrad AP50 Autopilot 22504039 Transmission Lever RF14XU Rudder Feedback Unit 22506950 RF14XU Rudder Feedback Unit 22501605 Electronic XU Module 44118388 Potentiometer 5 Kohm RF Standard Transmission Link 22504005 RF Standard Transmission Link complete 22504021 Transmission Lever (Ø12mm) 44132306 Ball Joint 8mm, Stainless Steel...
  • Page 106 Spare Parts List S9 Steering Lever 23601800 S9 Non Follow Up steering lever 23601859 Lever with actuator shaft 23602089 S9 Service Kit (Springs and Grease) R3000X Remote Control 22022446 R3000X Remote Control 20184552 Mounting Kit 20184545 PCB Ass’y 20184578 Cable 20184586 Front Housing 22022396...
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  • Page 108: Technical Specifications

    Technical Specifications 6 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 6.1 AP50 Autopilot System Boat type:........................Power Steering system types: ........... Hydraulic, mechanical, solenoids Inter-unit connection: .........Robnet network or two-wire supply/data Number of Robnet units in a system: ........... Refer to page 31 and 32 System ON/OFF: ..............From control units/master unit...

  • Page 109: Ap50 Control Unit

    Type: ..................Backlit LCD matrix Resolution:..................160 x 128 pixels Illumination: ..................Adjustable in 10 grades Mounting: ............Panel mount or bracket mount (optional) Cable:..........Robnet cable 15 m (49 ft.) with one male connector Figure 6-1 AP50 Control Unit Dimensions 20222410 / B...

  • Page 110: Ap51 Remote Control

    Technical Specifications 6.3 AP51 Remote Control Dimensions: ....................See Figure 6-2 Weight: ....................0.57 kg (1.25 lbs.) Material:.........................PC-ABS Supply............... 12-32 VDC –10%/+30% via Robnet Power consumption ......................3 W Environmental Protection:................... IP56 Safe distance to compass: ................0.35 m (1.0 ft.) Color: .........................

  • Page 111: Jd5X Distribution Units

    External Alarm: ..........Open collector 0.75 A (automatic fused) Mounting: ....................Bulkhead-mount System selector Autopilot/Main steering system input: ....Potential free contact Heading output: Simrad and Furuno radar display (clock/data; 0-5 V, 10 mA, 50 msec.) Steering gear interface: JD50 Distribution Unit: Solid state output: ......

  • Page 112: Rc25 Rate Compass

    Technical Specifications Analog current control: ..............4-20 mA output Dual autopilot On and Mode output: ... Potential free contacts, max 1 A at 30 VDC Figure 6-3 JD5X Distribution Unit, Dimensions 6.5 RC25 Rate Compass Dimensions: ....................See Figure 6-4 Weight: ......................

  • Page 113: Cdi35 Course Detector Interface

    Simrad AP50 Autopilot Rate sensor stabilized heading output Accuracy:..............<1.25° rms (after calibration) Repeatability: ...................<0.2° rms Roll/Pitch: .......................± 35° Figure 6-4 RC25 Rate Compass and CDI35 Course Detector Interface Dimensions 6.6 CDI35 Course Detector Interface Dimensions: ....................See Figure 6-4 Weight: ................0.9 kg including cable (2.0 lbs.) Power consumption: ....................0.9 W...

  • Page 114: Cd100A Course Detector

    Technical Specifications Automatic Performance: Calibration: ..........Automatically activated by control head Repeatability: ....................± 0.5° Accuracy:..± 1,0° after calibration (not including errors from course detector) 6.7 CD100A Course Detector Dimensions: ....................See Figure 6-5 Weight: ................0.3 kg (0.7 lbs.) including cable Environmental Protection:...................

  • Page 115: Rf45X Rudder Feedback Unit

    Simrad AP50 Autopilot 6.9 RF45X Rudder Feedback Unit Dimensions: ............See Figure 6-6, Figure 6-8 and Figure 2-6 Weight: ...................... 1,0 kg (2,2 lbs.) Material: ....................Polyacetal (POM) Supply voltage: ..........12-24 VDC –10%/+30%, system supplied Environmental Protection:................... IP56 Temperature range: Operation: ............... –25 to +55°C (–13 to +130°F) Storage: ..............
  • Page 116 Technical Specifications Voltage output: ................Operating voltage/2 ±9V Frequency output: ..............3400Hz (midships reference) Port: +20Hz/degree, Stbd: –20Hz/degree Capacity: ..................5 indicators in parallel Rudder angle: ............±45 ° (Changeable to 60, 70 or 90°) Limit switches: ........Two sets, individual adjustable from ±5 to ±160° 40 (1.6") 160 (6.3") 120 (4.8")

  • Page 117: Ni300X Nmea Interface

    Mounting: ....................Bulkhead mount Cable inlets: ..........Rubber glands for cable diameter 10-14 mm NMEA183 input/output:..........4 ports, max. output load 20 mA Heading output: ..Simrad (Anritsu) and Furuno radar display (clock/data; 0-5V, 10mA, 50 msec.) NMEA instrument supply:..............12 VDC, max 0.25A External alarm: ..................Potential free contact...

  • Page 118: Ti51 Thruster Interface

    Technical Specifications 6.12 TI51 Thruster Interface Dimensions: ....................See Figure 6-9 Weight: ....................... 0,8 kg (1.8 lbs) Material:..................Epoxy coated aluminium Environmental Protection: ..................IP44 Supply and interface: .................Robnet, 2 connectors Cable inlets: ............Rubber glands for cable diam. 10-14 mm Mounting: ....................

  • Page 119: R3000X Remote Control

    Simrad AP50 Autopilot 6.13 R3000X Remote Control Dimensions:.........See Figure 6-10 Weight: ......... 0.4 kg (0.9 lbs.) Material: ......Epoxy-coated aluminum Environmental Protection.......IP56 Safe distance to compass:....0.15 m (0.5 ft.) STBY AUTO Temperature range: Operating: ...–25 to +55°C (–13 to +130°F) Storage:....–30 to +70°C (–22 to +158°F)

  • Page 120: S9 Steering Lever

    Technical Specifications 6.14 S9 Steering Lever Dimensions: ....................See Figure 6-11 Weight: ....................... 2.8 kg (6.2 lbs) Environmental Protection:................... IP56 Temperature range: Operation: ..........–25 - +55°C (–13 to +130°F) Storage:........... –30 to +70°C (–22 to +158°F) Safe distance to compass: ................0.15 m (0.5’) Max.

  • Page 121: Environmental Protection

    Simrad AP50 Autopilot 6.15 Environmental Protection Each part of a Simrad autopilot system has a two-digit IP protection code. The IP rating is a method to classify the degree of protection against solid objects, water ingress, and impact afforded by electrical equipment and enclosures.
  • Page 122 Missing data AP50 system, NMEA 183 messages (applies for J50 and NI300X sw release V1R2 onwards) timeout (s) Sentence Formatter mnemonic code Bold = recommended navigator/instr. output for autopilot Remarks: Italic = IMO designated ( ) = not for new designs Data source: (A=autop., C=comp., I=instr.
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  • Page 124: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting 7 TROUBLESHOOTING Audible and visual alarm is provided for every fault being detected. In the event of an autopilot failure, the AP50’s numerous test features will assist you in isolating a probable fault. Refer to the AP50 Operator Manual.

  • Page 125: Analog Rudder Control

    Simrad AP50 Autopilot 7.2 Analog rudder control For analog rudder control, no rudder angle signal is sensed by the autopilot. Missing rudder response can therefore not be detected immediately and displayed. As described on page 118, this may result in “Vessel of course” alarm although the fault may be in the rudder control system.
  • Page 126 Troubleshooting Display readout Probable fault Recommended action No rudder Improper steering gear Check that the steering gear has been response operation. started and set for autopilot operation. (cont’d) If in use, make sure that the ON and MODE signals from JD5X are given correctly (ref.

  • Page 127: Failure Mode Effect Analyses

    Simrad AP50 Autopilot 7.3 Failure Mode Effect Analyses Should a technical fault occur, provisions have been made for safe operation according to the following table: Cause of failure Effect Power failure in autopilot supply Acoustic POWER FAILURE ALARM given (operated by separate alarm...

  • Page 128: Index

    Index 8 INDEX Installation, 47 Actual rudder, 82 Specifications, 105 Added stop time, 88 Course detector interface alarm interface, 28 Installation, 48 alarm panel, 29 Specifications, 104 Analog drive, 125 Cruising speed, 72, 86 Analog Heading Repeater, Digital Heading Repeater, Analog rudder, 55, 73 Analog thruster, 69, 70 Dockside settings, 51...
  • Page 129 Simrad AP50 Autopilot Interface Set-up, 59 IP Protection Code, 120 Off heading limit, 83 ISM Code, 1 On/off thrusters, 59, 69, 90 ISO 11674, 99 P-factor, 74, 86, 88 Jack point, 34 Physical stop, 54, 58 Junction unit Prop. gain, 85...
  • Page 130 Index installation, 6 Transmitted Heading Device, 61 specifications, 106 Turn gain, 72 Rudder feedback Turn Gain, 89 Calibration, 54 Turn mode, 88 Rudder limit, 58 Rudder test, 57, 85 Used midship position, 58, Rudder zero, 72 Sea Trial, 66 VDR, 61 Seastate, 85, 86 Service Menu, 79 W Autotrim, 82...
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  • Page 132: Approvals

    When the equipment is tested according to the requirements in the Directive 89/336/EEC, the CE marking is applied to the units to symbolize Simrad’s Declaration of Conformity with the directive. The CE declaration for any CE marked unit can be obtained from your Simrad distributor.

  • Page 133: Certificates

    This database is found on: http://www.mared.org/ 9.2 Certificates For certificates and CE declarations regarding the AP50 system components, refer to the following pages. The certificates and CE declarations for any wheel marked equipment can be obtained from your Simrad distributor.
  • Page 134 Simrad doc.no.519103/F...
  • Page 135 Simrad doc.no.519103/F...
  • Page 136 Simrad doc.no.519107F...
  • Page 137 Simrad doc.no.519107F...
  • Page 138 Simrad doc.no.519107F...
  • Page 139 Simrad doc.no.519107F...

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