Deadband Control; Control Summary; Changing The Motor Rotation - CPT AUTOPILOT Wheel Pilot Operation Manual

Deadband Control

The deadband dial determines how far the vessel can stray from heading before a correction is made (dead
range). In a proportional pilot, there is always some deadband inside which the pilot does not activate. If this
deadband is small, (1°-2°) the pilot will continuously run port or starboard making course corrections. In a
seaway, a boat will yaw back and forth along the desired course as it makes its way over the waves, but
generally it has enough directional stability to keep a fairly good average heading. An adjustable deadband
permits the boat to work its way through the waves without continuously using the rudder to try to fight the
natural weaving and movement of the hull.
The deadband setting is adjusted with the deadband dial. Start out with the deadband set to minimum when
first using the CPT. Turning the dial clockwise increases the deadband. Most boats steer well at settings of 2-3
in swells, with lower settings in flat water. On long passages, turning the deadband and rudder up a bit higher
can reduce battery use while still providing a good average course. A deadband of "5" will allow the boat to
range about 10° to port or starboard of the target heading; the pilot will make a correction if the boat strays
more than 10° to port or starboard. When the boat's heading is within the deadband range, small heading
adjustments made with the 1° button will change the target heading but not take immediate effect until the
boat's heading is outside the deadband range. The lowest deadband setting allows the boat to range about 1° to
port or starboard of the target heading, depending on the boat's response to the rudder.
Rhythmic CPT steering corrections, in time with the roll of the boat, indicate that the deadband may be too
low. The deadband can be increased slightly to avoid constant correction. A low deadband does not always
mean that the boat will maintain a straighter course; it can cause the pilot to over steer if the rudder setting is
too high. In rougher seas, the deadband should be higher to avoid constant corrections. A lower deadband
setting is generally beneficial when sailing downwind or in flat water. Lower deadband settings cause higher
sensitivity to heading changes; higher deadband settings cause lower sensitivity to heading changes.
Most of the CPT's steering action should be periodic corrections. Raise the deadband a bit to avoid excessive
battery drain and wear on the CPT.

Control Summary

The Rudder control determines how far the wheel should be turned when corrections are needed. The
Deadband control determines when a correction is needed—sensitivity to heading changes and seas or "dead
range".

Changing the Motor Rotation

The motor rotation is preset at the factory for your installation but can be easily changed and re-set from the
control box.
Standard Rotation: Drive Pulley Facing Forward
1. Turn the CPT OFF (turn the Rudder control fully counter-clockwise). While off, push and hold the
Starboard 1° and 10̈ ° buttons and the Port 10° button; hold all three buttons down at the same time.
2. Turn the pilot on while holding the three buttons down.
3. Release the buttons after five seconds.
4. If successful, the LED on the control box will blink red eight times.
Reverse Rotation: Drive Pulley Facing Aft
1. Turn the CPT OFF (turn the Rudder control fully counter-clockwise). While off, push and hold the
Port 1° and 10° buttons and the Starboard 10° button; hold all three buttons down at the same time.
2. Turn the pilot on while holding the three buttons down.
3. Release the buttons after five seconds.
4. If successful, the LED on the control box will blink red eight times.
© 2018 CPT AUTOPILOT INC.
CPT Autopilot Operation Manual
VERSION 22 PAGE 7 OF 21