Operation; General; Autopilot Mode; Adjusting Course - Simrad TP20 Manual

2 Operation

2.1 General

The keypad of the Tillerpilot has been designed to be as
simple and intuitive to operate as possible. Using only five
keys (Fig 2.1) it is possible to perform precise course
adjustments and navigational functions.
The unit powers up in Standby Mode, indicated by a flash-
ing LED next to the STBY AUTO key (Fig 2.2). The two
direction LEDs above the Port and Starboard keys are
always dimly lit, which provides night illumination for the
keypad. All functions are confirmed audibly by a "beep"
and visually by the LEDs, so the status of the unit can
always be confirmed at a glance.

2.2 Autopilot Mode

While in Standby Mode, the pushrod can be manually dri-
ven in and out by pressing the arrowed Port and
Starboard keys, which allows "power steering" of the ves-
sel.
To engage Autopilot Mode, simply press the STBY AUTO
key, and the Tillerpilot will lock onto the current course.
The LED next to this key will stop flashing and remain per-
manently lit as long as the pilot is in Autopilot Mode (Fig
2.3). To lock the pilot onto the desired course, either steer
the correct course and then engage the autopilot, or engage
the autopilot and then adjust the heading until the correct
course is being sailed (see section 2.3). If the STBY AUTO
key is pressed and held, the pilot will beep a second time
and lock onto the previously used heading (this feature
will not be available if the unit has just been switched on).

2.3 Adjusting Course

While in Autopilot Mode, precise course adjustments can
be easily made. By pressing either the Port or Starboard
key once, a 1º course adjustment will be made in the spec-
ified direction. This is confirmed by a single beep, and the
relevant Port or Starboard LED will flash once. By press-
ing and holding the key, 10º course adjustments will be
made, confirmed by a double beep and a double flash of
the Port or Starboard LED (Fig 2.4).
N.B - When in Nav Mode (see section 3.1), the Tillerpilot
will gradually return to the original track.
Page 8
TACK
STBY
STBY
AUTO
NAV
Fig 2.1 - Tillerpilot keypad
TACK
STBY
STBY
AUTO
Fig 2.2 - Standby Mode
TACK
STBY
STBY
STBY
AUTO
AUTO
Fig 2.3 - Engaging Autopilot Mode
TACK
STBY
STBY
AUTO
NAV
Fig 2.4 - Course adjustment to Port