Setting The Magnetic Reference; Control Box Orientation Restrictions - CPT AUTOPILOT CPT Installation Manual

SETTING THE MAGNETIC REFERENCE

Setting the magnetic reference aligns the autopilot compass to the local magnetic inclination (dip
angle).
The autopilot comes from the factory set for the magnetic field inclination in California. If you are
located significantly farther north or south, the magnetic reference should be set again on
location. Magnetic field inclination differences will usually only start to become noticable if you
are located below 15-degrees North or above 55-degrees North.
·
This procedure is best performed at the dock or in flat water.
·
If at sea, only perform this procedure in calm seas while holding the control box to stabilize it.
If the vessel is moving, maintain a steady heading during the procedure.
·
If the control box is not kept level or is bumped during this procedure, the reference may be skewed resulting in poor
autopilot performance.
·
Make sure that power to the autopilot is not interrupted during the procedure and in the 15 seconds following the
procedure.
Steps:
1. Turn on the autopilot and set the Rudder dial to 5.
2. Leave the autopilot on for 10 minutes or more to allow the temperature inside the control box to stabilize.
3. Turn the Rudder dial to OFF and remove the control box from its bracket.
4. Hold the control box so that it is pointed approximately due North and so the top is level and steady; hold it
shoulder-height or rest it on a cockpit seat, but keep it away from metal objects and any possible magnetic fields. The
center of the cockpit, about shoulder high is usually free from magnetic fields on most boats. If resting on a surface,
make sure there are no metal fasteners nearby or metal equipment underneath.
5. While holding the control box steady, simultaneously press and hold both the Port 1° and Starboard 1° buttons then
turn the Rudder dial on (past 1). Continue holding the buttons. The light will blink red 5 times and then remain
solid: you can now release the buttons.
6. Wait 15 seconds more. Do not turn off power to the autopilot before 15 seconds have passed.
The Magnetic Reference is now set in memory and only needs to be set again if you move to a region with a significantly
different magnetic inclination or recalibrate the autopilot compass magnetic sensors. The procedure for recalibrating the
magnetic sensors in the autopilot compass is given in the Operation Manual.

CONTROL BOX ORIENTATION RESTRICTIONS

The control box must be oriented level and facing either the bow or the stern of the boat.
The cable exits the bottom side of the box. If the control box does not face the bow or stern
of the boat, the autopilot heading will be affected by the boat pitching and heeling.
© 2018 CPT AUTOPILOT INC.
CPT Autopilot Installation Manual
VERSION 21 PAGE 21 OF 26