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Nexus 21 Autopilot Installation And Operation Manual

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Autopilot
Installation and Operation Manual
Installation and Operation Manual
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  • Page 1 Autopilot - Instrument - Installation and Operation Manual Installation and Operation Manual English English...
  • Page 2 AUTOPILOT...
  • Page 3 AUTOPILOT This manual is written for NX2 Autopilot version 2.01 – 2.11 Edition: March 2007...

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    AUTOPILOT Part specification........................6 Welcome aboard!......................8 Capabilities ........................8 Principle of operation...................... 8 Components ........................9 1.4.1 Autopilot instrument....................9 1.4.2 Servo Unit (A-1500 and A-1510) ................9 1.4.3 Rudder Angle Transmitter..................9 1.1.1 Compass transducer ..................... 9 1.1.2 Pumpset ......................
  • Page 5 AUTOPILOT Autopilot setup group [P] ....................25 6.3.1 P0, Return [RET] ....................25 6.3.2 P1, Rudder [RUD] ....................25 1.1.5 P2, Damping of compass heading [SEA] .............26 6.3.3 P3, Counter Rudder [CRD]...................26 6.3.4 P4, Damping of wind [WSE] .................26 6.3.5 P5, Automatic Trim Calibration [ATC] ..............27 6.3.6...
  • Page 6 AUTOPILOT 11.4.1 Location of Servo Unit ..................49 11.4.2 Installing Servo Unit..................... 49 11.4.3 Connecting Servo Unit..................50 11.4.4 Safety switch......................52 11.4.5 Dip switches ......................52 11.4.6 Trim potentiometers..................... 52 11.4.7 NMEA connections ....................52 11.5 Rudder angle transmitter ....................53 11.6...

  • Page 7: Part Specification

    AUTOPILOT Part specification ___________________________________________________________ Items delivered with the instrument NX2 Autopilot instrument Instrument cover Cable protectors, 0,25 mm (0.1 inch) Cable protectors, 0,75 mm (0.3 inch) Instrument mounting screws Rubber caps for screws Connection back cover 4-pole jack plug Silicon paste tube...
  • Page 8 AUTOPILOT...

  • Page 9: Welcome Aboard

    The Nexus Autopilot is capable of operating either as a "Stand Alone" Autopilot, or as a "Network" application by connecting it to the Nexus Network. Many options are available, including GPS and wind transducers, Nexus Remote Control instrument and other Nexus digital and analog instruments.

  • Page 10: Components

    The compass provides a stable heading reference for the Autopilot and should be bulkhead mounted below deck near the centre of pitch and roll for maximum stability. Construction is splash proof. The Autopilot Servo Unit or the Nexus Server can re-transmit the compass heading on the NMEA output port to receivers such as radars, plotters, compass repeaters etc.

  • Page 11: Pumpset

    On larger boats the main hydraulic steering may be fitted with solenoid valve controlled power steering. In this case the Autopilot does not need to be supplied with a pumpset since the Nexus Servo Unit output can be reconfigured with its board mounted DIP switch to provide drive for steering solenoids or relays having coil voltages of 12 or 24 VDC.

  • Page 12: Installation

    AUTOPILOT Installation • The installation includes 6 major steps: 1. Read the installation and operation manual. 2. Plan where to install the transducers and instruments. 3. Run the cables. 4. Install the transducers and instruments. 5. Take a break and admire your installation.

  • Page 13: Installing The Instrument

    AUTOPILOT Installing the instrument • Place the adhesive drill template on the desired location for the instrument. Drill the 2 holes using a 5 mm ( ") drill for the two pin bolts. Use a 63 mm (2½") hole saw to machine the clearance hole for the instrument connection socket.

  • Page 14: Installing Instrument To The Server

    AUTOPILOT • Apply silicon paste to the instrument connection pins at the back of the instrument. Press the jack plug onto the instrument pins. Press the cable in to the cable leads. • Mount the connection back cover with the screw.

  • Page 15: First Start

    Remote Control instrument if used. The example shows that the instrument version number is 1.6 and the logical ID number given is 17. Warning! Do not activate any Autopilot functions until Dockside Testing and Sea Trials APC routine have been performed. Re-initialising the instrument...
  • Page 16 AUTOPILOT the instruments that had the same ID number, then re-install the instruments and repeat the above procedure.

  • Page 17: Operation

    13 mm (0.5”) digits. 4.1.2 Instrument pages and functions The Autopilot instrument has its functions divided into 4 pages. The page names are printed above the display: COMPASS, NAV (Navigation), WIND and PWR ST (Power steer) The selected function is indicated by the page-arrow at top of the display.

  • Page 18: Instrument Power On/Off

    It scrolls in a circular pattern, one step for every press. 4.2.2 LEFT When the Autopilot is activated, a short press on LEFT decreases ° °. the course by 1 , a long press decreases the course by 10 In setup mode a press on LEFT moves to the previous setup function.

  • Page 19: Setup Mode

    AUTOPILOT 4.2.7 Setup mode To access setup mode, press and hold MODE more than 2 seconds. [Lit OFF] flashes. To move to next setup group, press MODE again. To return to standby mode, press SET when the text return [RET] is >...

  • Page 20: Function

    AUTOPILOT Function Standby mode At power on the Autopilot starts is in standby mode and operates as a passive compass repeater. No page-arrow is shown at the top of the display. The current course is displayed on the top-line. The rudder angle is displayed on the bottom line.

  • Page 21: Automatic Steering By Navigator

    Caution! Before activating [NAV] steering, make sure your present heading corresponds approximately with bearing to waypoint, and that the cross track error is less than two NM, because the Autopilot will turn the boat towards the track line first and then onto the XTE to starboard heading set.
  • Page 22 Note! The apparent wind speed must be more than 3 knots. If the apparent wind speed falls below 3 knots, wind signals are disabled and the Autopilot will maintain the current magnetic heading reference instead. Before activating wind steering, optimise your sail trim.

  • Page 23: Power Steering

    MODE and SET together, within 10 minutes after turning off the automatic steering. This function is not available after 10 minutes after Autopilot off, or if the Autopilot has been turned off by pressing OFF for more than two seconds.

  • Page 24: Setup

    There is no automatic way to get back to factory default settings, it has to be done manually. All Autopilot instrument settings are central, and affect all connected Autopilot instruments and their commands. Note! The APC routine automatically sets these settings: [RUD], [SEA], [CRD], [ATC] and [RRS].
  • Page 25 AUTOPILOT Note! The above explanation is only mentioned here. It is not repeated for each setup.

  • Page 26: Lighting Setup Group [Lit]

    Autopilot functions activated. Always be in a position to monitor the boat’s heading and to watch for navigational hazards when calibrating the Autopilot. Be prepared to turn off the Autopilot by a long press on OFF, to revert to manual steering immediately if an undesired heading occurs.

  • Page 27: P2, Damping Of Compass Heading [Sea]

    AUTOPILOT 1.1.5 P2, Damping of compass heading [SEA] Possible settings are [0] = Minimum to [9] = Maximum. Set by the APC routine. This setting is a combination of yaw dead-band (compass sensitivity) and compass damping. The minimum setting may only be used under calm sea conditions to avoid unnecessary rudder correction due to compass acceleration errors.

  • Page 28: P5, Automatic Trim Calibration [Atc]

    The APC routine automatically sets: [RUD], [SEA], [CRD], [ATC] and [RRS]. The Autopilot will not function unless the boat pass the APC routine. The APC will automatically determine and correct how wires and pipes are connected. It will also learn how the boat reacts on different rudder commands and automatically calibrate itself.

  • Page 29: P9, Rudder Angle Limit [Lim]

    A3, Cross Track Error alarm [XTA] Possible settings are [0.00] = OFF to [9.99]. Default setting is [0.00]. This function is only available in NAV function when the Autopilot is connected to a Nexus Network and a navigator is connected to the Nexus Server.

  • Page 30: A4, Push-Button Beep [Key]

    AUTOPILOT If the pilot’s cross track error exceeds the set threshold of distance of the track, the alarm will be activated. 6.4.5 A4, Push-button beep [KEY] Possible settings are [OFF] or [On]. Default setting is [ON]. [On] = Sound when push buttons are pressed. [OFF] = No sound.

  • Page 31: C4, Check Auto-Deviation [Auto Chk]

    If successful, the text [CAL C3] [Auto DEV] will be displayed. If not, an error messages can be displayed: • [Err 15]: Make sure an Autopilot function is not activated and carry out the auto-deviation procedure again. • [Err 16]: Auto-Deviation is not possible, because a NMEA compass is selected as compass for the Nexus Network.

  • Page 32: C6, Adjust Compass Alignment [Adj]

    AUTOPILOT 6.5.7 C6, Adjust compass alignment [ADJ] Possible settings are [000°] to [359°]. Default setting is [000]. Compass transducer alignment correction or the so called, ”A-fault”. Allows 180° reversed mounting if needed. Never mount the transducer at right angles to the boats fore-aft line.

  • Page 33: Maintenance

    Warning! Failure to rectify any faulty conditions discovered as a result of the inspection could cause sudden loss of Autopilot control, with consequential danger. It is recommended that all items referenced in the following table be inspected before commencing any cruise.

  • Page 34: Fault Finding

    In the table below, causes marked [ * ] are more likely to occur during installation or when rewiring has taken place. Symptom Cause Action Autopilot turns off Voltage below Make sure 12/24 V is applied to battery minimum. terminals at Servo Unit.
  • Page 35 Rudder control set too high. Decrease Autopilot setting [P1] [RUD] large course changes. Counter rudder set too low. Increase Autopilot setting [P3] [CRD] Symptom Cause Action Course on If constant error, Autopilot Use Compass setting [C6] [ADJ] to adjust...
  • Page 36 Verify that the steering compass is caused magnetic accurately corrected and then correct the interference. Autopilot compass as per installation instructions. Large errors not corrected by Run Auto-Deviation-Clear [C5] [CLR]. above remedies or lack of Run Auto-Deviation [C3] [DEV] change in course set point with Recheck compass again.

  • Page 37: Nexus Network Error Messages With Cause And Remedy

    Waypoint not defined. Define a waypoint. Impossible command when used with an Use only possible command. external NMEA navigator. Impossible command when in Autopilot Use only possible commands. mode. Auto-deviation is not possible. Check for extreme magnetic field, upside down mounting of transducer or wrong transducer type setting.
  • Page 38 Change the DGPS (RTCM) setting. GPS bad fix, no fix position (time expired Check GPS antenna location. at one-fix). No Autopilot response. Object is not Check wiring connections and fuse. connected. The unit is not allowed to power up Check input voltage.

  • Page 39: Specifications

    AUTOPILOT Specifications Technical Specifications 9.1.1 Autopilot instrument Dimensions: 113 x 113 x 23 mm (4.3 x 4.3 x 0.9”) Weight: 260 g (9.17 oz) Enclosure: Water proof Instrument cable: 0.4 m (16”) Power supply: 12 V DC (10-16 V). The instrument is polarity protected.

  • Page 40: Nexus Network Specification

    The Remote Control instrument (Art. No. 21210) is an instrument in itself that can be set in either Autopilot mode to be used as an Autopilot instrument, or Instrument mode displaying all information on the Nexus Network. Further it can be used as a remote control for all instruments connected to the Network.

  • Page 41: Nexus Analog Rudder Angle Instrument

    Autopilot function. This is useful for docking or remote manoeuvring such as required when picking up crab traps etc. In any Autopilot function, the jog steering can be used as a dodge function and when the jog lever is let go, the boat will revert to the previous course set by the Autopilot.
  • Page 42 NX2 Analog GPS Speed 0-50kts 22115-13 NX2 Analog GPS Course Nexus Remote Control Instrument 21210 Remote Control Instrument (RCI), with Autopilot control, 5m cable, bracket 21218-1 Bracket Remote Control instrument 20966 Connector 4-pole, NEW model (Allows cable - cable connection)
  • Page 43 21735 Bracket for GPS Antenna and 35° Compass transducer for bulkhead mount Nexus Autopilot components 22117-7 Autopilot instrument 21210 Remote Control instrument, with Autopilot control, 5m cable, bracket 22115-09 NX2 Analog Rudder angle 21035-2 Servo Unit A-1510, 8m cable 20860 Compass transducer 45°, 8m cable...

  • Page 44: Abbreviations

    AUTOPILOT Abbreviations Abbr. Description ADJust ALarM Automatic Pilot Calibration Automatic Trim Control Apparent Wind Angle BATtery Bearing Original Destination BeaRinG Boat SPeed Bearing To Waypoint Calibrate 10 CALibrate Course Deviation Indicator Communaute Europèenne CHecK CLeaR Course Over Ground Course To Steer...
  • Page 45 AUTOPILOT KnoTs KnoTS Liquid Crystal Display metre metres per second Magnetic North MEMory MINimum Magnetic North Man Over Board North NAVigate Nautical Mile NMEA National Marine Electronic Associat Off Course Alarm Pilot Course Alarm PoWeR Random Access Memory RETurn RuddeR Speed...
  • Page 46 AUTOPILOT The boat is right of the desired track Apparent wind angle from port Apparent wind angle from starboard Rudder angle port Rudder angle starboard Minus Plus...

  • Page 47: Warranty

    AUTOPILOT 10 Warranty WARRANTY GENERAL All our products are designed and built to comply to the highest class industry standards. If the products are correctly installed, maintained and operated, as described in the installation and operation manual, they will provide long and reliable service. Our international Network of distributors can provide you with the information and assistance you may require virtually anywhere in the world.
  • Page 48 AUTOPILOT File id: WARRANTY CARD TO BE RETURNED TO YOUR NATIONAL DISTRIBUTOR OWNER: Name: Street : City/Zip Code : Country: Product name: Serial number: Date of purchase: _______________ Date installed ________________ Dealers stamp: Tick here if you do not wish to receive news about future products...

  • Page 49: Installation

    AUTOPILOT 11 Installation 11.1 Installation general Reliable and accurate operation of an Autopilot depends more on correct installation than any other piece of marine electronics. Please read and fully understand the installation requirements before attempting installation. Note! If in doubt, obtain the services of an experienced Autopilot installation technician.

  • Page 50: Installation Alternatives

    This is because most installations differ. 11.2 Installation alternatives This section covers installation of Autopilot instrument, Servo Unit and Rudder Angle Transmitter. For the installation of compass transducer, pumpset, linear drive, see separate instructions supplied with each product.

  • Page 51: Connecting Servo Unit

    Note! Autopilot instrument / Nexus Network connection. If you want to run the Nexus Network instruments separate from the Autopilot, do not connect green wire to (pin 1) to the left in Servo Unit.
  • Page 52 AUTOPILOT A-1500...

  • Page 53: Safety Switch

    Make sure it is rated greater than or equal to 25 Amps. This switch will serve as your Autopilot ultimate safety OFF switch. 11.4.5 Dip switches The main circuit board has 2 dip switches which must be pre-set during installation to suit the installed configuration.

  • Page 54: Rudder Angle Transmitter

    The linkage should be linear, such that 35° of rudder movement drives the arm 35°. Small errors will not affect Autopilot operation but will cause inaccurate indication on the rudder angle indicator. If possible, the linkage on the rudder transmitter should be adjusted so that the digital rudder angle indicator on the Instrument display is consistent with the rudder angle.
  • Page 55 AUTOPILOT Figure 1: Typical installation on a boat with mechanical steering, including Pumpset PF- 0,3S with solenoid. Solenoid Figure 2: Typical installation on a boat with hydraulic steering, including Pumpset PF- 0,3. Solenoid or block valve...

  • Page 56: Solenoid Valve Controlled Pumpset

    (overshoot of the rudder). To adjust anti-hunt setting, first complete procedures in described in sections Setup, Dockside Testing and Sea Trials. Activate the Autopilot and with the pumpset running, make 10° course changes to port and starboard.

  • Page 57: Dockside Testing

    Continue to ventilate the system until the steering wheel is stiff before you proceed with the sea trials. Do not attempt to activate the Autopilot in other functions than power steer, until all air is out of the system, as sloppy course holding will result. The very last air removal will...

  • Page 58: Sea Trials

    Then proceed as per below order. Warning! Do not activate any of the 3 Autopilot functions Compass, Nav or Wind at dock as the rudder may go hard over, since the APC routine has not been carried out yet.
  • Page 59 Note! You may interrupt the APC routine at any time by a press on SET. Congratulations, your Autopilot calibration is done.Now go ahead and activate the Autopilot and enjoy the Nexus performance.

  • Page 60: Fine Tuning

    1. Check that Dockside Testing, Sea Trials including the APC routine has been done. If not, go back and make sure they are done. 2. Activate the Autopilot on a course and ensure that it holds without excessive understeering or oversteering.
  • Page 61 AUTOPILOT To find the optimal [RUD] and [CRD] settings at different boat speeds, or when the boat is towing, follow the procedures outlined in #3 and #4 above. Make a record of the different settings needed to control the boat at all typical speeds, loads and weather conditions normally experienced.
  • Page 62 AUTOPILOT Copyright ©: Nexus Marine AB Kuskvägen 4, 191 62 Sollentuna, Sweden Tel: +46 -(0) 8 – 506 939 00. Fax: +46 -(0) 8 -506 939 01 www.nexusmarine.se...

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