Navigating With The Ap26 And Ap27 - Simrad AP26 Manual

Simrad AP26 and AP27 Autopilots

2.14 Navigating with the AP26 and AP27

The autopilot has the capability to use steering information from
an external navigator (GPS, Chart Plotter) to direct the boat to a
specific waypoint location, or through a route of waypoints. In
the NAV mode, the autopilot uses the compass as heading source
for course keeping. The information received from the navigator
alters the set course to keep the boat on the track line and direct
it to the destination waypoint.
Navigational steering should only be used in open waters. By
Note !
selecting the NAV mode, the autopilot is set for automatic
steering on the current set course and then waits for the user to
accept the course change to the track line or destination
waypoint.
To obtain satisfactory navigation steering, the following points
must be fulfilled prior to entering the NAV mode:
• The autopilot autosteering must be tested and determined
• The navigation receiver (GPS, Chart Plotter) must be in full
• At least one waypoint must be entered and selected as the
• The navigation receiver (source) for the autopilot will be the
The autopilot is designed to steer in "mixed mode" operation.
This combines the straight steering capability of cross track error
(XTE) steering in conjunction with the turning capability of
bearing mode steering (Course To Steer, CTS) and automatic
waypoint shift.
Note ! If the autopilot is connected to a navigation receiver that does
not transmit a message with bearing to next waypoint, it will
pick a XTE message and steer on Cross Track Error only. In that
case you have to revert to AUTO mode at each waypoint and
manually change set course to equal bearing to next waypoint
and then select NAV mode again.
Press the NAV button to activate the NAV prompt display.
36
satisfactory.
operating mode with adequate signal characteristics for valid
position and navigation data.
current "Go to" waypoint.
one that is automatically selected in the interface set-up or
manually selected in the User setup menu item called "Source
select" (page 43).
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