Checking Autopilot Operation - Raymarine p70 Installation And Operation Instructions Manual

Aligning compass manually
Where no GPS is present manual alignment of the compass
is required.
1. Continue to steer on a steady course and use the Use +1 and
-1 buttons, or the ROTARY controller to adjust the heading
displayed until it matches the vessel's compass reading.
2. When complete press CONTINUE to begin Autolearn.
Auto Learn
You must have significant clear water in front of the vessel to
accommodate a series of maneuvers, which include sudden,
sharp turns. There should be a clear area at least 100m wide
and 500m ahead.
Caution: Autolearn
Please ensure sufficient free space ahead.
(Minimum 100x500m long & significantly more for a
high speed vessel.
Performing Auto learn
Auto learn is available from the Sea trial wizard, or from the
Commissioning menu.
Maintain a normal cruising speed (at least 3 kts) throughout the
auto learn process.
1. Ensure there is sufficient free water in front of the vessel and
select continue.
A warning message is displayed.
2. Select Continue or press the Ok button.
A warning message will be displayed letting you know that
the vessel will zigzag and make Sudden SHARP TURNS.
3. Remove your hands from the wheel and press Auto to begin.
During this procedure the autopilot will progress through the
required steps.
4. If 'PASS' is displayed then select Continue or press the Ok
button to return to manual helm control.
The autopilot will by placed in Standby mode. You have
successfully completed the commissioning process for your
SmartPilot system.
5. If 'FAIL' is displayed after completion of the Auto learn
process then select Continue or press the Ok button.
The Auto learn retry message is displayed.
6. You can retry the Auto learn process by selecting Yes or to
cancel select No.
Note: The Sea trial wizard can be cancelled at any time by
pressing the Standby button.
Caution: System changes
Any additional changes you make to your system
settings may require you to repeat the calibration
process.
Commissioning - SPX and SmartPilot systems

8.10 Checking autopilot operation

After completing calibration, check the basic autopilot operation,
as follows:
1. Steer onto a compass heading and hold a steady course
at normal cruising speed. If necessary, steer the vessel
manually for a short time to check how the vessel steers.
2. Ensure it is safe to engage the autopilot, then press AUTO to
lock onto the current heading. The autopilot should hold a
constant heading in calm sea conditions.
3. Use -1, +1, -10 and +10 or the ROTARY controller, to see
how the SmartPilot alters the course to port and starboard.
4. Press STANDBY to return to manual steering.
Checking rudder gain
To determine whether the rudder gain is set correctly, carry out
the following test:
Item
1.
D12106-1
2.
3.
1. Ensure you have set the autopilot response to level 5.
2. Drive your vessel at a typical cruising speed in clear water.
It is easier to recognize the steering response in calm
sea conditions where wave action does not mask steering
performance.
3. Press AUTO to enter Auto mode, then alter course by 40°:
• This course change should result in a crisp turn followed
by an overshoot of no more than 5°, If the rudder gain is
adjusted correctly.
• If the course change causes a distinct overshoot (more
than 5°) and/or there is a distinct 'S' in the course the
rudder gain is too high.
• If the vessel's performance is sluggish and it takes a long
time to make the 40° turn, with no overshoot the rudder
gain is too low.
If necessary, adjust the rudder gain.
Checking counter rudder
Counter rudder is the amount of rudder your autopilot applies
to try to prevent your vessel from veering off course. Higher
counter rudder settings result in more rudder being applied.
To check the counter rudder setting:
1. Ensure you have set the autopilot response to level 5.
2. Drive your vessel at a typical cruising speed in clear water.
3. Press AUTO to switch the autopilot to Auto mode, then make
a 90° course change:
• When rudder gain and counter rudder are both set
correctly, the vessel performs a smooth continuous turn
with minimal overshoot.
• If the counter rudder is too low, the vessel will still
overshoot.
• If counter rudder is too high, the vessel will 'fight' the turn
and make a series of short, sharp turns. This results in a
very 'mechanical' feel as the vessel changes course.
1
2
3
Description
Rudder gain too low
Rudder gain too High
Correct rudder gain
D12107-1
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