User manual NORTHSTAR NS3300 AUTOPILOT - REFERENCE MANUAL

Northstar NS3300 Pilot System Reference Manual Contents 1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 1-1 Autopilot Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using this manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1-1 Operating modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1-2 Steering modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1-3 Power steering modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1-4 Turn modes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 5 5 5 6 6 3-7 Setting the steering mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8 Changing course. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8-1 Changing course in compass mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8-2 Changing course in GPS mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9 Dodge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8-3 Changing set wind angle in wind mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9-1 Dodging in compass mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10 Turn modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9-2 Dodging in GPS mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9-3 Dodging in wind mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10-1 Auto tacking in compass mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10-2 Turns in compass mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10-3 Auto tacking or gybing in wind mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11 Power steering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12 Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13 Keylock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14 Simulate mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12-1 The alarm window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12-2 Active alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12-3 Alarm history . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12-4 Alarm details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 12 12 12 13 13 13 14 14 14 15 16 17 19 19 20 20 20 20 20 20 2 Quickstart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 2-1 2-2 2-3 2-4 2-5 2-6 2-7 2-8 Starting the autopilot system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using the autopilot to steer the boat automatically . . . . . . . . . . Changing course during a voyage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Changing steering mode during a voyage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Regaining manual control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Action in an emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Manually steering the boat from the boats helm . . . . . . . . . . . . Manually steering the boat using power steering . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 7 7 7 7 7 8 8 3 Autopilot operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 3-2 Turning the NS3300 Pilot on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1-1 AUTO key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1-2 STBY key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1-3 Dodge keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1-4 Turn key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1-5 MODE key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1-6 Control Dial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1-7 ESC key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1-8 ENT key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1-9 MENU key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1-10 DISP key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3 Turning the NS3300 Pilot off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4 Backlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5 Engaging autopilot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6 Disengaging autopilot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 11 11 11 11 4 The displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 4-1 Display > Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2 Display > Pilot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3 Display > Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4 Display > Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5 Display > Active alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 22 23 24 24 5 Data headers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 6 Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 6-1 Setup > System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 6-2 Setup > Profiles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 6-3 Setup > Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 6-4 6-5 6-6 6-7 6-8 6-9 Setup > Vessel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Setup > Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Setup > Units. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Setup > Comms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Setup > Calibrate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Setup > Simulate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 28 28 29 29 30 7 Steering modes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 7-1 Compass steering mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1-1 Compass steering data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1-2 Engaging and disengaging the autopilot in compass mode . . 7-2 GPS steering mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2-1 GPS navigation data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2-2 Engaging and disengaging the autopilot in GPS mode . . . . 7-2-3 Arriving at waypoints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2-4 GPS gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3 Wind steering mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3-1 Wind steering data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3-2 True and apparent wind speed and direction. . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3-3 Engaging the autopilot in wind mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3-4 Wind gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 31 32 33 33 34 35 35 36 36 37 38 39 8 Optimizing steering performance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 8-1 Steering parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 8-2 Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 8-3 Adjusting the steering parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 9 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 10 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Reference Manual 3 Congratulations on choosing the Northstar NS3300 PilotAutopilot. For maximum benefit, please read this manual carefully before installation and use. This manual describes how to use and set up the NS3300 Pilotand the associated equipment. This manual also explains how to operate the NS3300 Piloteffectively and provides troubleshooting and performance tips. Important Notice: · It is the owner's sole responsibility to install and use the instrument and transducer(s) in a manner that will not cause accidents, personal injury or property damage. The user of this product is solely responsible for observing safe boating practices. · It is vital to the performance of the Autopilot that the transducers are installed in the best location. Please follow the installation instructions very carefully. · The choice, location, and installation of all components in any autopilot system is critical. If installation is not correct, the unit can not perform at its designed potential. If in doubt, consult your Northstar dealer. · Ensure that any holes that are cut are in a safe position and will not weaken the boat's structure. · If in doubt, consult a qualified boat builder. Using the NS3300 Pilot: · The NS3300 Pilot is intended to aid a helmsman from having to steer for long periods of time, not as the main means of steering the boat. · The NS3300 Pilot is not intended for use in extreme weather, in adverse conditions or in water near other boats, dangerous waters or land. · The NS3300 Pilot can not control the boat better than a helmsman. In adverse conditions steer the boat manually. · Never leave the helm unattended. Keep a watch at all times. The helmsman should always monitor the course of the boat and the NS3300 Pilot and be ready to resume steering the boat manually. · The performance of the NS3300 Pilot can be affected by the failure of a part, environmental conditions, improper installation and use. Note: The User is to be aware that when the autopilot is powered on, the Control Dial and Dodge keys are active and can operate the rudder at any time (see Power Steering modes 1-1-3) NORTHSTAR DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY FOR ANY USE OF THIS PRODUCT IN A WAY THAT MAY CAUSE ACCIDENTS, DAMAGE OR THAT MAY VIOLATE THE LAW. Northstar is continuously improving this product; we retain the right to make changes to the product at any time which may not be reflected in this version of manual. Please contact your nearest Northstar office if you require any further assistance. Governing Language: This statement, any instruction manuals, user guides and other information relating to the product (Documentation) may be translated to, or has been translated from, another language (Translation). In the event of any conflict between any Translation of the Documentation, the English language version of the Documentation will be the official version of the Documentation. Copyright © 2005 NORTHSTAR. All rights reserved. 4 Northstar NS3300 Pilot 1 Introduction The NS3300 Pilot is a superior quality, high performance autopilot display head. The Northstar autopilot system has the flexibility to be used with power or sail boats. The NS3300 Pilot has dedicated performance keys and a large 3.8" Color TFT display. This provides the user with exceptionally easy to use controls. The NS3300 Pilot is part of the Northstar family of instruments for boats, which includes instruments for speed, depth, wind and repeaters. These instruments can be connected together to form an integrated data system for a boat. The autopilot's performance is enhanced if it is connected to a boat speed instrument such as a Northstar MULTI 3100 or a GPS instrument. Northstar NS3300 Pilot Using this manual This manual describes how to operate the NS3300 Pilot. Refer to the separate NS3300 Pilot Installation Manual for information on how to install and setup the NS3300 Pilot before use. For maximum benefit, please read this manual carefully before using the NS3300 Pilot. Cleaning and maintenance Clean the parts of the NS3300 Pilot with a damp cloth or mild detergent. Avoid abrasive cleaners, petrol or other solvents. Do not paint any part of the NS3300 Pilot except for the cables. 1-1 Autopilot Modes 1-1-1 Operating modes The autopilot has three operating modes (see sections 3-5 and 3-6): STANDBY: The autopilot does not steer the boat STBY (except during jog steer). The helmsman steers the boat with the manual helm. AUTO: The autopilot steers the boat automatically based on selected Steering Mode and course. Do not steer the boat manually. HAND - STEER: The autopilot does not steer the HSTR boat, but displays steering information for you to use to manually steer a course. Steer manually using the displayed steering data. 1-1-2 Steering modes The autopilot has three steering modes (see section 3-7): Compass: The boat sails at a set compass heading. The boat sails to a destination along a preset route. GPS: This mode requires a GPS instrument, such as a Northstar chart-plotter to be connected via NMEA. WIND: The boat sails at a set angle to the wind. This mode requires a wind instrument, to be connected via NavBus or NMEA. Reference Manual 5 Note regarding Jog and Follow-up mode: The user is to be aware that while in Standby (STBY) Mode, the autopilot can move the rudder at anytime that the Dodge keys or Control Dial is operated. 1-1-3 Power steering modes When the autopilot is in STBY (STANDBY) mode the helmsman must steer the boat manually. However The NS3300 Pilot has two different power steering control modes (see section 3-11). Jog: Turns the rudder left or right while the key is pressed. Follow-up: Sets the target position of the rudder. The rudder will turn until it is in the target position. 1-1-4 Turn modes The NS3300 Pilot can follow a preprogrammed turn sequence. The autopilot has three different turn modes (see section 3-10): Tack/Gybe: Auto-tacks OR Auto-gybes the boat after a delay period. The tack/gybe angle and tack/gybe delay can be customized. 90º turn: The boat turns through 90º 180º turn: The boat turns through 180º Note: Not all turn modes are available in all operating modes. 6 Northstar NS3300 Pilot 2 Quickstart 2-1 Starting the autopilot system 1. Turn the autopilot system on by pressing . 2. If the autopilot is connected to multi, depth or GPS instruments, turn these on too. 3. If necessary, adjust the backlight so that the display can be easily read (press briefly and adjust using the Control Dial). 2-2 Using the autopilot to steer the boat automatically 1. Manually steer the boat to open waters before engaging the autopilot to steer the boat. 2. Select the desired steering mode by pressing then use the control dial to highlight Compass, GPS or Wind then press . 3. If using GPS mode, start navigating to a waypoint using the GPS instrument. key. 4. Engage the autopilot by pressing the 2-3 Changing course during a voyage In Compass mode and Wind mode it is possible to change course during a voyage: 1. Turn the Control Dial in the direction of the intended course change, for example: · To change course 10º to starboard, turn the Control Dial 10 clicks clockwise. · To change course 30º to port, turn the Control Dial a whole turn counter-clockwise. 2-4 Changing steering mode during a voyage It is possible to change the steering mode during a voyage, for example: · Change from GPS mode to Compass mode at the end of a route, or, · On a sailing boat, change from Wind mode to Compass or GPS modes when changing from sailing to motoring. 1. Press then use the Control Dial to highlight the desired steering mode then press . 2-5 Regaining manual control 1. Press . The autopilot is now disengaged and you have complete steering control. The key can be pressed at any time. 2. Manually steer the boat using the boats steering helm. 3. To re-engage the autopilot, press the key. 2-6 Action in an emergency To regain control of the boat in an emergency situation: 1. Press the key. The autopilot is now disengaged and you have complete steering control. 2. Manually steer the boat. Alternatively: 1. Press or to make an immediate course change to port or starboard. to resume original course, or press to continue on the 2. After a period of time, press alternative course. Reference Manual 7 2-7 Manually steering the boat from the boats helm To manually steer the boat: 1. Press the key. The autopilot is now disengaged and you have complete steering control. 2-8 Manually steering the boat using power steering To manually steer the boat using the autopilot to move the rudder: 1. Ensure the autopilot is in STBY by pressing the key. or to turn the rudder to port or starboard. Pressing Both will center the rudder 2. Press and hold 3. Release the button when the rudder is in the desired position. Alternatively: key. 1. Ensure the autopilot is in STBY by pressing the 2. Turn the Control Dial until the on-screen rudder indicator is in the desired position. 3. The autopilot will turn the rudder until it is in the target position. 8 Northstar NS3300 Pilot 3 Autopilot operation Button 1 2 3 ESC ENT Control Dial Function Step back a menu level or return to selected pilot screen Selects highlighted items or brings up Parameters menu when in Pilot display mode Use to scroll through menus, increment or decrement selected values, follow-up rudder control and to make course changes. 4 5 MENU DISP POWER Shows context sensitive Options menu, press twice to show the Setup menu. Opens display menu to change between pilot screens Press and hold to turn instrument off. Single press shows backlight control Dodge to Starboard key (repeated presses increments values) Initiates tack/gybe, 90° turns and 180° turns 7 Dodge Right 8 Dodge Left STBY AUTO Turns MODE Dodge to Port key (repeated presses increments values) Initiates tack/gybe, 90° turns and 180° turns Places autopilot into standby mode Places autopilot into auto mode Key opens turn menu to access tack/gybe, 90° turns and 180° turns Invokes steering mode menu 9 10 11 12 1 2 4 3 5 8 7 11 12 10 9 Reference Manual 9 3-1-1 AUTO key 3-1-6 Control Dial Press to engage AUTO mode. The autopilot is now steering the boat based on the selected steering mode. Press and hold for 2 seconds to engage H-STEER mode. 3-1-2 STBY key Press to disengage AUTO mode and set STBY mode. The autopilot is not steering the boat ­ the helmsman must steer the boat using the manual helm. When using menus and adjusting settings, use to scroll through items and increment or decrement values. STBY mode: Moves the rudder to port or to starboard half of a degree per click. AUTO mode:Changes the set course by one degree per click. Note: In GPS mode, the set course can not be adjusted as the course is controlled by the navigation instrument. 3-1-7 ESC key 3-1-3 Dodge keys Press or to trigger an immediate dodge to port or starboard. Repeated presses of the same key increments dodge angle. STBY mode: Jogs the rudder left or right while the key is pressed AUTO mode: Activates a dodge. Causes the vessel to deviate from the set course by a preset angle. When using menus and adjusting settings, press to step back one level without saving changes. When no menus or settings are displayed, press to jump back to the most recently used autopilot display screen. 3-1-8 ENT key 3-1-4 Turn key When using menus and adjusting settings, press to choose selection or save setting. Tip: When the showing the Basic, Pilot or Compass opens the Parameters menu. screen, pressing Press to display the turn menu. The boat follows a preprogrammed turn sequence. Select an item from the menu then press or to activate the turn in the corresponding direction. key will cycle Tip: Repeated pressing the through the menu selection. 3-1-9 MENU key Press to show the Options menu (where applicable). Press twice to show the Setup menu. 3-1-10 DISP key Shows the Display menu. Tip: Repeated pressing the key will cycle through the menu selection and will automatically select the highlighted entry after 1 second. 3-1-5 MODE key Press to select steering mode. Tip: Repeated pressing the will cycle through the menu selection and will automatically select after 1 second. 3-2 Turning the NS3300 Piloton Briefly press the key. If there are no other autopilot display heads on the system, The NS3300 Pilot will turn on and enter STBY (Standby) mode. Note: If the autopilot was switched off while still in AUTO mode, a warning message will be · · displayed to alert the user that there may have been a power interruption. Note: When the autopilot is powered on, the Control Dial and Dodge keys are active and can operate the rudder at any time (see Power Steering modes 1-1-3) 10 Northstar NS3300 Pilot 3-3 Turning the NS3300 Pilot off When in STBY mode: · key. A pop-up box will Press and hold the appear and start a 3 second count-down. The unit will turn off when the timer reaches 0. Releasing the key during this time will resume normal operation. Any settings you have made are retained by the unit. When in AUTO mode: · key. A warning pop-up box will Press and hold the remind you to enter STBY mode before the unit can be turned off. Press to close the pop-up. · · 3-4 Backlight Briefly press the key. The Backlight pop-up will appear. Repeating this action will toggle from day to night mode Use the Control Dial to increase or decrease the display and keypad backlighting. · · · The NS3300 Pilot has a choice of white background `Day' and black background `Night' backlighting modes. Either mode can be selected using the Control Dial. The Backlight pop-up may also be selected: Menu > Setup > System > Backlight menu. Backlighting on all other Northstar instruments that are connected and on the same NavBus backlighting channel will also change. 3-5 Engaging autopilot Select AUTO mode by pressing the key. The autopilot is now steering the boat based on the selected steering mode. 3-6 Disengaging autopilot key. The Select STBY mode by pressing the autopilot is not steering the boat ­ the helmsman must steer the boat using the manual helm. 3-7 Setting the steering mode For a power boat · For a boat without GPS, or for a boat with GPS but you do not want to navigate to a waypoint, choose Compass mode. The autopilot steers the boat at a set compass heading. , choose Select Compass mode by pressing Compass and press . · To use the autopilot with a GPS to navigate to a waypoint or along a route, choose GPS mode. The autopilot steers the boat using navigation data from the GPS. Select GPS mode by pressing , choose GPS and press . For a sailing boat · To steer to a set compass heading, choose Compass mode. , choose Select Compass mode by pressing Compass and press . · To navigate to a waypoint or along a route, choose GPS mode. Select GPS mode by pressing press . , choose GPS and Reference Manual 11 Tip: It is possible to change steering modes while in AUTO mode. For example it is helpful to use Compass mode to control the boat when setting up a GPS route, then change directly to GPS mode. · To sail, tack and gybe at a set angle to the wind, choose Wind mode. Select Wind mode by pressing , choose Wind and press . Note for sailing boats: · The autopilot is not recommended for use in light, changeable or gusty winds. · Take care when running downwind to avoid an accidental gybe. · Wind mode requires the wind instrument to be accurately calibrated. Note: To select GPS mode, the autopilot must be receiving data from a compatible GPS instrument, otherwise the GPS selection will not be available. To engage the autopilot in GPS mode, the GPS must be navigating to a waypoint or along a route; otherwise the NS3300 Pilot will display an error message. If the boat is too far from the plotted course, the NS3300 Pilot will display a warning message. Select `OK' to engage AUTO mode anyway. Select `Cancel' to remain in STBY mode. To select Wind mode, the autopilot must be receiving data from a compatible wind instrument, otherwise the Wind selection will not be available. 3-8 Changing course 3-8-1 Changing course in compass mode To change course in 1°steps, turn the Control Dial. · turn the Control Dial counter-clockwise to change course to port · turn the Control Dial clockwise to change course to starboard Example Heading = 45° CTS = 45° Heading = 45° CTS = 45° CTS changes to 44° Boat comes to 44° heading CTS changes to 46° Boat comes to 46° heading 3-8-2 Changing course in GPS mode The course maintained by the autopilot is controlled by the GPS device that is navigating to a waypoint. To change course in GPS mode, select a different waypoint on the GPS device. 12 Northstar NS3300 Pilot 3-8-3 Changing set wind angle in wind mode To change set wind angle (SWA) in 1° steps, turn the Control Dial. · turn the Control Dial counter-clockwise to change course to port · turn the Control Dial clockwise to change course to starboard Example Wind Wind SWA = 40° SWA changes to 39°. Boat comes to new wind angle of 39° SWA = 40° SWA changes to 41°. Boat comes to new wind angle of 41° 3-9 Dodge A dodge is a sharp change of course, usually to avoid an obstacle. · · press press to dodge to port by the dodge angle to dodge to starboard by the dodge angle. more times. To view The boat will change course by a preset dodge angle. To dodge further, press or or change the dodge angle, go to Dodge angle in the Options menu (see section 6-3). 3-9-1 Dodging in compass mode Press Heading = 45° CTS = 45° or to continue on the new heading Press CTS changes by the dodge angle. Boat comes to new heading. to resume the earlier heading Reference Manual 13 3-9-2 Dodging in GPS mode Press to resume the earlier heading WARNING: The NS3300 Pilot will steer back to the GPS plotted course. Make sure there are no obstacles or dangerous waters in the way. CTS changes by the dodge angle. Boat comes to new heading. The NS3300 Pilot beeps. 3-9-3 Dodging in wind mode Wind SWA = 40° SWA changes by the dodge angle. Boat comes to new wind angle. The NS3300 Pilot beeps. Press to resume the earlier wind angle 3-10 Turn modes The NS3300 Pilot can follow a preprogrammed turn sequence. The autopilot has three different turn modes: Tack/Gybe: Autotacks the boat after a delay period. The tack angle and tack delay can be customized. Gybes can be disabled. 90º turn: The boat turns through 90º 180º turn: The boat turns through 180º Availability:Compass GPS Tack/Gybe 90º 180º yes yes yes no no no Wind yes no no 14 Northstar NS3300 Pilot 3-10-1 Auto tacking in compass mode Auto tacking is intended to tack a sailing boat. The course to steer changes by the tack angle. · · press press select Tack/Gybe then press select Tack/Gybe then press to tack to port by the tack angle to tack to starboard by the tack angle. Press to initiate a tack to port or starboard. Press or to select turn direction A The boat sails straight while the NS3300 Pilot counts down the tack delay. The unit gives a long beep at 60 and 30 seconds to go, a short beep every second from 10 seconds to 1 second to go and a long beep that finishes when the countdown ends. CTS Course prior to tacking Delay count B The tack is finished when the boat reaches the new heading Reference Manual 15 3-10-2 Turns in compass mode To change course by 90° · press , select 90° turn then press · press , select 90° turn then press To change course by 180° , select 180° turn then press · press · press , to turn to port by 90° to turn to starboard by 90° to turn to port by 180° to turn to starboard by 180° Press or to select turn direction select 180° turn then press Press to initiate a 90° or 180° turn to port or starboard. Warning: In Compass mode auto tack, the course to steer changes by the tack angle. The autopilot does not use data from any wind instrument. It is possible for the boat to gybe or to end in irons (head to wind). Note: To tack to a fixed wind angle, use the autopilot in Wind mode (see section 7-3). To view or change the tack angle or the tack delay, go to tack mode, tack angle or tack delay in the Options menu (see section 6-3). Gybe angle is not used in Compass mode. 16 Northstar NS3300 Pilot 3-10-3 Auto tacking or gybing in wind mode If the set wind angle (SWA) is 90° or less, the boat tacks, if the SWA is more than 90° the boat gybes. After the tack or gybe, the SWA is the same as the SWA before the tack or gybe, but from the other side. , select Tack/Gybe then press to tack or gybe to port · press , select Tack/Gybe turn then press to tack or gybe to starboard · press Example: SWA is 40°, so the boat will tack, not gybe. If the tack angle is not set to Auto, the boat changes direction twice: - first by the tack angle - second so that SWA is the same as before the tack or gybe, but on the other side: The tack is finished when the boat reaches the new wind angle After the boat has reached the tack angle, the boat turns again so that the SWA (set wind angle) is the same as the SWA before the tack, but from the other side At the end of the tack delay, the course changes by the tack angle (in this example, the tack angle is not set to Auto). The boat turns. To cancel the tack at any time, press The boat sails straight while the NS3300 Pilot counts down the tack delay. The unit gives a long beep at 60 and 30 seconds to go, a short beep every second from 10 seconds to 1 second to go and a long beep that finishes when the countdown ends. Wind Press SWA = 40° then press to port. , select Tack/Gybe initiate a tack 3 seconds to go until the tack starts Reference Manual 17 Example: SWA is 120°, so the boat will gybe. The tack angle is not set to AUTO: Press , select Tack/Gybe initiate a tack Example: SWA is 40°. The tack angle is set to AUTO so the boat changes direction once: End of tack, boat is at new SWA then press to starboard. The NS3300 Pilot counts down the tack delay. To cancel the gybe at any time, press To cancel the gybe at any time, press The course changes so that the SWA is the same as the SWA before the tack The course changes by the gybe angle Wind The NS3300 Pilot counts down the tack delay. Press , select Tack/Gybe initiate a tack The course changes again so that the SWA is the same as the SWA before the tack End of tack, boat is at new SWA then press to port. If SWA is more than 90° and the gybe angle is set to AUTO then the boat will change direction once during a gybe, so that the SWA is the same as the SWA before the gybe. There are four possibilities for auto tacking or gybing: Tack (SWA is 90° or less) Gybe (SWA is more than 90°) Press , select Tack/Gybe then to tack press to port. select Press Tack/Gybe then to tack to press starboard. Press select Press select Tack/Gybe then to press gybe to port. Tack/Gybe then to gybe press to starboard. An error message is displayed if you attempt other tacks or if the tack will end with the boat in irons. Note: To view or change the tack mode, tack angle, gybe mode, gybe angle or tack delay, go to the Options menu (see section 6-3). 18 Northstar NS3300 Pilot 3-11 Power steering When the autopilot is in STBY mode the helmsman must steer the boat manually. However the autopilot has power steering control modes available while in STBY mode: To Jog Steer to port: · hold down to turn the rudder to port To Jog Steer to starboard: to turn the rudder to starboard · hold down Follow-up steering: · turn the Control Dial to set the desired position of the rudder (this function is disabled until the rudder feedback unit and the compass have been calibrated [see section 6-8]) · a popup window will appear at the bottom of the screen indicating the desired position and the current position of the rudder · the rudder will move to the desired position , or · To stop the rudder turning, press To centre the rudder: · press and release and together to turn the rudder to amidships (this function is disabled until the rudder feedback unit and the compass have been calibrated [see section 6-8]) · To stop the rudder turning to amidships press , or Warning: Until the rudder feedback unit is calibrated, there is no rudder limit and the user must ensure that the rudder is not driven onto an end stop when using jog steering (damage may occur). 3-12 Alarms There are several alarms that monitor the condition of the autopilot system, these alarms can not be adjusted. There are also alarms that can be enabled to automatically detect certain conditions, such as low battery. Alarms that are enabled are shown as black icons in the alarm status box on the NS3300 Pilot header. When an alarm is triggered: · the beeper sounds · the external alarm sounds or lamp illuminates (if connected) · the bezel backlight on the NS3300 Pilot flashes · the alarm window is displayed · and the alarm status icon is shown in the color corresponding to the severity of the alarm. or to acknowledge and reset the alarm. This action does not disable the alarm. Press · Alarms can be set: Menu > Setup > Alarms menu (see section 6-5). Severity Info Warning Caution Severe Critical Alarm tone Single beep Moderate beeping Slow beeping Rapid beeping Rapid beeping, low tone Color Blue Black Yellow Orange Red Description Information message, does not affect autopilot operation. A low priority event has occurred. An event has occurred that may require corrective action. An important event has occurred requiring immediate attention. A critical problem is preventing the autopilot from controlling the boat, manual steering is required immediately. Reference Manual 19 3-12-1 The alarm window The alarm window shows a list of the latest active alarms. The most severe alarms appear at the top of the list. Turn the Control Dial to stop the NS3300 Pilot from beeping. Select `Details' to jump directly to the Active alarms screen. Select `OK' to acknowledge the displayed alarms. 3-12-3 Alarm history The NS3300 Pilot keeps a record of alarms. The Alarm history screen shows a list of up to 18 recorded alarm events. To show the Alarm history screen: · Go to Menu > Setup > Alarms > Alarm history. Turn the Control Dial to select an alarm in the list and press to see the Alarm details. 3-12-4 Alarm details The alarm details window shows extra detail on an individual alarm. 3-12-2 Active alarms The Active alarms screen shows a list of the currently active alarms. To show the Active alarms screen: · Select `Details' from the alarm window or, · Select `Active alarms' in the Display menu or, · Go to Menu > Setup > Alarms > Active alarms. Turn the Control Dial to select an alarm in the list and press to see the Alarm details. 3-13 Keylock When keylock is activated, the NS3300 Pilot will ignore most key presses. · To turn keylock on: key for 2 seconds. A `Keys Press and hold the locked' message will appear and a small lock icon will appear on the lower right-hand display. · To turn keylock off: key for 2 seconds. A `Keys unlocked' Press and hold the message will appear and the keys are re-enabled. 3-14 Simulate mode If the word `Simulate' flashes on the display, then the unit is in simulate mode. · Simulate mode allows you to become familiar with the unit off the water. · Simulate mode can be turned on or off: Menu > Setup > Simulate menu. Warning: Do not use simulate mode while at sea. 20 Northstar NS3300 Pilot 4 The displays Tip: Repeated pressing will cycle the menu selection and will automatically select after 1 second. Press to show the Display menu, select a display option using the Control Dial and press . 4-1 Display > Basic Displays a standard autopilot display with just the essential autopilot data. Display area Drive indicators Heading Info panel Function Left and right boxes light up to indicate when the autopilot is driving the rudder Large digits show the heading of the vessel This panel can be configured to display different data items. Default: Automatically switches between Rudder angle, Course error and Cross track error. STBY mode: shows `---' since the set course is not valid in standby mode AUTO mode: digits show the current course to steer (CTS), except for WIND mode: digits show the current set wind angle (SWA) The colored ring is yellow in STBY mode, green in AUTO mode, magenta in H-STEER mode and red when there is a critical alarm Shows the steering mode (COMPASS, GPS, WIND) Set course Steering mode panel Operating mode panel Basic displays Shows the operating mode (Standby, Auto, H-Steer). Panel changes to blue when in AUTO mode. Options menu: Data setup - Selects what data is displayed in the info panel. Auto Rd/CE/XTE ­ Automatically switches the displayed data between rudder, course error and cross track error depending on the operating mode. Course error ­ Shows a course error bar in the info panel. Rudder angle ­ Shows a rudder angle gauge in the info panel. XTE ­ Shows a cross track error bar in the info panel. Reference Manual 21 4-2 Display > Pilot Displays an advanced autopilot display with essential autopilot data. Display area Data Header Heading Drive indicators Numerical data panels Bar data panels Mode panel Function Customizable data cells. Each display page has a separate header configuration. Default: Voltage, Current, Alarm Status (see section 5). Large digits show the heading of the vessel Left and right boxes `fill up' to indicate when the autopilot is driving the rudder and how much power is being used by the drive system Customizable data cells. Default: Course to steer, Course error. Customizable indicator bar. Default: Automatically switches between Rudder angle, Course error and Cross track error. Left hand side: shows the steering mode (COMPASS, GPS, WIND) Right hand side: shows the operating mode (Standby, Auto, H-Steer) inside a colored tab. Panel changes to blue when in AUTO mode. The colored tab is yellow in STBY mode, green in AUTO mode, magenta in H-STEER mode and red when there is a critical alarm. Pilot displays Options menu: Header Menu for configuring the data header in this display (see section 5). Data setup Enters the data set-up mode. Use the Control Dial to highlight a data cell, press to display a list of data types that can be displayed in that cell. 22 Northstar NS3300 Pilot 4-3 Display > Compass Displays a standard autopilot display with just the essential autopilot data. Display area Data Header Drive indicators Compass card Course arrow Deviation bar Function Customizable data cells. Each display page has a separate header configuration. Default: Course to steer, Heading, Alarm Status (see section 5). Left and right boxes `fill up' to indicate when the autopilot is driving the rudder and how much power is being used by the drive system Compass card rotates to show the heading of the vessel under the lubber mark. STBY mode: points to the current heading AUTO mode: points to the set course, except for: GPS mode: points to the bearing to waypoint Moves laterally to show course information. Note: This bar can be configured to display different items. Default: Automatically switches between Rudder angle, Course error and Cross track error. Indicates what data the deviation bar is currently showing and the magnitude Left hand side: shows the steering mode (COMPASS, GPS, WIND) Right hand side: shows the operating mode (Standby, Auto, H-Steer) inside a colored tab. Panel changes to blue when in AUTO mode. The colored tab is yellow in STBY mode, green in AUTO mode, magenta in H-STEER mode and red when there is a critical alarm. Deviation scale Mode panel Compass displays Options menu: Deviation bar Selects what data is displayed by the deviation bar. Auto Rd/CE/XTE ­ Automatically switches the deviation bar between rudder, course error and cross track error depending on the operating mode. Course error ­ Shows course error using the deviation bar. Rudder angle ­ Shows a rudder angle gauge using the deviation bar. XTE ­ Shows a cross track error bar using the deviation bar. Header -- Menu for configuring the data header in this display (see section 5). Reference Manual 23 4-4 Display > Data The data display shows one large data cell, two smaller data cells and a data history graph. Each is these items can be configured to display a range of data types. The graph is useful for analyzing the performance of the autopilot. Display area Big data cell Small data cells History graph Time base Data display Function Customizable data cell. Default: Rudder angle. Customizable data cells. Default: Voltage, Pilot Status. This graph plots data of a period of time. There are two graph series that can be configured, red and green. Default: Rudder angle, Course error. The time base of the graph can be set from 2 minutes to 1 hour. This is the amount of time it takes for new data to scroll from the right hand side to the left hand side. Options menu: Data setup Enters the data set-up mode. Use the Control Dial to highlight a data cell, press to display a list of data types that can be displayed in that cell. Time base - Selects the time base of the history graph. Select 2 min, 4 min, 10 min, 20 min or 1 hour 4-5 Display > Active alarms Shows a list of the currently active alarms (see section 3-12-2). 24 Northstar NS3300 Pilot 5 Data headers Data headers are available on the Pilot and Compass screens. A data header is a customizable feature that can be used to display up to 6 different data items, such as boat speed or alarm status. The Pilot and Compass screens have separate settings for the data header. Data setup Enters the data set-up mode. The Data header expands to display all 6 possible data cells. Some data cells may be blank. Use the Control Dial to highlight a data cell, press to display a list of data types that can be displayed in that cell. Size Selects the size of the data header items. Select Small, Medium or Large. Header menu: Data Turns the data header completely on or off. Reference Manual 25 6 Menus Many of the NS3300 Pilot features and functions are operated through menus. · To scroll through menu items, scroll through items in a list or change data use the Control Dial. Clockwise scrolls across/down or increments data. · To select a menu item press . . · To go back to the previous menu press · To accept changes press . . · To discard changes press Occasionally items in the NS3300 Pilotmenus utilize checkboxes. · If the box is `checked' (contains a check or tick), then that function is selected (enabled) or ON. If the box is `un-checked' (does not contain a check or tick), then that function de-selected (disabled) or OFF. · To select or de-select a checkbox, highlight the menu item using the control dial and press . The change will happen immediately. The main menu for configuring the NS3300 Pilot is the until the Setup menu is displayed Setup menu. Press (normally twice). The Setup menu and options are summarized in this chapter. The factory default settings are shown where applicable. Each Setup menu option is explained in the following sections. · 6-1 Setup > System Language Select the language for the display. The options are: English, Italian, French, German, Spanish, Dutch, Swedish, Portuguese, Finnish and Greek. Backlight The backlight pop-up is displayed (see also section 3-4). The bar setting represents the current level of backlighting. Night Mode ­Allows low contrast Night mode. Auto ­ allows night mode to be selected in backlight pop-up On ­ night mode is active all the time Off ­ night mode tis not available Key beep Enables or disables an audible beep when a key is pressed or Control Dial is rotated. Auto power off Select to have the autopilot power off automatically every time the boat's ignition is switched off. This applies only if the display unit is wired for Auto Power (see installation manual). About Displays information about the unit. Factory Reset Resets all settings to the factory default settings. A warning box asks: Are you sure? Select Yes to confirm, or No or to cancel. and press Main control unit ­ Resets the MCU's settings Head unit ­ Resets just this head unit's settings Both ­ Resets the MCU's settings and this unit's settings Tip: In case you can't read the current language, the language setting is the first item in the system menu. 26 Northstar NS3300 Pilot 6-2 Setup > Profiles Profiles are used to store a range of autopilot settings for different sea, environmental and vessel conditions. Up to 5 user profiles may be configured (see section 8-2). Profile Select the current profile to use. Edit name Use to edit the name of the currently selected profile (see section 8-2). Parameters Opens the Parameters menu (see section 8-1). 6-3 Setup > Options Options can be selected to set autopilot operating limits: Dodge angle Sets size of the dodge angle steps in degrees. Minimum = 5°; maximum = 30° Tack mode Auto ­ vessel tacks to the same set wind angle but on the opposing tack. Set angle ­ vessel tacks through an angle set in Tack angle, then steers to the same set wind angle but on the opposing tack. Tack angle Set tack angle if Set angle is selected in Tack mode. Minimum = 50°; maximum = 160° Gybe mode Off ­ gybing is disabled. Auto ­ vessel gybes to the same set wind angle but on the opposing tack. Set angle ­ vessel gybes through an angle set in Gybe angle, then steers to the same set wind angle but on the opposing tack. Gybe angle Set gybe angle if Set angle is selected in Gybe mode Minimum = 40°; maximum = 140° Tack delay Set delay that the autopilot will use from the time a Tack is requested to the time a Tack is carried out by the autopilot. Minimum = 0; maximum = 120 (seconds) Turn Rate Set the maximum turn rate you want the autopilot to use. Minimum = 3; maximum = 20 (°/second) 6-4 Setup > Vessel Vessel type can be selected to alter the performance characteristics of the autopilot depending on the vessel hull type: Vessel type Select Planing, Displacement or Sailing. Warning: Changing the vessel type causes the steering parameters to be reset to default values in the current profile. Reference Manual Drive type Configures the autopilot to drive the type of steering system. See installation manual for details. 27 6-5 Setup > Alarms Some of the autopilot alarms are user configurable. Alarm trigger settings can be defined to suit the boat and individual preferences as follows: Course error The alarm will sound if the vessel strays from its intended course by more than the set error. Set OFF or a value in degrees. Minimum = 1°; maximum = 90° XTE Cross Track Error ­ The alarm will sound if the vessel strays from it's intended track by more than the set error. Set OFF or a value in nautical miles. Minimum = 0.1; maximum = 2.0 (nautical miles) Waypoint akn The alarm will sound and ask the user for confirmation, when in GPS mode, when arriving at a waypoint before steering to the next waypoint. Set ON or OFF. Wind shift The alarm will sound if, when in Wind mode, the wind shifts by more than the set angle since engaging AUTO. Set OFF or a value in degrees. Minimum = 1°; maximum = 90° Low battery The alarm will sound if the vessel battery voltage is below the setting. Set OFF or a value in Volts. Minimum = 7; maximum = 14 (Volts) High current The alarm will sound if the current drawn from the battery by the rudder drive system exceeds the setting. Set OFF or a value in Amps. Minimum = 5; maximum = 20 (Amps) Active alarms Displays a list of currently active alarms (see section 3-12-2). Alarm history The NS3300 Pilot keeps a record of alarms. Displays the alarm history list (see section 3-12-3). Clear alarm history Allows the alarm history to be cleared. A warning box asks: Are you sure? to confirm, or No or Select Yes and press to cancel. 6-6 Setup > Units Select the units you prefer the autopilot to display: Distance All distance readings are displayed in the selected units. nm (nautical miles), mi (miles), km (kilometers) Compass All compass readings are displayed in the selected units. °T (degrees True), °M (degrees Magnetic) Magnetic variation Set the local magnetic variation in degrees. Minimum= -°90(W); maximum= +°90(E) (degrees) Wind All wind readings are displayed in the selected units. App (Apparent), True (True) 28 Northstar NS3300 Pilot 6-7 Setup > Comms Use this feature when the autopilot is connected to other Northstar instruments through NavBus or any compatible NMEA instrument. NMEA mode Select NMEA port mode. Input ­ NMEA port can receive NMEA data Slow ­ NMEA port outputs heading and rudder angle once per second Fast ­ NMEA port outputs heading data ten times per second NavBus group Use this when a group of Northstar instruments are connected together using NavBus, to specify a group of instruments for backlighting, if required. Then, if the backlight setting on one instrument in the group is adjusted, the other instruments change automatically. Otherwise, select 0. 6-8 Setup > Calibrate The calibrate wizard screens are used during the initial autopilot installation stage or if any previously installed autopilot transducers have changed or moved. It is vital to the performance of the autopilot that the transducers are installed in the best location and carefully calibrated. Compass Use this calibration wizard to calibrate the compass. Follow the on-screen instructions: · Slowly turn boat 2.5 times, observing the turn rate indicator and dial in the · Align heading ­ press current heading · Accept calibration · Calibration complete Rudder Use this calibration wizard to calibrate the rudder. Follow the on-screen instructions: · Center the rudder · Turn rudder to Maximum Port · Turn rudder to Maximum Starboard · Set angle ­ press and dial in the current rudder angle · Center the rudder Reference Manual Stand clear of the rudder and linkages so the autopilot can test the limits. at any time to abort · Testing limits ­ press the calibration · Accept calibration · Calibration complete Align heading Use to align the compass to the actual boat heading. If a compass calibration has recently been performed, it is not necessary to align the heading again. Use the manual helm to sail a straight course and ensure the boat heading does not change during this procedure. Use an accurate reference compass or external GPS to find the actual boat heading. If you are using an external GPS, sail as fast as convenient to ensure the heading is accurate. Enter the actual course heading. Minimum = 0°; maximum = 359° (degrees) Center Rudder Use to set the rudder center position. If a rudder calibration has recently been performed, it is not necessary to set the rudder centre position again. Ensure the rudder is in the center position and that there is no cross-wind or tidal current affecting the rudder. when the rudder is centered. Select OK and press · 29 6-9 Setup > Simulate Switches simulate mode on and off (see section 3-14). 30 Northstar NS3300 Pilot 7 Steering modes Important: · The autopilot cannot control the boat better than a helmsman. The autopilot is not intended for use in extreme weather, in adverse conditions or near other boats, dangerous waters or land. In these conditions, disengage the autopilot and steer manually. · Never leave the helm unattended, keep a watch at all times and be ready to resume steering the boat manually. · Do not try to turn the rudder by hand when the autopilot is engaged. · Local variations in magnetic field can affect the accuracy of the compass heading. Such variations are the responsibility of the user. 7-1 Compass steering mode The autopilot has three ways of steering the boat, compass, GPS and wind. To select an appropriate mode, see section 3-7. In Compass mode, the autopilot steers the boat to a set course, called CTS (Course to steer). 7-1-1 Compass steering data Actual boat heading is 45° Course error = 10° CTS (course to steer, the intended autopilot course) 55° Reference Manual 31 7-1-2 Engaging and disengaging the autopilot in compass mode Manually steer the boat to open waters. Sail straight on the intended course. For example: Heading = 45° To engage AUTO, press To engage H STEER, hold HANDSTEER: AUTO: The Pilot steers the boat automatically. Steer the boat manually. Display CTS in the info data or course error in the bar data and use these to steer by. The NS3300 Pilot sets CTS (course to steer) to the current heading, in this example 45°, and starts steering on this course. Heading = 45° CTS = 45° To disengage the Pilot, press The Pilot returns to STBY mode. Steer the boat manually. 32 Northstar NS3300 Pilot 7-2 GPS steering mode The autopilot has three ways of steering the boat, compass, GPS and wind. To select an appropriate mode, see section 3-7. In GPS mode, the autopilot uses data from a GPS to steer the boat along a route or to a waypoint. 7-2-1 GPS navigation data Navigating to a waypoint: The boat is sailing from the start to the destination and has moved off the GPS plotted course from the start to the destination: Destination DTG (distance) SOG (speed) COG (bearing) BRG (bearing) CTS (bearing) Course error (angle) Plotted course XTE (distance) Start Boat TTG (time) BRG COG CE CTS DTG SOG Bearing to destination The bearing to the destination from the boat. Course over ground Direction in which the boat is moving over the ground. Course error The difference between CTS and the boat heading. Course to steer Optimum course to steer to return to the plotted course. Distance to go Distance from the boat to the destination. Speed over ground The current boat speed over the ground. This is not necessarily the same as the boat speed through the water nor the speed at which the boat is approaching the destination. Time to go The estimated time to reach the destination. Cross track error The distance from the boat to the nearest point of the plotted course. XTE may have a letter: R means steer to the right to return to the plotted course, L means steer to the left. TTG XTE Reference Manual 33 7-2-2 Engaging and disengaging the autopilot in GPS mode Manually steer the boat to open waters. Start the GPS navigating to a waypoint, either a waypoint on a route or a single waypoint. GPS plotted course to a waypoint BRG (direction of GPS course) XTE (distance to GPS course) To engage AUTO, press To engage HAND STEER, hold HANDSTEER: AUTO: GPS plotted course The Pilot steers the boat automatically. Steer the boat manually. Display CTS in the info data or course error in the bar data and use these to steer by. When the NS3300 Pilot is engaged, if the XTE is more than 0.05 nm or the boat heading is not within 30° of BRG then the NS3300 Pilot displays a warning: Press to return to Compass mode or press to have the NS3300 Pilot steer the boat to the course. When the NS3300 Pilot is engaged, it uses data from the GPS to steer the boat along the plotted course to the waypoint. To disengage the Pilot, press The Pilot returns to STBY (standby). Steer the boat manually. 34 Northstar NS3300 Pilot 7-2-3 Arriving at waypoints If the GPS is following a route and the boat reaches an intermediate waypoint: If the Waypoint Acknowledge alarm (see section 6-5) is off, the autopilot automatically starts steering to the next waypoint in the route. If the Waypoint Acknowledge alarm is on, the autopilot shows the following alarm: The autopilot continues steering on the old course. Select OK to start steering to the next waypoint. When the boat reaches the final waypoint, the autopilot shows the following alarm: The autopilot continues steering on the old course. Select OK to change to Compass mode and continue sailing at the current heading. Press to return to STBY mode. Note: To return to the last waypoint if the boat has passed the waypoint, restart the GPS device navigating to the waypoint. 7-2-4 GPS gain In GPS mode, The GPS gain determines how much correction is applied to remove cross track error. A high setting will cause the autopilot to steer quickly back towards the track. A low setting will cause the autopilot to steer very gently back towards the track. Reference Manual 35 7-3 Wind steering mode The autopilot has three ways of steering the boat, compass, GPS and wind. To select an appropriate mode, see section 3-7. In wind mode, the autopilot steers the boat to a set angle to the wind, called SWA (set wind angle). 7-3-1 Wind steering data Course error, 10° to starboard CTS (intended autopilot course, to achieve the SWA [set wind angle]) Boat heading SWA (set wind angle), 45° Wind angle, can be APP (apparent) or TRUE Wind APP CTS Apparent wind angle Course to steer Course error The apparent wind angle at the boat. P in front of the angle means the wind is from port, S means that the wind is from starboard. The course to steer to maintain the SWA (set wind angle). The difference between APP (wind angle) and SWA (set wind angle). The desired wind angle. The true wind angle at the boat. P in front of the angle means the wind is from port, S means that the wind is from starboard. SWA TRUE Set wind angle True wind angle 36 Northstar NS3300 Pilot 7-3-2 True and apparent wind speed and direction Apparent wind speed and direction are the values measured on the boat. True wind speed and direction are the values after allowing for boat speed through the air. If the boat is moving, then the apparent wind speed is different to the true wind speed and the apparent wind direction is different to the true wind direction, as shown below. Boat at rest True wind speed is the same as apparent wind speed and true wind direction is the same as apparent wind direction Boat is at rest Boat moving upwind Apparent wind speed is greater than true wind speed and apparent wind direction is closer to dead ahead than true wind direction True wind direction 45º True wind speed 20 kts True wind speed 20 kts Apparent wind speed 28 kts Apparent wind direction 30º Apparent wind speed 28 kts Boat speed 10 kts Boat speed 10 kts Boat moving downwind Apparent wind speed is less than true wind speed and apparent wind direction is closer to dead ahead than true wind direction True wind speed 20 kts True wind direction 135º Apparent wind speed 15 kts True wind speed 20 kts Apparent wind direction 107º Apparent wind speed 15 kts Boat speed 10 kts Boat speed 10 kts Reference Manual 37 7-3-3 Engaging the autopilot in wind mode For example: Wind APP = P40° Manually steer the boat to open waters. Sail straight at the intended wind angle. The NS3300 Pilot info data can display TRUE (true wind angle) or APP (apparent wind angle) (see section 3-4) SWA = 40° To engage AUTO, press To engage HAND STEER, hold AUTO: