User manual AUTOHELM 6000

[. . . ] Distributed by Any reference to Raytheon or RTN in this manual should be interpreted as Raymarine. The names Raytheon and RTN are owned by the Raytheon Company. Autohelm 6000 Installation & Operating Handbook AUTOHELM 6 0 0 0 Autohelm 6000 is one of the first of a new generation of microprocessor controlled autopilots and is suitable for sailing and motor vessels of between 13m and 20m LOA (&I' - 60'). Whilst the engineering behind the system is complex, operation has been simplified to the point where switching over to autopilot merely involves touching a single button. Complicated control knobs have given way to microprocessor automation so that steering performance is continuously optimised over the entire range of sea and vessel trim conditions. [. . . ] If unnecessary repetitive corrections continue the computer will automatically neglect them so . that autopilot activity and power consumption is continuously optimised at minimum levels. The high degree of control automation made possible by the system's central micro computer simplifies user control to a series of push button operations. 3. 2 CONTROLS I 3. 2. 1 FIXED CONTROL UNITS I Both the indicating and non-indicating control units provide full control of the autopilot via a simple six button key pad and a rotary rudder control switch. The basic control functions are as follows:- STAND l . Q BY l -10 +10 AUTO RUDDER eo Push once to engage the autopilot to maintain the current heading. or - if the autopilot has been disengaged Push twice (within 2 seconds) to return to the previous automatic heading. +1 i 0 Push to alter course to port (-) or starboard (+) in increments of 1 and 10 degrees. STAND BY Push once to disengage the autopilot for manual steering. In cases where there are two or more fixed control units only the rudder control on the control unit engaging the autopilot will control rudder response. A safety interlock will automatically disengage all other rudder controls. If it is necessary to transfer rudder control to a second steering position, this can be done by reengaging the autopilot from the second position. 3. 2. 2 HAND HELD CONTROL UNIT The hand held control unit provides remote proportional power steering of the vessel as well as full control of the autopilot. A safety interlock prevents use of the hand held control unit when the autopilot is disengaged by the helmsman. The basic control functions are as follows:, I Push once to permit power steering. ii* MANUAL AUTO em MANUAL Push once to move rudder to port (-) or starboard (+) in single fine increments. Push once to move rudder to port (-) or starboard (+) in single coarse increments. Push once to reengage automatic compass heading control and maintain the current heading. or Push twice (within 2 seconds) to return to the previous automatic heading. Push to permanently alter course to port (-) or starboard (+) in increments of 1 or 10 degrees. 3. 2. 3 WINDVANE SYSTEM When a windvane System is fitted, a new layer of control functions iS automatically opened on all control units as follows:- Push both red keys together once to engage the windvane and maintain the current apparent wind angle. or Push both red keys together twice to return to the previous apparent wind angle. -10 +10 Push once to increase (+) or decrease (-) the vessel's heading relative to the apparent wind direction in increments of 1 or 10 degrees of wind angle. a a STAND BY Push once to disengage the autopilot for manual steering. or Push once to change over to automatic compass heading control and maintain the current heading. Automatic Tacking The autopilot has an automatic tacking function which operates in windvane mode only as follows:- To prevent accidental gybing the tack function will only operate with an apparent wind angle of less than 70". +1 Press `-1' and `+1 ' keys together to initiate a tack. The apparent wind angle set up on the current tack will be repeated on the new tack. 6 0 Repeat depression of `-1' and `fl ' keys together to alternate between port and starboard tacks. X2. 4 OPERATING MODE INDICATION AND COURSE DISPLAY l-he operating mode of the autopilot is indicated by a flashing red LED, or a flashing prefix letter on the course display as summarised below:- OPERATING MODE LED OR DISPLAY PREFIX FLASHING CODE TYPICAL DISPLAY S-AND BY Autopilot switched on but not engaged 4 I I AUTO Autopilot engaged to steer compass heading. MANUAL tfand held control power steering in operation. 1BBHHMBB VANE Autopilot engaged to riaintain apparent wind zngle. Vane mode is also confirmed by a single beep tone emitted from all control units every 30 seconds. NAVIGATION Autopilot supervised by Navigation Interface. I I I I I I I SECONDS 1 2 3 4 5 6 q ON [7OFF \fane Mode Average Course Display When in `Vane' mode the displayed course is averaged over 20 seconds so that significant course changes due to changing wind direction are easily observed. At 15 second intervals the course display flashes on and off for eight seconds during which . This allows the effects of wind shifts to be monitored and provides valuable navigation information. The average course calculation is reset whenever a course alteration is made or the autopilot is switched out of `Vane' mode. . . - ~-, ~ 3. 25 OFF-COURSE ALARM When the autopilot is set to either `Auto' or `Vane' mode a built in off-course alarm is automatically set up. The off-course alarm will sound from all control units when the vessel deviates for any reason from the original course by more than 15 degrees for over 10 seconds. If an auxiliary alarm is fitted this will also be sounded after a one minute delay to allow the watchkeeper to take corrective action. The alarm will be silenced if the vessel returns to within 15 degrees of the original course. [. . . ] The control unit will be returned after servicing with replacement blanking plugs and fixing screws. The faulty unit should be removed and returned to your nearest service agent. If any difficulties arise, please consult Nautech's Technical Sales Department in the U. K. of your own National distributor who will also be able to provide expert assistance. 8. [. . . ]