User manual AUTOHELM ST7000

[. . . ] Operator Controls - Auto - Course Changes - Standby - Track - Response - Illumination 3. Additional Displays - Display - Auto Mode - Track Mode - Navigation Displays - Watch Alarm - Warning Messages 4. Operating Hints - Response Level Adjustment - Track - Waypoint Advance - Automatic Trim - Rudder Gain - Rudder Gain Adjustment (sail) - Rudder Gain Adjustment (power) - Rudder Gain/Speed Adjustment (power craft) - Unsatisfactory steering performance - Failure to disengage - Manual Override (sterndrive) - Control Unit Display Adjustment 6. Introduction This Handbook describes how to operate your ST7000 and is intended for use after the autopilot has been set up. [. . . ] When the alarm is sounding the ST7000 will maintain the current heading and automatic track control is suspended. Check the displayed new bearing to waypoint and when it is safe to turn onto it, resume automatic track control by simply Rudder Gain The rudder gain level selected during initial sea trials will normally provide excellent steering performance over a wide range of conditions. However, it may be noticed that the autopilot tends to be a little less stable on northerly headings in the higher latitudes of the Northern hemisphere (and conversely southerly headings in the Southern hemisphere). This is caused by the increasing angle of dip of the earth's 11 magnetic field at higher latitudes which has the effect of Rudder Gain/Speed Adjustment (Powercraft) High amplifying rudder response on northerly (southerly) speed planing craft exhibit very different steering characteristics when on and off the plane. is generally necessary to adjust the Rudder Gain setting Rudder Gain Adjustment (Sail) when going from displacement speed to planing speed It is not normally necessary to adjust the autopilot gain or vice versa. setting once the correct level has been established Two options are available to achieve this: during initial sea trials. fault:Note: The effect is reversed for the Southern · hemisphere. · Autoadapt (High speed planing craft) The ST7000 can be set automatically to reduce the effects of northerly heading instability. This feature is · selected in calibration mode by entering the latitude (see · Installation Handbook, Calibration, section on 'Auto Adapt'). When selected the ST7000 automatically adjusts the Rudder Gain depending on the compass heading, removing the need for manual adjustment. Check that the autopilot compass heading still corresponds with the steering compass. Are all screw connections tight and free of corrosion? 12 · If the autopilot fails to hold course check the Rudder Gain level. Has it been changed from the initial sea trials level (check in Installation Manual)?· If the vessel wanders check that the Rudder Reference Transducer linkage is secure with no free play. Hydraulic Drive Units only:· Check that all unions are tight and bleed system to remove air. Failure of Drive Unit to Disengage The mechanical drive actuators of the ST7000 are designed to 'Fail Safe' - When power is disconnected the drive unit will disengage leaving the steering system free for manual control. When Standby is selected the actuator will disengage leaving the steering free. It is remotely possible that a fault could develop which could cause the actuator to remain engaged even when Standby is selected. Control Unit Display Adjustment The control unit display is designed to provide good legibility over a wide range of viewing angles. However, it is recommended that wherever possible the control unit is mounted so that the viewing angle is normal to the lcd display when the helmsman is in the usual steering position. If the control unit is mounted so that the usual viewing position is at an angle to the lcd display, the lcd contrast can be adjusted to improve legibility. · Push Display and Track together momentarily. · DISCONNECT THE MAIN CIRCUIT BREAKER TO THE AUTOPILOT - THE STEERING WILL IMMEDIATELY BE FREE , or · IN AN EMERGENCY THE ACTUATOR CLUTCH Push to increase, to decrease contrast level. [. . . ] If ary difficulties arise, please consult Nautech's Product Support Department in the UK or your own national distributor who will also be able to provide expert assistance. 15 9. Warranty, After Sales Service Limited Warranty Nautech or its appointed Distributors or Service Centres will, subject to the conditions below, rectify any failures in this product due to faulty manufacture which become apparent within twelve months of its purchase date. Equipment used in the country of purchase should be sent directly to the authorised Distributor for that country or its appointed Service Centres. The product will then be serviced free of charge and returned promptly direct to the sender. [. . . ]