Alphatron AlphaPilot MFM User manual

AlphaPilot MFM
Operation Manual
www.alphatronmarine.com

2 | Introduction
Contents
I. Preface............................................................................................................................................. 5
Revision History ................................................................................................................................... 6
Glossary ............................................................................................................................................... 7
Abbreviations................................................................................................................................... 7
Definitions........................................................................................................................................ 8
II. Safety Information......................................................................................................................... 12
III. Warranty........................................................................................................................................ 14
IV. About the manual.......................................................................................................................... 15
Intended readers ............................................................................................................................... 15
Manual overview ............................................................................................................................... 15
Related documents............................................................................................................................ 15
1 Introduction................................................................................................................................... 16
2 AlphaPilot MFM control unit......................................................................................................... 17
3 Operating modes........................................................................................................................... 21
3.1 Introduction........................................................................................................................... 21
3.2 Standby (S) mode .................................................................................................................. 23
3.3 Manual (M) mode.................................................................................................................. 23
3.4 Auto (A) control mode........................................................................................................... 24
3.4.1 Introduction................................................................................................................... 24
3.4.2 Enable Auto (A) control mode....................................................................................... 25
3.4.3 Steering in Auto (A) control mode ................................................................................ 25
3.5 Low Speed Heading Control mode........................................................................................ 26
3.5.1 Introduction................................................................................................................... 26
3.5.2 Enable Low Speed Heading Control mode .................................................................... 27
3.5.3 Steering in Low Speed Heading Control mode.............................................................. 28
3.6 Dodge (D) mode .................................................................................................................... 29
3.6.1 Introduction................................................................................................................... 29
3.6.2 Enable Dodge (D) control mode.................................................................................... 29
3.6.3 Steering in Dodge (D) control mode.............................................................................. 29
3.7 Override (O) control mode.................................................................................................... 30
3.7.1 Introduction................................................................................................................... 30
3.7.2 Enable Override (O) control mode................................................................................ 31

3 | Introduction
3.7.3 Steering in Override (O) control mode.......................................................................... 31
3.8 Track (T) control modes......................................................................................................... 32
3.8.1 Introduction................................................................................................................... 32
3.8.2 Track (T) control mode, TCS category A, B .................................................................... 33
3.8.3 Track (Tn) control mode, TCS category C ...................................................................... 37
3.9 Rate of Turn (R) control mode............................................................................................... 39
3.9.1 Introduction................................................................................................................... 39
3.9.2 Enable Rate of Turn (R) mode ....................................................................................... 40
3.9.3 Steering in Rate of Turn (R) mode................................................................................. 40
3.9.4 Change parameters ....................................................................................................... 40
3.10 CTS pilot (C) control mode..................................................................................................... 41
3.10.1 Introduction................................................................................................................... 41
3.10.2 Enable CTS pilot (C) control mode................................................................................. 42
3.10.3 Steering in CTS pilot (C) control mode .......................................................................... 42
3.10.4 Change the resolution ................................................................................................... 42
3.10.5 Change parameters ....................................................................................................... 42
3.11 Wind vane (V) control mode ................................................................................................. 43
3.11.1 Introduction................................................................................................................... 43
3.11.2 Enable Wind vane (V) control mode ............................................................................. 44
3.11.3 Steering in Wind vane (V) control mode....................................................................... 44
3.11.4 Change parameters ....................................................................................................... 44
4 Controls and functions .................................................................................................................. 46
4.1 Reset and turn off.................................................................................................................. 46
4.2 Enabling control..................................................................................................................... 47
4.2.1 Control allowed/not allowed ........................................................................................ 48
4.2.2 Control handover........................................................................................................... 48
4.3 Alert handling........................................................................................................................ 49
4.4 Dimming ................................................................................................................................ 49
4.5 Alarm test.............................................................................................................................. 49
5 Menus............................................................................................................................................ 50
5.1 Menu ‘Parameters’................................................................................................................ 50
5.2 Menu ‘Alarm Settings’........................................................................................................... 52
5.3 Menu ‘Advanced’ .................................................................................................................. 53

4 | Introduction
5.3.1 Submenu ‘Set Devices’ .................................................................................................. 53
5.3.2 Submenu ‘Panel Settings’.............................................................................................. 57
5.4 Menu ‘Installation’ ................................................................................................................ 58
6 Alarm log ....................................................................................................................................... 59
7 Alarms, warnings, and cautions .................................................................................................... 60
Appendices............................................................................................................................................ 64
Appendix A: Alphatron MFM Alerts .................................................................................................. 64

5 | Introduction
I. Preface
The Alphatron AlphaPilot MFM system is a type approved Heading Control System (i.e. Autopilot)
with self-adjusting ‘Auto Tune’ algorithm, designed to fit vessels of any size, including high speed
crafts. It is a modern and technologically advanced digital vessel control unit that is intended to
reduce the operator’s workload, increase the vessel motion efficiency and improve operational
safety.
The AlphaPilot MFM control unit is the main control module of the AlphaPilot MFM system. It is
used for control and monitoring of autopilot operation, setting vessel heading or rudder angle,
selection of autopilot operating modes.
•Thoroughly read this operation manual before operating the equipment.
•We recommend keeping this manual nearby the equipment to ensure ready access to it.

6 | Introduction
Revision History
Revision
No.
Date
Description
Author
1.0
14-06-2018
First release
J. Kreeft
1.1
03-09-2018
3.1: Clarification on Track control mode.
4.2: No control message added.
5.3.2: Updated ‘Active Palette’ and ‘< Skin Selection >’
Removed INS references
Appendix A: Completely revised Appendix.
J. Kreeft
1.2
11-09-2018
Replaced image on page 28, 29, 32, 36, 38, 41, 58, 59,
and 61.
J. Kreeft
1.3
05-10-2018
Various minor textual improvements (removed
abbreviations, changed alert naming).
3.1: Added clarification for Ti and Tn.
3.8: Added warnings for non-compliance.
Appendix A: Complete update.
J. Kreeft
1.4
08-10-2018
Various minor textual improvements.
J. Kreeft
1.5
23-10-2018
1: Removed ‘additional requirements NAUT-AW
notation’
J. Kreeft
1.6
12-02-2019
5.1: Added Loading parameter
J. Kreeft

7 | Introduction
Glossary
The glossary contains a list of abbreviations and a list of definitions.
Abbreviations
Abbreviations as used in this manual are explained in the table below.
AUTO
Automatic (‘Heading Control mode’)
APM
Main processor (inside the MCU Box)
BTW
Bearing to waypoint
CAT
Category
COG
Course over ground
DNC
Digital Nautical Charts
ECS
Electronic Chart System
ECDIS
Electronic Chart Display and Information System
ENC
Electronic Navigational Charts
FU
Follow-Up
GPS
Global Positioning System
HCS
Heading Control System
HMS
Heading Monitor System
IMO
International Maritime Organization
NFU
Non-Follow-Up
PS
Port Side
RAD
Radius
RFU
Rudder Feedback Unit
SB
Starboard Side
SOG
Speed over ground
SOLAS
Safety of Life at Sea
TCS
Track Control System
WP
Waypoint
XTD
Cross Track Distance

8 | Introduction
Definitions
The meaning of standard definitions as used in this manual are explained in the table below.
Alert
Announcement of abnormal situations and conditions requiring
attention. Alerts are divided in four priorities: emergency alarms,
alarms, warnings and cautions:
-Emergency alarm:
Highest priority of an alert. Alarms which indicate immediate danger
to human life or to the ship and its machinery exits and require
immediate action.
-Alarm:
An alarm is a high-priority alert. Condition requiring immediate
attention and action by the bridge team, to maintain the safe
navigation of the ship.
-Warning:
Condition requiring immediate attention, but no immediate action
by the bridge team. Warnings are presented for precautionary
reasons to make the bridge team aware of changed conditions which
are not immediately hazardous, but may become so if no action is
taken
-Caution:
Lowest priority of an alert. Awareness of a condition which does not
warrant an alarm or warning condition, but still requires attention
out of the ordinary consideration of the situation or of given
information.
An alert provides information about a defined state change in
connection with information about how to announce this event in a
defined way to the system and the operator.
Alerts are separated for the alert handling into three categories of
alerts:
-Category A alerts:
Alerts for which graphical information at the task station directly
assigned to the function generating the alert is necessary, as decision
support for the evaluation of the alert-related condition.
-Category B alerts:
Alerts where no additional information for decision support is
necessary besides the information which can be presented at the
CAM-HMI.
-Category C alerts:
Alerts that cannot be acknowledged on the bridge but for which
information is required about the status and treatment of the alert,
e.g., certain alerts from the engine.
AlphaPilot MFM
Alphatron brand name for the heading control system
Assisted turn
Manoeuvre of a vessel from one straight leg to the next automatically
controlled by a pre-set radius or rate of turn but not based on the
vessel's position.
Autopilot
A Heading Control System.

9 | Introduction
COG (Course Over
Ground)
COG is the actual direction of progress of a vessel, between two
points, with respect to the surface of the earth. The vessel’s heading
may differ from the COG because of wind, tide and currents.
Course
A vessel's course is the cardinal direction along which the vessel is to
be steered. It is to be distinguished from the vessel's heading, which is
the compass direction in which the craft's bow is pointed.
Cross track distance
Perpendicular distance of the vessel from the track including direction
(negative if the vessel is left of the intended track)
Cross track error
See ‘Cross track distance’
Cross-track limit
Maximum cross track distance before an alert is activated.
Curved track
Non-straight track between two straight legs.
ECDIS (Electronic Chart
Display and Information
System)
A geographic information system used for nautical navigation that
complies with IMO regulations as an alternative to paper nautical
charts.
An ECDIS displays the information from ENC or DNC and integrates
position information from position, heading and speed through water
reference systems and optionally other navigational sensors. Other
sensors which could interface with an ECDIS are radar, Navtex,
Automatic Identification Systems (AIS), and depth sounders.
Electronic Navigational
Charts
An official database created by a national hydrographic office for use
with an ECDIS.
Heading
The horizontal direction in which a vessel points or heads at any
instant, expressed in angular units from a reference direction, usually
from 000° at the reference direction clockwise through 360°.
Heading control
Control of the vessel's heading.
HCS (Heading Control
System)
A system which enables a vessel to keep a pre-set heading with
minimum operation of the vessel's steering gear, within limits related
to the vessel's manoeuvrability in conjunction with their sources of
heading information. The HCS may work together with a TCS.
A turn rate control or a turning-radius control for performing turns
may be provided.
The term HCS differentiates the automatic pilot (autopilot) from a
system designed to keep a vessel on a pre-determined track
throughout its passage, which is called TCS.
Heading Monitor System
This system monitors the actual heading sensor by an independent
second source.
Helm
A wheel or tiller by which a vessel is steered.
IEC
A non-profit, non-governmental international standards organization
that prepares and publishes International Standards for all electrical,
electronic and related technologies.
Indication
Visual display of any message to the user which may be accompanied
by a low intensity acoustic signal to gain attention.
Latitude and Longitude
The units that represent the coordinates at geographic coordinate
system.
LOG
Speed data from Water Speed Log
Leg
Line between two waypoints defining the track.

10 | Introduction
Main conning position
Place on the bridge with a commanding view providing the necessary
information and equipment for the conning officer to carry out his
functions.
Main steering gear
The machinery, rudder actuators, steering gear power units, if any,
and ancillary equipment and the means of applying torque to the
rudder stock (e.g. tiller or quadrant) necessary for effecting
movement of the rudder for steering the vessel under normal service
conditions.
Magnetic compass
The Earth has a magnetic field which is approximately aligned with its
axis of rotation. A magnetic compass is a device that uses this field to
determine the cardinal directions.
Manual (steering) mode
Method of controlling steering gear manually is contrast with
automatic steering control mode (course control mode). Both Follow-
Up and Non-Follow-Up modes may be considered as manual steering
mode.
Override function
An intentional fast change-over from automatic to temporary manual
control.
Radius of turn
Radius of a curved track
Rate-Of-Turn
The speed (or rate) at which a vessel is turning at, or can turn at,
measured in degrees per minute.
Relative bearing
The direction of a target from own vessel expressed as an angular
displacement from own vessel's heading.
Relative course
The direction of motion of a target relative to own vessel's position
expressed as an angular displacement from north. It is deduced from
several measurements of target range and bearing on own vessel's
radar.
Relative speed
The speed of a target relative to own vessel's position. It is deduced
from several measurements of target range and bearing on own
vessel's radar.
Rudder Feedback Unit
The Rudder Feedback Unit can be used in a rudder angle indicator
system and as a part of the control loop in a steering
control system.
SOLAS (Safety of Life at
Sea)
An international maritime treaty which requires signatory flag states
to ensure that vessels flagged by them comply with minimum safety
standards in construction, equipment, and operation.
Speed
The absolute value of velocity. May either be the vessel's speed
through the water, or the speed made good over the ground.
SOG (Speed over ground)
The speed of the vessel relative to the surface of the earth.
Steering gear
The equipment provided on vessels to turn the vessel.
Steering mode selector
A switch provided for the selection of manual steering modes and
automatic steering devices.
Tiller
A device that is used to turn the rudder, which then steers the boat.
Track
Path to be followed over ground.
Track control
Control of the vessel's movement along a track, where corrections
made by the controller to compensate for wind, drift and other
influences, are based on the cross-track error and not only on the
bearing to the destination waypoint.

11 | Introduction
TCS (Track Control
System)
System designed to keep a vessel on a pre-determined track
throughout its passage.
Track Control systems must be interfaced with an electronic position
fixing system. SOLAS Regulation 19, 2.8.2 requires Heading Control or
Track Control Systems to be fitted to all vessels of 10000 GT and
upward. There is no requirement to fit a Track Control system to any
class of vessel. Track Control Systems include the functional
capabilities of Heading Control systems.
Waypoint
An intermediate point or place on a route or line of travel, a stopping
point or point at which course is changed.

12 | Introduction
II. Safety Information
The signal words DANGER, WARNING and CAUTION used in this manual indicate the degree of
hazard that may be encountered by the user. These words are defined as follows:
DANGER
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death
or serious injury. This signal word is limited to the most extreme
situations.
WARNING
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death
or serious injury.
CAUTION
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor
or moderate injury.
The signal word NOTICE used in this manual indicates information considered important but not
related to injury. It is typically used to prevent damage to equipment or property.
To safely operate this system, the following DANGERS, WARNINGS, and CAUTIONS must be adhered
to. Failure to comply with the precautions or with specific dangers, warnings, and cautions elsewhere
in this manual violates safety standards of design, manufacture, and intended use of the equipment.
ALPHATRON MARINE assumes no liability for the customer's failure to comply with these
requirements.
WARNING
AlphaPilot is a very useful navigational aid but DOES NOT UNDER ANY
CIRCUMSTANCES REPLACE A HUMAN NAVIGATOR.
Do not use automatic steering in the following conditions:
•In heavy traffic areas or in narrow waters;
•In poor visibility or extreme sea conditions;
•When in areas where the law prohibits use of autopilot.
When using AlphaPilot:
•Do not leave the helm unattended;
•Do not place any magnetic material or equipment near the
heading sensor used in the AlphaPilot MFM system;
•Verify at regular intervals the course and position of the vessel;
•Always switch to Standby mode in due time to avoid hazardous
situations
WARNING
Do not disassemble or modify the equipment. Otherwise, it may cause a
fire, or you may suffer an electrical shock.

13 | Introduction
WARNING
Immediately turn off the power and disconnect the power supply cable if
the equipment is generating any smoke or odour or is overheated.
Immediately inform your local service agent of the symptom to have it
repaired. Prolonged equipment operation under such a condition can
cause a fire or electric shock.
WARNING
Do not place a container containing liquid on the equipment. Otherwise, it
may cause a fire, or you may suffer an electrical shock if knocked over.
WARNING
When unplugging the instrument, be sure to remove the cord terminal
correctly. If the cord is pulled, the cord may get damaged resulting in a fire
or an electrical shock.

14 | Introduction
III. Warranty
To not to adversely affect the warranty, the following notices must be adhered to.
NOTICE
Operating personnel must not remove equipment covers. Only personnel trained
and certified by ALPHATRON MARINE must make component replacement and
internal adjustment.
NOTICE
Do not disassemble or modify the equipment. Failure to observe this instruction
may cause equipment failure, and it will void the warranty.
NOTICE
Any modification to this equipment without prior written permission from
ALPHATRON MARINE will void the warranty.
NOTICE
Installation of this product shall only be done by a certified installation company
approved by either ALPHATRON MARINE or by an official ALPHATRON MARINE
distributor. Acting otherwise will void the warranty.
NOTICE
This product contains no operator serviceable parts. Service and repair shall only be
carried out by personnel trained and certified by ALPHATRON MARINE.
NOTICE
Do not place a container containing liquid on the equipment. The equipment can be
damaged if knocked over.
NOTICE
When cleaning the surface, do not use any organic solvent such as thinner or
benzine. Otherwise, the paint and markings on the surface may get damaged. For
cleaning the surface, remove the dust and debris and wipe with a clean dry cloth.

15 | Introduction
IV. About the manual
Intended readers
This manual is an operation manual for the AlphaPilot MFM system and control unit. The manual is
intended for end users.
Manual overview
This manual has the following chapters:
•Introduction contains a description about the AlphaPilot MFM system.
•AlphaPilot MFM control unit contains a description about the control unit and its interface.
•Operating modes contains a description about the autopilot operating modes.
•Functions contains a description about the basic functions such as dimming, control
handover, alert handling, and alarm test.
•Menus contains a description about the accessible menus and menu items.
•Alerts contains a description about alerts displayed on the AlphaPilot MFM control unit.
Related documents
The Alphatron AlphaPilot MFM system is available in many configurations, therefore 1 or more
documents listed below may not be applicable.
•Alphatron Marine FU Tiller Operation Manual
•Alphatron Marine FU Tiller ROT Operation Manual
•Alphatron Marine FU Tiller S/I Operation Manual
•Alphatron Marine NFU Tiller Operation Manual
•Alphatron Marine Handwheel SR Operation Manual
•Alphatron Marine Handwheel TR Operation Manual
•Alphatron Marine Mode Switch 2 Pos Operation Manual
•Alphatron Marine Mode Switch 3 Pos Operation Manual
•Alphatron Marine RFU Rudder Feedback Unit MD/HD Installation and Operation Manual
Contact the Alphatron dealer for copies of the documents listed above.

16 | Introduction
1Introduction
The Alphatron AlphaPilot MFM system is a type approved heading control system with self-adjusting
‘Auto Tune’ algorithm, designed to fit vessels of any size, including high speed crafts. It is a modern
and technologically advanced digital vessel control unit that is intended to reduce the operator’s
workload, increase the vessel motion efficiency and improve operational safety.
The AlphaPilot MFM control unit is the main operator control unit of the AlphaPilot MFM system. It
is used for control and monitoring of autopilot operation, setting vessel heading or rudder angle,
selection of autopilot operating modes.
The AlphaPilot MFM control unit works in conjunction with an MCU (Main Control Unit) Box, which
connect to the steering system or to the steering gear. Refer to the AlphaPilot MFM Installation
Manual for more details about the MCU Box.
WARNING! AlphaPilot is a very useful navigational aid but DOES NOT UNDER ANY
CIRCUMSTANCES REPLACE A HUMAN NAVIGATOR.
Do not use automatic steering in the following conditions:
•In heavy traffic areas or in narrow waters;
•In poor visibility or extreme sea conditions;
•When in areas where the law prohibits use of autopilot.
When using AlphaPilot:
•Do not leave the helm unattended;
•Do not place any magnetic material or equipment near the heading sensor used
in the AlphaPilot MFM system;
•Verify at regular intervals the course and position of the vessel;
•Always switch to Standby mode (i.e. Mode Switch to ‘MAN’ or ‘NFU’ position) in
due time to avoid hazardous situations (ref. SOLAS-74 (Safety of Life at Sea),
chapter 5, rule 19, International Regulations for
Preventing Collisions at Sea; Navigation Rules-72, Rule 5 & etc.)
Compliance
The Alphatron AlphaPilot MFM system, has DNV GL type examination for the compliance with IMO
Res. A.342 (IX), IMO Res. MSC. 64(67) Annex 3, IMO Res. A694 (17). Autopilot is also compliant with
IMO Res. A.822 (19) and ISO11674 (2006) /16329 (2003) for High Speed Crafts, IEC 62288:2014
Presentation of navigation-related information on shipborne navigational displays, DNV Rules for
Classification of Ships 2014.
‘Fail-to-safety’ principle
‘Fail-to-safety’principle is implemented in the AlphaPilot MFM system design, i.e. any failure results
in the least critical of any possible new conditions.

17 | AlphaPilot MFM control unit
2AlphaPilot MFM control unit
The AlphaPilot MFM control unit has a touch screen display, a rotary knob, and a power button:
-The touch screen display shows information such as heading, current mode and settings, and
alerts. The touch screen display is also used to set parameters (see Figure 2 on page 18).
-The rotary knob is used for various purposes such as, changing heading, and set parameters.
-The power button is used to reset the AlphaPilot MFM.
Figure 1: AlphaPilot MFM control unit

18 | AlphaPilot MFM control unit
The information shown on the display depends partly on the operating mode. Figure 2 (and
Table 1) is provided as an example to highlight generic information. For information displayed in a
specific operation mode related information is described in the respective section (see section
‘Operating modes’ on page 21).
All information, menus and functions are by default in English.
Figure 2: AlphaPilot MFM control unit - Displayed information
Item
Description
Alert symbol
Symbol for active alarm or notification. For detailed descriptions of alerts, see
section ‘Alarms, warnings, and cautions’on page 16.
Actual heading
Actual heading taken from compass source.
Compass source
Source from which the actual heading is taken. The following sources may be
displayed:
GYRO1 = Gyrocompass 1 (NMEA)
GYRO2 = Gyrocompass 2 (NMEA)
THD = True Heading Device (i.e. Satellite Compass, NMEA)
MAGN = Magnetic compass (NMEA)
Actual
heading
Compass
source
Set RAD /
ROT value
Alert symbol
Set ROT
or RAD
mode
Actual speed
Actual ROT
or RAD
value
MODE |
AUTO
Information
area
Source for
actual speed
Operating
mode
Rudder
order
Rudder
angle
limit
Decrease
brightness
level
Increase
brightness
level
In command
Menu
Rudder
feedback

19 | AlphaPilot MFM control unit
Item
Description
HMS ‘ID1’= ID of the Master Compass from an external HMS system (ID1 from
incoming NMEA HMR sentences)
Increase
brightness level
Increase brightness level of all modules simultaneously.
In command
Shows if the AlphaPilot MFM control unit is in command. Also used for control
handover. See section ’Control handover’ on page 48.
Source for
actual speed
Source from which the speed is taken. SOG value can be received from sensor
(i.e. SOG:S) or it can be calculated (i.e. SOG:C). Speed can also be inputted
manually (i.e. SPD MAN) (not recommended).
Actual speed
Speed value in knots.
Information
area
Info depends on the heading control mode. Selection of displayed data can be
done via the rotary knob. The following information can be displayed:
-Vessel position (LON/LAT) is available in all operating modes if position
source is available from GPS or ECDIS.
-COG-SOG data and its type is available in all operating modes if
COG/SOG data is available from GPS or ECDIS.
-‘HDG ERROR’is available in Auto (A) control mode. HDG error and its
direction to actual heading value are shown.
-‘PREVIOUSLY SET HDG’is available in Auto (A) control mode. Previous
‘SET HDG’value is shown during movement of rotary knob (to set a
new ordered HDG).
-Way point is available in Auto (A) control mode, CTS pilot (C) mode, and
Track control modes if WP data is available from ECDIS or GPS from the
incoming NMEA sentences APB and BWC (or BWR).
-‘NEW WP. CONFIRM TURN’is available in Track control mode only,
during WP changing in the external ECDIS/ECS system.
-‘COG ERROR’is available in CTS pilot (C) mode. COG keeping error and
direction to actual COG value is shown.
-‘PREVIOUSLY SET COG’is available in CTS (C) pilot mode. Previous ‘SET
COG’value is shown during movement of rotary knob (to set a new
ordered COG).
-‘HMS’is available in all control modes, if more than one Heading source
is connected or Heading Source is the external HMS.
Decrease
brightness level
For simultaneous brightness level control of all interconnected modules.
Rudder angle
limit
Shows the pre-set limit for the angle of the rudder. Rudder limit can be set in
menu ‘Parameters’. See section Menu ‘Parameters’ on page 50.
Rudder order
Presented as ordered rudder angle (in degrees).
Rudder
feedback
Feedback of the RFU (Rudder Feedback Unit). Presented as rudder angle (in
degrees).
NOTE: This value should follow the rudder order.
Operating mode
Shows the active operating mode. For more information, see section ‘Operating
modes’ on page 21.
Menu
The MENU button is used to enter or exit the parameters menu or advanced
menu, which enables changing of the AlphaPilot operating parameters.
For more information, see section ‘Menus’ on page xx.

20 | AlphaPilot MFM control unit
Item
Description
MODE|AUTO
The ‘MODE|AUTO’ button is used to select the desired control mode. Press the
‘MODE|AUTO’ button to change the control mode (the identifier of the next
available control mode appears on the display). When new mode is confirmed
by pushing the rotary knob, the AlphaPilot goes into selected mode and the
respective symbol appears in ‘Operating mode’ field on the display. If a mode is
not confirmed within 20 seconds, AlphaPilot remains in previous control mode.
Actual ROT or
RAD value
Actual operating ROT or RAD value. Operating ROT value is shown in degrees
per minute. Operating RAD value is shown in nautical miles.
ROT value can be received from sensor (i.e. ROT:S) or it can be calculated (i.e.
ROT:C).
Set ROT or RAD
mode
Set steering method to ROT or RAD mode.
NOTE: Some control modes (e.g. CTS pilot (C) and Wind vane (V) control mode)
use their own steering method (which are strongly defined in the Autopilot
software regardless of this setting).
Table 1: Description of AlphaPilot MFM displayed information