Alphatron ALPHASEAPILOT MFC User manual

ALPHASEAPILOT MFC
Autopilot
Operating manual
ALPHATRON MARINE B.V.
Schaardijk 23
3063 NH ROTTERDAM
The Netherlands
Tel: +31 0)10 – 453 4000
Fax: +31 0)10 – 452 9214
P.O. Box 210003
3001 AA ROTTERDAM
Web: www.alphatronmarine.com
Mail: [e-mail]
The information in this Manual is subject to change without notice and
does not represent a commitment on the part of ALPHATRON MARINE
B.V.
Document : Manual ALPHASEAPILOT MFC
Issue : 1.1
 ALPHATRON MARINE B.V.
Manufactured for Alphatron by Navitron Systems Ltd., Havant Hants UK

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NB: Whilst all efforts have een made to ensure the safety and relia ility of the
ALPHASEAPILOT Autopilot system, it should e noted that the installation of any
such system, should never e permitted to detract from the adequate provision
of sound and continuous watch keeping duties.
IMPORTANT APPLICATION & OPERATING NOTE:-
The ALPHASEAPILOT Autopilot System is Type Approved and Wheelmarked compliant
with IMO A342 (ix) as amended y MSC 64/67 Annexe 3 which is applica le to vessels up
to 30 knots (non High Speed Craft).
It is also Type Approved for high Speed Craft (HSC) compliant with ISO 16329 to provide
an overall speed application to 70 knots.
Since the Control parameters – conventional displacement vessels versus High Speed
Craft – are very different, it is essential that the correct vessel type (DISP or HSC) is
correctly entered in the Autopilot SET UP Menu during installation and cali ration (see
Section 2.16)

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Section 1: Short Operating Instructions ................................................... 6
1.1 Control Unit Display Data & Initial Control Settings - Section 2.4) ..........................6
1.2 Switching to STANDBY or OFF) – Section 2.1) ......................................................7
1.3 Engaging Autopilot ON) – Section 2.2 & 2.18) ......................................................7
1.4 Adjusting Steering Performance – Section 2.19 – 2.22) .........................................8
1.5 Matching Heading Steered with Heading Set Section 2.23) ...................................10
1.6 Avoiding Unnecessary Rudder Correction Section 2.25) ........................................10
1.7 Altering to a New Heading Section 2.36) .............................................................11
1.8 Adjusting Rate of Turn using the Rudder Limit Control Section 2.31) ....................11
1.9 Programmable Automatic Rate of Turn Control Section 2.6, 2.32 & 2.33) .............12
1.10 Programmable Automatic Radius of Turn Section 2.6 & 2.34) ...............................13
1.11 Adjusting Overshoot and Undershoot Section 2.4 & 2.24) ....................................13
1.12 Using the Track Function Section 2.9 & 2.38) ......................................................14
1.13 Cancelling an Audible Alarm Section 2.8) .............................................................16
1.14 Testing Alarms Section 2.8) ................................................................................16
1.15 Keypad Turns Sections 2.11 & 2.36) ....................................................................17
1.16 The Controls Menu Section 2.4) ...........................................................................18
1.17 The Limits Menu Section 2.6) ..............................................................................19
1.18 The Remote Key Section 2.10 & 2.40) .................................................................19
1.19 The Illumination Control Section 2.5) ..................................................................19
1.20 The Cancel and Confirm Keys Section 2.13) .........................................................20
1.21 Using NT920NFU Dodge and Power Steer if fitted) ...............................................20
1.22 Using the NT990FU Power Steer if fitted) .............................................................22
1.23 Using Proprietary Power Steer and Override functions ...........................................22
Section 2: Operator Controls and Sea Trials ............................................... 23
2.1 The Autopilot Standby / OFF Key & Modes See Vessel Type p.s. 2.16) ..................26
2.2 The Autopilot ON Key Modes Rudder/Thruster) ....................................................27
2.3 The Adaptive & Non Adaptive PID) Autopilot Modes .............................................27
2.4 The CONTROLS Menu ...........................................................................................28
2.4 i) Adaptive / Non Adaptive Selection ................................................................28
2.4 ii) Rudder Control ............................................................................................28
2.4 iii) YAW Control ................................................................................................29
2.4 iv) COUNTER Control ........................................................................................29
2.4 v) Autothrust ...................................................................................................30
2.4 vi) Turn Type ROT or RAD) ..............................................................................30
2.5 The Rotary +/-) Illumination Control ...................................................................31
2.6 The LIMITS Menu .................................................................................................32
2.6 i) Rudder Limit ................................................................................................32
2.6 ii) Off Heading Alarm .......................................................................................32
2.6 iii) Course Comparator Alarm ............................................................................33
2.6 iv) Watch Alarm ................................................................................................34
2.6 v) Rate of Turn ROT) Calibration & Display °/sec or °/min) .............................34
2.6 vi) Radius of Turn RAD) Calibration ..................................................................35
2.6 vii) Dodge Angle Calibration ...............................................................................36
2.6 viii) Custom Turn Calibration ..............................................................................36
2.7 The AUTOTRIM Key Automatic Permanent Helm) .................................................37
2.8 The Alarm TEST/OFF Key ......................................................................................37
2.9 The TRACK Key ....................................................................................................38
2.10 The REMOTE Key ..................................................................................................38

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2.11 The TURN MODE Keys ..........................................................................................39
2.11 i) The ‘U TURN’ Key ........................................................................................39
2.11 ii) The ‘NEXT COURSE’ Key ..............................................................................39
2.11 iii) The +/-1° / +/-5° Key .................................................................................40
2.12 The Rotary SET COURSE Control ...........................................................................41
2.13 The CANCEL & CONFIRM KEYS .............................................................................43
2.14 The Control Unit Start Up Display Splash Screen) ................................................44
2.15 The Control Unit Operational Display ....................................................................45
2.16 Sea Trials and Autopilot Type Selection .................................................................46
2.17 Mag/True Heading Assessment .............................................................................47
2.18 Autopilot Engagement ON) ..................................................................................47
2.19 Initial Course Keeping Performance ......................................................................48
2.20 Optimising the Rudder Control Setting ..................................................................49
2.21 Optimising the Rudder Control Band .....................................................................49
2.22 Loop Gain Calibration ...........................................................................................50
2.23 Autotrim Automatic Permanent Helm) Assessment ..............................................50
2.24 The Counter Rudder Control Setting .....................................................................53
2.25 Optimising the Yaw Control Setting .......................................................................54
2.26 STW Speed Data Input Speed through the Water) ...............................................55
2.27 SOG Speed Data Input Speed over the Ground) ..................................................55
2.28 Draft Input Laden State) .....................................................................................55
2.29 Calibration of Adaptive Steering Performance vs Speed .........................................56
2.29 i) Adaptive Calibration Input Requirements:- ...................................................56
2.29 ii) Calibration of Power Steer Override Controls vs Speed:- ...............................56
2.29 iii) To calibrate Adaptive Autopilot Steering vs Speed:- ......................................57
2.30 Calibration of Adaptive Steering Performance vs Draft ...........................................58
2.31 Setting the Rudder Limit Control ...........................................................................59
2.32 Setting Rate of Turn Control .................................................................................60
2.33 Setting Maximum Safe Rate of Turn ......................................................................61
2.34 Setting Radius of Turn ..........................................................................................62
2.35 Optimising the Off Heading & Course Comparator CCA) Alarms ............................63
2.36 Setting and Confirming New Autopilot Courses ......................................................65
2.37 Setting the Watch Alarm Period ............................................................................66
2.38 The Track Function ...............................................................................................67
2.38 i) Track Mode Display and Status Information ..................................................68
2.38 ii) Track Mode Alarms ......................................................................................69
2.38 iii) Engaging the Track Function ........................................................................69
2.39 Manual and Auto Deviation Correction ..................................................................70
2.39 i) Automatic Deviation Correction Procedure ....................................................70
2.39 ii) Manual Deviation Correction Procedure ........................................................71
2.39 iii) To Clear the Programmed Deviation Table ....................................................71
2.40 ALPHASEAPILOT MFC Second Station Control Units ...............................................72
2.41 NT920 NFU Power Steering – Refer to Section 1.21 ...............................................73
2.42 NT990 FU Power Steering – Refer to Section 1.22 .................................................73
2.43 Special Latched and Non Latched Power Steer Controls .........................................73
2.43 i) Normal proprietary Follow Up Power Steer:- .................................................73
2.43 ii) Non Latched Jog Lever Non Follow Up) Override Control:- ...........................74
2.43 iii) Latched Jog Lever NFU) Override & Resume Course Control:- ......................74
2.43 iv) To Select the Isolated Input Steering Mode:- ................................................75
2.43 v) To Calibrate Isolated Input Steering Modes against Speed:- .........................75

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Section 3: Display Messages, Alarms and Status Indicators ..................... 76
3.1 Display at Power Up .............................................................................................77
3.2 Possible Failure Messages at Power Up ..................................................................77
3.3 Operational Display Messages ...............................................................................78
3.4 Alarm Display Messages .......................................................................................80
3.4 i) Heading Sensor Fail Messages:- ...................................................................80
3.4 ii) Miscellaneous Failure Messages:- .................................................................80
3.4 iii) Speed Data Alarms:- ...................................................................................81
3.4 iv) Track Mode Data, Warnings & Alarms:- ........................................................81
3.4 v) Operational Warnings/Alarms:- ....................................................................81
3.5 Operational Status LED’s ......................................................................................81
Dimensions ALPHASEAPILOT MFC ..................................................................... 82
Connectiondiagram ALPHASEAPILOT MFC ............................................................ 83
Alphatron Agents Authorized) ........................................................................ 84

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Section 1: Short Operating Instructions
These Short Operating Instructions provide a quick reference guide to setting up and operating
the ALPHASEAPILOT MFC Autopilot. The locations in the manual where more detailed
descriptions can be found are shown against each heading in brackets, e.g. Section X.XX).
1.1 Control Unit Display Data & Initial Control Settings - ( Section 2.4 )
The ALPHASEAPILOT MFC Autopilot is Speed Adaptive and – provided it is used in adaptive
mode and calibrated for the correct vessel type DISP or HSC per 2.16) – will automatically set
its own control parameters for optimum steering performance.
Adaptive/non adaptive operation is selectable via CONTROLS key operation and entry to the
Controls Menu which is shown on the right of the main display.
Unless alternative settings have been established from experience during sea passages with the
Autopilot in operation, selection of the non adaptive mode will be necessary to enable primary
control settings YAW, RUDDER, COUNTER RUDDER) to be manually adjusted.
If conducting first time sea trials or - if unfamiliar with ALPHASEAPILOT MFC Autopilot operation
– see section 2.4.
ALPHASEAPILOT MFC

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1.2 Switching to STANDBY (or OFF) – ( Section 2.1 )
i) Use the STANDBY key to enter the STANDBY
Mode.
ii) Wait for self test to complete which will be
followed by the operational Control Unit display
screen.
In this mode, the Control Unit tracks and displays “Actual Heading”, Rate of Turn “ROT”) and
“Rudder Angle” etc. and will continue in a tracking mode until the Autopilot is engaged “ON”
key operation).
NB. The Autopilot can be switched OFF at any time by “OFF” key operation.
1.3 Engaging Autopilot (ON) – (Section 2.2 & 2.18)
The ALPHASEAPILOT MFC Autopilot can only be switched via the Standby condition thus
switching directly from OFF to ON is not possible.
To engage the Autopilot:-
i) Steady the vessel on the required heading.
ii) Use the “ON” key to engage the Autopilot.
NB. Single press of the “ON” key engages the Autopilot in Rudder control mode only, a
continuous 2 second press is Thruster mode only and a further 2 second continuous press is
Rudder AND Thruster mode.

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1.4 Adjusting Steering Performance – ( Section 2.19 – 2.22 )
Manual Adjustment of Controls)
If the Autopilot has been programmed with Speed Adaptive values based on earlier sea trials or
prior seagoing operational performance – no initial adjustment will be required.
If no predetermined values have been stored, it will not be possible to enter - or operate – in
the Adaptive Mode until calibrated per Section 2.29) and manually entered operational control
settings will be required via access to the Controls Menu as follows:-
i) With the Autopilot in the “STANDBY” mode access
also available from “ON” or “Track” modes), use the
“CONTROLS” key to display the Controls Menu.
ii) Note the position of the flashing cursor over the
Controls Menu item “ADAPT ON/OFF” which should
be “OFF” in the absence of Adaptive Data. Also,
when no Speed Data is available, non Adaptive OFF)
Autopilot operation is necessary and PID Control is
required involving manual RUDDER, YAW & COUNTER
Control adjustment.
iii)
Select ADAPT “OFF” via the rotary +/-) illum.
control then note that the “CONTROLS” key is again
used to select RUDDER, YAW or COUNTER as
required) so that adjustment can be made to the
value 1 to 9) of the selected control via the rotary
+/-) illum. control.
NB. The Controls Menu display will timeout and revert to the normal operational
display if no adjustments are made for a period of 30 seconds. Re-entry to the
Controls Menu is by “CONTROLS” key operation.
Manual Adjustment of Controls:
iv)
Use the “CONTROLS” key to select “YAW” and set a
value of “1” using the rotary +/-) illum. key.
v) Use the “CONTROLS” key to select “COUNTER” and
set a value of “1” using the rotary +/-) illum. key.
The vessel should now be steady on the required heading under manual steering Autopilot
STANDBY Mode) or engaged Autopilot ON).
vi)
Check that the Autopilot is ON engaged) and note the steering performance
in terms of Understeer or Oversteer as follows:-

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vii)
Use the “CONTROLS” key to select “RUDDER” and increase or decrease the
Rudder Control value 1 to 9) using the rotary +/-) illum. key to optimise
the straight line steering performance in terms of Understeer/Oversteer.
Large deviations or protracted
periods off the Heading Set
due to
insufficient rudder application in
response to Yaw:
-
Typical stretched
‘S’ characteristic
of Understeer
Action required:
-
Increase Rudder
Control Setting.
Clockwise)
Understeer Characteristics
Oversteer Characteristics
Autopilot applying too much rudder
causing vessel ‘weave’ which may
increase to a tight ‘S’ pattern:
-
Typical tight ‘S’
characteristic of
Oversteer
Action required:
-
Reduce Rudder
Control Setting.
Anticlockwise)

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1.5 Matching Heading Steered with Heading Set ( Section 2.23 )
When the Autopilot is engaged the AUTOTRIM Automatic Permanent Helm – APH) function
continuously monitors any long-term differences between the heading set and the mean course
actually steered. Any long-term difference is automatically adjusted by the Autotrim APH)
function applying the appropriate amount of permanent helm.
To speed up this automatic APH) process: -
i) Wait for vessel to settle on steady heading.
ii)
Press the AUTOTRIM SET key.
Pressing and holding down the AUTOTRIM key for 5 seconds will switch the AUTOTRIM function
OFF as confirmed by the red corner keypad LED.
1.6 Avoiding Unnecessary Rudder Correction ( Section 2.25 )
Frequent rudder movements when the vessel is yawing either side of the set heading in a
seaway indicates that the autopilot sensitivity is set too high for the sea conditions being
experienced. This can cause premature wear of the steering gear and, whilst an automatically
adjusted feature of the full Adaptive operating mode, will require manual adjustment in the non
Adaptive PID) mode.
To manually decrease the frequency of rudder movement due to yawing: -
i) Use the “CONTROLS” key to display the controls menu.
ii) Use the “CONTROLS” key again to select “YAW” and increase the Yaw value 1 to
9) using the rotary +/-) illum. key.
The normal operational display will resume automatically after a timeout period
of 30 secs.).
NB. Don’t forget to reduce the YAW setting when yawing decreases as the vessel
moves from rougher to calmer sea conditions.

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1.7 Altering to a New Heading ( Section 2.36 )
In full Adaptive operational mode, a course change executed by the Autopilot system may be
controlled by pre-programmed Rate or Radius of Turn data.
These limiting factors can also apply in the non Adaptive PID) operating mode provided the
Autopilot CONTROLS and LIMITS menus have been programmed and - for Radius controlled
turns - that Speed SOG) input data is available.
If the existence of safe limiting factors is uncertain, the RUDDER LIMIT function – which
otherwise limits the maximum permissible angle of rudder applied by the Autopilot – can be
employed to produce small rudder angles/slow turns.
To alter course to a new heading using the Autopilot: -
i) Use the “LIMITS” to enter the Limits Menu where the Rudder Limit value is the
first item shown and should now be flashing.
NB. Each parameter in the Limits Menu is selectable via step by step use of the
LIMITS keypad and is confirmed by flashing of the appropriate box.
ii) Set the Rudder Limit value RUD LT) to a safe value range 5° to 50°) via the
rotary +/-) illumination control.
iii) Turn the Course Selector “Set Course” Control) clockwise to alter course to
Starboard or anticlockwise to alter course to Port. The Port & Starboard demand
chevrons will flash & an audible bleep will be heard.
iv) Press the “CONFIRM” key to execute the turn. As a safety precaution to prevent
accidental course selector operation the course change will be cancelled if the
confirm key is not pressed within the timeout period nominally 30 sec). Without
confirmation within 30 seconds the new course demand will automatically cancel
and the original set course will be maintained. Pressing the “CANCEL” key will
also cancel the course change.
NB. The Autopilot will order the vessel to turn in the same direction as the Course
Selector kno is turned for any amount of Course change up to 359°. The result is that
if the course change is more than 180° the vessel will continue to take the “long way”
round to the new course.
1.8 Adjusting Rate of Turn using the Rudder Limit Control ( Section 2.31 )
To adjust simple) Rate of Turn when altering course using the Autopilot: -
If vessel turns too quickly - reduce Rudd Limit RUD LT) value 1 - 9 per 1.7 ii).
If vessel turns too slowly - increase Rudd Limit RUT LT) value 1 - 9 per 1.7 ii).

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1.9 Programma le Automatic Rate of Turn Control ( Section 2.6, 2.32 &
2.33 )
The Autopilot Rate of Turn ROT) control function can operate – as programmed via the
CONTROLS and LIMITS Menus – in both the Adaptive and non Adaptive PID) modes:-
To select Rate of Turn control vs Radius of Turn:-
i) Use the “CONTROLS” key to select the Controls Menu.
ii) Use the “CONTROLS” key again to step through the Menu listing until the “TURN
TYPE” box is flashing.
iii) Use the rotary +/-) illumination control to select “ROT”.
To select required Rate of Turn (6 – 300 deg/min or 0.1 – 5 deg/sec):-
NB. ROT can be expressed and displayed) in °/min or °/sec as preferred and can be selected
accordingly via the Set Up Menu. Section 2.6 v) refers).
iv) Use the “LIMITS” key to display the Limits Menu.
v) Use the “LIMITS” key again to step through the Menu listing until the “ROT°/S”
box is flashing.
vi) Use the rotary +/-) illumination control to select the required ROT in °/min or
°/sec noting that 6–300°/min = 0.1-5°/sec).
Using the Turn Rate control.
Provided the Rate of Turn function is enabled and specified with a value in °/min or °/sec, it will
automatically control the vessel’s rate of turn during course changes. When the vessels Rate of
Turn is being limited by this function the SET ROT display box will flash alternating between the
value set i.e. 1°/SEC) and “MAX”. As the vessel approaches the new set heading and the
Rate of Turn decreases, the MAX display indication will automatically extinguish.
NB. During Track Steering Mode using the HTC sentence Section 2.9 & 2.38) it is possible for
the Track Controller to override the Autopilot programmed internal) value. However, this is
only possible up to any maximum permissible ROT value set within the Autopilot. In this HTC
sentence) Track Steering Mode, it is not possible to manually Adjust ROT.

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1.10 Programma le Automatic Radius of Turn ( Section 2.6 & 2.34 )
The Autopilot Turn Radius Control function can operate in both the Adaptive and non Adaptive
Modes but it is essential to note that Speed over the Ground SOG) input data must be present
– without which Radius control will not exist.
To select Radius of Turn Control vs Rate of Turn:-
i) Use the “CONTROLS” key to select the Controls Menu.
ii) Use the “CONTROLS” key again to step through the Menu listing until the “TURN
TYPE” box is flashing.
iii) Use the rotary +/-) illumination control to select “RAD”.
To select required Radius of Turn (0.1 - 9.9Nm):-
iv) Use the “LIMITS” key to display the Limits Menu.
v) Use the “LIMITS” key again to step through the Menu listing until the “RAD:nm”
box is flashing.
vi) Use the rotary +/-) illumination control to select the required Radius of Turn
between the limits 0.1–9.9Nm.
1.11 Adjusting Overshoot and Undershoot ( Section 2.4 & 2.24 )
This performance aspect is based on Counter Rudder Control settings and, if operating in the
full Adaptive mode, is unlikely to require manual adjustment.
If manual adjustment is required more likely in the non Adaptive PID mode) the “COUNTER”
Rudder value is changed as follows:-
i) Use the “CONTROLS” key to display the controls menu.
ii) Use the “CONTROLS” key again to select “COUNTR” and increase or decrease
the value 1-9) using the rotary +/-) illum. key based on the following:-
To adjust overshoot vessel goes past new heading) or undershoot vessel stops short of new
heading) when altering course using the Autopilot: -
If vessel overshoots - increase COUNTER RUDDER value
If vessel undershoots - reduce COUNTER RUDDER value

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1.12 Using the Track Function ( Section 2.9 & 2.38 )
The Autopilot is equipped with a comprehensive Track Steering facility which is activated by
operation of the “TRACK” key provided the Autopilot System is engaged (ON) and suitable
Track data is available from a proprietary approved GPS/Track Control system/ECDIS etc.
Track Operation is confirmed by red
corner LED illumination of the Track
key and additional display information
for AUTO TRACK STEERING Mode.
Three Track sentence types are
accepted $XXHTC, $XXHSC, $XXAPB)
all three of which provide the “Heading
to Steer” data required for single or
multi waypoint route steering by the
Autopilot system.
When operating in conjunction with an approved Track Control system sending the
comprehensive “HTC” sentence, complex manoeuvres based on externally ordered ROT &
Radius controlled turns to new headings can be acknowledged and executed by the Autopilot.

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To engage the Track function:-
It is assumed that valid track data is available to the Autopilot system).
i) With the Autopilot engaged ON)
use the “TRACK” key to accept
data.
NB. In the event that no data is
available, the “NO HTS DATA”
alarm will be generated visual
and audible).
ii) Valid Track data acceptance will
be confirmed below the Track
graphic as “HTC DATA”,
“HSC DATA” or “APB DATA” as appropriate and the New Heading to
Waypoint NEW HDG TO WP) display area flashing accompanied by the red
and green control panel chevrons requesting Confirm or Cancel action.
iii)
If the Track Mode Heading to Waypoint is to be accepted – use the
“CONFIRM” key.
If the “Confirm” key is used, the vessel will immediately turn to take up the
ordered new Heading to Waypoint and the Track graphic will show vessel icon
left or right of heading with the error angle below).
If the Track Mode Heading to Waypoint is to be rejected – use the “CANCEL”
key.
If the “Cancel” key is used, a silent period will follow beyond which the
Cancel/Confirm request will be repeated and this sequence will continue until
the Track Heading is accepted or Track Mode is set to “OFF”).
iv)
To disengage the Track Mode at any time, use the “TRACK” key when it will
be noted that the Track graphic will automatically be removed from the
Control Unit display and the red corner LED in the “TRACK” key will turn off.
NB. Track data failure during Track Mode operation is signalled by a Control
Unit generated alarm and alarms requesting Operator action
CONFIRM/CANCEL) will also be generated as follows:-
$XXHSC & $XXAPB Operation – Confirm/Cancel action required for any
New Heading to Waypoint change in excess of 10°.
$XXHTC Operation – No Cancel/Confirm action required – New Heading
change to next waypoint will be executed automatically.

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1.13 Cancelling an Audi le Alarm ( Section 2.8 )
All audible alarms can be silenced by the “TEST” key temporarily or permanently Alarms
Muted). When an operational alarm is cancelled by normal use of the Test keypad, the audible
alarm will stop but will restart automatically after a timeout period of 60 seconds if the alarm
condition persists. During the timeout period, a visual warning will be displayed to advise of
such an existing condition.
Audible alarms may be permanently muted by 5 second continuous operation of the “TEST” key
confirmed by the alarm off icon in the bottom left display corner. Audible alarms are re-enabled
by further 5 second continuous operation of the “TEST” key.
NB. Audible alarms may be permanently muted but this function should be used with extreme
caution since a permanently muted alarm may result in a missed alarm condition with dire
consequences.
To cancel an audi le alarm:-
i) Use the “TEST” key 1x
1.14 Testing Alarms ( Section 2.8 )
The alarms may be tested by double press of the
“TEST/OFF” keypad provided the alarm function is
not muted. In the muted condition, a second double
press is required).
To test Alarms:-
i) Double press the “TEST/OFF” key.
Each Control Unit keypad corner LED will now be illuminated in turn
accompanied at each step by audible alarm bleep).

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1.15 Keypad Turns ( Sections 2.11 & 2.36 )
Two types of turn can be selected using the “U TURN” or “NEXT COURSE” keys as required
confirmed in either case by illumination of the red corner LED as appropriate.
The “U TURN” function (Section 2.11 & 2.36):-
Operation of this keypad makes the Autopilot ready to produce a 180° turn from current
heading to reciprocal heading) which is executed when turn direction is first specified by
“CANCEL” PORT) or “CONFIRM” STBD) key operation followed by second “CANCEL” abort)
or “CONFIRM” execute U TURN) key use.
(i)
To use the “U TURN” function:
-
Press the “U TURN” key confirmed by flashing red corner
LED illumination.
NB: “U TURN” request cancelled - if required - by
second press of “U TURN” key.
A) Use the “+” STBD) or “-“ PORT) “TURN” key to specify the direction of “U TURN”
required.
=
=
NB: Unless U Turn follow up action is taken within 30 seconds,
U Turn selection will e cancelled.
B) Use the “+” CONFIRM) or “-“ CANCEL) “TURN” key to execute or cancel the “U
TURN” order.
(ii) “NEXT COURSE" (Section 2.11(ii))
Operation of this keypad allows a new NEXT) course to be stored and shown on the display in
advance of actual turn to the next course. Once ready Next Course stored) CANCEL/CONFIRM
key operation actions the turn to Next Course.
To use the “NEXT COURSE” function:-
A) Press the “NEXT COURSE” key confirmed by
flashing red corner LED illumination.
NB. “NEXT COURSE” request cancelled -
if
required - by 2nd press of “NEXT COURSE”
key.

Operating manual ALPHASEAPILOT MFC Issue 1.1 Page 18 of 84
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B) Note the “NEXT COURSE” area of the Control unit
display and turn the SET COURSE knob until the
display shows required “NEXT COURSE”.
C) Use the “+” STBD) or “-“ PORT) “TURN” key to
specify the direction of turn required to the “NEXT
COURSE” heading displayed.
D) Use the “+” CONFIRM) or “-“ CANCEL) “TURN”
key to execute or cancel the “NEXT COURSE” order.
(iii) “±1°/ ±5°” Step Turns (Section 2.13 & 2.36): -
Under normal operating conditions no U TURN, NEXT COURSE or NEW COURSE sequences in
process) the “TURN” + Stbd) or “TURN” – Port) keys can be used to order small permanent
course changes in 1°/5° steps etc.
To use the “±1°/±5°” function:-
A) Use the “+” STBD) or “-“ PORT) “TURN” key to
specify the direction of turn required in single presses
for 1° course change steps) or hold the key down to
produce an increase in the new heading step values
automatically from 1° to 5° to 10° etc.
B) Note that the actual amount of course change
ordered using the “TURN” keys is always confirmed by
the new permanent heading shown in the “SET COURSE”
area of the display.
1.16 The Controls Menu ( Section 2.4 )
This Menu can be conveniently displayed during normal “STANDBY” or “ON” operating modes by
use of the “CONTROLS” key:-
Entry to the CONTROLS Menu is confirmed by a listing from
“ADAPT” to “TURN TYPE” as shown) and selection of the
parameter required is via further CONTROL key operation.
When the required item is highlighted by a “flashing”
display, the value – or state – of that item is set by
movement +/-) of the rotary illumination control.
NB. In the event that the CONTROLS Menu has been entered but no change has been made
for timeout period of 30 seconds, the display will revert automatically to its normal operating
mode.

Operating manual ALPHASEAPILOT MFC Issue 1.1 Page 19 of 84
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1.17 The Limits Menu ( Section 2.6 )
This Menu can be conveniently displayed during normal “STANDBY” or “ON” operating modes by
use of the “LIMITS” key:-
Entry to the LIMITS Menu is confirmed by a listing from
“RUD LT” to “CUSTOM” as shown) and selection of the
parameter required is via further LIMIT key operation
When the required item is highlighted by a “flashing”
display, the value – or state – of that item is set by
movement +/-) of the rotary illumination control.
NB. In the event that the LIMITS Menu has been entered but no change has been made for
timeout period of 30 seconds, the display will revert automatically to its normal operating mode.
1.18 The Remote Key ( Section 2.10 & 2.40 )
Where more than one Control Unit is installed in the Autopilot system, or, where Remote Power
Steer Controls are involved, the “REMOTE” key provides unconditional Enable Remote ON) or
Disable Remote OFF) legislation.
REMOTE On red corner LED on) – Remote Stations permitted to work.
REMOTE Off red corner LED off) – Remote Stations not permitted to work.
1.19 The Illumination Control ( Section 2.5 )
In the normal Autopilot Operating Mode, the rotary +/-) illumination control is adjusted
clockwise +) or anticlockwise -) for brighter or dimmer control panel and display illumination
respectively.
When either the LIMITS Menu or CONTROLS Menu
is entered and displayed, the illumination control is used
to change the state of – or adjust the value of –
the Menu item selected.

Operating manual ALPHASEAPILOT MFC Issue 1.1 Page 20 of 84
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1.20 The Cancel and Confirm Keys ( Section 2.13 )
The CANCEL TURN/-) and CONFIRM TURN/+) keys are
mainly concerned with new Autopilot headings which may
be automatically Track Mode Waypoint Steering etc.) or
manually Dodge/Custom Turns etc.) entered.
1.21 Using NT920NFU Dodge and Power Steer (if fitted)
NT920NFU
Operating Instructions: -
NB. The NT920NFU s) will only function when the Autopilot “REMOTE” key is set to enable
Remote inputs REMOTE key red corner LED on). If the “REMOTE” key is off no red corner
LED) the NFU s) will be disabled.