Kongsberg Simrad AP11 User manual

Simrad AP11
Autopilot
ALWAYS AT THE FOREFRONT OF TECHNOLOGY
MANUAL

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Instruction manual
20220513E 1
Instruction Manual
This manual is intended as a reference guide for operating
and correctly installing the AP11 autopilot.
Great care has been paid to simplify operation and set-up of
the Robertson AP11, however, an autopilot is a complex
electronic system. It is affected by sea conditions, speed of
the vessel, hull shape and size.
Please take time to read this manual to get a thorough
understanding of the operation and system components
and their relationship to a complete AP11 autopilot system.
Other documentation materials that is provided with your
system include a warranty card. This must be filled out by
the authorized dealer that performed the installation and
mailed in to activate the warranty.

Robertson AP11 Autopilot
220220513E
Document revisions
Documentation
department
Hardware/Software
design
Project/Product
Management
Rev Date Sign Date Sign Date Sign
– 07.03.97 N.G. 07.03.97 G.K. 07.03.97 Th.H.
A 10.07.97 N.G. 10.07.97 Th.H.
B 16.02.98 N.G. 16.02.98 Th.H.
C 28.09.98 N.G. 28.09.98 Th.H.
D 26.01.00 N.G. 26.01.00 Th.H.
E 02.01.02 02.01.02
Document history
Rev. – First edition
Rev. A Diagrams for J300X and J3000X Terminal Boards included, page 48.
Missing text on illustration page 37 added. Misprint page 47
corrected. Distributor list updated.
Rev. B Minor corrections in text on pages 2, 10, 12, 21, 27, 28, 50, 55, 56, 57,
59, 62 and 64.
Rev. C Correction of display picture for small course changes, page 23,
correction in text under Display backlighting page 36 and new part
no. for Seal plug, page 100.
Rev. D LFI3000 substituted by LFI3000 Mk2. Distributor list updated.
Rev. E Added note page 53. Added text on page 54 (par. 8). Distributor list
updated.

Instruction manual
20220513E 3
Contents
1 INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................7
1.1 General ..........................................................................................................7
1.2 System Components....................................................................................8
1.3 AP11 Control Unit........................................................................................9
1.4 J3000X and J300X Junction Unit ...............................................................10
1.5 RF300 Rudder Feedback Unit...................................................................11
1.6 RFC35 Fluxgate compass...........................................................................11
1.7 Optional components................................................................................12
CDI35 Course Detector Interface.............................................................12
RFC35R Rate compass ...............................................................................12
LF3000 Linear Feedback............................................................................13
LFI3000 Mk2 Linear Feedback Interface .................................................13
"Rudder" Indicator .....................................................................................14
"Compass" Indicator ..................................................................................14
R3000X Remote Control............................................................................15
S100 NFU steering lever............................................................................15
2 AP11 AUTOPILOT OPERATION .....................................................................16
2.1 Overview.....................................................................................................16
2.2 On/Off .........................................................................................................18
2.3 Standby........................................................................................................18
2.4 Standby- Compass mode..........................................................................19
2.5 AP11 with MSD50 Stern Drive unit.........................................................19
Zero point setting.......................................................................................19
Operation ....................................................................................................20
2.6 Non-Follow-Up electrical steering...........................................................20
2.7 NFU Steering Lever ...................................................................................21
2.8 Hand held remote......................................................................................21
2.9 Standby-Nav mode....................................................................................21
2.10 Standby - Wind mode ...............................................................................22
2.11 Automatic Steering ....................................................................................22
2.12 Auto Compass mode .................................................................................23
Nav. displays in Auto Compass mode....................................................24
2.13 Dodging.......................................................................................................25
2.14 U-Turn .........................................................................................................26

Robertson AP11 Autopilot
420220513E
2.15 Tacking in Auto Compass mode..............................................................27
2.16 Clutch/bypass switch.................................................................................27
2.17 Navigating with the AP11.........................................................................28
2.18 Auto Navigation Mode..............................................................................29
Nav. displays in Auto Navigation mode ................................................30
2.19 Wind vane steering....................................................................................31
2.20 Auto W/A mode..........................................................................................31
2.21 Tacking in AUTO W/A mode ...................................................................33
Nav. displays in Auto W/A mode ............................................................34
2.22 Multistation operation...............................................................................34
2.23 Remote Control ..........................................................................................35
2.24 User settings................................................................................................36
Display backlighting..................................................................................36
Manual speed selection.............................................................................36
Manual selection of Sea State Filter.........................................................37
2.25 Alarms..........................................................................................................38
2.26 Demo mode ................................................................................................38
3 INSTALLATION.......................................................................................40
3.1 General ........................................................................................................40
3.2 Installation checklist ..................................................................................40
3.3 Unpacking and handling ..........................................................................41
3.4 Determine system configuration .............................................................42
AP11 Basic system......................................................................................42
AP11 connected to a IS11 instrument system ........................................43
AP11 system with options.........................................................................43
AP11 system with special J300X options.................................................44
3.5 RF300 Rudder feedback installation........................................................44
3.6 Junction unit installation...........................................................................46
Cable connections ......................................................................................46
Grounding and RFI....................................................................................47
3.7 Drive unit installation................................................................................49
Connecting a reversible pump.................................................................51
Connecting a hydraulic linear drive........................................................51
Separate clutch/bypass switch..................................................................51
Connecting a solenoid valve ....................................................................52
3.8 Control Unit Installation ...........................................................................53

Instruction manual
20220513E 5
3.9 RFC35 Fluxgate Compass installation.....................................................55
3.10 RFC35R Rate Compass ..............................................................................56
3.11 R3000X Remote Control installation........................................................57
3.12 S100 NFU Lever installation .....................................................................58
3.13 Interfacing ...................................................................................................59
J3000X NMEA input/output......................................................................59
Databox connection ...................................................................................60
IS11 instrument installation......................................................................61
J300X/J300X-40 NMEA input/output .......................................................61
J300X Radar Clock/Data ............................................................................62
J300X External Alarm.................................................................................62
LF3000 Linear Feedback............................................................................63
CD100 Course Detector.............................................................................65
CDI35 Interface...........................................................................................66
3.14 Software Setup Procedure ........................................................................67
Description of Installation Settings..........................................................67
AP11 Installation menus............................................................................68
Dock-side settings ......................................................................................70
Display illumination colour......................................................................71
Boat type .....................................................................................................71
Drive unit voltage ......................................................................................71
Rudder feedback calibration.....................................................................72
Rudder Test.................................................................................................72
Compass setup ...........................................................................................74
Radar............................................................................................................74
Transition speed.........................................................................................74
Master Reset................................................................................................75
3.15 Sea Trial .......................................................................................................76
Rudder zero adjust ....................................................................................76
Compass calibration...................................................................................78
Compass Offset ..........................................................................................78
Automatic tuning .......................................................................................79
View parameters ........................................................................................80
Final sea trial ...............................................................................................83
Providing user training .............................................................................84
4 Maintenance...........................................................................................................85
4.1 Control unit.................................................................................................85
Removal of the Control Unit ....................................................................85

Robertson AP11 Autopilot
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4.2 Junction Unit...............................................................................................86
4.3 Rudder Feedback .......................................................................................86
4.4 Compass ......................................................................................................86
4.5 Drive unit ....................................................................................................86
4.6 Exchange of E-Prom ..................................................................................87
5 Trouble shooting ...................................................................................................88
5.1 Alarm listing................................................................................................88
5.2 NMEA interface check...............................................................................90
5.3 Data input check ........................................................................................91
5.4 Hardware check .........................................................................................92
5.5 Signal monitor ............................................................................................92
5.6 System status ..............................................................................................92
5.7 EXIT..............................................................................................................93
6 Technical Specifications ......................................................................................94
6.1 System Specifications ................................................................................94
6.2 AP11 Control Unit......................................................................................95
6.3 J3000X Junction Unit..................................................................................95
6.4 J300X Junction Unit....................................................................................96
6.5 RFC35 Fluxgate compass...........................................................................96
6.6 CDI35 Course Detector Interface.............................................................97
6.7 RF300 Rudder Feedback Unit...................................................................97
6.8 LF3000 Linear Feedback............................................................................98
6.9 LFI3000 Mk2 Feedback Interface .............................................................98
7 AP11 Autopilot Spare Parts List .......................................................................100
INDEX..........................................................................................................................102
SALES AND SERVICE WORLDWIDE
TERMS OF WARRANTY

Instruction manual
20220513E 7
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 General
Congratulations on the purchase of your new AP11
autopilot system and thank you for selecting a Robertson
autopilot for your boat.
Today Simrad manufacture a complete range of autopilots
for all types of vessels, from leisure boats up to advanced
steering systems for merchant marine vessels. Our factory
for these products – branded Robertson – is located in
Egersund on the south/west coast of Norway. The
company's involvement in autopilots began in 1953 with
equipment for the North Sea fishing fleet. Professional
mariners around the world acknowledge that the
Robertson name is synonymous with the absolute best in
autopilot technology.
The design of the AP11 Control Unit matches perfectly with
the IS11 instrument range made by our sister company
Simrad Ltd, located near Portsmouth in the United
Kingdom. The combination of AP11 and IS11 instruments
provide power and sailboats from 30-45 feet with virtually
all functions and features required in automatic steering
and navigation today.
The brain in the AP11 autopilot system is a single
"intelligent" J3000X (or J300X) Junction Unit that
communicates with the AP11 Control Unit and
interconnects all other system modules. It provides power
to a various and well proven selection of drive units;
electromechanical and electrohydraulic with reversible
motor or constant running pump with solenoid valves.
Dual station applications can be satisfied by adding an
additional full function control unit at the second station. A
separate hand held remote control with MANUAL/AUTO
mode selection is also available as a useful supplement to
the operation of the AP11 Autopilot.
Rotary or linear rudder feedback units provide a high
resolution and precise rudder angle signal, an important
factor to the enhancement of the AP11 autopilot steering
capabilities.

Robertson AP11 Autopilot
820220513E
The AP11 autopilot system includes NMEA0183 input and
output ports. The NMEA input allows a single navigation
receiver and speed and wind sensors to provide input to the
system. The NMEA output provides heading and rudder
angle to separate IS11 instruments or to the IS11 Databox.
Depending on the autopilot configuration and the
equipment that may be connected to the NMEA input,
other NMEA data may also be available at the NMEA
output.
The time proven experience of the Robertson engineers and
the computer power in the AP11 system has made it
possible to automate and simplify the setup and installation
procedures. One important feature is the capability to set up
automatically the steering parameters and select the scaling
factor for speed and hull type; power (planing or
displacement) or sail. Proportional rate output commands
and an adaptive sea state filter contribute to enhanced
steering performance in any sea condition.
1.2 System Components
A basic AP11 autopilot system consists of: AP11 Control
Unit, J3000X or J300X Junction Unit, RF300 Rudder
Feedback Unit, RFC35 Fluxgate Compass and Drive unit.

Instruction manual
20220513E 9
RFC35
FLUXGATE
COMPASS
RPU80/RPU160
REVERSIBLE
PUMPS
RF300
RUDDER
FEEDBACK
J3000X/J300X
JUNCTION
UNIT
AP11
CONTROL UNIT
MAINS POWER SUPPLY
12/24 VDC
Figure 1 AP11 Basic system
1.3 AP11 Control Unit
110 mm
[4,33"] 17 mm
[0,67"]
18 mm
[0,71"]
50 mm Dia.
[1,97"]
STBY-AUTO
PWR
RESPONSE TURN
MODE
DODGE
AUTOPILOT
ROBERTSON AP11
110 mm
[4,33"]
Figure 2 Control Unit Dimensions
A compact autopilot control for panel or bulkhead
mounting. Large LCD display for readout of autopilot data.

Robertson AP11 Autopilot
10 20220513E
1.4 J3000X and J300X Junction Unit
Figure 3 J3000X and J300X dimensions
The junction unit is the heart in the AP11 autopilot system.
It contains the steering computer, interface circuits to all
system components and drive circuits for the drive unit
motor and clutch. Two models, J300X and J3000X are
available.
J3000X J300X
Supply voltage 10-28 V 10-28 V
Motor current (continuous/peak) 6/10 A 10/20A
Number of control units 2 2
NMEA ports 1 2
Input for NFU control x x
External alarm x
Radar clock/data interface
(Anritsu and Furuno radars)
x
Table 1 Junction unit comparison chart

Instruction manual
20220513E 11
1.5 RF300 Rudder Feedback Unit
Figure 4 RF300 Dimensions
Rudder feedback unit with transmission link and 10 m (30
feet) of cable. Transforms the angular travel of the rudder to
a digital signal read by the autopilot steering computer. (See
also optional linear feedback on page 13).
1.6 RFC35 Fluxgate compass
Figure 5 RFC35 Dimensions
A compact heading sensor from Robertson with 15 m (45
feet) of cable. The direction of the earth's magnetic field is
sensed by a coil with a floating ring core and transformed to
a digital signal read by the autopilot steering computer.

Robertson AP11 Autopilot
12 20220513E
1.7 Optional components
CDI35 Course Detector Interface
Figure 6 CDI35 dimensions
Interface unit to connect autopilot to magnetic compass
with CD100 Course Detector. Provides excitation current for
CD100 and converts the analogue sin/cos signal to digital
format for the autopilot steering computer.
RFC35R Rate compass
Fluxgate compass with integrated rate sensor. Provides a
dramatic improvement to the dynamic performance of both
the autopilot and a stabilized radar display.
Same dimensions as RFC35.

Instruction manual
20220513E 13
LF3000 Linear Feedback
Figure 7 LF3000 dimensions
Linear feedback unit for boats with outboard engine.
Transforms the linear movement to an analogue signal.
Supplied with 8,5 m cable and mounting clamps.
LFI3000 Mk2 Linear Feedback Interface
Figure 8 LFI3000 Mk2 dimensions
Interface unit for LF3000 Linear Feedback. Converts the
analogue LF3000 signal to the standard digital feedback
signal for the autopilot steering computer.

Robertson AP11 Autopilot
14 20220513E
"Rudder" Indicator
110mm
110mm
17mm 18mm
50mm Dia.
Figure 9 Robertson IS11 analogue display dimensions
A 12 V Dataline instrument that can be connected directly to
the NMEA output on the junction unit. Analogue display of
boats' rudder angle.
"Compass" Indicator
A 12 V Dataline instrument that displays the boats heading
on both digital and analogue format. Can be connected
directly to NMEA output on the junction unit. Dimensions
as for "Rudder" Indicator.

Instruction manual
20220513E 15
R3000X Remote Control
A small hand-held
remote control with two
push buttons for power
steering or course
selection (port and
starboard) and one push
button with built-in
lighted indicator for
mode selection.
S100 NFU steering
lever
Designed for in-door
console mount. The lever
has spring loaded return
to mid- position.
40 (1,45")
120(4,75")
Figure 11 S100 dimensions

Robertson AP11 Autopilot
16 20220513E
2 AP11 AUTOPILOT OPERATION
WARNING ! An autopilot is a very useful navigational aid, but
DOES NOT under any circumstance replace a human
navigator.
Do not use automatic steering when:
•In heavy traffic areas or in narrow waters
•In poor visibility or extreme sea conditions
•When in areas where use of autopilot is prohibited
by law
When using an autopilot:
•Do not leave the helm unattended
•Do not place any magnetic material or equipment
near heading sensor used in the autopilot system
•Verify at regular intervals course and position of
vessel
•Always switch to Standby mode in due time to
avoid hazardous situations
2.1 Overview
The AP11 Control Unit can be used in single or dual station
installations. A hand held, push button operated remote
control provides manual steering in STANDBY- mode and
course change in AUTO mode. In a multi station system all
control units and the remote(s) are active simultaneously;
however, the control unit(s) that are not being operated will
then display a flashing REMOTE.
The AP11 autopilot system is capable of the following
steering modes: STBY (standby), AUTO with heading
source selection of COM (compass), NAV (navigation
receiver), or W/A (wind vane).
In STBY mode push button steering is available directly on
the control unit or on the remote control. Manual steering is
also available using a steering lever. The basic operating
concept in AUTO mode is that you will first select the
heading source while in STBY mode, then switch to AUTO
for automatic steering.
The system has two steering parameter sets referred to as
HI and LO, corresponding to the speed of the boat.
Selection of HI and LO speed parameters is done

Instruction manual
20220513E 17
automatically if speed data is available, or can be set
manually by the user.
Three different backlighting colours are available for the
LCD display and user settings are provided for lighting
intensity and manual adjustment of steering parameters to
"fine tune" the steering of a particular boat.
Alarms are presented in plain English text to alert you of
system and external data failure conditions. Alarms will
appear on all control units, and include both audible and
visual presentations.
When underway in a AUTO mode, manual control of the
vessel can be regained on any control unit, or by pressing
the MODE button on the hand held remote control. It is
also possible to switch off the complete AP11 system at the
control unit, a very useful feature in an emergency
situation.
Heading Display
Compass heading
Set course
Bearing to WP
Cross Track Error (XTE)
A
pparent wind angle
Illumination level
Sea State value
Course change magnitude
Rudder Angle Display
(bargraph 1°per mark)
Rudder Command
indicator
Mode display
STBY (Standby)
A
UTO (Automatic)
REMOTE
A
lso displays:
Alarm text
WP name
Distance to WP
Sea State setting
Turn (Tack) mode
Port push button
Port rudder command (STBY)
Course change to port (AUTO)
Manual HI/LO speed select
Sea State filter ad
j
ust
(
-
)
STBY- AUTO
push button
On/Off button
Standby/Auto select
Dod
g
e select
Mode/Light button
Heading source select
Illumination level adjust
A
ctivates:
Response (HI/LO speed)
Sea State
Dodge
Turn (Tack)
Heading Source
COM (Compass)
NAV (Navigation)
W/A (Wind Angle)
A
lso displays turn angle
STBD push button
Stbd rudder command (STBY)
Course change to Stbd (AUTO)
Turn (Tack) mode select
Sea State filter adjust (+)
HI / LO speed
indicator

Robertson AP11 Autopilot
18 20220513E
2.2 On/Off
A single push on the STBY-AUTO/PWR button switches the
AP11 Autopilot ON. The display will show STBY-COM and
display the boats heading.
A long press (3-5 seconds) on the STBY-AUTO/PWR button
switches the system OFF. As an additional safety, it is
recommended that you locate the power breaker or mains
switch before using the system for the first time.
2.3 Standby
The Standby mode is used for manual steering and
provides Non-Follow-Up electric steering on any control
head or a remote.
Note ! The AP11 autopilot will not process rudder commands
or allow access to the AUTO modes if the Dockside
settings in the Installation Setup has not been set
properly. The display will also flash NO DATA in STBY
NAV and STBY W/A if appropriate NMEA signals are
not available as input to the system.
You can cycle through the Standby mode displays and nav.
displays by a short press on the MODE button.
STBY COM
STBY NAV
STBY W/A
Nav. display no. 1:
Bearing and distance
to waypoint
Nav. display no. 2:
Cross Track Error (XTE)
and name of waypoint
STB Y -AUT O
PWR
RESPONSE TUR N
MOD E
DODGE
AUTOPILOT
ROBERTSON AP11
STBY-AUTO
PWR
RESPONSE TURN
MOD E
DOD GE
AUTOPILOT
ROBERTSON AP11
STBY-AUTO
PWR
RESPONSE TURN
MODE
DODGE
AUTOPILOT
ROBERTSON AP11
Rudder Ru d d er Ru dd e r