Lewmar AutoAnchor 550 User manual

AutoAnchor 550 v1.9
Chaincounter and Windlass Control
Operation Manual
AUTOANCHOR

Important Information i-iii
Part 1 Features 2
Part 2 Calibration 3
Part 3 Operation 7
Safety Lock 8
Manual Operation 8
Automatic Operation 9
Reset Display to Zero 11
Change Backlighting Level 12
Reset Factory Default Settings 12
Part 4 Troubleshooting & Maintenance 13
Index 20
On/Off
AutoAnchor 550 Diagram
Note: The Feet/Metres
Indicator pulses when the
sensor is operating
Feet
Indicator
Down ModeUp
Metres
Indicator
CONTENTS
Display
Screen

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
AutoAnchor 550 Installation
The AA550 should only be installed by a qualified marine electri-
cian. Do not attempt to install the AA550 unless you are suitably
qualified. Technical specifications, installation instructions and wiring
diagrams are supplied with the AA550. Non compliance with these
instructions could impair windlass and AA550 operation, and could
result in personal injury and/or damage to your boat. Non compliance
with the instructions will negate the manufacturer’s warranty.
AA550 Documentation
The documentation supplied with the AA550 includes this Operation
Manual plus the Installation Instructions & Wiring Diagrams. The
Operation Manual includes calibration and testing instructions, plus
operation and troubleshooting information.
i
Windlass & Anchor Installation
The windlass must be installed according to the windlass
manufacturer’s instructions with the correct size chain. The AA550
will not count correctly if the windlass is not standard (eg it is installed
with a different chainwheel or motor). It must also be regularly
serviced and lubricated.
For smooth operation, the windlass requires a good quality, properly
fitted bow roller and a swivel should be connected to the anchor
where it joins the chain.
Calibration and Testing
Before using the AA550 it must be calibrated to the windlass and rode
on the boat and tested in a safe environment.

ii
AA550 Use
It is the owner’s sole responsibility to ensure the AA550 is installed,
used and maintained in a manner that will not cause accidents, per-
sonal injury or property damage. When using the AA550 the operator
must use safe boating practices and safe windlass and anchoring opera-
tion.
Before using the AA550 the operating instructions must be read and
understood and the AA550 must be calibrated and tested.
The AA550 makes anchoring less stressful but nothing can replace
good seamanship and safe boating practices.
The user of the AA550 must:
• use the windlass strictly according to the windlass manufacturer’s
instructions;
• personally control and supervise all windlass and anchoring
operations; and
• always ensure the anchor is fully docked and secured before
moving the boat
Electromagnetic Compatability (EMC)
The AA550 meets and exceeds the CE standard for EMC (EN60945).
These standards are intended to provide reasonable protection against
interference by other emission generating products on the boat.
However, compliance with these standards is no guarantee that inter-
ference will not occur in a particular installation. The installation in-
structions must be followed to minimise the potential for interference.
The AA550 manufacturer and supplier accept no liability for personal
injury or property damage resulting from failure to follow the instal-
lation instructions or the use of the AA550 in a way that may cause
accidents or damage or that may violate the law.

DIAGNOSTICS
Electronic fault diagnostics help to identify problems with:
• The power supply
• The wiring
• The sensor
• Windlass rotation
MEASUREMENT
• Anchor rode measurement is in feet or metres
• Settings and measurements are retained if the unit is turned off or
the battery fails
• The counting operation continues if the windlass is operated by
another switching mechanisim on the boat (eg deckswitches)
SAFETY FEATURES
• The safety lock reduces the chance of unintentional windlass
operation from the console
• The safety cutout allows you to press any button on the console unit
to stop windlass operation when using the automatic function
• The anchor retrieval stopping point (when using the automatic
function) stops the windlass motor before the anchor reaches the
boat and the AA550 beeps to warn the operator to change to
manual operation for final docking of the anchor.
• During final docking the AA550 beeps continuously while the
operator is pushing the up button
The AA550 provides easier windlass control and security in knowing
how much anchor rode has been released.
PART 1 - FEATURES
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS - AA550 v1.9
Power Supply: 12V or 24V DC
Current Consumption: 50mA
Temperature Range: 23oF to 140oF ( -5oC to 60oC)
Solenoids: Max 4 Amp draw
Maximum Voltage: 30V DC
EMC: CE 60945
2

The AA550 must be installed and operated in accordance
with the instructions supplied. Non compliance with any of
these instructions could impair windlass and AA550
operation and will negate the manufacturer’s warranty.
PART 2 - CALIBRATION
Select Feet or Metres
The AA550 displays measurements in feet or metres. The unit indica-
tor shows the unit of measurement selected.
Before operation the AA550 must be calibrated to comply
with the boat’s windlass and anchor rode and then tested in a
safe environment.
To select feet or metres:
Step 1 Turn the AA550 on.
Step 2 Clear the safety lock. When the safety lock is on the display
shows C.To clear it hold down the MODE button until Cclears, then
release the MODE button.The unit indicator will show the current
setting.
Step 3 Hold down the MODE button until the indicator has
changed position (approximately 5 seconds). Note: The Cwill appear
and disappear as the indicator changes position.
You will need to clear the safety lock before any calibrations can be
entered. To do this turn the AA550 on, hold down the MODE button
until Cclears, then release the MODE button. (Refer to the diagram
on page 7 to see the buttons). For further information about the safety
lock refer to page 8.
It is useful to record the calibration settings in the spaces provided so
that they are available for future reference.
Unit Indicator Feet
Metres
3

Step 2 Hold down the MODE button and press and release the
ON/OFF button. Release the MODE button. The AA550 will flash
between Item 1 and the current setting. (Refer below).
Step 1 Turn the AA550 off.
After selecting feet or metres, enter calibration mode as
follows:
Item1: Safety Lock
Default Setting is ON
The safety lock should be left ON at all times. If you choose to
disable the safety lock use the UP or DOWN button to change the
display setting to OFF. To set the safety lock again press the UP or
DOWN button to reset to ON. Press the MODE button to advance
to the next item. The display will flash between Item 2 and the cur-
rent setting for Item 2.
Item 2: Anchor Retrieval Stopping Point
Default Setting 4 ft or 1.5 m
This sets the length of rode to be retrieved by manual operation of
the unit after the automatic upward control has stopped. For safety
the anchor retrieval stopping point cannot be set below 2 ft (0.7 m).
Use the UP or DOWN buttons to enter the value in feet or me-
tres. The setting is accurate to +1 chainwheel revolution. Press the
MODE button to advance to the next item. The display will flash
between Item 3 and the current setting for Item 3.
Item Setting
Item Setting
Record Calibration Entered: ___________________
Record Calibration Entered: ___________________
Item 3: Total Length of Rode on Board
Default Setting 196 ft or 60 m
Record Calibration Entered: ________________
Use the UP or DOWN buttons to enter the total length of the rode.
The minimum setting is 32 ft (10m). Press the MODE button to
advance to the next item. The display will flash between Item 4 and
the current setting for Item 4.
Item Setting
4

5
Item Setting Item 4: This setting is not used for the AA550.
It cannot be changed from OFF.
Press the MODE button to advance to the next item. The display will
flash between Item 5 and the current setting for Item 5.
Item Setting Item 5: This setting is not used for the AA550. It
cannot be changed from OFF.
Press the MODE button. The display will flash between Item 6 and the
current setting for Item 6.
Item Setting Item 6: Chainwheel Circumference
Default Setting 11.8 in or 300mm
Record Calibration Entered: _______________________
Use the UP or DOWN buttons to enter the chainwheel circumference. If
you selected feet use inches (in increments of 0.10). If you selected metres
use millimetres. The chainwheel circumferences for some windlasses are
listed on page 19. If your chainwheel circumference is not there, follow
the instructions below to calculate it.
Follow steps 1 - 7 to calculate the chainwheel circumference.
Step 1 Use adhesive tape to place a mark on the chainwheel (See Fig 5).
Step 2 Use adhesive tape to place a mark on the chain coming out of the
chain wheel (See Fig 5).
Step 3 Use adhesive tape to place a mark on the deck below the mark on
the chain (See Fig 5).
Step 4 Carefully release the chainwheel so that it can be turned by hand
to feed the chain out.
Step 5 Using the mark on the chainwheel as a guide, turn the chainwheel
one revolution, causing the chain to be released on to the deck.
Continued on Page 6.

6
Before the AA550 is used for anchoring, it is important to test it in a calm,
safe environment as follows: After the calibrations are saved, follow the in-
structions to raise and lower the anchor using both manual and automatic
operation. See Part 3 of this Manual. If the AA550 does not count, stop,
start or operate exactly as specified in the instructions or any diagnostic
messages appear on the LCD, refer immediately to Troubleshooting (Part 4
in this Manual) or to your supplier for assistance.
TESTING
To Abort and Re-start Calibration
Press and hold the ON/OFF button until Abrt is displayed. Release the
ON/OFF button. The AA550 is now off. Hold down the MODE button,
and press and release the ON/OFF button. Release the MODE button to
restart calibration at Item 1.
Fig 5
Fig 6
Deck Mark
Chainwheel Mark Chain Mark
After 1 turn of the
chainwheel to feed
chain out Distance to measure (inches or mm)
Item 6 is the final calibration. Now save the settings:
To save the settings, hold down the MODE button
until Prog is displayed, then release the MODE button.
The unit will then return to normal operation.
Step 6 Measure the length of chain from the mark on the deck to the
mark on the chain. (See Fig 6). This measurement is the setting to enter.
Step 7 Use the UP or DOWN buttons to enter the setting.The setting
is entered in inches (in increments of 0.10) or millimetres.
Save

Display
Screen
On/Off
Down ModeUp
Feet
Indicator
Metres
Indicator
Note: The Feet/Me-
tres Indicator pulses
when the sensor is
operating
7
WARNING
Before using the AA550 the operating instructions must be read
and understood, the AA550 must be calibrated to the wind-
lass and rode on the boat and it must be tested in a calm, safe
environment.
When using the AA550 you must:
• use the windlass strictly according to the windlass
manufacturer’s instructions;
• personally control and supervise all windlass and anchoring
operations; and
• always ensure the anchor is fully docked and secured before
moving the boat
PART 3 - OPERATION

The AA550 can be operated manually or by using the unique
automatic function.
Always ensure the AA550 display reads 0.0 before releasing the
anchor from the docked position.
HOW TO OPERATE YOUR AA550
SAFETY LOCK (C)
The AA550 is fitted with a safety lock to help protect against
unintentional windlass operation. Before operating the windlass the
safety lock must be released. When the safety lock is on, the screen
shows Cand the UP and DOWN buttons will not operate.
Step 4 Release the DOWN button to stop the windlass operation.
MANUAL OPERATION
To Release the Anchor and Rode - Using Manual Operation
Step 1 Turn the AA550 on.
Step 2 Clear the safety lock if necessary. (See above).
Step 3 Press and hold the DOWN button to start the windlass and
release the anchor and rode.
8
To Release the Safety Lock: Turn the AA550 on, hold down the
MODE button until Cclears from the screen, then release the MODE
button.
Note: The safety lock automatically reactivates 5 minutes after the
AA550 was last operated. It can also be reactivated manually at any
time. To do this hold down the MODE button until Cis displayed on
the screen. Release the MODE button and the safety lock is set. The
safety lock reactivates automatically when the console unit is turned
off.

AUTOMATIC OPERATION
• Preset the length of rode to be released
• Control the operation of the windlass with a single touch of the
button
• Retrieve the anchor automatically to a preset stopping point
The AA550 has a unique automatic function. Using this function the
operator can:
9
Step 4 Release the UP button to stop the windlass operation when
the anchor is fully retrieved and docked.
To Retrieve the Anchor and Rode - Using Manual Operation
Note: During retrieval the AA550 will beep to warn the operator the
anchor has passed the preset anchor retrieval stopping point. (Refer
Item 2, page 4). Extra care must be taken at this stage of retrieval.
Step 1 Turn the AA550 on.
Step 2 Clear the safety lock (Refer to page 8).
Step 3 Press and hold the UP button to start the windlass and
retrieve the anchor and rode.
Step 5 Ensure the anchor is fully docked and secured before moving
the boat
There is an inherent risk when using any automatic function on a
boat. If you choose to use the AA550 automatic functions, you
must still control and supervise all windlass and anchoring opera-
tions.
WARNING
Note: If there is a sensor error. (Refer to Troubleshooting page 14)
the automatic function will not operate. If this occurs the windlass
can still be operated using manual operation but the AA550 will not
count accurately.

AUT0MATIC ANCHORING
To Release the Anchor and Rode
Step 1 Turn the AA550 on.
Step 2 Clear the safety lock if necessary. (Refer to page 8).
Step 3 Press the MODE button once. The value flashing shows
AUTO and the preset length of rode to be released. If this value is cor-
rect go to Step 4 below.
To change the rode to be released setting: Press MODE again. The
display will flash between SET and the current value. (The default
setting is OFF). Use the UP or DOWN buttons to change the setting.
Press the MODE button again to return to AUTO and go to Step 4 be-
low to release the anchor. Or press the MODE button twice to return
to normal operation. If you do not change the SET value, press the
MODE button once to return to normal operation.
Step 4 Press and release the DOWN button. The windlass will
deploy the anchor and rode. The windlass will stop and the AA550
will beep when the preset length of rode has been fully released.
10
Enable Automatic Operation: The AA550 is supplied with the
length of rode to be released set to OFF. The automatic function
cannot be used until a “rode to be released” value is entered. (See
Step 3 below). Once a “rode to be released” value has been entered
the AA550 remains enabled for automatic operation. The setting
is retained by the AA550 even if the battery fails. To disable the
automatic operation use the DOWN button to reset the “rode to
be released” to OFF.

To Retrieve the Anchor and Rode
Step 1 Turn the AA550 on.
Step 2 Clear the safety lock if necessary. (Refer to page 8.)
Step 3 Press the MODE button once. The value flashing shows
AUTO and the length of rode out.
Step 4 Press and release the UP button. The windlass will retrieve
the rode and anchor. The windlass will stop and the AA550 will beep
when the rode and anchor has been retrieved to the anchor retrieval
stopping point. (Refer to page 4).
Step 5 Now manually operate the UP button to fully complete
retrieval. The AA550 will beep during this process.
Step 6 Ensure the anchor is fully docked and secured before moving
the boat.
SAFETY OVERRIDE - Press any button on the AA550 to stop
the windlass during automatic release or retrieval. To restart press
the MODE button once to enter automatic operation again and
resume rode and anchor release or retrieval.
IN AN EMERGENCY SHUT OFF THE POWER TO THE
WINDLASS USING THE ISOLATING/BREAKER SWITCH.
OTHER SETTINGS
Reset Display to Zero
Turn the AA550 on. Clear the safety lock if necessary. Press and
hold the ON/OFF button. A rapid beeping will be heard. Release the
ON/OFF button when the display shows 0.0.
11

Change Backlighting Level (This is best done in low light).
Turn the AA550 on. Clear the safety lock if necessary. Press and hold
the ON/OFF button down. The AA550 will start to beep. Press and
hold the UP or DOWN buttons to adjust the light level. When you
reach the desired level release the UP or DOWN buttons before you
release the ON/OFF button. Note: If the ON/OFF button is held
down for longer than 2 seconds without starting the adjustment this
will reset the AA550 display to zero.
Reset Factory Default Settings
This setting should only be used if the AA550 settings have
been corrupted. Using this setting will remove all your
calibration settings.
To apply the factory reset: Turn the AA550 off. Hold down the
MODE and UP buttons together. While holding these buttons press
and release the ON/OFF button. When the LCD display reads LoAd
release the MODE and UP buttons. The unit will turn itself off and
the factory default settings will be reset.
Now re-enter the calibration settings for your unit. Refer Part 2.
12
ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY (EMC)
The AA550 meets and exceeds the CE standard for EMC (EN60945).
These standards are intended to provide reasonable protection against
interference by other emission generating products on the boat. How-
ever, compliance with these standards is no guarantee that interference
will not occur in a particular installation. The installation instructions
must be followed to minimise the potential for interference. AA550
equipment must be installed to maintain the following distances away
from any equipment transmitting or cables carrying radio signals eg VHF
or SSB radios, cables and antennas or radar antennas: The console at
least 1m (3ft), except for SSB radios and radar antennas where it must
be 2m (6ft) away; and the cables at least 500mm (1.5ft) away.

POWER SUPPLY
Voltage: Neither the windlass nor the AA550 will operate with insuf-
ficient power. (See below). Batteries must be properly maintained and
charged and all connections and wires must be of good quality and the
correct gauge to prevent voltage drop. To check the voltage to the
console unit: Turn the AA550 off and then press and hold the DOWN
button - the voltage will display on the LCD. During operation, if the
voltage drops below the minimum the AA550 will show Lo Pr and the
voltage.
13
Minimum voltage required to start windlass
operation
THE POWER SUPPLY MUST BE DISCONNECTED BEFORE MAKING
ANY CHANGES TO WIRING OR ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS.
PART 4 - TROUBLESHOOTING & MAINTENANCE
12V system
24V system
10 Volts
20 Volts
If the windlass is already operating this is the
minimum voltage required to continue operat-
ing. A drop below this voltage will stop the
windlass.
12V system
24V system
7 Volts
14 Volts
Cables: Battery and motor cables must be installed to maintain a
distance of at least 300 mm away from the sensor head. Cable speci-
fications are set out in the installation instructions and on page 18 of
this manual.
Polarity: The AA550 is polarity sensitive. Battery polarity must be
checked before connecting the power otherwise the unit may be dam-
aged.
Power to the AA550 and all windlass controls eg. toggle switch,
remote switches, deck switches must be supplied from one point
or the AutoAnchor will be damaged. Multiple battery bank nega-
tive terminals must be permanently connected together to become
the common negative return (ground). Refer to the installation
instructions.
Resettable Breaker Switch: A 5 Amp switch to shut off power to the
AA550 must be installed in a position easily accessed by the operator.

14
Message/Problem Possible Solution
The AA550 is not faulty if these messages are displayed. The diagnostics
help identify problems with installation, the battery, the solenoid and the
sensor and windlass rotation. Some of the messages appear when you try to
operate the AA550 but others only appear briefly when the AA550 is turned
on. Always check for the diagnostic messages by switching the AA550 off and
then on again. Use the table below to help identify a problem and provide a
possible solution. If you cannot resolve the problem, contact your supplier for
further information.
ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSTICS
Definitions SoL = Solenoid, SEN = Sensor, Lo Pr = Low Power
1. LoC
Displayed when a button is
pressed. The AA550 will not
operate.
The safety lock is on. Hold down the
Mode button to release the safety lock
and then operate as normal.
SEN message: When this message is displayed the AA550 will operate the
windlass up and down manually but the Auto function will not work and the
count will not be accurate.
2. Lo Pr + a number
Displayed when the Up or Down
button is pressed. The AA550
will not operate the windlass.
Low power to the AA550. To check
the voltage received by the AA550,
turn the AA550 off, and press and
hold the Down button. The voltage
will display on the LCD. Check the
battery voltage output. Check wiring
for loose connections. Check the
cable size. If the cable is the wrong
size there may be voltage drop between
the battery and the AA550. See the
cable specifications on page 18 and the
minimum voltages on page 13.
No setting has been entered for the
rode to be released so the Auto func-
tion cannot operate. Enter a length
of rode for release and the system will
operate normally. (Refer page 10
Operation Manual).
3. OFF
Displayed when attempting to
use the Auto function.

15
4. SEN
Displayed when attempting
to use the Auto function.
Use the AA550 up and down manually and
check for the specific sensor error. Refer to the
note below.
5. SEN 3
Displayed when the
AA550 is operated manu-
ally. Auto does not work.
No sensor pulse.
No signal from the sensor to the AA550.
Either there is no magnet, the gap between
the magnet and sensor is too big or the sen-
sor signal is out of tune because of testing
during installation. AA550 will operate the
windlass up and down but there will be no
count displayed on the LCD. Try resetting the
AA550 by running the windlass up and down
for 10-15 seconds. If the message still appears
check the magnet and the gap and alignment
between the magnet and sensor. Check sensor
wiring and installation and check for damage
to the sensor and magnet. When fixed reset
the AA550 as above. To reset manually the
anchor must be docked and the AA550 reset
to zero twice. To reset to zero - press and
hold the ON/OFF button. Release when the
display shows 0.0.
6. SoL oL
Displayed when the Up or
Down button is pressed.
The windlass may operate
for a short period and then
stop.
The solenoids could be exceeding the maxi-
mum 4 Amps or a solenoid wire is shorted to
ground. The AA550 is designed to turn the
solenoids off if these events occur. Check the
solenoids and the wiring and fix as necessary.
7. SoL uP or SoL dn
Displayed briefly when the
AA550 is turned on. The
A550 will not operate the
windlass.
SoL uP - The Up (orange) wire is not
connected to the solenoid. SoL dn - The
Down (yellow) wire is not connected to the
solenoid. These messages also appear if the
up or down button is pressed on the AA550
when the windlass is already in operation us-
ing a deck switch. Diodes or interlock devices
between the AA550 and the solenoid will
also cause these messages. The AA550 has
internal diode protection. External diodes
will cause the system to fail.

16
8. AA550 will not turn on or
turns off.
Check battery connections, polarity and
voltage. The voltage to the AA550 can
be checked by turning it off and holding
the Down button. The voltage is displayed
on the LCD. See page 13 for minimum
voltages. Check fuses and wiring and for
the Lo Pr diagnostic message. Refer note
2 above.
Check if the safety lock is on - the LCD
will display LoC. Refer note 1 above.
Check voltages at the battery and the
AA550. The LCD will display Lo Pr.
Refer note 2 above.
Check wiring for loose connections to the
solenoids. The LCD will display SoL Up
or SoL dn if the wires are disconnected.
Refer note 7 above.
Check that the windlass is not already in
operation using the deck switch or remote
control.
Check the total rode on board (Calibra-
tion 3 - Operation Manual Pg 4) is not set
to OFF.
9. AA550 will not
operate the windlass.
The motor or solenoid wiring is reversed.
Change the wiring and check the direction
of the windlass rotation.
11. Windlass rotates
down when the Up
button is pressed
and up when the
Down button is
pressed.
Check the rode to be released is not set to
zero. The LCD will display OFF. See note
3 above. Use the AA550 manually and
check for diagnostic messages.
10. AA550 will
operate the windlass
manually but Auto
function does not
work

13. AA550 counts
when the windlass is
not turning or counts
erratically displaying
a large number eg
8888.
The sensor could be damaged, incorrect
cable may be fitted, or the AA550 may have
been subject to external interference - RF
or electrical. Check that the sensor cable
is not damaged and that the cable fitted is
Beldon 9501 or equivalent, 2 core, tinned,
copper, screened, as specified in the instruc-
tions. Check for external interference on
the boat eg damaged or loose RF cables or
aerials or other instruments that may not be
working correctly or have been damaged by
electrical interference including lightning.
14. AA550 beeps
when it is turned off
or locked.
Anchor rode is running through the
windlass. Check if the windlass is being
operated using the deck switches or a
remote control. If not, check the windlass
and anchor is secured.
12. The windlass
does not stop exactly
at the preset point.
This is not a fault. Stopping is accurate to
+1 chainwheel revolution. The chainwheel
may run on slightly with momentum.
17