MadMan AP-WRC2 Instruction Manual

Rev 0.2
August 2013
AP-WRC2
Autopilot Wireless Remote Control
INSTALLATION & USER MANUAL

AP-WRC2
Installation & User Manual
Rev 0.2
Table of Contents
Introduction.........................................................................2
1.1 Overview.............................................................................................2
1.2 Specifications......................................................................................3
1.3 Optional Accessories...........................................................................
1.3.1EXTERNAL ANTENNA................................................................................................4
1. Important Information.......................................................................5
1.4.1SAFETY WARNING – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY...............................................5
1.4.2DISCLAIMER ..........................................................................................................5
2 Installation.........................................................................6
3 Receiver Installation...............................................................................6
3.1.1OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................6
3.1.2MOUNTING LOCATION.............................................................................................7
3.2 Electrical Installation...........................................................................8
3.2.1CABLE ROUTE CONSIDERATIONS.................................................................................
3.2.2ELECTRICAL COLOUR CODE.......................................................................................
3.2.3ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS........................................................................................
3.2.4INSTALLATION FINISH OFF.......................................................................................10
Operation.........................................................................11
.1 INITIAL TESTING................................................................................11
.2 NORMAL OPERATION........................................................................13
4.2.1GENERAL............................................................................................................13
4.2.2BUTTON ASSIGNMENTS..........................................................................................13
4.2.3CHANGING MODE................................................................................................14
4.2.4CHANGING COURSE...............................................................................................14
5 Support............................................................................16
5.1 TROUBLESHOOTING..........................................................................16
5.2 BATTERY REPLACEMENT...................................................................17
5.3 SALES & SUPPORT.............................................................................18
1
SeaTalk is a registered trademark of Raymarine UK Ltd.
Contents of this handbook © Madman Marine Pty Ltd

Chapter
Introduction
Introduction
1.1 Overview
Your Madman Marine remote control provides wireless control of
Raymarine autopilots with SeaTalk.
It has been designed for owner installation and is ready for use after
making 3 electrical connections to the existing autopilot and installing
batteries in the fobs.
The remote control is ideal for single-handed or short-handed crews
to be able to steer from the front of the boat (for example when changing
sails or setting/retrieving a spinnaker) or even from inside the cabin.
2
Illustration 1: AP-WRC2 Remote
Control Parts Identification
2 x Fobs
(Transmitters)
n/ ff
Switch
LED
Indicator
Receiver ptional External
Antenna
5m screened
cable

AP-WRC2
Installation & User Manual
Rev 0.2
1.2 Specifications
The system consists of a box which houses the wireless receiver,
microcontroller and electronics for communicating with the autopilot, 5m
of cable and two (2) remote control fobs (transmitters) each with four ( )
buttons labelled A,B,C & D. An optional external antenna is available to
extend the operating range.
Electrical Supply Voltage 10 to 15Vdc
Standby Current (without buttons pressed) < 5mA
Operating Current (with buttons pressed) < 80mA
Internal Fuse Type M205 Glass Fuse (20mm)
Internal Fuse Rating 200mA (normal blow)
Transmitter Range 50m (line of sight)
Transmitter Frequency 33Mhz
Transmitter Battery 2 x CR2016 lithium per
fob (user replaceable)
IP Rating Receiver:
Fob: 67
External Antenna (optional) Recommended for boats
longer than 8m or where the
mounting location prevents
adequate signal reception.
Note: The supplie cable is alrea y terminate at the AP-WRC2 enclosure. The free
en has bare wires prepare for termination in screw terminals.
3

Chapter
Introduction
1.3 Optional Accessories
1.3.1 External Antenna (must be or ere at time of purchase)
A 90-degree 1/ -wave external antenna is available as an optional
extra. The external antenna extends the operational range and is
recommended for boats of more than 8m length or where obstructions
will reduce the effective range.
The antenna is adjustable in all directions to suit various mounting
orientations of the AP-WRC2 receiver.
If the optional external antenna is fitted then the mounting location and
orientation will also need to take into account the additional space to
accommodate the antenna as well as provide best antenna performance.
4
Illustration 2: Optional
External Antenna
IMPORTANT NOTE: The
external antenna option
consists of the antenna
connector as well as the
antenna itself. This means
an external antenna can not
be connecte to an AP-
WRC2 which was purchase
without the external
antenna option.

AP-WRC2
Installation & User Manual
Rev 0.2
1.4 Important Information
1. .1 SAFETY WARNING – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
The AP-WRC2 remote control is an electronic device which, as with
all electronic devices, could unexpectedly malfunction or not work as
intended.
If any problems arise during use, turn the AP-WRC2 off at its on/off
switch and determine whether the problem persists with the AP-WRC2
turned off. Do not use the remote control while underway if any problems
are evident or if you suspect the remote control is causing problems.
Perform all testing of the remote control while the vessel is
stationary to avoid unplanned or uncontrolled course changes.
The batteries of the fob could become too discharged to operate
properly at any time. Also, with crew moving about the boat and items
being stowed in different locations the operating range of the remote can
be affected differently from one moment to the next.
T erefore, do not use t e AP-WRC2 in situations w ere t ere is
insufficient room for t e vessel to alter course wit out risk of collision
or grounding, suc as in a narrow c annel or w en in close proximity to
ot er vessels.
1. .2 Disclaimer
Use the AP-WRC2 entirely at your own risk. Madman Marine Pty Ltd
will not be held liable for any consequential loss, damage or injury in any
way connected with the use of the AP-WRC2 remote control. Madman
Marine Pty Ltd’s liability under any circumstances shall not be greater
than the purchase price of the AP-WRC2 remote control.
5

Chapter 2
Installation
2 Installation
3 Receiver Installation
3.1.1 Overview
The AP-WRC2 receiver must be mounted to a flat surface inside the boat’s
cabin where it will be protected from water and mechanical damage.
The receiver does not need to be in direct line of sight of the
transmitter fob so can be hidden out of view if desired, however the
fewer obstructions between the receiver and transmitter the better the
reception performance. Ideally only the deck will be between the receiver
and the most distant location from which the fob will be used (usually the
bow). If more than one bulkhead (or other obstruction) in addition to the
deck is in the path between the most distant location from which the fob
will be used and the receiver then operation may be unreliable. (Refer to
the 'Optional External Antenna' section for more information regar ing operating
range).
Due to the components and circuit board inside the AP-WRC2
reception from the fobs is least effective from the back and bottom sides
of the receiver's enclosure. Also, the back side of the enclosure is in
contact with the mounting surface which further restricts reception
through that side.
Refer to Drawing 1 (opposite) for preferred mounting orientation
and reception details. The drawing shows the AP-WRC2 mounted on a flat
vertical surface which runs fore and aft. The back of the enclosure faces
outboard while the bottom faces the cabin sole.
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AP-WRC2
Installation & User Manual
Rev 0.2
3.1.2 Mounting Location
The following must be taken into account when selecting a suitable
mounting location:
•Access to the on/off switch,
•Ability to view the LED indicator,
•Obstructions between receiver and furthest point of use,
•Protection from water (including condensation) and mechanical
damage,
•Proximity to equipment or cabling which called cause interference to
or be interfered by the AP-WRC2.
There are two flanges on the receiver enclosure which have holes
provided for mounting to any flat surface with screws (2 required).
7
Drawing 1: Preferred mounting orientation
and receiver reception range illustration.
Inboard
utboard
Range least
effective from
back.
Range most
effective from
front, top and
sides.
Range less
effective from
bottom (switch side)
Mounting screw
(one each side)

Chapter 2
Installation
3.2 lectrical Installation
3.2.1 Cable Route Considerations
Although the supplied cable has individually screened conductors to
reduce the effects of interference from electromagnetic noise (EMI) care
should still be taken in selecting the route the cable of the AP-WRC2 is to
take. The cable should be kept as far as possible from the following items:
•radio transmitters,
•antennas and antenna cables,
•fluorescent lights,
•electrical cables carrying AC current,
•engines including outboard motors
•AC powered electrical equipment
Also avoid routing the cable near compasses or other sensitive
instruments to avoid interference from the AP-WRC2.
3.2.2 Electrical Colour Code
The colour coding of the 3 cores of the AP-WRC2 cable is as follows:
Red +12Vdc
Black 0Vdc
Yellow SeaTalk data
3.2.3 Electrical Connections
The connection method differs depending on the model autopilot to be
connected. Refer to the specific instructions for the particular types of
autopilot.
8