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.
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AP-WRC2
Installation & User Manual
Rev 0.2
ST1000+ and ST2000+
Run the cable from the AP-WRC2 mounting location to the rear of the
autopilot bulkhead connector.
Terminate the bare wires in the terminals of the bulkhead connector as
shown in Drawing 2
ST4000+
Run the cable from the AP-WRC2 mounting location to the rear of the
ST 000+ controller/display.Crimp or solder the bare wires into small
spade terminals and then push the spade terminals onto the pins of the
ST 000+ SeaTalk port pins.
9
Drawing 2: Rear of ST1000+ /
ST2000+ Bulkhea Socket
Keyway
1
24
3
4
5
6
Black (2)
Red (1)
Yellow (4)
Illustration 3: 3 x Spa e
Terminals Require
Drawing 3: ST4000+
SeaTalk Port
Red
Yellow
Black
Red
Yellow
Black
OR

Chapter 2
Installation
Course Computer (e.g. S-1, SPX5 - SPX30)
Run the cable from the AP-WRC2 mounting location to the course
computer. The cable will typically enter at the bottom of the course
computer enclosure.
Terminate the bare wires into the screw terminals of a spare SeaTalk port
of the course computer. Match the wire colour to the corresponding
terminal colour with black going to the grey (screen) terminal.
3.2. Installation Finish Off
Secure the cable along its length using clips or cable ties or by
installing it inside conduit or trunking to complete the installation.
Excess cable can be gathered into a loop at a convenient location and
neatly cable tied out of the way.
10
Drawing 4: Course Computer
(e.g. S-1, SPX5 - SPX30)
SeaTalk Port Terminals
Black Red Yellow

AP-WRC2
Installation & User Manual
Rev 0.2
4 Operation
4.1 INITIAL T STING
1. Check that the fobs have batteries installed by pressing any button
and verifying that the red light on the fob turns on. If not, install new
CR2016 lithium batteries before proceeding further. (Refer to section
5.2 for battery replacement instructions)
2. Confirm the autopilot has power to it by checking that the display is
on and displaying a value. Test the autopilot operates as per normal
from the autopilot’s own buttons by first pressing the ‘Auto’ key and
then pressing the course change buttons to alter position by 1 and
10 degrees to both port and starboard. Do not proceed until you
are satisfied t e autopilot is operating normally.
3. Switch on the AP-WRC2 at it’s on/off switch (switch to ‘I’). Watch for
the LED indicator on the AP-WRC2 to flash 3 times indicating start
up. (If the LED oes not flash after turning the switch on, refer to the
troubleshooting section).
. Press each button on each fob and verify that the LED indicator on
the AP-WRC2 turns on briefly with each button press. (If the LED oes
not turn on for any button presses, refer to the troubleshooting section).
5. Press t e ‘Auto’ button on t e autopilot to select Auto mode (for
ST1000/ST2000+ a letter ‘A’ appears next to the value on the
autopilot display).
6. Press Button A (or B) on one of the fobs and verify that the number
displayed on the autopilot changes by 1. (Note: the autopilot may
not move with only a 1 degree course change).
11

Chapter 4
Operation
7. Press Button C (or D) on the AP-WRC2 fob and verify that the
number displayed on the autopilot changes by 10.
8. Press the ‘Standby’ button on the autopilot to select Standby mode
(for ST1000/ST2000+ a flashing letter ‘C’ appears next to the value
on the autopilot display).
9. Press and hold (for at least 1.5 seconds) Button A on the fob and
verify that the autopilot changes to Auto mode (for ST1000/ST2000+
a letter ‘A’ appears next to the value on the autopilot’s display).
10. Press and hold (for at least 1.5 seconds) Button B on the fob
and verify that the autopilot changes to Standby mode (for
ST1000/ST2000+ a flashing letter ‘C’ appears next to the value on
the autopilot’s display).
If all of the above checks work then the AP-WRC2 is rea y to use.
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AP-WRC2
Installation & User Manual
Rev 0.2
4.2 NORMAL OP RATION
.2.1 General
The fob (transmitter) buttons replicate the functions available from the
autopilot to provide the same course changing and auto-tacking
functionality. In addition, the autopilot mode can be changed between
Standby, Auto, Wind Vane and Track from the fob.
A red light on the fob indicates when a button is being
pressed. A red light on the receiver turns on to
acknowledge each button press.
When pressing a button hold the button down for
about half a second. A button press which is too short will be ignored and
a button press which is too long may cause an undesired mode change. A
bit of experimentation will allow you to get to know the required button
press durations.
.2.2 Button Assignments
The fob buttons are assigned the following functions:
Button A change 1 degree to port / select Auto
Button B change 1 degree to starboard / select Standby
Button C change 10 degrees to port
Button D change 10 degrees to starboard
Buttons A & C (together) auto-tack to port
Buttons B & D (together) auto-tack to starboard
Buttons A & B (together) select Wind Vane mode
Buttons C & D (together) select Track mode
13

Chapter 4
Operation
.2.3 Changing Mode
The buttons are assigned the following mode change functions:
Long Press Button A select 'Auto’ mode
Long Press Button B select ‘Standby’ mode
*Buttons A & B select ‘Wind Vane’ mode#
*Buttons C & D select ‘Track’ mode
* Must be in ‘Auto’ mo e first.
# Win Vane mo e only available if vali win ata is being receive by the
autopilot.
.2. Changing Course
Press each button (or combination of buttons) briefly when wanting to
change course by 1 or 10 degrees or to auto-tack.
To auto-tack it is acceptable to (for example) press and hold Button A first
and then press Button C – the two buttons do not need to be pressed at
exactly the same time but the second button needs to be pressed quickly
after pressing the first button to prevent undesired course changes.
For long button presses (changing to Auto or Standby) hold the button(s)
pressed for at least 1.5 seconds.
Note: Do not hol Button A (or B) for longer than one secon before
pressing Button C (or D) ue to the mo e change functions of Buttons A
an B when hel for 1.5 secon s. Also, be aware that pressing Button C or
Button D first in a multi-button press may cause a 10 egree course
change if the secon button is not presse imme iately.
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AP-WRC2
Installation & User Manual
Rev 0.2
Sometimes fob button presses are missed by the Autopilot which usually
occurs when the Autopilot is in ‘Auto’ mode and is still adjusting to a new
position (even though it may appear to have stopped moving). If this
occurs just press the required fob button again.
15
NOTES

Chapter 5
Support
5 Support
5.1 TROUBL SHOOTING
SYMPTOM CAUSE REMEDY
Autopilot does not respond to
fob (transmitter) button
presses
Autopilot is not
turned on.
Check that the Autopilot display is on
(meaning it has power to it).
Wireless Remote
Control is not
turned on.
Check that the on/off switch of the AP-WRC2
is switched on (‘I’ position depressed).
Watch to see that the red LED of the AP-
WRC2 receiver flashes 3 times when power is
first turned on.
Press any of the fob buttons while observing
the red LED of the AP-WRC2. If the red LED
illuminates when buttons are pressed then
the AP-WRC2 has power and is responding to
button presses.
SeaTalk data not
connected
Confirm that the SeaTalk data wire is
connected properly (refer to installation
section) and the connection is free from
corrosion.
Red LED on the AP-WRC2
receiver does not illuminate
when fob buttons are pressed.
The fob
(transmitter) is not
working
Refer to “Red light on fob…” section below.
The Wireless
Remote Control is
not turned on.
Check that the on/off switch of AP WRC is
switched on (‘I’ position depressed).
Check that any main switch for the 12V
supply to the Wireless Remote Control is
turned on.
Red light on fob (transmitter)
does not light up when a
button is pressed.
Fob batteries are
dead
Replace batteries in fob (2 x CR2016)
Cannot select Wind Mode No wind
instruments
connected to
autopilot
The autopilot must be receiving valid wind
data before Wind mode can be selected.
Connect wind instruments to the autopilot
using NMEA.
Everything works but
sometimes button presses do
not register with the Autopilot
Autopilot is
finishing a course
change
On occasions when the Autopilot is
completing a movement in Auto mode it will
ignore commands from SeaTalk. This is not a
problem with the AP WRC.
16

AP-WRC2
Installation & User Manual
Rev 0.2
5.2 BATT RY R PLAC M NT
The fobs are not shipped with batteries due to restrictions on
transporting lithium batteries by air and so new batteries must be
installed in the fobs before using the AP-WRC2.
1. Separate the two halves of the fob by using your fingernail
to gently pry the fob apart.
2. Insert two CR2016 lithium button cell batteries into the
battery holder. Ensure that the side of the battery with the writing
(positive side) is facing up for each battery.
3. If the batteries seem loose once both are installed in the
battery holder remove them both and press the centre contact
down slightly. Reinsert the batteries and check that the centre
contact is holding the batteries firmly.
4. Snap the two halves of the fob together again.
5. Press all buttons one at a time and ensure the red light on
the fob turns on each time a button is pressed.
17

Chapter 5
Support
5.3 SAL S & SUPPORT
For all sales and support enquiries, contact:
Neil Finlayson
Madman Marine Pty Ltd.
Ph. 0 12 MAD MAN ([phone])
E. [email protected]
W. www.madmanmarine.com
18