Navman G-PILOT 3100 User manual

Operation Manual
NAVMAN
G-PILOT 3100
AUTOPILOT
www.navman.com
English..............3
Español...........34
Português.......64

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G-PILOT 3100 Operation Manual NAVMAN 3
FCC Statement
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class
B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a normal installation.
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference
to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment
off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more
of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an output on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced technician for help.
A shielded cable must be used when connecting a peripheral to the serial ports.

G-PILOT 3100 Operation Manual
NAVMAN
4
Contents
Important................................................................................................5
1 Introduction.........................................................................................6
1-1 A typical installation....................................................................................6
2 Basic operation ..................................................................................7
2-1 Turning on and off......................................................................................7
2-2 The keys.....................................................................................................7
2-3 Using the G-PILOT 3100............................................................................7
2-3-1 Starting the G-PILOT 3100 .................................................................7
2-3-2 Using the G-PILOT 3100.....................................................................7
2-3-3 Action in an emergency.......................................................................8
2-3-4 Turning the G-PILOT 3100 off.............................................................8
2-4 Setting the steering mode..........................................................................8
2-5 STBY (standby),AUTO and HAND STEER...............................................9
2-6 Jog steer ..................................................................................................10
3 Operation...........................................................................................11
3-1 Set backlight for screen and keys............................................................11
3-2 Heading display........................................................................................11
3-3 Bar data display .......................................................................................11
3-4 Info data display.......................................................................................11
3-5 Alarms......................................................................................................12
3-6 Simulate mode.........................................................................................12
3-7 Using the menus......................................................................................12
3-8 Key reference...........................................................................................15
4 Compass steering mode..................................................................16
4-1 Compass steering data............................................................................16
4-2 Engaging and disengaging the G- PILOT 3100 in compass mode..........16
4-3 Changing course in compass mode.........................................................17
4-4 Dodging in compass mode.......................................................................18
4-5 Auto tacking in compass mode ................................................................18
5 GPS steering mode ..........................................................................19
5-1 GPS navigation data ...............................................................................19
5-2 Engaging and disengaging the G-PILOT 3100 in GPS mode..................20
5-3 Dodging in GPS mode .............................................................................21
6 Wind steering mode.........................................................................22
6-1 Wind steering data...................................................................................22
6-2 Engaging the G-PILOT 3100 in wind mode .............................................24
6-3 Changing SWA (set wind angle) in wind mode ........................................25
6-4 Dodging in wind mode..............................................................................26
6-5 Auto tacking or gybing in wind mode........................................................26
7 Optimizing steering performance...................................................28
7-1 The steering parameters..........................................................................28
7-2 Profiles.....................................................................................................28
7-3 Adjusting the steering parameters............................................................29

G-PILOT 3100 Operation Manual NAVMAN 5
Important
It is the owner’s sole responsibility to install and use the instrument and transducer/s in a man-
ner that will not cause accidents, personal injury or property damage. The user of this product
is solely responsible for observing safe boating practices.
The choice, location, and installation of all components in any autopilot system is critical. If
installation is not correct, the unit can not perform at its designed potential. If in doubt, consult
your Navman dealer. Ensure that any holes that cut are in a safe position and will not weaken
the boat's structure. If in doubt, consult a qualified boat builder.
Using the G-PILOT 3100:
The G-PILOT 3100 is intended as an aid to save a helmsman from having to steer for long
periods of time, not as the main means of steering the boat.
The G-PILOT 3100 is not intended for use in extreme weather, in adverse conditions or in
water near other boats, dangerous waters or land.
The G-PILOT 3100 can not control the boat better than a helmsman. In adverse conditions
steer the boat manually.
Never leave the helm unattended. Keep a watch at all times. The helmsman should always
monitor the course of the boat and the G-PILOT 3100 and be ready to resume steering the
boat manually.
The performance of the G-PILOT 3100 can be affected by the failure of a part, environmen-
tal conditions, improper installation and use.
NAVMAN NZ LIMITED DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY FOR ANY USE OF THIS PRODUCT IN A
WAY THAT MAY CAUSE ACCIDENTS, DAMAGE OR THAT MAY VIOLATE THE LAW.
As Navman is continuously improving this product we retain the right to make changes to the
product at any time which may not be reflected in this version of manual. Please contact your
nearest Navman office if you require any further assistance.
Governing Language: This statement, any instruction manuals, user guides and other infor-
mation relating to the product (Documentation) may be translated to, or has been translated
from, another language (Translation). In the event of any conflict between any Translation of the
Documentation, the English language version of the Documentation will be the official version
of the Documentation.
Copyright© 2003 NavmanNZ Limited,New Zealand.All rights reserved.Navman isa registered
trademark of Navman NZ Limited.
Appendix A - Specifications...............................................................31
Appendix B - Alarm and warning messages.....................................31
Appendix C - Troubleshooting...........................................................33
Appendix D - How to contact us ........................................................94

G-PILOT 3100 Operation Manual
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The G-PILOT 3100 autopilot has three steer-
ing modes:
Compass: The boat sails at a set com-
pass heading.
Wind: The boat sails and tacks at a set
angle to the wind (requires a wind instru-
ment, such as Navman’s WIND 3100
series, to be connected).
GPS: The boat sails to a destination
along a preset route (requires a GPS
instrument, such as a Navman TRACKER
chartplotter to be connected).
The G-PILOT 3100 has three states:
STBY (standby): The G-PILOT 3100 does
not steer the boat. Steer the boat with the
manual helm.
AUTO: The G-PILOT 3100 steers the
boat automatically.
HAND STEER: The G-PILOT 3100 dis-
plays steering information for the helms-
man to use to steer a course manually.
The unit is powered from the boat’s power
supply.
TheG-PILOT3100 ispartof theNavmanfamily
of instruments for boats, which includes instru-
ments for speed, depth, wind and repeaters.
These instruments can be connected together
toformanintegrateddatasystemforaboat.The
G-PILOT3100’sperformanceisenhanced ifit is
connected to a boat speed instrument such as
Navman’s SPEED 3100 or a GPS.
Using this manual
For maximum benefit, please read this manual
carefully before using the G-PILOT 3100.
ThismanualdescribeshowtooperatetheG-PILOT
3100.RefertotheseparateG-PILOT 3100Instal-
lation Manual for information on how to install
and setup the G-PILOT 3100 before use.
Cleaning and maintenance
Clean the parts of the G-PILOT 3100 with a
damp cloth or mild detergent. Avoid abrasive
cleaners, petrol or other solvents.
Do not paint any part of the G-PILOT 3100
except for the cables.
1 Introduction
Manual helm
GPS
NMEA
SPEED
3100
WIND
3100
More
display
units
Display
unit
Light duty
Heavy duty
12 V DC
Power supply
Gyro
Compass
Main
unit
NavBus
Clutch drive
(optional)
Parts supplied with G-PILOT
Other parts required
Optional parts
Rudder
feedback
unit
Rudder
Power switch
or switches and
power protection
Steering
drive
Rudder
control Key
1-1 A typical installation
Optional instruments
Note: Above shows typical installation only.
Please refer to the information supplied with
your drive for further information.

G-PILOT 3100 Operation Manual NAVMAN 7
2-3 Using the G-PILOT 3100
2 Basic operation
Display and keys are backlit
(see section 3-1)
Four keys
(see section 2-2)
The display unit
111 x 111 mm
(4.4" x 4.4")
Battery symbol
flashes if battery
low (see section
3-5)
Boat heading
TRUE or MAG
Alarm symbol flashes
when alarm sounds
(see section 3-5)
Info display
(see section 3-4)
Bar data
(rudder or course error,
see section 3-3)
Simulate symbol
(see section 3-6)
Operation
(see section 2-5)
Steering mode
(see section 2-4)
Main display always
shows boat heading
(see section 3-2)
Turnthe uniton and offwith the auxiliarypower
switch on the boat. The unit does not have its
own power switch. When you turn it off, any
settings you have made are retained.
2-1 Turning on and off If the word SIMULATE flashes on the display,
then the unit is in simulate mode (see section
3-6).
2-2 The keys
The unit has four keys, labelled AUTO (ESC)
<>and MENU (ENT).
In this manual:
Press means to push the key for less
than one second.
Hold means to hold the key down until
the display changes.
Press one key + another key means to
push both keys together.
The display unit gives a high pitch beep after
a valid key press and a low pitch beep after an
invalid key press. For information on using the
keys, see sections 3-7 and 3-8.
Keylock
When keylock is turned on, the G-PILOT will
ignore key presses. To turn keylock on or off:
Press AUTO + MENU.
Press ENT.
2-3-1 Starting the G-PILOT 3100
1 Turn the G-PILOT 3100 on (see section 2-1).
If the G-PILOT 3100 is connected to speed,
wind or GPS instruments, turn these on too.
2 If necessary, adjust the backlight so that the
display can be read easily (see section 3-1).
3 If necessary, change the user data (see
section 3-7).
2-3-2 Using the G-PILOT 3100
1 Manually steer the boat to open waters
before using the G-PILOT to steer the
boat.
2 If necessary, change the steering mode
(see section 2-4).
3 Engage, use and disengage the G-PILOT:
For Compass mode: see section 4.
For GPS mode: see section 5.
For Wind mode: see section 6.

G-PILOT 3100 Operation Manual
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8
4 It is possible to change the steering mode
during a voyage, for example:
Change from GPS to compass at the
end of a route.
On a sailing boat, change from wind
to compass or GPS when changing
from sail to motor (see section 3-4).
5 The G-PILOT can be adjusted to optimize
its steering performance:
If necessary, adjust the turn rate so
that the boat turns at a reasonable
rate; go to TURN RATE in the
OPTIONS menu (see section 3-7).
Select a profile suitable for the
conditions (see section 7-2).
If necessary, adjust the data in
the profile to improve the steering
performance (see section 7-3).
If the G-PILOT steering performance
is poor and the above adjustments do
not correct the performance, consider
performing a complete dockside
setup and sea trial as described in the
G-PILOT 3100 Installation manual.
Important:
The G-PILOT cannot control the boat
better than a helmsman. The G-PILOT is
not intended for use in extreme weather,
in adverse conditions or near other boats,
dangerous waters or land. In these
conditions, disengage the G-PILOT and
steer manually.
Never leave the helm unattended, keep a
watch at all times and be ready to resume
steering the boat manually.
Do not try to turn the rudder by hand
when the G-PILOT is engaged.
Local variations in magnetic field can
affect the accuracy of the compass
heading. Such variations are the
responsibility of the user.
2-3-3 Action in an emergency
To regain control of the boat in an emergency
situation:
Either press AUTO to put the
G-PILOT 3100 in STBY (standby)
or turn the power switch(es) off.
Then manually steer the boat.
2-3-4 Turning the G-PILOT 3100 off
It is normal to turn the G-PILOT off upon
reaching your destination.
2-4 Setting the steering mode
The G-PILOT 3100 has three ways to steer
the boat: compass, GPS or wind. These are
called the steering modes.
For a power boat
For a boat without GPS, or for a boat
with GPS when you do not want to navi-
gate to a waypoint, choose compass
mode. The G-PILOT 3100 steers the
boat at a set compass heading.
To use the G-PILOT 3100 with a GPS to
navigate to a waypoint or along a route,
choose GPS mode. The G-PILOT 3100
steers the boat using navigation data
from the GPS.
For a sailing boat
To sail, tack and gybe at a set angle
to the wind, choose wind mode. Wind
mode requires a wind instrument, such as
Navman’s WIND 3100 to be connected
via NavBus or NMEA.
To steer to a set compass heading,
choose compass mode.
To use the G-PILOT 3100 with a GPS to
navigate to a waypoint or along a route,
choose GPS mode.
Note for sailing boats
The G-PILOT is not recommended for
use in light, changeable or gusty winds.
Take care when running to avoid an ac-
cidental gybe.
Wind mode requires the wind instrument
to be accurately calibrated.

G-PILOT 3100 Operation Manual NAVMAN 9
Power on
Hold
AUTO
2-5 STBY (standby), AUTO and HAND STEER
The G-PILOT 3100 can operate in STBY (standby), AUTO or HAND STEER:
STBY (standby)
Autopilot does not steer
the boat except during jog
steer.
Autopilot displays heading
but does not display steer-
ing data.
Steer the boat manually.
Press
AUTO
Hold AUTO + MENU Press AUTO
AUTO
Autopilot steers the boat.
Autopilot displays heading
and navigation data.
Do not steer the boat
manually.
HAND STEER
Autopilot does not steer
the boat.
Autopilot displays heading
and navigation data.
Steer manually using the
displayed navigation data.
CTS (course to steer) can
be displayed in the info
display (see section 3-4).
Course error can be
displayed in the bar data
(see section 3-3).
For information on jog steer, see section 2-6.
For information on engaging and using the
G-PILOT 3100 forAUTO and HAND STEER:
For Compass mode: see section 4.
For GPS mode: see section 5.
For Wind mode: see section 6.
Setting the steering mode from the menu
Go to STER MODE in the MAIN menu (see
section 3-7) and select COM (compass), GPS
or WIND.
Setting the steering mode by shortcut key
Hold MENU to go directly to the steering mode
menu.
Note
To select GPS mode, the G-PILOT must
be receiving data from a compatible GPS
instrument, otherwise the G-PILOT will
display NO DATA
To engage the G-PILOT in GPS mode,
the GPS must be navigating to a waypoint
or along a route, otherwise the G-PILOT
will display NAV ERROR. If the boat is too
far from the plotted course, the G-PILOT
will display TRK ERROR (see section 5-2)
To select Wind mode, the G-PILOT must
be receiving data from a compatible wind
instrument, otherwise the G-PILOT will
display NO DATA.
Steering mode is shown on the display

G-PILOT 3100 Operation Manual
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10
2-6 Jog steer
When the G-PILOT 3100 is in STBY(standby, see section 2-5) the helmsman must steer the boat
manually. However the G-Pilot 3100 can turn the rudder; this is called jog steering:
hold down <to turn the rudder to port
hold down >to turn the rudder to starboard
press and release <and >together to turn the rudder to amidships (this function is disabled
until the rudder feedback unit and the compass have been calibrated (see the G- PILOT
3100 Installation Manual)).
For example:
Rudder is amidships Boat keeps turning to port
Hold <, the rudder
turns to port and the
boat turns to port
Release <, the rudder
stays to port
Rudder is to port Boat keeps turning to port
Hold >, the rudder
turns to starboard
Release >, the rudder
stops, but is still to port
Rudder is to port Boat goes straightPress and release
<+ >together
the rudder turns to
amidships.
To stop the rudder turn-
ing to amidships press
ESC, <or >
Warning Until the rudder feedback unit is calibrated, there is no rudder limit and the user must
ensure that the rudder is not driven onto an endstop when using jog steering.
Note Normally during a jog the info data (see section 3-4) displays JOG. However, if CUR
(drive current) is selected then this current is displayed during a jog as an aid for testing the
steering drive.

G-PILOT 3100 Operation Manual NAVMAN 11
heading:
Todisplay MAG (magnetic)orTRUE headings,
go to HDG TYPE in the OPTIONS menu (see
section 3-7).
3-3 Bar data display
Thebardataatthe topofthedisplaycandisplay
rudder angle or course error.
To select what is displayed, go to BAR DATAin
the MAIN menu (see section 3-7). The options
are RUD (rudder angle) or CE (course error). If
the G-PILOT 3100 system has more than one
display unit, then the bar data display can be
selected differently in each display unit.
Rudder angle
Rudder angle is the angle that the rudder is
turned from amidships. When the G-PILOT
3100 is driving the rudder, an arrowhead at
the end of the bar data turns on, pointing in the
3 Operation
Heading
True or
magnetic
heading
In STBY (standby), course error displays
as zero.
3-4 Info data display
The info data is at the bottom of the screen,
and can display one item of steering or
navigation data. To select what data is
displayed, go to INFO DATA in the MAIN
menu (see section 3-7). If the G-PILOT 3100
systemhasmore thanonedisplay unit, thenthe
info data display can be selected differently in
each display unit.
The options are:
CTS: The course the G-PILOT 3100
intends the boat to steer; in STBY
(standby) there is no CTS and the display
shows CTS — — —.
3-1 Set backlight for screen and
keys
Toadjust thebacklight, gotoLAMPinthe MAIN
menu (see section 3-7). The options are OFF
or 1 (least bright) to 4 (most bright).
3-2 Heading display
The main display always shows the boat
G-PILOT driving rudder to
port, rudder is at 12° to port
G-PILOT is not driving rudder,
rudder is at 18° to port,
If the rudder is turned 30° or more, the display
shows 30° and the arrowhead is on:
G-PILOT is not driving rudder,
rudder is amidships
direction the rudder is moving. For example:
Rudderangle canbe displayedeven if theboat
is being steered manually.
Course error
The course error is the angle between the
actual boat heading and the intended autopilot
course, for example:
Actual heading 90°
CTS (course to steer) 110°
Course error is 20° to starboard
Actual heading 290°
CTS 250°
Course error is 40° to port, but 30° is
the largest error that can be displayed,
so the display shows 30° to port

G-PILOT 3100 Operation Manual
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12
XTE, BRG, COG, DTG, TTG, SOG:
GPS navigation data (see section 5-1);
requires connection to a GPS instrument.
WND: Wind angle (see section 6-1). To
display APP (apparent) or TRUE wind
angle, go to WIND TYPE in the VESSEL
menu (see section 3-7). Requires
connection to a wind instrument.
BAT: G-PILOT 3100 power supply
voltage.
CUR: Steering drive current; the drive can
be tested by checking the current during a
jog (see section 2-6).
OFF: nothing is displayed.
3-5 Alarms
When the G-PILOT 3100 detects an alarm
condition, it displays a warning message, the
alarmsymbolonthedisplay flashes,theinternal
beeper sounds and any external beepers or
lights operate.
Press any key to mute the alarm, then press
ESC to cancel the alarm message.
The G-PILOT 3100 has two kinds of alarm,
internal alarms and user defined alarms:
To turn user defined alarms on or off and
set the alarm condition (see the ALARMS
menu, section 3-7).
For a list of the alarms and what they
mean, see appendix B.
Low battery alarm
If the G-PILOT 3100 power supply voltage
drops below the battery alarm value, the
G-PILOT 3100 gives a BAT ERROR alarm
and the low battery symbol on the G-PILOT
3100 display flashes. If the G-PILOT 3100
is in AUTO then the steering drive might not
operate if the power supply voltage is too low.
We recommend switching to HAND STEER
(see section 2-5).
3-6 Simulate mode
Simulate mode allows you to become familiar
withtheunit offthe water. Theword SIMULATE
flashes on the display.
To turn Simulate mode on or off:
1 Turn the unit off (see section 2-1).
2 Hold down AUTO while you turn the unit
on (see section 2-1).
3-7 Using the menus
The menus contain data and functions to
control the performance and operation of the
G-PILOT 3100.
Viewing or changing menu data
1 From normal operation, press MENU.
2 To select data in the MAIN menu:
press <or >until the required data is
displayed; press ENT
To select data in other menus:
i press <or >until CONFIG > is
displayed; press ENT
ii press <or >until the required menu is
displayed; press ENT
Note An > after an name indicates that
the item is a menu.
3 To change the data:
press <or >one or more times
hold <or >to change the data in
steps of ten
to restore the data to its default value
(see next page), press <+ >.
4 Press ENT to store the changed data, or
press ESC to ignore the change.
5 Press ESC one or more times to exit the
menu or repeat steps 2 to 4 to view or
change other data.
Shortcut After viewing or changing data,
hold ESC to exit the menus.
The G-PILOT gives a long beep when you
exit the menu. If you do not press a key for 30
seconds than the G-PILOT will automatically
exit the menu.
MAIN menu
RESPONSE How far the course deviates
before the G-PILOT 3100 corrects the course
(1 to 10, A1 to A5; default depends on vessel
type) (see section 7-1).
RATIO How much the G-PILOT 3100 turns the
rudder to correct the course (1 to 10; default
depends on vessel type) (see section 7-2).
LAMPThe backlight brightness (1 to 4 or OFF;
default = 1) (see section 3-1).
BAR DATA The data to display on the bar
display (CE (course error ) or RUD (rudder
angle); default = RUD) (see section 3-3).
INFO DATA Thedatato displayonthe infodata
display (CTS, XTE, BRG, COG, DTG, TTG,
SOG, WND, BAT, CUR, OFF; default = CTS)
(see section 3-4).

G-PILOT 3100 Operation Manual NAVMAN 13
STER MODE The steering mode (COM
(compass), GPS, WND; default = COM) (see
section 2-4).
PROFILE The current set of steering
parameters to use (1 to 5; default = 1) (see
section 7-3).
CONFIG > Access data in menus other than
the main menu.
ALARMS > menu
CEALARMThemaximumcourseerrorallowed
before alarmsounds (1° to90° or OFF;default
= OFF).
XTE ALARM The maximum XTE error (in nm)
allowed before alarm sounds (0.01 to 2 nm or
OFF; default = OFF).
WPT AKN If the user is to acknowledge when
the boatreaches waypoint(OFFor ON,default
= OFF) (see section 5-2).
WND ALARM (If vessel type = SAIL) The
maximum deviation between apparent wind
angle and SWA (set wind angle) before alarm
sounds (1° to 90° or OFF; default = OFF).
BAT ALARM The lowest battery voltage
allowed before alarm sounds (7 to 14 V or
OFF; default = OFF).
CUR ALARM The maximum drive current
before alarm sounds (5 to 20 A; default =
10 A).
OPTIONS > menu
C-RD GAIN Counter rudder gain, used to
optimize steering performance (1 to 10 or
OFF; default depends on vessel type) (see
section 7).
TRIMGAINTrimgain, usedtooptimizesteering
performance (1 to 10 or OFF; default depends
on vessel type) (see section 7).
GPS GAIN GPS gain, used to optimize
steering performance (1 to 10; default = 3)
(see section 7).
WIND GAIN Wind gain, used to optimize
steering performance (1 to 10; default = 1)
(see section 7).
DODGEANG The anglethecourse willchange
by in a dodge (5° to 30°; default = 20°) (see
sections 4-4, 5-3 or 6-4).
TACK ANG The angle of course change in a
tack (50° to 160° or AUTO, default = AUTO)
(see sections 4-5, 6-5).
List of menus and data
MAIN menu
Response
Ratio
Lamp
Bar data
Info data
Steer mode
Profile
CONFIG > menu
ALARMS > menu
Course error alarm
XTE alarm
Waypoint acknowledge
Wind alarm
Battery alarm
Current alarm
OPTIONS > menu
Counter rudder gain
Trim gain
GPS gain
Wind gain
Dodge angle
Tack angle
Gybe angle
Tack delay
Turn rate
VESSEL > menu (STBY only)
Vessel type
Drive type
Wind type
Heading type
Magnetic variation
DEVICES > menu (STBY only)
Calibrate rudder feedback unit
Centre rudder feedback unit
Calibrate compass
Align heading
Align GPS
FACTORY > menu (STBY only)
Backlight group
Key beeps
NMEA 2 data
Main control unit version number
Display unit version number
Reset NVM

G-PILOT 3100 Operation Manual
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14
GYBE ANG The angle of course change in a
gybe (40° to 140° or AUTO or OFF, default =
AUTO) (see sections 4-5, 6.5).
TACK DELY The delay between pressing
tack and the boat starting to tack (1 to 120
sec or OFF; default = 30 sec) (see sections
4-5, 6-5).
TURN RATE Set the maximum boat turn rate
allowed, in degrees per sec (3 to 20, default =
10 degrees per sec).
VESSEL > menu
This menu can only be accessed in STBY.
VESLTYPEVessel type (SAIL,PLNE(planing),
DISP (displacement); default = SAIL).
DRVE TYPE Steering drive type (MOTR, SPL-
orSPL+; default= MOTR)(see G-PILOT 3100
Installation Manual).
WIND TYPE The wind type to use (APP or
TRUE; default = APP).
HDG TYPE The compass heading type (MAG
or TRUE; default = MAG).
MAG VAR The magnetic variation where the
boat is (90°W to +90°E; default = 19°E).
DEVICES > menu
The items in the DEVICES menu are functions
usedto calibratetheG-PILOT3100.Thismenu
can only be accessed in STBY.
RFU CAL Start the procedure to calibrate
the rudder feedback unit (see G-PILOT 3100
Installation Manual).
RFU CENTR Set rudder to position where
boat sails in a straight line (see G-PILOT 3100
Installation Manual).
CSU CAL Start the procedure calibrate the
compass (see G-PILOT 3100 Installation
Manual).
ALIGN HDG Align the compass with the boat
(see G-PILOT 3100 Installation Manual)
ALIGN GPS Align the current boat heading
with a GPS heading (COG) if available (see
G-PILOT 3100 Installation Manual).
FACTORY > menu
This menu can only be accessed in STBY.
BKL GROUP NavBus group number (0, 1,
2, 3 or 4, default = 1) (see G-PILOT 3100
Installation Manual).
KEY BEEPS A beep when a key is pressed
(ON or OFF, default = ON).
NMEA2 DAT NMEA 2 port function (IN,
SLOW or FAST; default = IN):
IN: NMEA 2 is an input
SLOW: NMEA 2 outputs heading &
rudder angle once per second
FAST: NMEA 2 outputs heading ten times
per second.
MCU VX.X Displays the G-PILOT 3100 main
unit’ssoftware version number(e.g. MCUV1.3
is version 1.3).
HCU VX.X Displays the display unit’s software
version number (e.g. HCU V2.5 is version
2.5).
NVM RESET This function resets all G-PILOT
3100 user data to the factory default values.
Once NVM RESET is displayed:
1 Press >to turn the function on
2 Press ENT to reset the data
3 Hold ESC to exit the menus
4 Perform the dockside setup and sea trials
to recalibrate the G-PILOT 3100 (see
G-PILOT 3100 Installation Manual).

G-PILOT 3100 Operation Manual NAVMAN 15
Power on
3-8 Key reference
Jog steer to port
(see section 2-6)
Jog steer to starboard
(see section 2-6)
Change course 1° to port
(see section 4-3 or 6-3)
Change course 1° to starboard
(see section 4-3 or 6-3)
Change course 10° to port every half
second (see section 4-3 or 6-3)
Change course 10° to starboard
every half second (see section 4-3
or 6-3)
Dodge to port (press ESC to return to
course (or, in Compass mode, press
ENT to keep new course))
(see section 4-4, 5-3 or 6-4)
Dodge to starboard (press ESC to re-
turn to course (or, in Compass mode
press ENT to keep new course))
(see section 4-4, 5-3 or 6-4)
Countdown, then tack or gybe to port
(press ESC to cancel tack)
(see section 4-5 or 6-4)
Countdown, then tack or gybe to star-
board (press ESC to cancel tack)
(see section 4-5 or 6-4)
Hold
<
Hold
>
These functions can only be
used in compass or wind mode,
not in GPS mode
Enter MAIN menu
(see section 3-7)
MENU
+ <
>
MENU
MENU
Hold
MENU
<
MENU
+ >
AUTO
+ <
AUTO
+ >
>
<
STBY (standby)
Autopilot is not
in control, steer
manually AUTO
Hold AUTO + MENU AUTO
AUTO
Autopilot is in
control of boat
HAND STEER
Autopilot is not
in control, steer
manually
Hold AUTO
Shortcut to change steering mode
(see section 3-7).
Hold
MENU
Jog steer to starboard
(see section 2-6)
Set rudder amidships
(see section 2-6)
<+ >
Keylock
To turn keylock on or off:
Hold down AUTO + MENU.
Press ENT.

G-PILOT 3100 Operation Manual
NAVMAN
16
4 Compass steering mode
The G-PILOT 3100 has three ways of steering the boat, compass, GPS and wind. To select an
appropriate mode, see section 2-4. In Compass mode, the G-PILOT steers the boat to a set
course, called CTS (Course to steer).
4-1 Compass steering data
Boat heading, 45°
4-2 Engaging and disengaging the G-PILOT 3100 in compass mode
CTS (course to steer, the intended
autopilot course) 55°
Course error, 10° to starboard
HANDSTEER:
Steerthe boatmanually. DisplayCTS
in the info data or course error in the
bar data and use these to steer by.
To engage AUTO,
hold AUTO
Heading = 45°
For example:
To engage HAND STEER,
hold AUTO + MENU
AUTO:
The G-PILOT steers the boat automatically.
The G-PILOT 3100 sets CTS (course to steer) to
the current heading, in this example 45°, and starts
steering on this course.
To disengage the G-PILOT, press AUTO
The G-PILOT returns to STBY (standby).
Steer the boat manually.
Heading = 45°
CTS = 45°
Manually steer the boat to
open waters. Sail straight
on the intended course.

G-PILOT 3100 Operation Manual NAVMAN 17
Heading = 45°
CTS = 45°
CTS changes to 44°
Boat comes to 44° heading
Waves or wind can push the boat’s heading off
course, The G-PILOT 3100 will steer the boat
back on course, for example:
CTS = 45°
Wave pushes boat
heading to 60°
CTS = 45°
Current
Wind or currents can push the boat to one
side of the course, for example:
G-PILOT 3100 steers boat
back to a heading of 45° Heading is maintained at 45°
Press <
4-3 Changing course in compass mode
To change course in 1° steps:
press <to change course by 1° to port
press >to change course by 1° to starboard.
For example:
Heading = 45°
CTS = 45° Press >
CTS changes to 46°
Boat comes to 46° heading
CTS changes to 35°
Boat comes to 35° heading
Heading = 45°
CTS = 45° Hold <for
half a second Hold <until
CTS is 15°
Boat comes to 15° heading
To change course in 10° steps:
hold down <to change course by 10° to port every half second
hold down >to change course by 10° to starboard every half second.
For example:
When the G-PILOT 3100 is engaged
Hold AUTO to attempt to switch to GPS mode (if vessel type is PLNE [planing] or DISP[displace-
ment]) or to wind mode (if vessel type is SAIL).

G-PILOT 3100 Operation Manual
NAVMAN
18
4-4 Dodging in compass mode
A dodge is a sharp change of course, usually to avoid an obstacle.
press MENU + <to dodge to port by the dodge angle
press MENU + >to dodge to starboard by the dodge angle.
For example:
Note
To dodge further, press MENU + <or MENU + >more times.
To view or change the dodge angle, go to DODGE ANG in the OPTIONS menu (see section 3-7).
4-5 Auto tacking in compass mode
Auto tacking is intended to tack a sailing boat. The course to steer changes by the tack angle.
press AUTO + <to tack to port by the tack angle
press AUTO + >to tack to starboard by the tack angle.
For example: The tack is finished when the boat reaches the new head-
Press
MENU + <
CTS changes by the dodge angle.
Boat comes to new heading.
The G-PILOT beeps.
Heading = 45°
CTS = 45°
or
Press ESC to resume
the earlier heading
Press ENT to continue
on the new heading
At the end of the tack delay, CTS changes
by the tack angle (if the tack angle is set to
AUTO, the G-PILOT will use the default tack
angle of 100°). The boat turns.
The boat sails straight while the G-PILOT 3100
counts down the tack delay.
The unit gives a long beep at 60 and 30 seconds
to go, a short beep every second from 10 seconds
to 1 second to go and a long beep that finishes
when the countdown ends.
Press AUTO + <to
initiate a tack to port 3 seconds to go until the tack starts
WARNING: In Compass mode auto tack, the course to steer changes by the tack angle. The
G-PILOT does not use data from any wind instrument. It is possible for the boat to gybe or to
end in irons.
Note
To tack to a fixed wind angle, use the G-PILOT 3100 in Wind mode (see section 6).
To view or change the tack angle or the tack delay, go to TACK ANG or TACK DELY in the
OPTIONS menu (see section 3-7). Gybe angle is not used in Compass mode.
The gybe angle is not used in Compass mode.
Heading = 45°
CTS = 45°
To cancel the tack at
any time, press ESC

G-PILOT 3100 Operation Manual NAVMAN 19
The G-PILOT 3100 has three ways of steering the boat, compass, GPS and wind. To select an
appropriate mode, see section 2-4. In GPS mode, the G-PILOT uses data from a GPS to steer
the boat along a route or to a waypoint.
5-1 GPS navigation data
Example of navigating to a waypoint:
Destination
DTG (distance)
TTG (time)
BRG (bearing)
SOG (speed)
Course error (angle)
CTS (bearing)
Plotted course Boat
XTE (distance)
Start
The boat is sailing from the start to the destination and has moved off the GPS plotted course
from the start to the destination:
BRG Bearing to destination The bearing to the destination from the boat.
Course error The difference between CTS and the boat heading.
CTS Course to steer Optimum course to steer to return to the plotted course.
DTG Distance to go Distance from the boat to the destination.
SOG Speed over ground Thecurrent boatspeed overthe ground.Thisis notnecessarily
the same as the boat speed through the water nor the speed
at which the boat is approaching the destination.
TTG Time to go The estimated time to reach the destination.
XTE Cross track error The distance from the boat to the nearest point of the plotted
course. XTE may have a letter: R means steer to the right to
return to the plotted course, L means steer to the left.
5 GPS steering mode
COG (bearing)

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20
Manuallysteer theboatto openwaters. Startthe GPSnavigatingto awaypoint, eitherawaypoint
on a route or a single waypoint.
BRG (direction
of GPS course)
GPS plotted
course to a
waypoint
Boat
heading
XTE (distance to
GPS course)
When the G-PILOT is engaged, if the XTE is more than 0.05 nm
or the boat heading is not within 30° of BRG then the G-PILOT
displays TRK ERROR. Press ESC to return to Compass mode
or press ENT to have the G-PILOT steer the boat to the course.
When the G-PILOT is engaged, it uses data from the GPS
to steer the boat along the plotted course to the waypoint.
GPS
plotted
course
HANDSTEER:
Steer the boat manually. Display CTS in
theinfo dataorcourse errorin thebardata
and use these to steer by.
AUTO:
The G-PILOT steers the boat automatically.
To engage AUTO,
hold AUTO To engage HAND STEER, hold AUTO + MENU
5-2 Engaging and disengaging the G-PILOT 3100 in GPS mode
To disengage the G-PILOT, press AUTO
The G-PILOT returns to STBY (standby).
Steer the boat manually.