Raymarine SportPilot User manual

Distributed by
Any reference to Raytheon or
RTN in this manual should be
interpreted as Raymarine.
The names Raytheon and RTN
are owned by the
Raytheon Company.

SportPilot and
SportPilot Plus
Owner’s
Handbook
Document number: 81057-5
Date: May 2001

ii SportPilot and SportPilot Plus - Owner’s Handbook
Autohelm,HSB(HighSpeedBus), SailPilot,SeaTalkandSportPilot
are registered trademarks of Raymarine Ltd.
Raymarine,AST (AdvancedSteeringTechnology), AutoAdapt,
AutoLearn, AutoRelease, AutoSeastate, AutoTack, AutoTrim,
FastTrim, GyroPlus,RayGyro,RayPilotandWindTrimare
trademarks of Raymarine Ltd.
Handbook contents © Raymarine Ltd 2001.

Preface iii
Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction ............................................................1
About thishandbook ................................................................. 3
Important Information .............................................................. 3
Chapter 2: Operating the SportPilot .......................................9
2.1 Switching onand off ................................................................. 9
Switchingon .............................................................................9
Switchingoff .............................................................................9
2.2 Basicoperation .........................................................................9
Engagingand disengagingthe pilot ..........................................9
Makingcoursechanges ...........................................................10
Adjustingautopilot gain .......................................................... 11
2.3 Using Navigator (Track) mode ...............................................12
Chapter 3: Maintenance & Fault Finding ..............................15
3.1 Generalmaintenance ..............................................................15
3.2 Fault finding ............................................................................16
3.3 Productsupport .......................................................................16
Chapter 4: Installing the SportPilot ......................................19
4.1 Planning the installation ..........................................................20
Installationinstructions ...........................................................21
4.2 Installingthe compass .............................................................23
Compasslocation ....................................................................23
Compassmounting .................................................................24
Compasscabling .....................................................................24
4.3 Installing the rudder position sensor – optional ......................26
Linear rudder position sensor– installation (hydraulic outboard
steeringsystems) .....................................................................26
Rotary rudderposition sensor– installation (hydraulic inboard
steeringsystems) .....................................................................29
4.4 Providingpower for the SportPilot .........................................37
InterfacingwithNMEAequipment ........................................38
4.5 ConnectingSeaTalk equipment ..............................................39
Typical SeaTalk connections ..................................................40
4.6 InstallingtheSportPilot ..........................................................41
Step 1 – Remove the steering wheel ........................................41
Step 2 – Mount the torque bracket ...........................................42
Step 3 – Plug thecables intothe SportPilot .............................45
Step 4 – Assemble and secure the SportPilot ..........................47

iv SportPilot and SportPilot Plus - Owner’s Handbook
Chapter 5: Compass Calibration ............................................51
Importantnote .........................................................................51
Introduction ............................................................................51
5.1 Compasslinearization and heading alignment ....................... 52
5.2 Headingalignmentwithout linearizing ..................................54
Index ..................................................................................... 55

Chapter 1: Introduction 1
1 Introduction
Chapter 1: Introduction
Congratulationson the purchase of yourRaymarineSportPilot.
TheSportPilotfitsneatlyoverthesteeringcolumndirectlybehindthe
steering wheel. All of the autopilot controls are locatedon a rotary
switch at the end of a control stalk. Thesecontrols consist of:
•Standbymode(STANDBY)
•five autopilot settings (LO to HI) tocontrol theamount of rudder
applied when course changes are made
•Navigator(orTrack)mode(NAV)fortrackingtowaypointswhen
the SportPilot is used with a chartplotter or GPS
The SportPilot is very easyto use:
•simplypoint the boat in the direction you wantto go, turnthe
rotary control switch to one ofthe autopilot settings (LO to HI)
and release the wheel –itreally is that simple
•ifyouwanttochange courseunder autopilotcontrol,simplyturn
theboatontothenewheadingandonceagainletgoofthewheel–
youdon’teven have to disengage the autopilot
Ifyou have a SeaTalk or NMEA positionsensor, navigation to
favorite fishinggrounds orwrecks is a breeze. Crosstrack error
information is constantly fed to the autopilot so that your heading is
continuouslyupdated.
D1356-2

2 SportPilot and SportPilot Plus - Owner’s Handbook
1 Introduction
The SportPilot canalsobe operated away from the steeringstation,
using a hand-held remote control or aRaymarine fixed control unit.
TheSportPilotisdesignedtobe owner installed, and most of the
necessary tools are supplied.
SportPilot and SportPilot Plus specifications
There are two versionsof the SportPilot:the SportPilot andthe
SportPilot Plus. It is vital to use the appropriate pilot for your boat.
The SportPilot will not perform effectively if you exceed the
following boat compatibility specifications.
General specifications
Nominal supply voltage: 12 V DC
Dimensions: Height: 220 mm (8.7 in)
Width: 238.5 mm (9.4 in) including stalk
137.5 mm (5.4 in) excluding stalk
Depth: 100.5 mm (4.0 in)
Heading reference: Raymarine fluxgate compass
Operating modes: •Standby (autopilot not active)
•Auto (autopilot operating): with five settings to
control autopilot rudder gain.
•Navigation (Track) mode: autopilot following
waypoints received from navigator.
Inputs/Outputs: Compass, Rudder Position Sensor,
Power/NMEA 0183, SeaTalk
Steering shaft size: 19 mm (3/4 in) and 25 mm (1in) tapered
SportPilot – boat compatibility
Maximum displacement: 2000 kg (4400 lbs) manual cable steering
3500 kg (7700 lbs) manual hydraulic steering
3500 kg (7700 lbs) servo hydraulic steering
Maximum wheel diameter:
(depending on weight)
54 cm (21 in) wooden
46 cm (18 in) metal
SportPilot Plus – boat compatibility
The SportPilot Plus has a more powerful motor designed specifically for boats
where the autopilot is used for hours at a time on a daily basis.

Chapter 1: Introduction 3
1 Introduction
About this handbook
This handbook contains two main parts:
Part 1: Using the SportPilot
Thispart of thehandbookexplainshowtouse yourSportPilot:
Part 2: Installing the SportPilot
Thispart of thehandbookexplainshowtoinstallyourSportPilot:
Note:This handbook containsimportantinformationabout
installing,usingandmaintaining yournew Raymarine product.To
get thebest from the product, pleaseread this handbook thoroughly.
Important Information
Warranty
ToregisteryournewRaymarineproduct,pleasetakeafewminutesto
filloutthewarrantycard.It is importantthatyoucompletetheowner
informationandreturnthecardtoustoreceivefullwarrantybenefits.
Handbook information
To the best of our knowledge, the information in thishandbook was
correct when it wentto press.However, Raymarine cannot accept
liabilityforanyinaccuraciesoromissionsitmaycontain.Inaddition,
ourpolicyof continuousproduct improvementmay change
specifications without notice. As aresult, Raymarine cannot accept
liability for any differences between the product and the handbook.
2Chapter 2: Operating the SportPilot
Explains how to use the SportPilot. page 9
3Chapter 3: Maintenance & Fault Finding
Provides maintenance and fault finding information. page 15
4Chapter 4: Installing the SportPilot
Explains how to install your SportPilot and its components. page 19
5Chapter 5: Compass Calibration
Explains how to linearize the SportPilot compass and align
its heading.
page 51

4 SportPilot and SportPilot Plus - Owner’s Handbook
1 Introduction
Safety notices
WARNING: Product installation
Thisequipmentmust beinstalled andoperated inaccordance
withtheinstructionscontainedinthishandbook.Failuretodoso
couldresultinpoorproductperformance,personalinjury
and/ordamagetoyourboat.
WARNING: Electrical safety
Makesurethepowersupplyisswitchedoffbeforeyoumakeany
electrical connections.
WARNING: Navigation aid
Althoughwe have designedthisproducttobe accurateand
reliable,many factorscanaffect itsperformance.As aresult,it
shouldonlybeusedasanaidto navigationandshouldnever
replacecommonsenseandnavigationaljudgement.Always
maintainapermanentwatchsoyoucanrespondtosituationsas
theydevelop.
YourRaymarine autopilotwilladda new dimension to yourboating
enjoyment. However, it is the skipper’s responsibility to ensure the
safety ofthe boat at all timesby followingthese basic rules:
•Ensure that someoneis present at the helm AT ALL TIMES, to
take manual control in an emergency.
•Make sure thatall crew members know how todisengage the
autopilot.
•Regularlycheckforotherboatsandany obstaclestonavigation–
nomatterhowcleartheseamayappear,adangeroussituationcan
developrapidly.
•Maintain an accuraterecord of theboat’spositionby usingeither
anavigationaid orvisualbearings.
•Maintain a continuousplot of your boat’spositionona current
chart. Ensure thatthe locked autopilot headingwill steer the boat
clear of all obstacles. Make proper allowance for tidal set –the
autopilot cannot.
•Evenwhenyourautopilotis lockedontothedesiredtrackusinga
navigationaid,alwaysmaintainalogandmakeregularpositional
plots.Navigationsignals can produce significant errorsunder
some circumstances and the autopilot will not be able to detect
these errors.

Chapter 1: Introduction 5
1 Introduction
EMC conformance
All Raymarine equipment andaccessories are designed to thebest
industrystandards for use in the recreational marine environment.
The design andmanufactureof Raymarine equipment and
accessories conform to the appropriate Electromagnetic
Compatibility(EMC)standards,butcorrectinstallationisrequiredto
ensure that performance is not compromised.

6 SportPilot and SportPilot Plus - Owner’s Handbook
1 Introduction

Part 1:
Using the
SportPilot
Part 1: Using the SportPilot

Part 1: Using the SportPilot

Chapter 2: Operating the SportPilot 9
2 Operating the SportPilot
Chapter 2: Operating the SportPilot
2.1 Switching on and off
Switching on
The SportPilot enters Standbymode when the power supply is
switched on. This mode is identified bythe flashingred AUTO LED.
As soonas the pilot is engaged(see below), the red LED glows
permanently to confirm this selection.
Switching off
Switchingoffyourboat’spowersupplywillswitchofftheSportPilot.
TopreventtheSportPilot draining thebattery, alwaysswitch off
the power supply when leaving theboat for long periods.
2.2 Basic operation
Engaging and disengaging the pilot
Engaging the pilot
1. Steer the boat onto the requiredheading.
2. Turnthe rotarycontrol switchclockwisefromSTANDBY to one
ofthe fiveautopilot gain settings(LO to HI).
Note: It is important to select the correct gain setting for your
boat’s speed. See page 11 for details.
3. Release the wheel –there will bea short delaybefore thepilot
takes control.
D1400-2

10 SportPilot and SportPilot Plus - Owner’s Handbook
2 Operating the SportPilot
Disengaging the pilot
You candisengage the SportPilot atany time by turning the rotary
control switch to STANDBY.
Making course changes
Large course changes
When yourboat is underautopilot control, you can override the pilot
at any time by steering the wheel in the normal way.
As soon asyou release the wheel, the SportPilot automatically
regains control to maintain the boat’s current heading.
CAUTION:
YouMUSTcenterthehelmaftermakinglargecoursechanges.If
you do notcenterthehelm,theautopilot could become unstable
ortakealongtimeto settleontotherequiredheading.
Minor course changes
When yourboat is under autopilot control,you can make minor
courseadjustmentsin1°increments by pressing the:
•-1°(Port)or
•+1°(Starboard) switchesontop ofthe control stalk
Note:Youcanalsomakecoursechangesusinganoptionalhandheld
remote control or repeater autopilot control unit (if fitted).
D1403-2A

Chapter 2: Operating the SportPilot 11
2 Operating the SportPilot
Adjusting autopilot gain
The autopilot gainsetting determinesthe amountof rudderthe pilot
applies during course change. Autopilot gain is relative to the speed
ofyourboat.There are five availablegainsettingsonthe SportPilot:
•LO: lowest gain setting
•threemid-rangepositions
•HI: highest gain setting
Setting the gain for your boat
WARNING:
Itisvitalthattheautopilotgaincontrolis setcorrectly–an
incorrectsettingwill leadtopoorsteeringperformance andcan
produceviolentcoursechangesat highspeed.
The ideal gain setting for one boat maynot be ideal for another, so
finding the correct setting for your boat will be down to
experimentationand experience. The following HI andLO setting
detailsaregeneral guidelinesonly.
HI gains
Generally, lowboatspeedsrequireamediumtoHI setting to provide
better course keeping.
WARNING:
Thissettingisnotrecommendedforhighspeedsasitmaycause
someinstabilityand,therefore,couldbedangerous.
LO gains
Most high speed boats will require a medium to LO setting. This
provides the greatest stability.
D1402-2
LO gain
HI gain
Mid-range gain

12 SportPilot and SportPilot Plus - Owner’s Handbook
2 Operating the SportPilot
Automatic gain correction
Autopilot gain is automatically adjusted if the SportPilot is
connected toeither a:
•SeaTalk instrumenttransmittingboatspeedthroughthewateror
boatspeedover theground,or
•NMEAinstrumenttransmittingNMEA0183boatspeedthrough
the water orboat speed over the ground
Initially set the control stalk to the gain position most suited to your
boat. The SportPilot will then automatically adjust the gain (up or
down) fromthis setting asyour boat speed changes.
Note:The SportPilot mustreceive boatspeed information via
SeaTalkor NMEAtoautomatically adjustthegain.
2.3 Using Navigator (Track) mode
The SportPilot can automatically steer to a waypoint using
informationfrom any SeaTalk navigatororNMEA0183compatible
GPS. Alternatively,the SportPilot canfollow aroute defined ona
SeaTalkNavcenterorGPS.
Entering Navigator (Track) mode
To enter Navigator mode soyou follow aroute ofwaypoints:
1. Create orselect a route ofwaypointson thenavigator.
2. Engage thepilot and steeryour boat onto the firstwaypoint
bearing(within0.3nm of track).
3. Press in the end ofthe control stalk to enter Navigator (Track)
mode. Theyellow NAV light glows to confirm this selection.
D1410-2
001
002 003
004

Chapter 2: Operating the SportPilot 13
2 Operating the SportPilot
Exiting Navigator (Track) mode
ToexitNavigator(Track)modeand returntoStandbymode, turnthe
endofthecontrolstickbacktoSTANDBY.TheyellowNAV lightwill
go out andthe red AUTO light will flash.
Turning to next waypoint
In Navigator (Track) mode, the SportPilot automatically determines
the direction to the target waypoint:
•if a turn to port is required, the SportPilot emits 2 short beeps
•if a starboard turn is needed,the SportPilot emits 1 short beep
To accept the turn, press in the end of the control stalk (NAV).
CAUTION:
Before youaccept aturn to portor starboard, ALWAYS make
sure that it is safe to do so.
Arriving at a waypoint
When youarrive at a target waypoint, the SportPilot requests
permission to advance tothenextwaypoint:
•two short beepsfor a port turn
•oneshortbeepforastarboardturn
Make sure that it is safe to make the turn, then press NAV to advance
tothenextwaypoint.
D1358-2

14 SportPilot and SportPilot Plus - Owner’s Handbook
2 Operating the SportPilot
Safety points
The SportPilot canonly follow a user definedroute ifthe navigation
equipment transmits all of the following information:
•bearingtowaypoint(BTW)
•crosstrackerror (XTE)
•waypointnumber
If cross track error(XTE) is the only available information, the
SportPilotwill advance to the next waypoint withoutrequesting
permission.Inthiscase,youshouldalwaysmanuallysteertheboatto
within 15°of thenew bearing to waypoint before you press NAV.
Audible alarms in Navigator mode
The SportPilot emits the following audible warning alarms in
Navigator(Track)mode:
Audible alarm Reason
2 short beeps Turn to port required
1 short beep Turn to starboard required
2 short and 1 long beep Off course
Continuous short beeps Track problem (large XTE, no data or data error)

Chapter 3: Maintenance & Fault Finding 15
3 Maintenance & Fault Finding
Chapter 3: Maintenance & Fault Finding
ThischapterprovidesinformationaboutmaintainingyourSportPilot
system, obtaining product support and solving commonproblems.
3.1 General maintenance
CAUTION:
TheSportPilotandfluxgatecompassdonotcontainanyuser
serviceable parts. These products should be serviced only by
authorized Raymarine service technicians.
Routine cabling checks
•Make sure all connections are firmly attached.
•Examine the cables forsigns of wearor damage –replace any
damagedcables.
Cleaning the SportPilot
•If the SportPilot is dirty, wipe it with a clean, damp cloth.
•Neveruse chemical orabrasive materials to clean theSportPilot.
EMC advice
•When poweredup, all electrical equipment produces
electromagnetic fields. These cancause adjacent pieces of
electrical equipment to interact with one another, with a
consequent adverse effect on operation.
•To minimize these effects and enable you to getthe best possible
performancefromyourRaymarineequipment,guidelinesare
given in the installation instructions, to enable you to ensure
minimuminteraction between differentitems of equipment,i.e.
ensure optimum Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC).
•Alwaysreport anyEMC-relatedproblemstoyournearest
Raymarine dealer. We usesuch information toimprove our
quality standards.
•In someinstallations, it may notbe possibleto prevent the
equipment frombeing affected by external influences. In general
this will notdamage the equipment but it can lead to spurious
resetting action, or momentarily may result in faulty operation.