Simrad AP25 User manual

MANUAL
SIMRAD AP25
Autopilot
20221495F Sw.1.3 English

Instruction manual
20221495F 1
Instruction Manual
This manual is intended as a reference guide for operating and
correctly installing the AP25 autopilot.
Great care has been paid to simplify operation and set-up of the
Simrad AP25, however, an autopilot is a complex electronic
system. It is affected by sea conditions, speed of the vessel, hull
shape and size.
Please take time to read this manual to get a thorough
understanding of the operation and system components and their
relationship to a complete AP25 autopilot system.
Other documentation material that is included in this manual is a
warranty card. This must be filled out by the authorized dealer that
performed the installation and mailed in to activate the warranty.

Simrad AP25 Autopilot
220221495F
Document history
Rev. A First edition.
Rev. B Minor corrections in text. Table with SimNet/NMEA2000 messages
included.
Rev. C FU50 substituted by FU25. Part no. for AC40 Power PCB ass’y, page 136
corrected. Added notes in chapter 3.19. Minor corrections in text and
display pictures.
Rev. D Figures 3-6, 3-9, 3-19 and drawing/screen picture on page 39 and 50
corrected. Minor corrections in text. Updated according to autopilot SW
1.2.00
Rev. E Virtual feedback implemented. Minor corrections to text. Applies for SW
1.2.01 and onwards.
Rev. F Correction on page 71, 93 and 150 regarding external alarm on AC10. Use
of AT10 for connection of NMEA compass when AC10 is used as autopilot
computer, page 90.

Instruction manual
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Contents
1System description ....................................................................................... 9
1.1 General .................................................................................................. 9
1.2 How to use this manual......................................................................... 9
1.3 System components............................................................................. 10
1.4 AP25 Control Unit .............................................................................. 11
1.5 Autopilot Computer ............................................................................ 11
1.6 RF300 Rudder Feedback unit ............................................................. 11
1.7 Heading Sensors..................................................................................12
RC36 Rate compass ............................................................................ 12
RFC35 Electronic Fluxgate Compass (optional) ................................12
NMEA compass (optional) ................................................................. 12
Simrad gyrocompasses........................................................................ 12
1.8 Optional equipment............................................................................. 13
R3000X Remote Control .................................................................... 13
JS10 Joystick....................................................................................... 13
FU25 Follow-Up Steering Lever ........................................................ 13
TI25 Thruster Interface ....................................................................... 13
Multiple stations.................................................................................. 14
1.9 Software record ................................................................................... 14
2Operation.................................................................................................... 15
2.1 Overview ............................................................................................. 15
2.2 ON/OFF - Standby mode .................................................................... 16
Flashing course knob icon .................................................................. 17
Alarms ................................................................................................. 17
2.3 AP25 with MSD50 Stern Drive unit................................................... 18
Zero point setting ................................................................................ 18
2.4 Follow-Up steering (FU)..................................................................... 19
2.5 Non-Follow-Up steering (NFU) .........................................................19
2.6 R3000X Remote Control (NFU)......................................................... 20
2.7 JS10 Joystick (NFU) ........................................................................... 20
2.8 Automatic Steering ............................................................................. 21

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Heading capture .................................................................................. 21
2.9 Automatic control of steering parameters........................................... 22
Power boat........................................................................................... 22
Sailboat................................................................................................ 23
2.10 Manual Selection of HI/LO Parameters.............................................. 23
2.11 PATTERN steering.............................................................................24
U-turn .................................................................................................. 24
C-turn .................................................................................................. 25
Spiral-turn ........................................................................................... 26
Zigzag-turns ........................................................................................ 27
Square-turn.......................................................................................... 28
Lazy S-turn.......................................................................................... 29
Depth Contour..................................................................................... 30
2.12 Dodge in AUTO.................................................................................. 32
2.13 Thruster Steering (optional)................................................................ 33
2.14 Tacking in Auto mode ........................................................................ 35
2.15 NoDrift ................................................................................................ 35
Dodge in NoDrift mode ...................................................................... 36
2.16 Navigating with the AP25................................................................... 37
Setting the waypoint arrival circle ......................................................39
2.17 Dodge in NAV .................................................................................... 40
2.18 Selecting a different Navigation source.............................................. 41
2.19 Wind vane steering.............................................................................. 41
2.20 Tacking and gybing in Wind mode..................................................... 43
Tack and gybe operations ................................................................... 44
Tack and gybe prevent ........................................................................ 44
2.21 Wind steering and navigation ............................................................. 45
Operating in WINDNAV mode ............................................................. 47
RACING ............................................................................................. 47
2.22 Multiple station system ....................................................................... 48
2.23 Lock function ...................................................................................... 48
2.24 User Set-up Menu ............................................................................... 50
Alternating Course Knob Icon............................................................50
STANDBY Mode ............................................................................... 50

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AUTO Mode ....................................................................................... 56
NAV Mode.......................................................................................... 58
WIND Mode ....................................................................................... 58
2.25 Quick Setup......................................................................................... 59
VMG optimizing (RACING).............................................................. 59
Layline steering (RACING)................................................................ 60
2.26 INFO menu ......................................................................................... 60
Course knob icon ................................................................................ 62
INFO menu flowchart ......................................................................... 62
INFO menu and Main Screen, active unit .......................................... 63
INFO menu and Main Screen, inactive or locked unit ....................... 63
3Installation.................................................................................................. 65
3.1 General ................................................................................................ 65
3.2 Installation checklist ........................................................................... 65
3.3 Unpacking and handling ..................................................................... 66
3.4 Determine system configuration ......................................................... 66
3.5 AP25 System Layout .......................................................................... 67
3.6 RF300 Rudder feedback installation...................................................67
3.7 Autopilot computer installation .......................................................... 69
3.8 Cable connections ............................................................................... 70
3.9 Grounding and RFI ............................................................................. 70
3.10 Drive unit installation.......................................................................... 72
Connecting a reversible pump ............................................................74
Connecting a hydraulic linear drive.................................................... 75
Connecting a solenoid valve ............................................................... 75
3.11 Control unit installation ...................................................................... 76
Panel mounting ................................................................................... 76
Alternative panel mounting.................................................................76
Optional bracket mounting .................................................................77
3.12 ROBNET2 network cables .................................................................77
AP27 connection ................................................................................. 79
3.13 RC36 Rate Compass installation ........................................................79
3.14 RFC35 Fluxgate Compass installation ...............................................81
3.15 R3000X Remote Control installation ................................................. 82

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3.16 JS10 Joystick....................................................................................... 82
3.17 S35 NFU Lever installation ................................................................82
3.18 Interfacing ........................................................................................... 83
3.19 SimNet................................................................................................. 83
SimNet network cables ....................................................................... 84
SimNet power and termination ........................................................... 84
3.20 Single NMEA input/output................................................................. 89
3.21 Double NMEA input/output ............................................................... 89
3.22 NMEA output on Port 2...................................................................... 90
3.23 NMEA Compass input........................................................................ 90
3.24 Radar Clock/Data ................................................................................ 91
3.25 IS15 Instrument installation................................................................ 91
3.26 External Alarm .................................................................................... 93
3.27 LF3000 Linear Feedback .................................................................... 93
4Configuration and setup ........................................................................... 95
4.1 First time turn on................................................................................. 95
4.2 Description of Installation Settings..................................................... 96
4.3 Installation Menu ................................................................................ 97
Language selection.............................................................................. 98
4.4 Dockside settings .............................................................................. 100
Boat type ........................................................................................... 100
Drive unit voltage..............................................................................101
Rudder Feedback Calibration ...........................................................101
Rudder Test ....................................................................................... 103
Drive engage ..................................................................................... 105
Rudder Deadband..............................................................................105
Wind setup ........................................................................................ 106
Minimum wind angle (NORMAL)...................................................106
Minimum wind angle (RACING)..................................................... 107
Tack angle (RACING)...................................................................... 107
Tack time (RACING)........................................................................ 107
Wind shift limit (RACING) .............................................................. 108
Dockside settings when configured for Virtual Feedback................ 109
4.5 Interface Settings............................................................................... 113

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4.6 Display units ..................................................................................... 113
4.7 Sea Trial ............................................................................................ 114
Set Rudder zero................................................................................. 115
Minimum rudder ............................................................................... 115
Compass calibration .......................................................................... 116
Compass Offset ................................................................................. 118
Set Thrust Direction .......................................................................... 119
Wind Offset....................................................................................... 120
Wind damping................................................................................... 120
Depth Offset ...................................................................................... 121
Automatic tuning............................................................................... 121
Transition Speed ............................................................................... 123
Init NAV ........................................................................................... 123
NAV change limit .............................................................................124
Rudder play compensation................................................................ 124
4.8 Parameters ......................................................................................... 125
Manual parameter adjust................................................................... 126
Recall Autotuned?.............................................................................128
4.9 Service Menu .................................................................................... 128
System Data Menu ............................................................................ 129
SimNet and NMEA Data Screen ...................................................... 129
NMEA Port test (AC hardware) .......................................................130
Simnet setup......................................................................................131
Master Reset...................................................................................... 132
Final sea trial..................................................................................... 132
Providing user training...................................................................... 133
5Maintenance .............................................................................................135
5.1 Control unit ....................................................................................... 135
5.2 Autopilot Computer .......................................................................... 135
5.3 Rudder Feedback...............................................................................135
5.4 Compass ............................................................................................135
5.5 Drive unit .......................................................................................... 135
5.6 Exchange of software programme ....................................................136
Autopilot Computer .......................................................................... 136

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Autopilot Control Unit ...................................................................... 137
6Trouble shooting ...................................................................................... 139
6.1 Alarms ............................................................................................... 139
7Spare Parts List........................................................................................ 144
8Technical Specifications .......................................................................... 147
8.1 AP25 Autopilot System ....................................................................147
8.2 AP25 Control Unit ............................................................................149
8.3 Autopilot Computers......................................................................... 150
8.4 RC36 Rate compass .......................................................................... 152
8.5 RFC35 Fluxgate compass ................................................................. 153
8.6 RF300 Rudder Feedback................................................................... 153
8.7 R3000X Remote Control .................................................................. 155
8.8 JS10 Joystick..................................................................................... 155
8.9 FU25 Steering Lever.........................................................................156
8.10 IS15 Rudder ...................................................................................... 157
8.11 SimNet............................................................................................... 158
8.12 IP protection ...................................................................................... 159
8.13 NMEA and SimNet messages........................................................... 160
9Glossary .................................................................................................... 164
10 Index.......................................................................................................... 167
SALES AND SERVICE WORLDWIDE

System description
20221495F 9
1SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
1.1 General
Congratulations on the purchase of your new Simrad AP25
autopilot system and thank you for selecting what we feel is the
most advanced autopilot system available on the market today.
Simrad manufactures a complete range of autopilots for all types
of vessels, from recreational boats to merchant marine vessels.
The company's involvement in autopilots began in 1953 with
equipment for the North Sea fishing fleet under the brand name
Robertson. Professional mariners around the world acknowledge
that the Robertson and Simrad brand names are synonymous
with the absolute best in autopilot technology.
The Simrad AP25 autopilot represents yet another step forward
in autopilot technology with the intent of providing leisure boats
between 30 and 80 foot with a host of new features. Among
these the new Virtual Feedback algorithms in the autopilot
software enable your autopilot to steer without having to mount
a conventional rudder feedback unit.
The autopilot system can be expanded and enhanced with a
selection of options and accessories.
The brain in the AP25 autopilot system is the single "intelligent"
autopilot computer that communicates on the proprietary
Robnet2 network to establish a reliable digital communication
and power distribution network between the units in the
autopilot system.
The AP25 autopilot is also equipped with the SimNet data and
control network. SimNet provides high speed data transfer and
control of Simrad products integrated in a total steering and
navigation system.
1.2 How to use this manual
This manual is intended as a reference guide for operating,
installing and maintaining the Simrad AP25 autopilot. Great care
has been paid to simplify operation and set-up of the AP25.
Please take time to read this manual to get a thorough
understanding of the operation and system components and their
relationship to a complete AP25 autopilot system.

Simrad AP25 Autopilot
10 20221495F
Other documentation material that is provided with your system
includes a warranty card. This must be filled out by the
authorized dealer that performed the installation and mailed in to
activate the warranty.
1.3 System components
A basic AP25 system consists of the following units (refer to
Figure 1-1):
•AP25 Control Unit with accessories
•Autopilot Computer
•Rate compass
•Rudder Feedback Unit with transmission link
•Drive unit
The basic system can be expanded with multiple fixed and hand
held full function control units, hand held remote and steering
lever.
Figure 1-1 AP25 Basic system

System description
20221495F 11
1.4 AP25 Control Unit
A compact autopilot control for panel, bulkhead or bracket
mounting. Large LCD 5” display for readout of autopilot data,
mode keys and a rotary course knob. It has two Robnet2
connectors for system interconnection and expansion and two
SimNet connectors for control and data sharing with other
Simrad products. A NMEA2000 Adaptor Cable is available for
interface through a SimNet port (page 146).
1.5 Autopilot Computer
The autopilot computer is the heart in the AP25 autopilot system.
It contains the steering computer, interface to other system
components, NMEA 0183 interface and drive electronics for the
drive unit motor and clutch. Three models, AC10, AC20 and
AC40 are available.
Autopilot computer comparison chart:
AC10 AC20 (AC40)
Supply voltage 10-28 V 10-40 V
Motor current (continuous/peak) 6/12 A 10/20A (20/40A)
Clutch/bypass current 1,5 A* 1,5 A*
Number of control units 2 7
NMEA 0183 ports (input/output) 1 2
Solenoid output x x
Input for NFU control x x
External alarm x
Radar clock/data interface x
Input for NMEA compass x
* 3A on later models
1.6 RF300 Rudder Feedback unit
Rudder feedback unit with transmission link and 10 m (30 feet)
of cable. Transforms the angular travel of the rudder to a digital
signal read by the autopilot steering computer.

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12 20221495F
1.7 Heading Sensors
The AP25 autopilot can be used with the following combinations
of heading sensors:
RC36 Rate compass
Fluxgate compass with integrated rate sensor. Provides a dramatic
improvement to the dynamic performance of both the autopilot
and a stabilized radar display.
RC36 comes as standard with the autopilot.
RFC35 Electronic Fluxgate Compass
(optional)
A compact heading sensor from Simrad with 15 m (45 feet) of
cable. The direction of the earth's magnetic field is sensed by a
floating ring core in a fluxgate coil and transformed to a digital
signal read by the autopilot steering computer.
RFC35 can operate as a low cost back-up compass for the AP25
autopilot.
NMEA compass (optional)
A well performing compass that outputs NMEA 0183 HDT or
HDG messages at 10 Hz can be connected directly to the AC20
or AC40 autopilot computer.
The AC10 Autopilot Computer has no port for NMEA compass
input.
It is absolutely necessary for the autopilot that the heading rate is
minimum 10 Hz.
Simrad gyrocompasses
Depending on the model there is direct NMEA0183 interface or
you will need an optional GI51 interface unit to get NMEA0183
interface. Ask your Simrad dealer for information.

System description
20221495F 13
1.8 Optional equipment
A series of optional equipment are available for the basic AP25
system.
R3000X Remote Control
A small handheld remote control with two push buttons for
power steering or course selection (port and starboard), and one
push button with built-in lighted indicator for limited mode
change.
JS10 Joystick
The JS10 Joystick is a Non-Follow-Up steering lever designed
for indoor and outdoor console mount. It has a spring-loaded
return-to-mid-position feature and is equipped with 10 m (33’) of
cable and installation hardware.
FU25 Follow-Up Steering Lever
Note ! Not applicable for Virtual feedback configuration (page 66).
The FU25 Follow-up steering lever features a dial with 5° rudder
angle markings. The rudder will move and stop at the angle
selected on the dial. The FU25 has a mid-position indent, buttons
for (limited) mode selection, and mode indicators. It is designed
for indoor and outdoor bulkhead or flush panel-mounting.
Refer to the FU25 manual for more information.
TI25 Thruster Interface
The TI25 Thruster Interface is designed to provide a control
signal for operating a thruster interfaced to an AP25 system. It
operates on/off solenoids, or a Danfoss PVEM valve. The
Danfoss valve is a proportional valve that will provide full
thruster performance with the output from TI25. The thruster
output signal is calculated in the TI25 based on the mode of
operation and the heading information. Set-up is from the control
unit communicated via Robnet2. All settings are stored in the
thruster interface unit.
Refer to the TI25 manual.

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Multiple stations
Multiple control units can be added to the system. See
comparison chart on page 11.
1.9 Software record
When the system is switched on, a status display shows the
software versions for the control unit and the autopilot computer.
See page 16.
Software version Description
SW 1.1.00 First issue
SW 1.2.00 NoDrift mode implemented. Easy access to
NAV source selection. Selectable NAV
change limit implemented. Steering
parameters can be changed in Auto mode.
User Setup menu re-edited. Outboard
selectable as boat type in dockside setup.
Improvement in Wind mode algorithms.
Depth contour pattern implemented. New
INFO page showing SOG/Depth.
SW 1.2.01 Virtual feedback implemented.
SW 1.3.00 Anomalies in Setup and in French and
German language repaired. Updated
according to NMEA2000 ver. 1.100.
Note ! Units with SW 1.2.00 and onwards are not compatible with units
with SW 1.1.00.

Operation
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2OPERATION
WARNING ! An autopilot is a very useful navigational aid, but DOES
NOT under any circumstance replace a human navigator.
Do not use automatic steering when:
•In heavy traffic areas or in narrow waters
•In poor visibility or extreme sea conditions
•When in areas where use of autopilot is prohibited
by law
When using an autopilot:
•Do not leave the helm unattended
•Do not place any magnetic material or equipment
near heading sensor used in the autopilot system
•Verify at regular intervals course and position of
vessel
•Always switch to Standby mode and reduce speed
in due time to avoid hazardous situations
2.1 Overview
Multifunction LCD
STANDBY mode/POWER on/off
AUTO mode
NAV or WIND mode
INSTRUMENT screens/ setup menus
PORT key
TURN/ DODGE key
STARBOARD key
Course knob
Figure 2-1 AP25 Front Panel

Simrad AP25 Autopilot
16 20221495F
The control unit shown above can operate as a stand alone unit
in an autopilot system or combined in a multistation system. In a
multistation system the command can easily be transferred from
one unit to another. Units not in control will display "Inactive"
and/or .
The AP25 system is capable of the following primary steering
modes: STBY (power steering), AUTO, NAV and WIND, each
mode having a dedicated push button.
Each of the mode push buttons is clearly identified with the
primary function in large text, and a secondary function listed in
smaller text. Each button provides you with a multiple function
mode display.
A group of user adjustable settings are provided in the AP25
User Setup Menu (page 50).
Alarms are presented in plain text to alert you of system and
external data failure conditions. Alarms include both audible and
visual presentations. The alarm listing is on page 139.
2.2 ON/OFF - Standby mode
Note ! At first time turn on see chapter 4.1.
A single press on the STBY button switches the system ON and
the following status displays are shown:
Autopilot computer model
P00 M00 S000
AC20
Simrad
Self check
Power board revision
Main board revision
Autopilot model
HW rev. 00
SW 1.2.01
AP25
Simrad
Hardware revision
SW 1.2.01
Software version Software release
Software release
Software version
Sn xxxxxx
SimNet no.
SW and HW revisions shown are examples only.

Operation
20221495F 17
After approximately 5 seconds, the system is operative and the
unit that was turned on will show the Standby mode display.
Other units in a multistation system will display "Inactive".
Control is transferred to any single unit by pressing its’ STBY
button.
A long press (2-3 sec.) on the STBY button switches the system
OFF and during this time, the alarm will sound.
Note ! In an emergency, it is possible, on a multistation system, to turn
OFF the system at any control unit by pressing the STBY button
for 2-3 seconds.
STBY mode is the mode that is used when steering the boat at
the helm.
Display information:
−Standby mode
−Current heading 345°
−Rudder angle 1° to
starboard.
Note ! When the autopilot operates on Virtual feedback, the numerical
indication of the rudder angle is omitted.
Virtual feedback
See pages 67 and 109 about Virtual feedback.
Flashing course knob icon
When the course knob and the PORT/STBD buttons are used
for settings etc., an icon will flash on the screen to tell that no
course changes can be made unless you press the AUTO button.
Alarms
In the event there is an audible alarm with explaining text on the
control unit, refer to section 6, Trouble shooting.

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2.3 AP25 with MSD50 Stern Drive unit
Note ! The information in section 2.3 only applies if your autopilot is
driving a Simrad MSD50 Stern Drive.
The MSD50 Stern drive unit has a relative feedback signal which
needs a zero point setting after the autopilot has been turned on.
Refer to the MSD50 manual for further information.
Zero point setting
Note ! If you do not need a rudder angle display when leaving the dock,
just steer the boat manually on a straight course and press the
AUTO button. The zero point is then set automatically.
If you prefer to use the rudder angle display when leaving the
dock, proceed as follows:
After turn on the rudder angle
display will alternate between
10 degrees port and starboard
to indicate that the "rudder"
zero point need be set.
Use the wheel to bring the "rudder" to midship position. Turn the
wheel from lock to lock (H.O. to H.O.) and count the exact number
of turns. Then start from one lock position and turn the half number
of turns.
Press AUTO and then STBY. The zero point is now set and the
display will show:
Follow the operating
instructions on the following
pages. There is no further need
for zero point settings until
next time you turn the
autopilot on.