Simrad AP26 User manual

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Manual
Simrad AP26 and AP27 Autopilots
for Volvo Penta IPS system
English Sw.1.2

Instruction manual
20222147A 1
Instruction Manual
This manual is intended as a reference guide for operating and
correctly installing the AP26 and AP27 autopilots in a Volvo
Penta IPS system.
Great care has been paid to simplify operation and set-up of the
autopilots. Set-up is significantly simplified when the autopilots
are interfaced to the Volvo system. However, an autopilot is a
complex electronic system which is affected by sea conditions,
speed of the vessel, hull shape and size, and the autopilot must be
operated with this in mind.
Please take time to read this manual to get a thorough
understanding of the operation and system components and their
relationship to a complete 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 AP26 and AP27 Autopilots
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About this document
Rev Date Written by Checked by Approved by
06.05.05
Rev. A
First edition
© 2005 Simrad AS. All rights reserved.
No part of this work covered by the copyright hereon may be reproduced or
otherwise copied without prior permission from Simrad AS.
The information contained in this document is subject to change without prior
notice. Simrad AS shall not be liable for errors contained herein, or for incidental
or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use
of this document.

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 AP26 Control Unit..............................................................................11
1.5 AP27 Control Unit..............................................................................11
1.6 Autopilot Computer ............................................................................11
1.7 Heading Sensors..................................................................................12
1.8 Optional equipment.............................................................................12
R3000X Remote Control ....................................................................12
JS10 Joystick.......................................................................................12
TI25 Thruster Interface.......................................................................12
Multiple stations..................................................................................12
1.9 Software record...................................................................................13
2Operation....................................................................................................15
2.1 Overview.............................................................................................15
2.2 ON/OFF - Standby mode....................................................................17
Flashing course knob icon ..................................................................18
Alarms.................................................................................................18
2.3 Follow-Up steering (FU).....................................................................19
2.4 Non-Follow-Up steering (NFU) .........................................................19
2.5 R3000X Remote Control (NFU).........................................................20
2.6 JS10 Joystick (NFU)...........................................................................20
2.7 Automatic Steering .............................................................................20
Heading capture ..................................................................................22
2.8 Automatic control of steering parameters...........................................22
2.9 Manual Selection of HI/LO Parameters..............................................23
2.10 PATTERN steering.............................................................................24

Simrad AP26 and AP27 Autopilots
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U-Turn.................................................................................................24
C-turn ..................................................................................................25
Spiral-turn ...........................................................................................26
Zigzag-turns........................................................................................27
Square-turn..........................................................................................28
Lazy S-turn..........................................................................................29
Depth Contour.....................................................................................30
2.11 Dodge in AUTO..................................................................................32
2.12 Thruster Steering (optional)................................................................33
2.13 NoDrift................................................................................................35
Dodge in NoDrift mode ......................................................................35
2.14 Navigating with the AP26 and AP27..................................................36
Setting the waypoint arrival circle......................................................38
2.15 Dodge in NAV....................................................................................39
2.16 Selecting a different Navigation source..............................................40
2.17 Multiple station system.......................................................................40
2.18 Lock function......................................................................................40
2.19 User Set-up Menu ...............................................................................41
Alternating Course Knob Icon............................................................41
STANDBY Mode ...............................................................................42
AUTO Mode.......................................................................................46
NAV Mode..........................................................................................47
2.20 INFO menu .........................................................................................48
Course knob icon ................................................................................50
INFO menu flowchart.........................................................................51
Alternative mode screens in STBY, AUTO and NAV.......................52
INFO menu and Main screen, active unit...........................................52
INFO menu and Main Screen, inactive unit .......................................52
3Installation..................................................................................................53
3.1 General................................................................................................53
3.2 Installation checklist ...........................................................................53

Instruction manual
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3.3 Unpacking and handling.....................................................................54
3.4 Determine system configuration.........................................................54
3.5 Autopilot System Layout....................................................................55
3.6 Autopilot computer installation ..........................................................55
Cable connections...............................................................................56
Grounding and RFI .............................................................................56
Cable strain relief................................................................................57
3.7 Control unit installation ......................................................................58
Panel mounting of AP26.....................................................................58
Alternative panel mounting of AP26..................................................58
Optional bracket mounting .................................................................59
3.8 ROBNET2 network cables .................................................................59
AP27 connection.................................................................................61
3.9 RC36 Rate Compass installation ........................................................61
3.10 R3000X Remote Control installation .................................................63
3.11 JS10 Joystick.......................................................................................64
3.12 S35 NFU Lever installation ................................................................64
3.13 Interfacing...........................................................................................64
3.14 SimNet.................................................................................................65
SimNet network cables .......................................................................65
SimNet power and termination...........................................................65
3.15 Radar Clock/Data Heading Output.....................................................70
3.16 IS15 Instrument installation................................................................70
3.17 External Alarm....................................................................................70
4Configuration and setup ...........................................................................71
4.1 First time turn on.................................................................................71
4.2 Description of Installation Settings.....................................................72
4.3 Installation Menu ................................................................................73
Language selection..............................................................................75
4.4 Interface Settings.................................................................................75
4.5 Display units .......................................................................................75

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4.6 Sea Trial..............................................................................................76
Compass calibration............................................................................77
Compass Offset...................................................................................79
Set Thrust Direction............................................................................80
Wind Offset.........................................................................................80
Wind damping.....................................................................................80
Depth Offset........................................................................................81
Automatic tuning.................................................................................81
Transition Speed .................................................................................82
Init NAV .............................................................................................83
NAV change limit...............................................................................84
4.7 Parameters...........................................................................................84
Manual parameter adjust.....................................................................85
Recall Autotuned?...............................................................................86
4.8 Service Menu ......................................................................................87
System Data Menu..............................................................................87
SimNet Data Screen............................................................................88
SimNet setup.......................................................................................89
Master Reset........................................................................................90
Final sea trial.......................................................................................91
Providing user training........................................................................91
5Maintenance...............................................................................................93
5.1 Control unit.........................................................................................93
5.2 Autopilot Computer ............................................................................93
5.3 Compass..............................................................................................93
5.4 Exchange of software programme......................................................93
Autopilot Computer ............................................................................94
Autopilot Control Unit........................................................................94
6Trouble shooting........................................................................................97
6.1 Alarms.................................................................................................97

Instruction manual
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7Spare Parts List........................................................................................100
8Technical Specifications..........................................................................103
8.1 AP26 and AP27 Autopilot System ...................................................103
8.2 AP26 Control Unit............................................................................104
8.3 AP27 Control Unit............................................................................106
8.4 AC05 Autopilot Computer................................................................107
8.5 RC36 Rate compass..........................................................................108
8.6 R3000X Remote Control ..................................................................109
8.7 JS10 Joystick.....................................................................................109
8.8 SimNet...............................................................................................110
8.9 IP protection......................................................................................111
8.10 SimNet messages ..............................................................................112
9Glossary ....................................................................................................115
10 Index..........................................................................................................118

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System Description
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1SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
1.1 General
Congratulations on the purchase of your new Simrad autopilot
system designed for the Volvo Penta IPS 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.
Automatic steering of boats equipped with a Volvo Penta IPS
system represents a new step forward in autopilot technology from
Simrad. Interfacing and steering algorithms have been developed
in close cooperation with Volvo to obtain the best possible
autopilot performance. The way the autopilot integrates with the
IPS control system is described in the IPS user manual from
Volvo.
The autopilot system can be expanded and enhanced with a
selection of options and accessories.
The brain in the 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 AP26 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 AP26 and AP27
autopilots. Great care has been paid to simplify operation and
set-up.

Simrad AP26 and AP27 Autopilots
10 20222147A
Please take time to read this manual to get a thorough
understanding of the operation and system components and their
relationship to a complete autopilot system.
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 autopilot system consists of the following units (refer to
Figure 1-1):
•AP26 Control Unit or AP27 Control Unit with accessories
•AC05 Autopilot Computer
•RC36 Rate compass
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 AP26 Basic system
Note ! The Volvo Autopilot Interface is the gateway between the
autopilot and the IPS system. The gateway kit must be ordered
from Volvo under P/N 3819744.

System Description
20222147A 11
Figure 1-2 AP27 Basic System
1.4 AP26 Control Unit
A compact autopilot control for panel, bulkhead or bracket
mounting. It has a multifunction LCD 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 Adapter Cable is available
for interface through a SimNet port (page 101).
1.5 AP27 Control Unit
A portable control unit with 7 m (20 ft.) of cable. It has the same
autopilot functions as AP26 and can be used as a hand held
autopilot or be mounted in a fixed, bracket mount.
1.6 Autopilot Computer
The AC05 Autopilot Computer is the heart in the autopilot
system. It contains the steering computer, interface to other
system components, and interface to Volvo Penta IPS system

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12 20222147A
1.7 Heading Sensors
The autopilot must be used with the Simrad RC36 Rate compass.
The RC36 is a fluxgate compass with integrated rate sensor. It
provides a dramatic improvement to the dynamic performance of
both the autopilot and a stabilized radar display.
1.8 Optional equipment
A series of optional equipment are available for the basic AP26
and AP27 systems.
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.
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.
Note ! TI25 must have software version 1.1.01 onwards.
Multiple stations
Multiple control units can be added to the system.

System Description
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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 17.
Software version Description
SW 1.2.00 First Volvo IPS compatible software for
AP26 and AP27.

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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
Figure 2-1 AP26 Front Panel

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16 20222147A
Figure 2-2 AP27 Front Panel
The control units 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 autopilot system is capable of the following primary steering
modes: STBY (power steering), AUTO and NAV, 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.
Note ! WIND mode is not applicable, hence not available in a Volvo
Penta IPS configuration.
A group of user adjustable settings are provided in the User
Setup Menu (page 41).

Operation
20222147A 17
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 97.
2.2 ON/OFF - Standby mode
Note ! At first time turn on see paragraph 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
AC05
Simrad
Self check
Power board revision
Main board revision
Autopilot model
HW rev. 00
SW 1.2.00
AP26
Simrad
Hardware revision
SW 1.1.00
Software version Software release
Software release
Software version
Sn xxxxxx
SimNet no.
SW and HW revisions shown are examples only.
After approximately 5 seconds,
the following message is
displayed.
The system is now 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.
The main Standby mode display
shows.
−Standby mode
−Current heading 345°M
−Compass source: Rate
compass
−Rudder angle =00°.

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18 20222147A
Alternatively, the Standby mode
display can show the mode
index and current heading by a
long press on the
TURN/DODGE/INFO button.
Refer to INFO menu, page 48.
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 autopilot 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.
Note !
Whenever you take manual
control of the steering by means
of the helm irrespective of the
autopilot mode, the autopilot
will go to Standby. The “S” in
the display is replaced by a dash
to indicate that steering is from
the helm.
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.

Operation
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2.3 Follow-Up steering (FU)
In the Follow-Up steering mode the course knob may be used to
set rudder commands. The commanded rudder is shown as a
baragraph on the display and the rudder will move to a
corresponding angle and stop.
Press both
buttons
simultaneously
to activate
Follow-Up
Use course
knob to
command
rudder
Commanded rudder angle to port.
Rudder angle: 4° to port and
moving.
Return to manual control in Standby by pressing the
STBY button
2.4 Non-Follow-Up steering (NFU)
In Standby mode, the NFU display is presented when the PORT
or STBD button is pressed. The rudder will move as long as the
button is pressed and the rudder angle is shown on the display.
Activates
PORT rudder
command
Activates
STBD
rudder
command