Simrad AP44 User manual

AP44
Quick Guide
1 2 3 4 5
STBY MODE AUTO
MENU
X
1STBY key
Press to turn the autopilot to Standby mode.
2
MENU/X key
With no menu active:
• Press to display the Settings menu
• Press and hold to display the Display setup dialog
Menu and dialog operation:
• Press to return to previous menu level or to exit a dialog.
3
Rotary knob
Menu and dialog operation:
• Turn to move up and down in menus and dialogs
• Turn to adjust a value
• Press to select a menu option and to enter the next menu level
In FU mode:
• Turn to set rudder angle
In AUTO, NoDrift and Wind mode:
• Turn to change set heading/set course/set wind angle
4MODE key
Press to display the Mode list
5AUTO key
Press to turn the autopilot to AUTO mode
EN
Alarms
Alarm indication
Acknowledging the alarms
Acknowledge alarms by pressing the rotary knob. A reminder reappears at given
intervals for as long as the alarm condition exists.
Enabling the alarm system and the alarm siren
Accessing the Device list
*988-11194-001*

Autopilot modes
Mode Activate Mode display Rotary knob
Press Rotate
Standby
STBY
Switch to
FU mode
No action
Follow-up From any mode:
select the Follow-up
option in the Mode
list.
From Standby mode:
press the rotary knob.
No action Set the
rudder
angle
AUTO
AUTO
No action Adjust
the set
heading
Wind* From AUTO mode:
select the Wind
option in the Mode
list
No action Adjust set
wind
NoDrift From AUTO mode:
select the NoDrift
option in the Mode
list.
No action Adjust the
set course
NAV From any mode:
select the NAV option
in the Mode list.
No action No action
¼Note: * Mode is only available when the boat type is set to SAIL.
The autopilot page
The content varies with active mode. All modes include:
• Response (AC12N/AC42N/SG05) / Profile (NAC-2/NAC-3) mode (A)
• Heading indicator, analog and digital (B)
• Autopilot mode indication (C)
• Rudder indicator, analog and digital (D)
Display setup
x
3s
When the Backlight level field is active, subsequent presses on the MENU key adjusts
backlight level in decrements of 30% .
Selecting an autopilot mode using the MODE key
Press the MODE key and select the relevant option from the Mode list.

ENGLISH
AP44
Operator Manual
www.simrad-yachting.com

Preface
Disclaimer
As Navico 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 the manual. Please contact your nearest
distributor if you require any further assistance.
It is the owner’s sole responsibility to install and use the equipment
in a manner that will not cause accidents, personal injury or
property damage. The user of this product is solely responsible for
observing safe boating practices.
NAVICO HOLDING AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES, BRANCHES AND
AFFILIATES DISCLAIM ALL LIABILITY FOR ANY USE OF THIS PRODUCT
IN A WAY THAT MAY CAUSE ACCIDENTS, DAMAGE OR THAT MAY
VIOLATE THE LAW.
Governing Language: This statement, any instruction manuals, user
guides and other information 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.
This manual represents the product as at the time of printing.
Navico Holding AS and its subsidiaries, branches and affiliates
reserve the right to make changes to specifications without notice.
Trademarks
Simrad®is used by license from Kongsberg.
NMEA®and NMEA 2000®are registered trademarks of the National
Marine Electronics Association.
Copyright
Copyright © 2016 Navico Holding AS.
Warranty
The warranty card is supplied as a separate document.
In case of any queries, refer to the brand website of your display or
system: www.simrad-yachting.com.
Preface | AP44 Operator Manual 3

Compliance statements
This equipment complies with:
•CE under EMC directive 2014/30/EU
•The requirements of level 2 devices of the Radio communications
(Electromagnetic Compatibility) standard 2008
The relevant Declaration of conformity is available in the product's
section at the following website: www.simrad-yachting.com.
About this manual
This manual is a reference guide for operating the AP44. It assumes
that all equipment is installed and configured, and that the system
is ready to use.
The manual assumes that the user has basic knowledge of
navigation, nautical terminology and practices.
Important text that requires special attention from the reader is
emphasized as follows:
ÚNote: Used to draw the reader’s attention to a comment or
some important information.
Warning: Used when it is necessary to warn
personnel that they should proceed carefully to
prevent risk of injury and/or damage to equipment/
personnel.
Manual version
This manual is written for software version 1.0. The manual is
continually updated to match new software releases. The latest
available manual version can be downloaded from www.simrad-
yachting.com.
4Preface | AP44 Operator Manual

Contents
7 Introduction
7Manuals
8 AP44 Front panel and keys
9 The autopilot page
10 Basic operation
10 Safe operation with the autopilot
10 Turning the unit on and off
11 Operating the menu system
12 Display setup
13 Autopilot modes
13 Selecting an autopilot mode
13 Standby mode
13 Follow-up (FU) mode
13 AUTO mode (Heading hold)
15 Wind mode
16 NoDrift mode
17 Heading capture
17 NAV mode
19 Turn pattern steering
23 Using the autopilot in an EVC system
24 Trip log
25 Alarms
25 Alarm indication
25 Acknowledging the alarms
26 Enabling the alarm system and the alarm siren
27 Alarm history
28 Software setup
28 Calibration
33 Damping
34 Autopilot settings
40 System settings
Contents | AP44 Operator Manual 5

45 Maintenance
45 Preventive maintenance
45 Cleaning the display unit
45 Checking the connectors
45 Software update
48 Menu flow chart
50 Technical specifications
51 Dimensional drawing
52 Terms and abbreviations
54 Supported data
54 NMEA 2000 PGN (transmit)
54 NMEA 2000 PGN (receive)
6Contents | AP44 Operator Manual

Introduction
The AP44 is a networked autopilot display and control unit.
The unit is compatible with a range of Navico autopilot computers,
including AC12N, AC42N, NAC-2, NAC-3 and SG05 autopilot
computers.
The AP44 systems include several modules that need to be
mounted in different locations on the vessel and that need to
interface with at least three different systems on the boat:
•The boat’s steering system
•The boat’s electrical system (input power)
•Other equipment onboard
All parts of the autopilot system must be installed and configured
according to supplied documentation prior to using the autopilot.
The following steps are required:
•Mechanical installation and wiring of all units. Refer to separate
documentation for the units
•Software setup of the system. Refer to "Softwaresetup" on page 28
•Commissioning and setup of the autopilot computer. Refer to
the installation and commissioning documentation for your
autopilot computer
Manuals
The following documentation is available for the AP44 system:
•AP44 Operator manual (988-11189-00n) - this manual
•AP44/IS42/Triton2Installation guide (988-11229-00n)
•AP44/IS42/Triton2Mounting template (988-11230-00n)
•NAC-2/NAC-3 Autopilot computer Commissioning manual
(988-11233-00n)
•AC12N/AC42N Installation manual (988-10276-00n)
ÚNote: The last digit in the part numbers is the document's
revision code. The latest version of all documents can be
downloaded from the product website on www.simrad-
yachting.com.
1
Introduction | AP44 Operator Manual 7

AP44 Front panel and keys
1 2 3 4 5
STBY MODE AUTO
MENU
X
1 STBY key
Press to turn the autopilot to Standby mode.
2 MENU/X key
With no menu active:
•Press to display the Settings menu
•Press and hold to display the Display setup dialog
Menu and dialog operation:
•Press to return to previous menu level or to exit a dialog
3 Rotary knob
Menu and dialog operation:
•Turn to move up and down in menus and dialogs
•Turn to adjust a value
•Press to select a menu option and to enter the next menu
level
In FU mode:
•Turn to set rudder angle
In AUTO, NoDrift and Wind mode:
•Turn to change set heading/set course/set wind angle
4 MODE key
Press to display the Mode list
5 AUTO key
Press to turn the autopilot to AUTO mode
8Introduction | AP44 Operator Manual

The autopilot page
The content of the autopilot page varies with active mode. All
modes include:
•Response (AC12N/AC42N/SG05) / Profile (NAC-2/NAC-3) mode
(A)
•Heading indicator, analog and digital (B)
•Autopilot mode indication (C)
•Rudder indicator, analog and digital (D)
For more information, refer to the separate mode descriptions and
to the "Termsandabbreviations" on page 52.
Introduction | AP44 Operator Manual 9

Basic operation
Safe operation with the autopilot
Warning: An autopilot is a useful navigational aid,
but DOES NOT replace a human navigator.
Warning: Ensure the autopilot has been installed
correctly, commissioned and calibrated before use.
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 an autopilot is prohibited by law
When using an autopilot:
•Do not leave the helm unattended
•Do not place any magnetic material or equipment near the
heading sensor used by the autopilot system
•Verify at regular intervals the course and position of the vessel
•Always switch to Standby mode and reduce speed in due time to
avoid hazardous situations
Turning the unit on and off
The unit has no power key, and it will be running as long as power is
connected to the NMEA 2000 network backbone.
First time startup
When the unit is started for the first time and after a factory reset,
the unit displays a setup wizard. Respond to the setup wizard
prompts to select some fundamental setup options. These settings
can later be changed and further configuration made as described
in "Softwaresetup" on page 28.
2
10 Basic operation | AP44 Operator Manual

Sleep mode
In Sleep mode, the backlight for screen and keys are turned off to
save power. The system continues to run in the background.
You select Sleep mode from the Display setup dialog, activated by
pressing and holding the MENU key. Switch from Sleep mode to
normal operation by a short press on the MENU key.
Operating the menu system
All settings and configuration in the unit are available from the
Settings menu, activated by pressing the MENU key.
•Turn the Rotary knob to move up and down in the menus and in
the dialogs
•Confirm a selection by pressing the Rotary knob
•Return to previous menu level by pressing the MENU key
Edit a numeric value
1. Turn the Rotary knob to select the entry field
2. Press Rotary knob to turn the field into edit mode
-The left digit starts flashing
3. Turn the Rotary knob to set the value for the flashing digit
4. Press the Rotary knob to move focus to the next digit
5. Repeat step 3 and 4 until all digits are set
6. Press the Rotary knob to leave edit mode for the selected field
7. Turn the Rotary knob to select the Cancel or Save buttons, then
press the Rotary knob to confirm your selection and to close the
dialog
Selectedfield Fieldineditmode
ÚNote: You can at any time press the MENU key to leave a
dialog without saving the entries.
Basic operation | AP44 Operator Manual 11

Display setup
The display setup can be adjusted at any time from the Display
setup dialog, activated by pressing and holding the MENU key.
The following options are available:
•Backlight level: Adjusts the backlight level from Min (10%) to Max
(100%) in 10% increments
-When the Backlight level field is active, subsequent presses on
the MENU key adjusts backlight level in decrements of 30%
•Display group: Defines which network group the unit belongs to
•Night mode: Activates/deactivates the night mode color palette
•Night mode color: Sets the night mode color palette
•Invert day color: Changes the background color for the pages
from default black to white
•Sleep: Turns the backlight for screen and keys off to save power
ÚNote: All changes made to the display setup will apply to all
units belonging to the same display group. For more
information about network groups, refer to "Networkgroups" on
page 43.
12 Basic operation | AP44 Operator Manual

Autopilot modes
The autopilot has several steering modes. The number of modes
and features within the mode depend on the autopilot computer,
the boat type and available inputs, as explained in the description of
the following steering modes.
Selecting an autopilot mode
You select Standby mode and AUTO mode by pressing the
dedicated STBY and AUTO keys.
You select other modes and automatic features by selecting the
relevant option from the Mode list, activated by pressing the MODE
key.
Standby mode
Standby mode is used when you steer the boat at the helm.
•Switch to Standby mode by pressing the STBY key.
ÚNote: If sensor data vital for autopilot operation (e.g. rudder
response) is lost when the autopilot is running in an automatic
mode, the system will automatically switch to Standby mode.
Follow-up (FU) mode
In FU mode you turn the rotary knob to set the rudder angle. The
rudder will move to the commanded angle and then stop.
•Switch to FU mode from any mode by selecting the Follow-up
option in the Mode list, or switch directly from Standy mode to
FU mode by pressing the rotary knob.
AUTO mode (Heading hold)
In AUTO mode the autopilot issues rudder commands required to
steer the vessel automatically on a set heading. In this mode the
autopilot does not compensate for any drifting caused by current
and/or wind (A).
3
Autopilot modes | AP44 Operator Manual 13

A
•Switch to AUTO mode by pressing the AUTO key. When the
mode is activated, the autopilot selects the current boat heading
as the set heading.
Changing set heading in AUTO mode
You adjust the set heading by turning the rotary knob.
An immediate heading change takes place. The new heading is
maintained until a new heading is set.
Tacking and Gybing in AUTO mode
ÚNote: Only available when the boat type is set to SAIL.
Tacking and Gybing in AUTO mode uses the heading as reference.
The tacking/gybing operation changes the set heading to port or
starboard with a fixed angle.
The tacking parameters are set in the Setup/Sailing parameters: The
Tack angle defines the tacking angle, while the Tack time defines
the rate of turn during the tack/gybe. Refer to "Autopilotsettings" on
page 34.
•Initiate the Tack or Gybe function by selecting the Tack/Gybe
option in the Mode list.
-The turn is started when the direction is selected in the dialog.
14 Autopilot modes | AP44 Operator Manual

Wind mode
ÚNote: Wind mode is only available when the boat type is set to
SAIL. It is not possible to activate wind mode if wind
information is missing.
When wind mode is engaged, the autopilot captures the current
wind angle as steering reference, and adjusts the heading of the
boat to maintain this wind angle.
Prior to entering wind mode the autopilot system must be
operating in AUTO mode and with valid input from the wind
transducer.
•Switch to Wind mode by selecting the Wind option in the Mode
list
Warning: In wind mode the autopilot steers to the
apparent or true wind angle and not to a compass
heading. Any wind shift could result in the vessel
steering on an undesired course.
Tacking and Gybing in Wind mode
Tacking and Gybing in Wind mode can be performed when sailing
with apparent or true wind as the reference. In either case the true
wind angle must be less than 90 degrees (tacking) and more than
120° (gybing).
The tacking/gybing operation will mirror the set wind angle on the
opposite tack.
The rate of turn during the tack/gybe is set by the Tack time in the
Setup/Sailing menu. Refer to "Autopilotsettings" on page 34.
•Initiate the Tack or Gybe function by selecting the Tack/Gybe
option in the Mode list.
•Confirm the tack/gybe in the dialog.
Autopilot modes | AP44 Operator Manual 15

ÚNote: The autopilot will temporarily add a 5 degree bear-away
on the new tack to allow the boat to pick up speed. After a
short period the wind angle will return to the set angle.
ÚNote: If the Tack/Gybe is not confirmed the dialog will close
after 10 seconds, and the requested tack/gybe will not be
initiated.
NoDrift mode
ÚNote: It is not possible to select NoDrift mode if GPS position
and heading information is missing.
In NoDrift mode the vessel is steered along a calculated track line,
from present position and in a direction set by the user. If the vessel
is drifting away from the track line due to current and/or wind (A),
the vessel will follow the line with a crab angle.
Prior to entering NoDrift mode the autopilot system must be
operating in AUTO mode and with valid input from GPS and
heading sensor.
•Switch to NoDrift mode by selecting the NoDrift option in the
Mode list
-The autopilot will draw an invisible track line based on current
heading from the vessel’s position
The autopilot will now use the position information to calculate the
cross track distance, and automatically steer along the calculated
track.
Changing set course in NoDrift mode
You adjust the set course by turning the rotary knob.
An immediate course change takes place. The new course is
maintained until a new course is set.
16 Autopilot modes | AP44 Operator Manual

Dodging
ÚNote: Only available for AC12N/AC42N autopilot computers.
If you need to avoid an obstacle when using NoDrift mode, you can
set the autopilot to Standby mode and power steer or use the helm
until the obstacle is passed.
If you return to NoDrift mode within 60 seconds you can select to
continue on previous set bearing line.
If you do not respond, the dialog disappears and the autopilot goes
to NoDrift mode with current heading as set bearing line.
Heading capture
When the vessel is turning in AUTO or NoDrift mode, an instant re-
press on the AUTO key activates the heading capture function. This
will automatically cancel the turn, and the vessel will continue on
the heading read from the compass the very moment you pressed
the AUTO key.
NAV mode
ÚNote: NAV mode requires a compatible chartplotter connected
to the network.
It is not possible to select NAV mode if heading information is
missing, or if steering information is not received from the
external chartplotter.
Warning: NAV mode should only be used in open
waters. Navigation mode must not be used while
sailing, as course changes may result in unexpected
tacks or gybes!
In NAV mode the autopilot uses steering information from an
external chartplotter to direct the vessel to one specific waypoint
location, or through a series of waypoints.
In NAV mode, the autopilot's heading sensor is used as heading
source for course keeping. Speed information is taken from SOG or
from selected speed sensor. The steering information received from
the external chartplotter alters the set course to direct the vessel to
the destination waypoint.
Autopilot modes | AP44 Operator Manual 17

To obtain satisfactory navigation steering, the autopilot system
must have valid input from the chartplotter. Autosteering must be
tested and determined satisfactory prior to entering NAV mode.
ÚNote: If the chartplotter does not transmit a message with
bearing to next waypoint, the autopilot will steer using Cross
Track Error (XTE) only. In that case you must revert to AUTO
mode at each waypoint and manually change set course to
equal bearing to next waypoint and then select NAV mode
again.
Prior to entering NAV mode the chartplotter must be navigating a
route or towards a waypoint.
•Initiate NAV mode by selecting the NAV option in the Mode list
•Confirm to switch to NAV mode in the dialog.
Turning in NAV mode
When your vessel reaches a waypoint, the autopilot will give an
audible warning and display a dialog with the new course
information.
There is a user defined limit for the allowed automatic course
change to next waypoint in a route. If the course change is more
than this set limit, you are prompted to verify that the upcoming
course change is acceptable.
•If the required course change to the next waypoint is less than
the course change limit, the autopilot will automatically change
the course. The dialog will disappear after 8 seconds unless
cleared by the Pages key.
•If the required course change to next waypoint is more than the
set limit, you are prompted to verify that the upcoming course
change is acceptable. If the turn is not accepted, the vessel will
continue with the current set heading.
18 Autopilot modes | AP44 Operator Manual