Simrad NAC-2 Quick start guide

ENGLISH
NAC-2/NAC-3
Commissioning Manual
www.bandg.com | 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
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 product's web site on
www.simrad-yachting.com or www.bandg.com.
Preface | NAC-2/NAC-3 Commissioning Manual 3

Compliance statements
This equipment complies with:
•CE under EMC directive 2014/30/EU
•The requirements of level 2 devices of Radiocommunications
(Electromagnetic Compatibility) standard
The relevant Declaration of conformity is available in the product's
section on www.simrad-yachting.com or www.bandg.com.
About this manual
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 the product site
on www.simrad-yachting.com or www.bandg.com.
4Preface | NAC-2/NAC-3 Commissioning Manual

Contents
7 Introduction
7 NAC-2 and NAC-3 autopilot computers
7 Autopilot controllers
7 Autopilot computer setup
10 Dockside setup
10 Data source selection
10 Boat characteristics
10 Drive configuration
13 Rudder setup
16 Sea trial
16 Compass setup
17 Transition speed
18 Set rudder zero position
18 Set turn rate
18 Tuning the autopilot
23 User settings
23 Steering profile settings
24 Sailing parameters
25 Turn pattern settings
29 Installation verification
29 Checklist
29 Boat specific settings
32 Maintenance
32 Preventive maintenance
32 Checking the connectors
32 Software update
32 Resetting the autopilot computer
34 Technical specifications
34 NAC-2
35 NAC-3
Contents | NAC-2/NAC-3 Commissioning Manual 5

37 Dimensional drawings
37 NAC-2
37 NAC-3
38 Supported data
38 NMEA 2000 PGNs
41 NMEA 0183 sentences
42 NMEA 2000 PGN description
6Contents | NAC-2/NAC-3 Commissioning Manual

Introduction
NAC-2 and NAC-3 autopilot computers
The NAC-2 and NAC-3 autopilot computers contain the electronics
needed to operate a hydraulic steering pump or mechanical drive
unit, while also interfacing with rudder feedback units and NMEA
2000 devices.
The NAC-2 is designed for boats up to 10 metres (33 feet) in length
and is suitable for low-current pumps, mechanical drive units, or
solenoid valves (8 amps continuous/16 amps peak).
The NAC-3 is designed for boats 10 metres (33 feet) or greater in
length and is rated to operate high-current pumps, mechanical
drive units, and solenoid valves (30 amps continuous/50 amps
peak).
Autopilot controllers
The NAC-2 and NAC-3 autopilot computers can be controlled by
various Simrad and B&G control units. This can be dedicated
autopilot controllers (e.g. AP44), Multifunction displays (MFDs) and
autopilot remote controllers (e.g. OP12) used in combination with
instrument systems, or any combination of the above.
Autopilot functions
NAC-2 and NAC-3 include a large range of functions, but not all
autopilot controllers have access to all options. E.g. autopilot
systems including only an autopilot remote controller (without
display unit) do not have access to turn patterns.
The user interface
The autopilot functions are presented slightly different on the
different displays.
This manual shows screen examples from both MFDs and AP44.
Autopilot computer setup
When the autopilot installation is completed, the setup of the
autopilot computer must be performed. Failure in setting up the
autopilot correctly may prohibit the autopilot from functioning
properly.
1
Introduction | NAC-2/NAC-3 Commissioning Manual 7

The setup of the autopilot computer is divided in three main steps:
•Installation settings
- Including dockside and seatrial commissioning. See "Dockside
setup" on page 10 and "Seatrial" on page 16
•User adjustment of autopilot settings
- Manual fine-tuning for various operational conditions and user
preferences. See "Usersettings" on page 23
ÚNote: The Installation settings can only be accessed when the
autopilot is in Standby mode. Some systems require a
dedicated physical standby key to perform installation
procedures. This key can be a key on the autopilot controller, on
an autopilot remote controller, or it can be a separate standby
key.
Warning: When the autopilot is delivered from
factory and any time after an autopilot reset has been
performed, the installation settings are all reset to
factory preset (default) values. A notification will be
displayed, and a complete setup has to be made.
Failure to do so correctly may prohibit the autopilot
from functioning properly!
8Introduction | NAC-2/NAC-3 Commissioning Manual

Installation setup workflow
Con gure boat
settings
Drive
con guration
Check rudder
feedback source
selection
Rudder feedback
calibration
Rudder test
Select data
sources
Set transition
speed
Set turn rate low
speed
Tune steering
parameters low
speed
Calibrate compass
Set rudder zero
Power up
Operational
autopilot system
Set turn rate high
speed
Tune steering
Dockside Sea trial
Introduction | NAC-2/NAC-3 Commissioning Manual 9

Dockside setup
Data source selection
Before commencing with autopilot computer setup the data
sources must be available and configured.
Data sources selection is required on initial start-up of the system, if
any part of the network has been changed or replaced, or if an
alternative source is made available for a given data type and this
source has not been selected automatically.
You can let the system automatically select your sources, or set up
each source manually. Refer to documentation for the autopilot
controller or for the display unit for details about how to perform
the data source selection.
Boat characteristics
Boat type
Affects steering parameters as well as available autopilot features.
The following options are available:
•Sail
•Displacement
•Planing
ÚNote: If the boat type is set to Sail, Virtual Rudder Feedback is
not available.
Boat length
Used by the autopilot system to calculate steering parameters.
Cruising speed
Used if no speed info is available. It is used by the autopilot system
to calculate steering parameters.
Drive configuration
The drive configuration controls how the autopilot computer
operates the steering system.
Refer to your drive unit documentation for relevant specifications.
2
10 Dockside setup | NAC-2/NAC-3 Commissioning Manual

Control method
Used for setting the appropriate control ouput for your drive.
The following options are available:
•Solenoid
For on/off steering of hydraulic valves. Gives fixed rudder speed.
•Reversible motor
For variable speed pumps/drives.
Drive voltage
Nominal drive voltage specified for your drive unit.
•Options: 12 V and 24 V.
ÚNote: 24 V output is only available with 24 V supply.
The setting must match the spec of the solenoids/pump/motor.
Warning: Selection of improper voltage level for your
drive unit may damage both the drive unit and the
autopilot computer even if the protection circuits are
activated.
Drive engage
Defines how the Engage output is used.
The following options are available:
•Clutch
If your drive unit/motor/pump needs clutch to engage the
actuator, it shall be connected to the "engage" output. Configure
the "Drive engage" as clutch. The clutch will be activated when
autopilot computer is controlling the rudder. In standby, the
clutch is released to allow manual steering. Check specification of
your drive unit to determine whether clutch is required.
•Auto
Output activated when autopilot computer is in Auto, NoDrift or
Navigation modes. For manual rudder control (Standby, NFU and
FU) the output is not activated. Typically used to switch between
two rudder speeds on a continuous running pump, used when
Dockside setup | NAC-2/NAC-3 Commissioning Manual 11

different rudder speeds are required for automatic and Follow-
up/Non-Follow-up steering.
Minimum rudder
Some boats may have a tendency to not respond to small rudder
commands around the “course keeping” position because of a small
rudder, whirls/disturbance of the water-stream passing the rudder,
or it is a single nozzle water jet boat. By increasing the Minimum
rudder parameter you may improve the course keeping
performance on some boats. However, this will increase the rudder
activity.
ÚNote: Only set a value for minimum rudder if it proves to give a
better course keeping performance in calm sea. It should be set
after the autopilot steering parameters have been optimised/
tuned.
Rudder deadband
Prevents the rudder from hunting induced by mechanical play in
the steering gear or rudder.
The following options are available
•Auto
(Recommended).
The rudder deadband is adaptive and is continuously operative. It
will also optimize the deadband to the pressure on the rudder
•Manual
If the Auto setting doesn’t perform properly due to extreme
rudder speed and/or overshoot, it can be adjusted manually. Can
also be used to reduce the rudder activity. Rudder commands
smaller than the size of the dead band will be ignored
Find the lowest possible value that will prevent the rudder from
continuous hunting. A wide deadband will cause inaccurate
steering. It is recommended to check rudder stability in AUTO mode
at cruising speed to get pressure on the rudder. (Slight hunting
observed dockside may disappear at cruising speed.)
12 Dockside setup | NAC-2/NAC-3 Commissioning Manual

Rudder setup
Warning: During the rudder calibration and test the
autopilot computer issues a series of rudder
commands. Stand clear of the helm and do not
attempt to take manual control of the rudder during
this test!
Rudder source
The correct rudder source has to be selected before the rudder
feedback calibration can be performed.
Ruddersourceselection,MFDs
Dockside setup | NAC-2/NAC-3 Commissioning Manual 13

Ruddersourceselection,AP44
ÚNote: Virtual Rudder Feedback (VRF) should only be used if no
rudder feedback is available. Installing a feedback unit will
enhance the performance of an autopilot and provide an
accurate rudder angle indicator on the autopilot display.
ÚNote: VRF is not available if boat type is set to Sail.
Rudder feedback calibration
ÚNote: Only available if you have a rudder feedback unit installed
and selected as rudder source.
The rudder feedback calibration determines the rudder feedback's
direction.
•Follow the on-screen guided steps until the rudder calibration is
completed.
Rudder test
This rudder test verifies the drive direction. It detects minimum
power to drive the rudder and reduces the rudder speed if it
exceeds the maximum preferred speed for autopilot operation.
ÚNote: If the boat uses power assisted steering, it is important
that the engine or electric motor used to enable the power
assist steering is turned on prior to this test.
•Run the rudder test as described in the on-screen instructions
- Rudder should make a small movement within 10 seconds,
then follow up with travelling both directions
14 Dockside setup | NAC-2/NAC-3 Commissioning Manual

Failure to complete test will result in an alarm.
VRF calibration
ÚNote: Only available if the rudder source is set to a virtual
rudder feedback.
VRF calibration determines the direction of rudder movement, the
minimum output required to move the rudder and the voltage to
rudder speed ratio.
To perform the VRF calibration you must be able to view the
movement of the rudder.
•Follow the on-screen guided steps until the VRF calibration is
completed.
Dockside setup | NAC-2/NAC-3 Commissioning Manual 15

Sea trial
A seatrial can only be performed after the dockside settings are
completed.
ÚNote: The seatrial must always be performed in calm
conditions, in open waters and at a safe distance from other
traffic!
Compass setup
To achieve the best possible performance, the compass should be
calibrated, and any offsets should be compensated for.
The setup needs to be done from an appropriate display unit.
Depending on the unit, access to the compass setup is available
from the compass’s device dialog, or from a dedicated Calibration
option in the unit’s Settings menu.
Devicedialog,MFDs
3
16 Sea trial | NAC-2/NAC-3 Commissioning Manual

Calibrationoption,AP44
ÚNote: The setup of the compass should be done in calm sea
conditions and with minimal wind and current to obtain good
results. Ensure that there is enough open water around the
vessel to make a full turn.
Refer to your heading sensor's documentation for further details for
your unit.
Transition speed
The transition speed is the speed at which the system automatically
changes between Low speed and High speed steering profiles.
The steering profiles are used to accommodate the boats' tendency
to exhibit different steering characteristics at different speeds. You
may also have different preferences about the steering performance
of your boat required at low and high speeds.
On power boats it is recommended that you set a value that
represents the speed where the boat's steering characteristics
change. For instance the planing threshold (recommended), or at
the speed you want the autopilot to change behavior.
There is a 2 knots hysteresis to prevent oscillation of high/low
settings when the vessel is travelling at or near the transition speed.
Example
The transition speed is set to 9 knots.
•The system changes from Low profile to High profile when the
speed increases to 10 knots (= Transition speed plus 1 knot)
•The system changes from High profile to Low profile when the
speed decreases to 8 knots (= Transition speed minus 1 knot)
Sea trial | NAC-2/NAC-3 Commissioning Manual 17

The active profile ('Low' or 'High') is shown in the autopilot page
(e.g. AP44) and in the autopilot pop-up (MFDs):
AP44page MFDAutopilotpop-up
Set rudder zero position
Used to correct the rudder zero position found during dockside
commissioning if the boat needs a small rudder offset in order to
steer straight.
ÚNote: Setting rudder zero position should always be done in
calm conditions, where steering is not affected by wind and/or
current.
•Bring the rudder to the position where the boat steers straight,
then activate the Set rudder zero option to save the rudder
zero parameter.
ÚNote: On dual engine boats, verify that the engine RPM is equal
on both engines so that the thrust from both propellers is
equal. Otherwise, the zero rudder position might be set wrong.
Set turn rate
Used for setting the preferred turn rate of the boat.
•Bring the boat into a turn with the preferred safe and
comfortable turn rate, then activate the Set turn rate option to
save the turn rate parameters.
ÚNote: The captured turn rate will be stored in the active
steering profile. This setting must therefore be repeated for
each steering profile.
Tuning the autopilot
ÚNote: Tuning of the autopilot must be done separately for low
and high speed profiles.
18 Sea trial | NAC-2/NAC-3 Commissioning Manual

Both Autotune and manual tuning should be performed in
calm or moderate sea conditions.
Providing you have entered correct vessel type, length and cruising
speed, you may not have to perform further manual or automatic
tuning.
Proceed as follows to verify satisfactorily steering:
1. Stabilize the vessel on a heading, and then select AUTO mode
2. Observe course keeping and rudder commands
- The autopilot should keep the vessel on the set heading
within an average of +/-1 degree, providing calm sea and
wind
3. Make some small and bigger heading changes to port and
starboard and observe how the vessel settles on the new
heading
- The vessel should have a minimum of overshoot. See "Rudder
gain" on page 21 and "Counterrudder" on page 21.
If the autopilot is not keeping the heading satisfactorily or not
making the turns satisfactorily, you may now either try the Autotune
function or go directly to manual tuning.
ÚNote: If the vessel is more than approximately 30 m/100 ft or
has a very high cruising speed it may be unpractical to perform
Autotune. It is then suggested to proceed with manual tuning.
Autotuning
When performing an autotune, the vessel will automatically be
taken through a number of S-turns. Based on the vessel behavior,
the autopilot will automatically set the most important steering
parameters (Rudder gain and Counter rudder).
•Stabilize the vessel on a heading and set the speed as close to
cruising speed as possible, then activate the Autotune function.
- The autopilot will now switch to AUTO mode and take control
of the vessel.
ÚNote: Autotuning can be stopped at any time by pressing the
STBY key on the autopilot controller.
The autotuning takes approximately 3 minutes to complete. When
completed the autopilot automatically switches to Standby mode,
and the rudder must be controlled manually.
Sea trial | NAC-2/NAC-3 Commissioning Manual 19

ÚNote: All parameters that are set during autotuning can be
manually adjusted. For optimal steering performance it is
recommended to manually adjust the steering parameters after
running the autotune.
Manual tuning
Rudder gain and Counter rudder can be manually adjusted.
•Stabilize the vessel on a heading and set the speed in the middle
of the profile range (well clear of the transition speed) to avoid
profile switching during tuning. Then activate the Rudder gain
option. Adjust the value according to the descriptions below.
•If required, adjust slightly the Counter rudder option.
Tuningparameters,MFDs
20 Sea trial | NAC-2/NAC-3 Commissioning Manual