Simrad HC30 User manual

Manual
Simrad HC30
Hand Controller

CONTENTS
1. General
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Compatible Autopilots
2. Operation
2.1 General
2.2 Autopilot Mode
2.3 Adjusting Course
2.4 Autotack
2.4.1 Autotacking in Compass Mode
2.4.2 Autotacking in Wind Mode
2.4.3 Autotacking in Nav mode Mode
2.5 Backlighting
2.5.1 Networking Backlighting
3. Advanced Features
3.1 Nav Mode
3.2 Sail To WInd
3.3 Alarms
3.3.1 Off Course Alarm
4. Configuration
4.1 Adjusting Gain
4.2 Adjusting Seastate
4.3 Adjusting Autotack Angle
4.4 Compass Calibration
4.4.1 Manual Compass Calibration
4.4.2 Auto Compass Calibration
4.5 Default Boat Speed
5. Installation
5.1 Fitting the hand controller
5.2 Electrical Installation
6. Appendix
6.1 Fault Finding
6.2 Spares & Accessories
6.3 Technical Summary
6.4 Service & Warranty
E02630S Issue 1.0
The technical data, information and illustrations contained in this publication were to the best of our knowledge correct at the time of going to print. We reserve the right
to change specifications, equipment, installation and maintenance instructions without notice as part of our policy of continuous development and improvement.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form, electronic or otherwise without prior permission from Simrad
Navico Ltd.
No liability can be accepted for any inaccuracies or omissions in the publication, although every care has been taken to make it as complete and accurate as possible.
MDL 27/5/99
© 1999 Simrad Navico Ltd
For service and advice please contact the main Simrad dealer in your country of residence.

2 Operation
2.1 General
The keypad of the HC30 has been designed to be as easy
and intuitive to operate as possible. Using a simple key-
pad layout it is possible to perform precise course adjust-
ments and navigational functions.
The unit powers up in Standby Mode - the STBY legend
will show on the display. The display also shows the
current magnetic bearing of the boat. All keystrokes are
confirmed audibly by a “beep”.
2.2 Autopilot Mode
While in Standby Mode, the boat can be power steered by
pressing the arrowed Port and Starboard keys.
To engage Autopilot Mode, press the Stby/Auto key and
the pilot will lock onto the current course (Fig 2.2). The
AUTO legend will show on the display while the pilot is
in Autopilot Mode.
• To lock the pilot onto the desired course, either steer the
correct course and then engage the pilot, or engage the
pilot and then adjust the heading until the correct course
is being steered.
2.3 Adjusting Course
While in Autopilot Mode, precise course adjustments can
be easily made -
• Press the Port or Starboard key once to make a 1º
course adjustment, confirmed by one beep and on the
display by the new heading shown.
• Press and hold the key for a 10º course change, con-
firmed by a double beep and on the display by the new
heading shown (Fig 2.3).
N.B - When in Nav Mode the autopilot will gradually
return to the original track.
Fig 2.1 - Standby Mode (AP12H / AP14H)
Fig 2.2 - Engaging autopilot Mode
Fig 2.3 - Course adjustment to Port
1 General
1.1 Introduction
The Simrad HC30 hand controller brings the control of
Simrad cockpit pilots into the palm of your hand. Not
only does it give complete control to the autopilot, the
clear backlit LCD also shows the autopilot status and
course.
The waterproof plug and socket system used with the
hand controller means that it is not limited to one loca-
tion on the boat - wherever a socket is fitted, the hand
controller can be plugged in, giving the user full autopi-
lot control.
The hand controller is built to the same waterproof stan-
dards as the Simrad cockpit pilots, so it can be used in all
conditions, above and below decks.
To ensure the best results from your hand controller it is
essential that the unit is installed correctly. Please read
this manual thoroughly before attempting installation
and use.
Thank you for choosing Simrad
We hope you will also be interested in our full range of
marine electronic equipment, which are all manufactured
to the same high standards as the HC30. Please contact
your nearest Simrad agent for a catalogue showing our
full range of high tech marine electronic equipment.
Simrad operate a policy of continual development and
reserve the right to alter and improve the specifica-
tion of their products without notice.
1.3 Compatible Autopilots
The HC30 is compatible with the following Simrad cock-
pit autopilots -
Tillerpilot TP20
Tillerpilot TP30
Wheelpilot WP30
HC30 hand controller

2.5 Backlighting
To switch the display backlighting on and off, press
Light.
To set the backlighting level (1-5), press and hold Light.
The HC30 will step through each lighting level, which
will be shown on the display (Fig 2.5). Release the Light
button when the desired lighting level has been selected.
• While the backlighting is on, the Lamp symbol will
be shown. The backlighting level set is retained by the
HC30 even if it is disconnected from the power.
2.5.1 Networking Backlighting
Although the HC30 has an independent backlight con-
trol it can be “networked” if more than one HC30 is fit-
ted on the boat, so that the backlighting on all the con-
trollers can be switched on and off simultaneously by
pressing LIGHT on any unit. The backlighting level is
also adjusted and set uniformly across the system from
any one controller.
To network the HC30 backlighting, press and hold SET
until a second double beep is heard. The display will
change to LIGHT and either LOC (local control) or NET
(network control). When the HC30 is set to local control,
the backlighting setting will not affect or be affected by
other units.
Press the Port and Starboard keys to switch between
network (NET) and local (LOC) control (Fig 2.6).
• The HC30 will drop back to standby mode if no key is
pressed after 5 seconds, retaining the setting currently
selected.
Fig 2.5 - Selecting backlighting level
Pressed &
Held
Fig 2.6 - Selecting Network backlighting
2.4 Autotack
• An autotack can only be initiated in AUTO mode.
Press and hold the Tack key, followed by either the Port
or Starboard key, depending on which direction you
wish to tack (Fig 2.4).
• While tacking TACK will flash on the display.
• The operation of the HC30 will differ during an auto-
tack depending on which mode the autopilot is in :
2.4.1 Autotacking in Compass Mode
If in Sail To Compass Mode (default), the autopilot will
then turn the boat through 100º in the selected direction
(this is the default tacking angle, which can be adjusted -
refer to section 4.3). While autotacking, the HC30 display
will show the new heading selected.
• Selecting a tack in the opposite direction while the tack
is in progress will cancel the autotack, and the boat will
return to its original course.
2.4.2 Autotacking in Wind Mode
• As a safety feature, the autopilot will disable the auto-
tack if the boat is sailing downwind.
The autopilot will tack the boat through to the same
apparent wind angle, but on the opposite tack. In Sail To
Wind Mode, the HC30 shows the apparent wind angle,
and the tack the boat is currently on.
• While autotacking, the display will show the new tack
selected - WIND S (Starboard) or WIND P (Port).
• In this mode, the autopilot automatically prevents tack-
ing in the wrong direction eg, if sailing on Port tack, only
an autotack onto Starboard tack will be possible.
2.4.3 Autotacking in Nav Mode
The autotack facility is disabled while in Nav Mode.
FIg 2.4 - Initiating Starboard autotack

3.2 Sail To Wind
In addition to the compass, it is also possible to steer
using wind direction data either from a windvane con-
nected via the pilot’s NMEA interface or from a Corus
ATM601 Masthead Transducer.
• If no wind information is present, the HC30 will not
select Sail To Wind Mode.
• To select Sail To Wind Mode, the autopilot must be in
AUTO Mode.
Press and hold both the Port and Starboard keys togeth-
er until a second double beep is heard (Fig 3.2). The dis-
play will show the wind angle being sailed to, and WIND
S (Starboard Tack) or WIND P (Port Tack) will be dis-
played on the bottom line while the autopilot is in Sail To
Wind Mode.
To switch back to Compass Mode, simply press and hold
the Port and Starboard keys together again until a sec-
ond beep is heard.
While in Sail To Wind Mode, the autopilot will lock onto
the current apparent wind angle being sailed. Any
course adjustments made will be relative to the apparent
wind angle, rather than the compass heading as when in
Compass Mode.
• Please note that some of the standard key stroke func-
tions may have a different effect in Sail To Wind Mode
than when in Compass or Nav Mode. Please refer to sec-
tions 2.3 and 2.4 for more details.
• Nav Mode cannot be selected while in Sail To Wind
Mode - to initiate, first return to Compass Mode.
Fig 3.2 - Selecting Sail To Wind Mode
3 Advanced Features
3.1 Nav Mode
• To access Nav Mode the pilot must be in Auto mode
and receiving waypoint or route data from the naviga-
tional receiver.
Press Nav to activate Nav Mode (Fig 3.1). NAV will be
shown on the display and the pilot will steer to the first
waypoint.
• If no NMEA information is being received, the pilot
will beep twice and will not enter Nav Mode.
• If Nav is pressed while in Standby mode, the pilot will
beep once if Nav Mode is available when in Auto Mode,
or twice if Nav Mode will not be available.
At the target waypoint, an intermittent alarm will sound.
As a safety feature (to avoid an unexpected course
change) the next waypoint will not be automatically
loaded until the Nav key is pressed again. When the boat
reaches the final waypoint, the pilot will switch back to
Compass Mode, holding the current course.
Note - If any course correction is made while in Nav
Mode using the Port and Starboard keys, the boat will
gradually return to the original track. This allows the
boat to avoid an obstacle without exiting Nav Mode or
having to reset the boat on the correct course.
• Pressing Nav when in Standby mode will bring up the
current Bearing To Waypoint (BTW) on the display.
• If Nav is pressed when in Standby mode and no navi-
gational data is being received, two beeps will sound
and the pilot will remain in Compass Auto mode.
• If Cross Track Error data is being received, but no
Bearing To Waypoint data, then the display will show
“– – –” instead of the Bearing To Waypoint.
Note that some of the standard key stroke functions may
have a different effect in Nav Mode than when in
Compass Mode. Please refer to section 2.
Fig 3.1 - Activating Nav Mode

4 Configuration
4.1 Adjusting Gain
The Gain, or Rudder Ratio is the amount of steering cor-
rection the autopilot applies to the rudder when the boat
goes off course. The higher the Gain, the more correction
that is applied.
The Gain can be set in Standby or Auto Mode. To adjust
the Gain setting press SET once. The display will show
GAIN on the bottom line, along with the current Gain
setting (1-9). To increase the Gain, press Starboard (Fig
4.1). To decrease Gain, press Port. If no key is pressed
for 5 seconds, the display will drop out to the default dis-
play, and the Gain currently entered will be set.
4.2 Adjusting Seastate
The Seastate, or deadband is the amount the boat is
allowed to go off course before the autopilot applies a
correction. autopilots have an Auto Seastate facility,
where the deadband is constantly monitored and adjust-
ed. The Seastate can also be set manually.
The Seastate can be set in Standby or Auto Mode. To
adjust the Seastate press SET twice. The display will
show SEA on the bottom line, along with the current
Seastate setting (1-10º or - for auto seastate). To increase
the Seastate, press Starboard. To decrease Seastate,
press Port (Fig 4.2). If no key is pressed for 5 seconds, the
display will drop out to the default display, and the
Seastate currently entered will be set.
4.3 Adjusting Autotack Angle
The autopilots are preset with a default autotack angle of
100º, which the HC30 can adjust to any value between
40-140º, to suit the handling characteristics of the boat.
Press SET four times until TACK appears in the display,
along with the current autotack angle set. Press
Starboard to increase angle and Port to decrease it. If no
key is pressed within 5 seconds then the display will
drop out to the default display, and the Autotack angle
currently entered will be set.
Fig 4.1 - Adjusting Gain setting
Fig 4.2 - Adjusting Seastate setting
Pressed
Twice
Fig 4.3 - Auto Seastate
3.3 Alarms
The HC30 will repeat any alarms sounded by the autopi-
lot, such as GPS link lost etc (refer to autopilot manual for
more details of alarms).
When an alarm is triggered by the autopilot, the HC30
will also repeat this, and ALARM will flash in the dis-
play. To acknowledge and cancel the alarm, press
Alarm.
• The alarm may continue to sound at the autopilot if the
alarm condition still exists.
3.3.1 Off-course Alarm
The Off-course Alarm will sound if the boat goes off
course further than a pre-set limit for more than 10 sec-
onds.
To toggle the alarm on and off, press and hold the Alarm
key (Fig 3.3). The alarm icon will be displayed while
the alarm is on.
• If the off course alarm sounds, press Alarm to
acknowledge and disable the alarm.
The off-course limit can be set from 5-40º. Press Set
three times until ALARM appears at the bottom of the
display (Fig 3.4). The display will show the alarm limit
set.
While ALARM is shown in the display, press Starboard
to increase the value and Port to decrease it.
• If no key is pressed within 5 seconds, the controller will
return to the default display and the value currently
entered will be set.
Fig 3.3 - Turning off-course alarm on
Fig 3.4 - Setting off-course alarm
Pressed
3 times
Pressed
and held

is necessary to either slow the boat or decrease the angle
of turn. If the rate or turn or boat speed is too slow the
display will flash arrows pointing to Starboard, indicat-
ing that it is necessary to either increase the boat speed or
increase the angle of turn (Fig 4.5). Ashort beep will indi-
cate that the calibration has been successful, and the
autopilot will return to Standby Mode. If the calibration
has been unsuccessful after a period of four minutes, an
alarm will sound. Press ALARM to cancel, and try again
carefully following the above directions.
4.5 Default Boat Speed
If no boatspeed data is available to the HC30 via the
NMEA input, a default value from 1-40 Knots can be
entered. This will increase the accuracy of the autopilot
when in Nav Mode.
Press the SET button four times. The default boat speed
setting will be displayed on the screen (Fig 4.6). Press
Starboard to increase the setting and Port to decrease it.
If no key is pressed for 5 seconds, the display will drop
out to the default display, and the boatspeed setting
entered will be set. NOTE - This option will not appear
if boatspeed data is detected via the NMEA input.
Fig 4.5 - Auto Compass Calibration
Fig 4.6 - Default Boatspeed
4.4 Compass Calibration
If the autopilot has an inbuilt fluxgate compass, it is pos-
sible to calibrate it using the HC30. If an external ATC600
compass is fitted, this must be calibrated using a C600AD
Active Display. Refer to the ATC600 instructions for
more details.
4.4.1 Manual Compass Calibration
This function is used if it is necessary to calibrate the
compass display so that it matches the ship’s compass.
Press and hold SET until a double beep is heard. The
HC30 will enter calibration mode, showing the backlight
network setting. Press SET again within 5 seconds to
enter Manual Compass Calibration Mode. The display
will show OFFSET and also the current offset value
entered. Press Port to set a port offset (Fig 4.4) and
Starboard to set a starboard offset. If no key is pressed
within 5 seconds the display will drop out to the default
display, and the Offset currently entered will be set.
NOTE - Although the HC30 compass display will quite
often differ from the ship’s compass, it is more likely that
it is the ship’s compass that is incorrect unless it has been
swung recently. To ensure that the heading shown is
accurate, it is important that the ship’s compass is cali-
brated regularly.
4.4.2 Auto Compass Calibration
When an autopilot with an internal fluxgate compass is
first installed on a boat it is important that the fluxgate
compass is calibrated to take into account the deviation
caused by metallic objects in the immediate surround-
ings. This will ensure accurate readings on all headings.
With the boat motoring along slowly (2-3 knots) in calm
conditions and the autopilot in Standby Mode, press the
Starboard key a number of times to induce a slow clock-
wise rotation of the boat. Press and hold the TAC K key,
followed by the Port and Starboard keys simultaneous-
ly to enter Auto Compass Calibration Mode. The dis-
play will show the current heading, and the bottom line
will show CAL. Allow the boat to turn through a mini-
mum of 11/4turns (450º) in approximately two minutes,
during which time the fluxgate compass will automati-
cally calibrate itself.
If the rate of turn or the boat speed is too high, the dis-
play will flash arrows pointing to Port, indicating that it
Pressed & Held
then Pressed Again
Fig 4.4 - Entering Port offset

6 Appendix
6.1 Fault Finding
Symptom
Cannot control autopilot with
HC30
On Power Up, HC30 beeps and
display shows "ERROR"
Cannot select Sail To Wind
Mode.
Cannot select Nav Mode.
Autotack function not
working.
Pilot exits Nav mode before
waypoint is reached
Cannot initiate Auto Compass
Calibration
Auto compass calibration
repeatedly fails
Probable Cause
Break in cable link between HC30 and
autopilot
¥HC30 cannot locate autopilot
¥Terminator in HC30 socket assembly
is faulty
¥Masthead unit is not connected.
¥Required NMEA sentence not being
transmitted
¥Navigational receiver not connected
correctly
¥Navigational receiver is not
transmitting NMEA data
¥Wrong NMEA format is being used
¥No target waypoint/route has been
selected
¥Pilot is in Nav mode.
¥Pilot is in Steer To Wind Mode and
a) apparent wind is >90…
b) autotack being attempted is in
the wrong direction.
¥Data link lost from receiver
¥Position lost from receiver
¥Autopilot is using external compass
unit (ATC600)
¥Deviation detected is too high to
compensate for
Remedy
Refer to autopilot manual
for installation instructions
Check cable links
Check autopilot is plugged
in and all connections are
secure
Replace HC30 socket
assembly
¥Check NMEA connections.
¥ Check autopilot manual
for correct NMEA sentence
¥Check NMEA connections
¥Refer to user manual
supplied with receiver
¥Select alternative format
from receiver (NMEA0183)
¥Activate waypoint or route
from receiver
¥Exit Nav mode
¥Autotack is disabled when
sailing downwind
¥In steer to wind mode, the
autopilot will only allow a
tack in the correct direction
¥Check connections
¥Check status of receiver
¥Calibrate ATC600 using
C600AD Active display
¥Check area around
autopilot for magnetic or
metallic objects within 1m
that can be relocated. If
necessary, fit ATC600
external compass
5 Installation
5.1 Fitting the hand controller
The hand controller HC30 is supplied with a tough mould-
ed cradle that can be screwed to a convenient bulkhead
using the supplied self-tapping screws, (drill 2.5mm pilot
holes) ensuring that the HC30 is always to hand. As the
HC30 is designed as a multipoint unit, extra cradles can be
fitted elsewhere on the boat, wherever a hand controller
socket is fitted. For more details on spare cradles and sock-
ets, refer to section 6.3.
5.2 Electrical Installation
The HC30 is fitted with a coiled cable terminating in a
five-pin plug. This connects to the autopilot via a five-
pin weatherproof bulkhead socket assembly. This allows
a neat installation - all power and data is supplied to the
HC30 through one socket, with no untidy trailing cables.
Another advantage is that extra socket assemblies can be
purchased and fitted in different locations on the boat,
allowing the HC30 to be plugged in and used wherever
it is needed (see section 6.3 for more details).
To fit the socket to the bulkhead, a 25mm (1 in) hole will
need to be drilled to fit the socket, which is fixed using
the four self-tapping screws provided with the socket
assembly (drill 2mm pilot holes).
Mount the bulkhead socket on a vertical surface to prevent
standing water gathering around or in the socket. Always
fit the protective cap when the Hand controller is not
plugged in.
The cable from the socket assembly is connected directly
to the autopilot data input connections -
• Tillerpilot TP20 or TP30 - connect the GREEN wire to
terminal 3 of the Tillerpilot bulkhead socket and the
WHITE wire to terminal 4. The RED and BLACK wires
are connected to 12v DC and 0v respectively (Fig 5.1).
• Wheelpilot WP30 - connect the HC30 wires to the
matching wires from the WP30 cable - GREEN to
GREEN, WHITE to WHITE using a terminal strip. The
RED and BLACK wires are connected to 12v DC and 0v
respectively (Fig 5.2).
61
34
52
Tillerpilot TP20 / TP30
Bulkhead Socket
(Red)
(Green)
(White)
(Black)
HC30
Bulkhead
Socket
12v
0v
Wheelpilot WP30
Cable
(Red)
(Green) (White)
(Green) (White)
(Black)
HC30
Bulkhead
Socket
12v
0v
Fig 5.1 - HC30 to TP20 / TP30
Fig 5.2 - HC30 to WP30

6.2 Spares & Accessories
The following spares and accessories can be ordered from your local authorised Simrad agent.
Please quote the relevant part when ordering.
E02540BK
Spare HC30
Mounting Cradle
E02632
Spare Bulkhead
Socket Assembly
6.3 Technical Summary
HAND CONTROLLER HC30 SPECIFICATIONS
Supply Voltage 12v DC (10v-16v)
Current Consumption 30mA (backlight off)
40mA (backlight on)
Operating Protocol CANBUS (Corus)
Programmer Mounting Above or Below Decks
(Weatherproof)
Maximum HC30 units 4
Per System

6.4 Service & Warranty
Your hand controller should seldom need servicing, but will benefit from an application of silicone
or Teflon grease to the plug and socket each season, and by keeping the socket’s protective cover
in place when not in use.
The unit is guaranteed for 12 months from date of retail sale. If it is necessary to have the unit
repaired, return it carriage prepaid to the agent in the country of purchase with a copy of the
receipted invoice showing the date of purchase. Where possible, return all the components unless
you are certain that you have located the source of the fault. If the original packing is not avail-
able, ensure that it is well cushioned in packing; the rigours of freight handling can be very differ-
ent from the loads encountered in the marine environment for which the unit is designed.
For Worldwide Warranty details, please refer to the Warranty Card supplied with this unit.
A list of official worldwide Simrad simrad navico dealers is included in the Warranty Card.

Manufacturer:
Simrad Navico
Star Lane, Margate
Kent CT9 4NP
United Kingdom
Telephone: [phone]
Telefax: [phone]
E-Mail: simrad-navico.co.uk
WORLDWIDE MANUFACTURER OF MARINE ELECTRONICS