Simrad AP20 User manual

Simrad AP20 and AP21
Autopilots
ALWAYS AT THE FOREFRONT OF TECHNOLOGY
MANUAL

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Instruction manual
20220596G 1
Instruction Manual
This manual is intended as a reference guide for operating and
correctly installing the AP21 and AP22 autopilots.
Great care has been paid to simplify operation and set-up of the
autopilots. 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 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 AP21 and AP22 Autopilots
220220596G
Document revisions
Rev Date Written by Checked by Approved by
– 09.03.98 N.G. N.S. Th.H.
A 21.04.98 N.G. Th.H.
B 09.03.99 N.G. N.S. Th.H.
C 23.06.99 N.G. Th.H.
D 15.03.00 N.G. Th.H.
E 14.06.00 N.G. Th.H.
F 02.10.01 N.G. I.K. Th.H.
G 27.05.02
Document history
Rev. – First edition
Rev. A Drawings for panel mounting the control unit included. Changed note,
page 118. Spare parts list: Changed description of part no. 22085872
from Optional mounting kit to Optional mounting bracket.
Rev. B AP21 and JP21 included.
Rev. C Minor corrections in text. Added spare parts for AP21
Rev. D LFI3000 Mk2 included.
Rev. E Minor modifications in text. New art. no. on Robnet connectors, page
123. Distributor list updated.
Rev. F IS11 instruments replaced by IS15. Added RPU300, 24V to the table on
page 58. CD100A included. Minor corrections to text.
Rev. G Updated according to software versions AP21&AP22 V1R3 and J300X
V1R8.

Instruction manual
20220596G 3
Contents
1 INTRODUCTION........................................................................................9
1.1 General ............................................................................................9
1.2 How to use this manual.........................................................................9
1.3 System components.............................................................................10
1.4 AP22 Control Unit ..............................................................................11
1.5 AP21 Control Unit ..............................................................................11
1.6 Junction units ......................................................................................11
1.7 Rudder Feedback unit .........................................................................12
RF300 Rudder Feedback unit..............................................................12
LF3000 Linear Feedback ....................................................................12
LFI3000 Mk2 Linear Feedback Interface...........................................12
1.8 Heading Sensors..................................................................................13
RFC35 Electronic Fluxgate Compass.................................................13
RFC35R Rate compass .......................................................................13
CDI35 Course Detector Interface and CD100A Course Detector......13
NMEA compass..................................................................................13
Other fluxgate compass models..........................................................13
Simrad RGC10 and RGC50 gyrocompasses.......................................13
1.9 Optional equipment.............................................................................14
R3000X Remote Control.....................................................................14
S35 NFU Lever...................................................................................14
FU35 Follow-Up Steering Lever ........................................................14
NI300X NMEA Interface Unit ...........................................................14
CI300X Compass Interface.................................................................14
Mounting Bracket................................................................................14
2 Operation of the autopilot.........................................................................15
2.1 Overview ..........................................................................................15
2.2 ON/OFF - Standby mode ....................................................................16

Simrad AP21 and AP22 Autopilots
420220596G
2.3 AP21 and AP22 with MSD50 Stern Drive unit..................................18
Zero point setting ................................................................................18
Operation.............................................................................................19
2.4 Follow-Up steering (FU).....................................................................19
2.5 Non-Follow-Up steering (NFU)..........................................................19
2.6 R3000X Remote Control.....................................................................20
2.7 S35 Steering lever...............................................................................20
2.8 Automatic Steering..............................................................................20
2.9 Automatic Speed selection..................................................................21
2.10 Manual speed selection.......................................................................22
2.11 Navigating with the AP21 or AP22 ....................................................23
2.12 Selecting a different Navigator ...........................................................25
2.13 Dodging ......................................................................................26
2.14 Dodge in NAV ....................................................................................27
2.15 TURN-mode ......................................................................................28
2.16 Tacking in Auto mode.........................................................................28
2.17 Wind vane steering..............................................................................29
2.18 Tacking in Wind mode........................................................................30
2.19 Multiple station system .......................................................................31
2.20 Lock function......................................................................................31
2.21 User Set-up Menu ...............................................................................33
3 Technical Specifications ............................................................................37
3.1 AP21 and AP22 Autopilot System......................................................37
3.2 AP22 Control Unit ..............................................................................38
3.3 AP21 Control Unit ..............................................................................40
3.4 Junction units ......................................................................................41
3.5 RFC35 Fluxgate compass ...................................................................43
3.6 RFC35R Rate compass .......................................................................44
3.7 CDI35 Course Detector Interface .......................................................44
3.8 RF300 Rudder Feedback.....................................................................45

Instruction manual
20220596G 5
3.9 CI300X Compass Interface.................................................................46
3.10 NI300X NMEA Interface....................................................................47
3.11 R3000X Remote..................................................................................48
S35 NFU Steering Lever..............................................................................48
3.13 LF3000 Linear Feedback ....................................................................49
3.14 LFI3000 Mk2 Linear Feedback Interface...........................................49
3.15 NMEA sentences.................................................................................50
3.16 IP protection ......................................................................................52
4 Installation ..........................................................................................53
4.1 General ..........................................................................................53
4.2 Installation checklist............................................................................53
4.3 Unpacking and handling .....................................................................54
4.4 Determine the system configuration ...................................................54
4.5 Autopilot System Layout.....................................................................55
4.6 RF300 Rudder feedback installation...................................................55
4.7 Junction unit installation.....................................................................57
4.8 Cable connections ...............................................................................58
4.9 Grounding and RFI .............................................................................58
4.10 Drive unit installation..........................................................................60
Connecting a reversible pump.............................................................62
Connecting a hydraulic linear drive....................................................63
Connecting a solenoid valve ...............................................................63
4.11 Control unit installation.......................................................................64
Panel mounting of AP22.....................................................................64
Alternative panel mounting of AP22 ..................................................64
Optional bracket mounting of AP22...................................................65
4.12 ROBNET network cables....................................................................65
4.13 Control unit connection.......................................................................67
AP22 connection.................................................................................67
AP21 connection.................................................................................67

Simrad AP21 and AP22 Autopilots
620220596G
JP21 Jack Point installation.................................................................68
4.14 RFC35 Fluxgate Compass installation................................................69
4.15 RFC35R Rate Compass installation....................................................70
4.16 R3000X Remote Control installation..................................................72
4.17 S35 NFU Lever installation ................................................................73
4.18 Interfacing ......................................................................................74
4.19 Single NMEA input/output.................................................................74
4.20 Double NMEA input/output................................................................75
4.21 Additional NMEA output on Port 2....................................................75
4.22 NMEA Compass in.............................................................................75
4.23 Radar Clock/Data................................................................................76
4.24 IS15 Instrument installation................................................................76
4.25 External Alarm....................................................................................78
4.26 NI300X NMEA Interface Unit ...........................................................78
4.27 CI300X Analogue Interface Unit........................................................80
4.28 LF3000 Linear Feedback ....................................................................81
4.29 CD100A Course Detector...................................................................83
4.30 CDI35 Interface...................................................................................84
4.31 Software Setup Procedure...................................................................85
Description of Installation Settings.....................................................85
Installation Menu ................................................................................86
Language selection..............................................................................88
4.32 Dockside settings ................................................................................89
Drive unit voltage selection ................................................................90
Rudder Feedback Calibration..............................................................90
Automatic Rudder Test.......................................................................92
Transition Speed..................................................................................93
Interface Settings.................................................................................94
4.33 Sea Trial ....................................................................................100
Rudder zero adjust.............................................................................100
Compass calibration..........................................................................101

Instruction manual
20220596G 7
Compass Offset.................................................................................102
Automatic tuning...............................................................................103
View parameters................................................................................104
Manual parameter adjust...................................................................105
NMEA Test.......................................................................................107
Master Reset......................................................................................107
Final sea trial.....................................................................................107
Providing user training......................................................................108
5 Maintenance ........................................................................................109
5.1 Control unit .......................................................................................109
5.2 Junction Unit.....................................................................................109
5.3 Rudder Feedback...............................................................................109
5.4 Compass ........................................................................................109
5.5 Drive unit ........................................................................................109
5.6 Exchange of software programme ....................................................110
6 Trouble shooting ......................................................................................113
6.1 Alarms ........................................................................................113
6.2 System Data Menu ............................................................................117
6.3 NMEA Data Menu............................................................................118
Decoding...........................................................................................119
NMEA signal monitor.......................................................................120
NMEA (hardware) test......................................................................120
7 Spare Parts List........................................................................................121
8 Glossary ........................................................................................124
SALES AND SERVICE WORLDWIDE
TERMS OF WARRANTY
WARRANTY CARD
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Swedish,
Norwegian

Simrad AP21 and AP22 Autopilots
820220596G

Introduction
20220596G 9
1INTRODUCTION
1.1 General
Congratulations on the purchase of your new Simrad autopilot
system and thank you for selecting what we feel is the most
advanced autopilot system available on the market today.
Today Simrad manufacture a complete range of autopilots for all
types of vessels, from leisure boats up to advanced steering
systems for merchant marine vessels. Our factory for these
products is located in Egersund on the south/west coast of
Norway. The company's involvement in autopilots began in 1953
with equipment for the North Sea fishing fleet. Professional
mariners around the world acknowledge that the Simrad name is
synonymous with the absolute best in autopilot technology.
The Simrad AP21 and AP22 autopilots represents yet another
step forward in autopilot technology with the intent to provide
leisure boats between 30 and 80 foot with a host of new features.
The system can be expanded and enhanced with a selection of
options and accessories.
The brain in the autopilot system is the single "intelligent"
junction unit that communicates with all other system modules
on the ROBNET network. The ROBNET has been developed to
establish a reliable digital communication and power distribution
network between the units in the system. The ROBNET
simplifies installation and enables the autopilot system to be
easily expanded at any time.
1.2 How to use this manual
This manual is intended as a reference guide for operating,
installing and maintaining the Simrad AP21 and AP22 autopilots.
Great care has been paid to simplify operation and set-up,
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 autopilot system.

Simrad AP21 and AP22 Autopilots
10 20220596G
Other documentation material 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 and Figure 1-2):
•AP22 Control Unit or AP21 Control Unit
•Heading sensor (compass)
•Rudder Feedback Unit with transmission link
•Junction Unit
•Drive unit
The basic system can be expanded with remote control unit, hand
held remote and steering lever.
RFC35
FLUXGATE
COMPASS
AP22
CONTROL
UNIT
REVERSIBLE
PUMP
JUNCTION
UNIT
RF300
RUDDER
FEDDBACK
Figure 1-1 AP22 Basic system

Introduction
20220596G 11
RFC35
FLUXGATE
COMPASS
AP21
CONTROL
UNIT
REVERSIBLE
PUMP
JUNCTION
UNIT
RF300
RUDDER
FEDDBACK
Figure 1-2 AP21 Basic System
1.4 AP22 Control Unit
A compact autopilot control for panel, bulkhead or overhead
mounting. It has a multifunction LCD display for readout of
autopilot data, dedicated keys and rotary course knob. Two
Robnet connectors are provided for system interconnection and
expansion.
1.5 AP21 Control Unit
A portable control unit with 7 m (20 ft.) of cable. It has the same
autopilot functions as AP22 and can be used as a hand held
autopilot or be mounted in a fixed, bracket mount.
1.6 Junction units
The junction unit is the heart in the autopilot system. It contains
the steering computer, interface circuits to all system components
and drive circuits for the drive unit motor and clutch. Three
models, J300X, J300X-40 and J3000X are available.

Simrad AP21 and AP22 Autopilots
12 20220596G
Junction unit comparison chart:
J3000X J300X (J300X-40)
Supply voltage 10-28 V 10-40 V
Motor current
(continuous/peak) 6/10 A 10/20A (20/40A)
Clutch/bypass current 1,5 A 1,5 A
Number of Robnet units 2 5
NMEA ports (input/output) 1 2
Solenoid output x x
Input for NFU control x x
External alarm x
Radar clock/data interface x
1.7 Rudder Feedback unit
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.
LF3000 Linear Feedback
Linear feedback unit for boats with outboard engine. Transforms
the linear movement to an analogue signal. Supplied with 8,5 m
cable and mounting clamps.
LFI3000 Mk2 Linear Feedback Interface
Interface unit for LF3000 Linear Feedback. Converts the
analogue LF3000 signal to the standard digital feedback signal
for the autopilot steering computer.

Introduction
20220596G 13
1.8 Heading Sensors
The AP21 and AP22 autopilots can be used with the following
combinations of heading sensors:
RFC35 Electronic Fluxgate Compass
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.
RFC35R 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 when connected to the autopilot
system.
Same dimensions as RFC35.
CDI35 Course Detector Interface and
CD100A Course Detector
Interface and sensor unit to connect AP21 and AP22 to a
magnetic compass. The autopilot provides excitation current for
CD100A and converts the analogue sin/cos signal to digital two
wire format for the autopilot steering computer.
Note ! You can not connect both an RFC35 and a CDI35 at the same
time.
NMEA compass
(Applies for AP21&AP22 V1R3/J300X V1R8)
Any NMEA 0183 compass with HDT, HDG or HDM messages
can be connected directly to the J300X/J300-40X junction units.
Other fluxgate compass models
The optional CI300X can interface AP21 and AP22 to fluxgate
compasses with heading signal on a sine/cosine format.
Simrad RGC10 and RGC50 gyrocompasses
The optional CI300X unit is needed to interface these two
gyrocompass models. Other gyrocompass models with synchro
1:1 (max 110V) can also be interfaced.

Simrad AP21 and AP22 Autopilots
14 20220596G
1.9 Optional equipment
A series of options are available for the basic AP21 and AP22
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.
S35 NFU Lever
S35 is designed for indoor and outdoor bulkhead mount. The
lever has spring loaded return to mid-position. A push button
with light indicator is used for limited mode change.
FU35 Follow-Up Steering Lever
The FU35 Follow-up steering lever features a dial (scale) with
10° markings. The rudder will move and stop at the commanded
angle as read on the dial. FU35 has a mid-position detent, push
buttons for (limited) mode selection and mode indicators (STBY,
FU, AUTO and NAV). It is designed for indoor and outdoor
bulkhead or panel mount. See separate manual for FU35.
NI300X NMEA Interface Unit
Unit with 4 NMEA I/O ports for communication to other
systems, and a selectable heading output for radars (Anritsu or
Furuno). Includes two Robnet connectors for connection to the
autopilot system.
CI300X Compass Interface
Unit for interface to non-Simrad fluxgate compasses and
windvane systems with analogue output, and NFU levers. Input
for Simrad RGC50 and RGC10 gyro compasses.
Mounting Bracket
Optional bracket for bulkhead or overhead mount of AP22. See
Figure 4-8 on page 65.

Introduction
20220596G 15
2OPERATION OF THE AUTOPILOT
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
STBY
AUTO
NAV
PWR
SPEED
SETUP
TURN
PORT key
DODGE / U-TURN / TACK
NAV or WIND / setup
AUTO / manual speed select
STANDBY / POWER On/Off
Figure 2-1 AP22 Front Panel
Multifunction LCD
Rotary course knob
STARBOARD key

Simrad AP21 and AP22 Autopilots
16 20220596G
Multifunction LCD
Rotary course knob
PORT key STARBOARD key
DODGE / U-TURN / TACKNAV or WIND / setup
AUTO / manual speed select
STANDBY / POWER On/Off
Figure 2-2 AP21 Front Panel
The control unit 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".
The autopilot system is capable of the following primary steering
modes: STBY (manual steering), AUTO, NAV or 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 access to a primary
display and a secondary.
A group of user adjustable settings and selections are provided in
the USER SETUP MENU (page 33). Adjustment of display
visibility, selection of heading sensors, navigation sources are
among the menu items.
Alarms are presented in plain text to alert you in the event of
system or external data failure conditions. Alarms include both
audible and visual presentations. The alarm listing is on page
113.
2.2 ON/OFF - Standby mode
A single press on the STBY button switches the system ON and
the following status displays are shown:

Operation
20220596G 17
Software V(ersion) and R(elease)
Junction unit model
P00 M00 S000
SW V1R8
J300X
Robertson
Self check
Power board revision Main board revision
Software V(ersion) and R(elease)
Autopilot model
HW rev. 0
SW V1R3
AP22
Robertson
Hardware revision
SW and HW revisions shown are examples only.
After approx. 5 seconds the system is operative and the unit that
was turned on will show the STBY mode display. Other units in
a multistation system will display "Inactive". Control can be
available at any unit by pressing the STBY button.
First press Standby mode
Current heading
STBY
STBY
Second press
RFC
PS
12
Standby mode.
Current heading from RFC compass.
HI speed parameter manually selected.
Rudder angle: 12 degrees to starboard.
A long press (2-3 sec.) on the STBY button switches the system
OFF.
Note ! In an emergency it is possible on a multistation system to turn
OFF the system at any control unit by pressing down the STBY
button for 2-3 seconds.
STBY mode is also the mode that is used when steering the boat
at the helm.

Simrad AP21 and AP22 Autopilots
18 20220596G
2.3 AP21 and AP22 with MSD50 Stern Drive
unit
Note ! The information in this paragraph 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 paragraph 1.1 of the MSD50 manual for further
information.
Zero point setting
Note ! If you 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°
port and 10° starboard to indicate that the "rudder" zero point need
be set.
RFC
PS
10
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:
RFC
PS
00