Simrad AP48 User manual

ENGLISH
AP™ 48
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 maritime safety 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.
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.
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.
Copyright
Copyright © 2020 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 unit or system:
www.simrad-yachting.com
Preface | AP™ 48 Operator Manual 3

Compliance statements
Europe
Navico declare under our sole responsibility that the product
conforms with the requirements of:
•CE under EMC Directive 2014/30/EU
United States of America
Warning: The user is cautioned that any changes or
modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
Australia and New Zealand
Navico declare under our sole responsibility that the product
conforms with the requirements of:
•level 2 devices of the Radiocommunications (Electromagnetic
Compatibility) standard 2017
Declarations
The relevant declarations of conformity are available at:
www.simrad-yachting.com
Trademarks
®Reg. U.S. Pat. & Tm. Off, and ™ common law marks. Visit
www.navico.com/intellectual-property to review the global
trademark rights and accreditations for Navico Holding AS and
other entities.
•Navico®is a registered trademark of Navico Holding AS.
•SIMRAD®is a trademark of Kongsberg Maritime AS, Licensed to
Navico Holding AS.
•NMEA®and NMEA 2000®are registered trademarks of the
National Marine Electronics Association.
4Preface | AP™ 48 Operator Manual

•NAC™
•AP™
About this manual
This manual is a reference guide for operating the unit. It assumes
that all equipment is installed and configured, and that the system
is ready to use.
Images used in this manual might not exactly match the screen on
your unit.
Important text conventions
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.
Translated manuals
Available translated versions of this manual can be found on the
following website:
•www.simrad-yachting.com
Preface | AP™ 48 Operator Manual 5

6Preface | AP™ 48 Operator Manual

Contents
9 Introduction
10 AP48 Front panel and keys
11 The autopilot page
13 Basic operation
13 Safe operation with the autopilot
13 Turning the unit on and off
14 Sleep mode
14 Operating the menu system
15 Display setup
16 Autopilot modes
16 Selecting an autopilot mode
16 Standby mode
16 Non-Follow Up (NFU) mode
16 Follow-up (FU) mode
17 AUTO mode (Heading hold)
18 NoDrift mode
19 Heading capture
19 NAV mode
21 Turn pattern steering
24 Using the autopilot in an EVC system
25 SteadySteer
26 Trip log
27 Alarms
27 Alarm indication
27 Type of messages
27 Acknowledging the alarms
28 Enabling the alarm system and the alarm siren
29 Alarm history
29 List of alarms
30 Software setup
30 Calibration
35 Damping
36 Autopilot settings
Contents | AP™ 48 Operator Manual 7

36 System settings
41 Maintenance
41 Preventive maintenance
41 Cleaning the display unit
41 Checking the connectors
41 Backup and restore of system data
42 Software update
43 Menu tree
45 Technical specifications
47 Dimensional drawings
47 AP48 without bracket
47 AP48 with bracket
48 Supported data
48 NMEA 2000 PGN (transmit)
48 NMEA 2000 PGN (receive)
50 Appendixes
50 List of possible alarms and corrective actions
8Contents | AP™ 48 Operator Manual

Introduction
The AP48 is a networked autopilot display and control unit.
The unit is compatible with a range of Navico autopilot computers.
The AP48 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 "Software setup" on page 30
•Commissioning and setup of the autopilot computer. Refer to
the installation and commissioning documentation for your
autopilot computer
1
Introduction | AP™ 48 Operator Manual 9

AP48 Front panel and keys
1
987
6
5
32
10 11
4
1Power key
•Press to show the Display setup dialog. Repeat short
presses to toggle preset light levels
•Press and hold to put the autopilot system to Sleep mode.
Repress the key to activate the system
2 MENU key
Press to show the Settings menu
3 X key
Press to return to previous menu level or to exit a dialog
10 Introduction | AP™ 48 Operator Manual

4Rotary 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 Standby mode or Non Follow Up (NFU) mode: Press to
activate the Follow up (FU) mode
In FU mode: Turn to set the rudder angle
In automatic modes: Turn to change the set heading/set
course/set wind angle
I AUTO mode: Press to capture current heading
5- 8 < 10, < 1 and 1 >, 10 > (Port and starboard keys)
In Standby or FU mode: Press to activate NFU mode
In NFU mode: Press to control the rudder
In automatic modes: Press to change the set heading/set
course/set wind angle 1° or 10° to port or starboard
9 STBY key
Press to activate Standby mode
10 MODE key
Press to show the Mode list
11 AUTO key
Press to activate AUTO mode
The autopilot page
The content of the autopilot page varies with active mode. All
modes include:
•Response/ Profile mode (depending on connected autopilot
computer) (A)
•Heading indicator, analog and digital (B)
•Autopilot mode indication (C)
•Rudder indicator, analog and digital (D)
Introduction | AP™ 48 Operator Manual 11

For more information, refer to "Autopilot modes" on page 16.
12 Introduction | AP™ 48 Operator Manual

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 will be running as long as power is connected to the NMEA
2000 backbone. It is possible to put the unit to Sleep mode, refer to
"Display setup" on page 15.
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 "Software setup" on page 30.
2
Basic operation | AP™ 48 Operator Manual 13

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.
To enter Sleep mode press and hold the power key or select Sleep
from the Display Setup dialog activated by pressing the power key.
Switch from Sleep mode to normal operation by a short press on
the power key.
ÚNote: The system will automatically switch to Standby mode
when Sleep mode is activated.
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 Xkey
Edit a 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
Selected field Field in edit mode
ÚNote: You can at any time press the Xkey to leave a dialog.
14 Basic operation | AP™ 48 Operator Manual

Display setup
The display setup can be adjusted at any time from the Display
setup dialog, activated by pressing the power 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 power 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 "Network groups" on
page 38.
ÚNote: The system will switch to Standby mode when Sleep
mode is activated.
Basic operation | AP™ 48 Operator Manual 15

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.
Non-Follow Up (NFU) mode
In NFU mode you can use the port and starboard keys on the
controller to operate the rudder. The rudder will move as long as
the key is pressed.
•Switch to NFU mode by pressing one of the port or starboard
keys when the autopilot is in Standby mode or FU mode.
Follow-up (FU) mode
In FU mode you turn the rotary knob to adjust the set 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 Standby mode or
NFU mode to FU mode by pressing the rotary knob.
3
16 Autopilot modes | AP™ 48 Operator Manual

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).
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 or by
pressing the port or starboard keys.
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 "Autopilot settings" on
page 36.
Autopilot modes | AP™ 48 Operator Manual 17

•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.
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.
A
•Switch to NoDrift mode by selecting the NoDrift option in the
Mode list
When the mode is activated, 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 or by pressing
the port or starboard keys.
An immediate course change takes place. The new course is
maintained until a new course is set.
18 Autopilot modes | AP™ 48 Operator Manual

Heading capture
When the vessel is turning in AUTO mode, an instant re-press on the
AUTO key or the rotary knob 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 or the rotary knob.
NAV mode
ÚNote: NAV mode requires a compatible navigator 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 navigator 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 navigator alters the set course to direct the vessel to
the destination waypoint.
To obtain satisfactory navigation steering, the autopilot system
must have valid input from the navigator. Autosteering must be
tested and determined satisfactory prior to entering NAV mode.
ÚNote: If the navigator 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.
Autopilot modes | AP™ 48 Operator Manual 19

Prior to entering NAV mode the navigator 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 Xkey.
•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.
Course change less than set limit Course change larger than set limit
20 Autopilot modes | AP™ 48 Operator Manual