Alphatron ALPHASEAPILOT MFC - The Autopilot on Key Modes (Rudder;Thruster); The Adaptive & Non Adaptive (PID) Autopilot Modes

Operating manual ALPHASEAPILOT MFC Issue 1.1 Page 27 of 84
ALPHASEAPILOT MFC
2.2 The Autopilot ON Key Modes ( Rudder/Thruster)
The Autopilot can only be switched on via the Standby condition thus switching directly from Off
to On is not possible.
The Autopilot “ON” keypad is equipped with 3 corner LEDs which illuminate (as appropriate) to
confirm the selected working mode as follows:-
(i) First press – Autopilot engaged in RUDDER only mode.
(Display indication
)
NB. After initial first press to engage the Autopilot subsequent Mode changes
require a 2 second continuous press of the key.
(ii) Second press – Autopilot engaged in THRUSTER only mode.
(Display indication
)
(iii) Third press – Autopilot engaged in combined RUDDER and
THRUSTER mode.
(Display indication
)
The Autopilot system controls the steering gear and the steering performance of the vessel in
the ON mode but can be disengaged at any time by operation of the STANDBY / OFF key.
2.3 The Adaptive & Non Adaptive (PID) Autopilot Modes
The Autopilot system may be operated as a conventional PID (Non Adaptive) system, which
typically involves manual adjustment of the Autopilot controls (Rudder, Yaw, Counter Rudder
etc.) to achieve optimum steering performance.
Alternatively, the ALPHASEAPILOT MFC can function as an Adaptive Autopilot where the control
parameters are automatically adjusted as a function of Speed and Draft input data which,
typically, requires little or no manual adjustment beyond initial installation and Sea Trials.
Whilst PID operation is not dependent on Speed input data, it should be noted that certain
information such as Speed through the Water (STW) is an essential requirement for the Speed
Adaptive operating mode.
Similarly, Draft input data enables the Autopilot system to automatically set its operational
control parameters for changes in steering characteristics geared to ballast/laden conditions.
In most displacement vessel applications – and always in High Speed Craft (HSC) cases - the
Adaptive Autopilot mode will be preferred and selected via reference to the CONTROLS Menu
where it will be seen that facilities also exist for manual control adjustments – even when the
Adaptive mode is selected – to permit immediate “fine tuning” of the automatic parameters if
required.