AUTOHELM 1000 User Manual

Rotate the compass dial in small increments until
the end of the pushrod remains settled over the
tiller pin and clutch onto the tiller. Rotate the
compass dial clockwise to retract the pushrod and
anti-
clockwise to extend it. Note that after making
adjustments, it is necessary to release the compass
dial to allow the compass to realign with the
earth's magnetic field.
If the yacht is swinging about
its mooring, you
will see that small variations in heading cause the
unit to apply corrective action to the rudder. Now
switch to rough
and note that the frequency of
corrective action is reduced.
Operation under wind vane control
If the system is fitt
ed with a wind vane attachment
the following familiarisation test may be carried
out.
•
Connect the wind vane jack plug to the main
actuator and attach the feedback cord to the end
of the pushrod.
•
Set the wind vane head into its most sensitive
position b
y tilting the head forward until the
vane is almost vertical. Then grip the mounting
mast just above its base and slowly rotate until
the vane feathers into wind. In this position the
vane will flutter evenly between the buffers.
• Switch over to vane to t
ransfer the sensing mode
to wind vane control.
Note that small variations in wind direction will
now cause the actuator unit to apply corrective
action to the rudder. This is how the Autohelm 1000
functions when under sail.
Rotate the mounting mast a li
ttle further and note
how the tiller takes up a new position to one side.
This is how trim corrections are made for weather
or lee helm when under sail.
Finally, tilt the vane head back until the vane is
nearly horizontal. This de-
sensitises the wind
va
ne, and you will note that the frequency of
corrective rudder action is noticeably reduced.
Operation under sail
Preferably, initial trials should be carried out in
reasonably calm conditions and with plenty of sea
room.
The following familiarisation pr
ocedure is
recommended.
Compass control
•
Steer onto a fixed heading under engine or sail
and hold the course steady.
•
Holding the pushrod towards the tiller, rotate
the compass dial until it is approximately
aligned with the yacht's main steering compas
s
and switch to calm.
•
Allow the compass to automatically align with the
earth's magnetic field and then adjust the
compass dial further until the end of the pushrod
is approximately positioned over the tiller pin.
• Clip the pushrod onto the tiller and a
llow the
autopilot to take over.

AUTOHELM 1000 Specifications

General

Brand	AUTOHELM
Model	1000
Category	Autopilot System
Language	English