ComNav 1101 - Steering Parameter Tuning

ComNav 1101 Autopilot6 - 5 BASIC OPERATIONS
Steering Response
When you receive your ComNav Autopilot, it will have been pre-
programmed with factor y settings. These settings will provide
average steering performance for a wide range of vessels when the
Autopilot is in either AUTOPILOT or NAV mode. You can optimize
your Autopilots performance by adjusting four steering param-
etersrudder, counter rudder, turn rate and yawto match the
steering characteristics of your vessel. These parameters are easy
to change and may also be changed while underway to adjust
Autopilot performance to changing weather conditions.
NOTE: This section explains the function of each steering param-
eter. The Sea Trials procedures later in this section provides
detailed information on how to adjust the steering parameters to
your vessel.
Rudder
Varying the rudder parameter controls the amount of rudder applied
for a given amount of course error. At the maximum setting of 9', 3
degrees of rudder will be applied for each degree of course error.
Every two-position reduction in the setting cuts the amount of
correction applied in half.
Counter Rudder
Varying the counter rudder parameter controls the amount of rudder
applied for a given rate of change of course error. If the course error
is increasing, the counter rudder adds to the rudder correction
applied, and if the course error is decreasing the counter rudder
subtracts from the rudder correction applied. At the maximum
setting of 9, 10 degrees of rudder will be applied for a 1 degree
per second rate of change of the course error. Ever y two-position
reduction in the setting cuts the amount of correction applied in half.
Turn Rate
Varying the turn rate parameter controls the maximum rate at which
the vessel may make a course change in AUTOPILOT or NAV mode,
return to its original heading after a Dodge maneuver, or execute a
special turn. Factors such as speed, load, hull characteristics and
weather conditions may limit the maximum achievable turn rate. The
turn rates corresponding to each control are: