ComNav 1500 / 1510 Autopilot - 47 -
9. FINE TUNING
The factory default settings and the APC routine will provide acceptable
performance for most boats, but each boat has different steering characteristics
and some fine tuning may be necessary for optimum performance.
For individual settings referred to below, see the setup section.
The tests should be performed under fairly calm sea conditions with minimal wind
or tide. If wind and/or tide are unavoidable set a course for minimum effects from
these causes. It is recommended that these sea trials not be done in restricted or
busy waters.
Step by Step Instructions How to Fine Tune the Autopilot:
1.
Check that Dockside Testing, Sea Trials including the APC routine has been
done. If not, go back and make sure they are done.
2.
Activate the Autopilot on a course and ensure that it holds without excessive
understeering or oversteering.
3.
With the boat travelling in a straight line at its normal cruising speed in calm
water, activate the Autopilot compass function. Make a 40° course change
using the LEFT or RIGHT and the boat should not overshoot by more than 1° to
2°. Continue making 40° course changes while adjusting the Rudder [RUD]
setting until the boat overshoots the correct course a few times prior to setting
on the course. This is the optimal [RUD] setting that can be used on the boat at
the current cruising speed and load, in calm waters.
4.
Continue making 40°course changes while slowly increasing the Counter
Rudder [CRD] setting, until the boat settles onto course with only one overshoot
of 3° or less. On some boats, the [RUD] setting may have to be decreased by
one position to get the boat to control properly. The [RUD] and [CRD] settings
are set to the maximum combined settings that should be used on the boat at
that speed and under the existing sea conditions.
The [RUD] and [CRD] settings may need to be increased in rough weather. The
higher the [CRD] setting relative to the [RUD] setting for calm weather, the less
it will need to be increased in rough weather. As the boat's speed decreases,
the rudder becomes less effective.
The [RUD] and [CRD] settings may need to be increased as the speed
decreases. The higher the [CRD] setting relative to the [RUD] setting, the less it
will need to be increased at lower speeds.
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