ComNav Commander P2 - Manual and Automatic WORK Mode

ComNav Commander P2 & P2VS Installation & Operation Advanced Operations
Document PN 29010074 V4.1 - 150 -
When WORK mode is engaged, the Rudder Scale Factor changes the amount of corrective
rudder movement which the steering algorithms calculate using the Rudder Gain setting. In
WORK mode, that calculated amount (i.e., proportional to the course error) will also be
multiplied by the Scale Factor, resulting in larger rudder movements for a given course error.
The Rudder Scale Factor is entered on the Work menu (see page 151).
Other effects take place in WORK mode too.
• The corrective rudder movement calculated for Counter Rudder is reduced to the
minimum possible for the Vessel type (i.e., as if the Counter Rudder parameter was
set to 0), which enhances the effect of the Rudder Gain and Rudder Scale Factor.
• Turn Rate is limited to 10°/second while WORK is active, for all changes of Heading
controlled by the autopilot, and for Special Turns.
• Particularly useful for pair trawling, the autopilot also disables the automatic course
trim unless Autotrim (in the Work menu) is specifically turned on.
• Finally, the built-in off-course alarm will be disabled the entire time WORK mode is
engaged.
If the user is not satisfied with the fixed helm bias determined by the Autopilot at the onset of
WORK mode, manual adjustments can be made “on-the-fly” while WORK mode is engaged.
A double-press of the
F
F
n
n button will bring up the regular Work menu, but with an additional
line. Rudder Bias will be the first line on the list, and will show the current helm bias. You
can change this value to suit, using the
C
C
O
O
U
U
R
R
S
S
E
E
C
C
H
H
A
A
N
N
G
G
E
E knob. This feature is useful in order
to accommodate changing load or sea conditions.
As mentioned earlier, WORK mode will automatically be disengaged if the boat’s speed rises
above the Work Trip Point set by the user. While it is disengaged, all normal features such
as automatic trim and off-course alarm will be operational.
Manual WORK Mode
Even if no NMEA source of speed data is available, WORK mode can still be used, by
manually invoking it.
To do so, switch to AUTO or NAV mode, and then press the
F
F
n
n button for ~1 second until
the letter `A´ or `N´ in the upper left portion of the display stops flashing, and a small letter
`W´ appears beside it.
Then, double-press the
F
F
n
n button to bring up the Work menu. Highlight “Work Mode State”.
Then use the
C
C
O
O
U
U
R
R
S
S
E
E
C
C
H
H
A
A
N
N
G
G
E
E knob to change the selection to “M_On” (Manual On).
WORK mode is now engaged.
Caution! When Manual WORK mode is engaged, large rudder movements may
occur. If your boat is traveling too fast, these rudder movements may affect the
stability of the boat. Do not engage Manual WORK mode without first ensuring
that it is safe to do so and that the boat speed is appropriate for using WORK
mode.
To disengage WORK mode, again select “Work Mode State” in the Work menu and change it
to “A_Rdy” (Automatic Ready).
To cancel WORK mode completely, press and hold the
F
F
n
n button for 1 second, or switch to
STANDBY or POWER STEER mode.
• You can also manually disengage WORK mode, if it has been engaged in the
automatic mode. Double-press the
F
F
n
n button to bring up the Work menu. If WORK
mode is engaged, the “Work Mode State” will show “A_On” beside it. Highlight “Work
Mode State”, then use the
C
C
O
O
U
U
R
R
S
S
E
E
C
C
H
H
A
A
N
N
G
G
E
E knob to change it to “M_Rdy” (Manual
Ready).