ComNav P4 - Advanced Operations

ComNav P4 Installation and Operation Getting Started
Document PN 29010100 V1r0 - 77 -
• To access a particular operating mode menu, double-press the button associated with
that menu (e.g., the NAV button for the NAV mode’s menu).
• To quit viewing a particular operating mode menu, double-press the associated button
again, or wait about 10 seconds. The display will then revert to the active display of
whatever mode the P4 is operating in.
Using the operating mode menus is fully described in the related sections, later in this
manual.
Advanced Operations
This chapter describes the advanced modes of operation and features of a P-Series system,
and shows you how to use them.
WORK Mode
WORK mode is a special mode, for use in conditions that are different than normal autopilot
operation; prime examples are dragging, trawling, and pair trawling. It is also useful for towing
or when traveling at very slow speeds. WORK mode can be activated in either AUTO or NAV
mode. You can also switch from AUTO to NAV mode or vice-versa, while WORK mode is
active.
Initial set up of WORK mode is easily accomplished. Only two parameters need to be
adjusted: a Work Trip Point and the Rudder Scaling Factor. Some other parameters can be
used to monitor and fine-tune the operation of WORK mode as well.
The autopilot has an automatic Off-Course Alarm that will be activated should the boat fall off
the Commanded Heading by more than 20°. There is a 32 second delay on this alarm.
Automatic WORK Mode
Although WORK mode can be used manually, it works best if a valid NMEA source for the
boat’s speed is also interfaced to the autopilot. The speed source must also be properly
configured (see the Auto menu). With a valid NMEA speed source, WORK mode can be
engaged automatically when the boat’s speed falls below the Work Trip Point, and
disengaged when the boat’s speed increases beyond the Work Trip Point.
To use Automatic WORK mode, first go into either AUTO or NAV mode. Then press and hold
the WORK button for approximately 1 second, until a confirmation beep is heard. A small
letter ‘W´ will appear beside the bigger mode-indicator letter (‘A´ or ‘N´) in the upper left
portion of the LCD screen, to indicate that the WORK mode feature is enabled (See Figure
48).
If the boat’s speed is above the Work Trip Point, the ‘W´ will flash slowly, about once per
second, indicating that WORK mode is enabled – but not yet engaged. If the ‘W´ appears
continuously (not flashing), the boat speed is below the Work Trip Point, and WORK mode is
actually engaged.