TMQ AP9 Autopilot (V6.0 - 965) Page 13 of 51 31/1/2017
A counter-rudder setting of "1" gives no counter-rudder steering. This is normally
suitable for light and manoeuvrable vessels. If you find your ship over-steering when under
autopilot control, increase the counter-rudder setting by small amounts at a time to get the
optimum steering.
Once the correct setting is found for your vessel, it should not need to be changed.
Trim
When the AP9 is first switched on and in STANDBY mode, the
TRIM knob should initially be set in mid position, which
corresponds to a setting of 5.
There are circumstances in which the autopilot may set the rudder in
the centre (according to its feedback unit), but the vessel does not
steer straight ahead. Reasons for this are:
· The rudder feedback unit may not be correctly aligned
· There may be a side-wind, current, net drag, etc., which causes the vessel to steer
to one side.
To find the correct trim setting:
With the vessel travelling straight ahead, switch the autopilot to POWER STEER
mode. Adjust the trim control until the ship steers straight.
The trim control is not intended to be used for adjusting the vessel course in auto or power
steer mode.
Rudder Limit
There are physical limitations to the angle through which the rudder
can move. If the autopilot attempts to drive the rudder past these
limits, damage to the steering gear or autopilot drive system may
occur.
Note: Internal rudder limits are pre set during installation to suit
vessel requirements. These should not require resetting but should
be checked when any changes are made to the steering gear.
An external control on the front panel of the AP9 can be used to limit the amount of rudder
travel to a narrower angle or range. (In some special circumstances this control can be used
to limit the rate of turn of the vessel). Under normal operation the external rudder limit
control is set at maximum.
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