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INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Simrad AP50
Autopilot
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Note! Simrad AS makes every effort to ensure that the information contained within this document is correct. However, our equipment is continuously being improved and updated, so we cannot assume liability for any errors which may occur. Warning! The equipment to which this manual applies must only be used for the purpose for which it was designed. Improper use or maintenance may cause damage to the equipment or injury to personnel. The user must be familiar with the contents of the appr
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General Information Instruction Manual This manual is intended as a reference guide for the correct installation and operation of the Simrad AP50 autopilot. Great care has been taken to simplify the set-up and operation of the AP50; however, an autopilot is a complex electronic system. It is affected by sea conditions, speed of the vessel, and vessel hull shape and size. Please take the time to read this manual to gain a thorough understanding of the Simrad AP50 autopilot’s system co
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Simrad AP50 Autopilot Document revisions Rev Date Written by Checked by Approved by A 03.06.02 NG GK GHR B 18.06.03 Document history Rev. A Original Issue Rev. B Updated according to software revision V1R2. Minor corrections in text. RF14XU added. 2 20221032B
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General Information Contents 1 GENERAL INFORMATION .............................................................................11 1.1 Introduction..................................................................................................11 1.2 How to Use This Manual..............................................................................12 1.3 System Components.....................................................................................13 1.4 AP50 Control Unit.........
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Simrad AP50 Autopilot F1/2 (NFU) Push Button Remote Control....................................................25 R3000X Remote Control (NFU) ..................................................................26 S35 NFU Steering Lever ..............................................................................26 2.6 Automatic Steering.......................................................................................27 AUTO Mode...........................................................
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General Information 3.7 CD100A Course Detector.............................................................................55 3.8 CD109 Course Detector................................................................................55 3.9 RI35 Mk2 Rudder Angle Indicator...............................................................56 3.10 RF300S Rudder Feedback Unit....................................................................57 3.11 RF45X Rudder Feedback Unit .........................
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Simrad AP50 Autopilot 4.10 Drive Unit Installation..................................................................................89 Connecting a Reversible Pump.....................................................................91 Connecting a Hydraulic Linear Drive...........................................................92 Solenoids (externally powered, common positive)..................................92 Solenoids (externally powered, common negative)................................
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General Information Master Operation ...................................................................................121 Boat Type...............................................................................................121 Boat Length............................................................................................121 Drive Unit Voltage.................................................................................121 Rudder Feedback Calibration .........................
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Simrad AP50 Autopilot W Autotrim ............................................................................................148 Autotrim.................................................................................................148 Course Adjust.........................................................................................149 Compass difference................................................................................149 Off Heading lim .................................
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General Information 7.1 Control unit.................................................................................................161 7.2 Junction Unit...............................................................................................161 7.3 Rudder Feedback........................................................................................161 7.4 Compass (RC25/RFC35R).........................................................................161 7.5 Drive unit...............
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Simrad AP50 Autopilot This page is intentionally left blank 10 20221032B
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General Information 1 GENERAL INFORMATION 1.1 Introduction Congratulations on the purchase of your new Simrad AP50 autopilot system and thank you for selecting what we feel is one of the most advanced autopilot systems available on the market today. Today, Simrad manufactures a complete range of autopilots for all types of vessels, from leisure boats to advanced steering systems for merchant marine vessels. Our factory for these products Simrad Egersund AS, is located in Egersund on th
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Simrad AP50 Autopilot While the AP50 may be installed on vessels not needing to comply with the Marine Equipment Directive, those requiring compliance must have one AP50 Control Unit set-up as a “master unit” in order for the installation to be approved. Simrad has no responsibility for the incorrect installation or use of the AP50 autopilot, so it is essential for the person in charge of the installation to be familiar with the relevant requirements as well as with the contents of this
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General Information At the end of this manual, you will find an index and a glossary, which will help you when studying the manual. Other documentation provided with your system includes a warranty card. Note ! The Warranty Card must be completed by the authorized dealer that performed the installation and mailed-in to activate the warranty. 1.3 System Components A basic AP50 system may consist of the following units (refer to Figure 1-1): • AP50 Control Unit with accessories • Headi
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Simrad AP50 Autopilot 1.4 AP50 Control Unit This compact autopilot control for panel, bulkhead- or bracket- mounting has a rotary course knob and a large LCD for readout of autopilot data. It also has two RobNet connectors for system interconnection and expansion. 1.5 Junction Units The junction unit in the AP50 autopilot system contains the steering computer, interface circuits to all system components, and drive circuits for the drive unit motor and clutch. Two models, J50 and J50-40
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General Information RF45X Rudder Feedback Unit This rudder feedback unit with T45 transmission link and 2 m (6 feet) of cable transforms the angular travel of the rudder to a digital signal read by the autopilot steering computer. It is to be used on medium to large size vessels. RF14XU Rudder Feedback Unit This unit can replace the RF45X Rudder Feedback Unit in installations where a more rugged construction of the feedback unit is preferred. Besides electronic circuitry to generate fe
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Simrad AP50 Autopilot The sensor unit contains two GPS sensors and an inertial element. This unit is to be mounted on the vessel mast. The interface unit contains the main CPU and serial interface with high-speed communication. The display unit contains a LCD for navigation information and buttons for user control and command. The interface unit and the display unit may be mounted on the bridge. Refer to the HS50 manual. Other Compass Models CI300X Compass Interface The optional CI300X
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General Information S100 NFU Steering Lever The S100 Non-follow-up steering lever is designed for indoor console mounting and it has a spring-loaded return-to- mid-position feature. S35 NFU Steering Lever The S35 is designed for indoor and outdoor bulkhead-mounting and is made of shock resistant polyxymethylene. The lever has a spring loaded return-to-mid-position feature. Its push button with light indicator is used for (limited) mode selection when connected to an autopilot junction
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Simrad AP50 Autopilot AD50 Analog Drive The AD50 Analog Drive is designed to provide a control signal for operating an analog rudder in an AP50 system by either analog or proportional ±10V control, or Danfoss PVEM valve. The analog rudder output signal is calculated in the AD50 based on operational mode and heading information received over RobNet from other system units. Set-up from the control unit and errors in the analog rudder interface are to be communicated via RobNet. All settin
