|
Northstar NS3300 Pilot System
Reference Manual
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
6-4 Setup > Vessel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
6-5 Setup > Alarms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
6-6 Setup > Units. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
6-7 Setup > Comms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
6-8 Setup > Calibrate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
6-9 Setup > Simulate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
7 Steering modes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
7-1 Compass steering mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
7-1-1 Compass steering data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
7-1-2 Engaging and disengaging the autopilot in compass mode . . 32
7-2 GPS steering mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
7-2-1 GPS navigation data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
7-2-2 Engaging and disengaging the autopilot in GPS mode . . . . 34
7-2-3 Arriving at waypoints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
7-2-4 GPS gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
7-3 Wind steering mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
7-3-1 Wind steering data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
7-3-2 True and apparent wind speed and direction. . . . . . . . . . . . 37
7-3-3 Engaging the autopilot in wind mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
7-3-4 Wind gain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
8 Optimizing steering performance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
8-1 Steering parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
8-2 Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
8-3 Adjusting the steering parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
9 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
10 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
3
Reference Manual
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
Congratulations on choosing the Northstar NS3300 PilotAutopilot. For maximum benefit, please read this manual carefully before installation
and use. This manual describes how to use and set up the NS3300 Pilotand the associated equipment. This manual also explains how to
operate the NS3300 Piloteffectively and provides troubleshooting and performance tips.
Important Notice:
•
•
•
It is the owner’s sole responsibility to install and use the instrument and transducer(s) in a manner that will not cause accidents, personal
injury or property damage. The user of this product is solely responsible for observing safe boating practices.
It is vital to the performance of the Autopilot that the transducers are installed in the best location. Please follow the installation instructions
very carefully.
The choice, location, and installation of all components in any autopilot system is critical. If installation is not correct, the unit can not
perform at its designed potential. If in doubt, consult your Northstar dealer.
•
•
Ensure that any holes that are cut are in a safe position and will not weaken the boat’s structure.
If in doubt, consult a qualified boat builder.
Using the NS3300 Pilot:
•
•
•
•
The NS3300 Pilot is intended to aid a helmsman from having to steer for long periods of time, not as the main means of steering the boat.
The NS3300 Pilot is not intended for use in extreme weather, in adverse conditions or in water near other boats, dangerous waters or land.
The NS3300 Pilot can not control the boat better than a helmsman. In adverse conditions steer the boat manually.
Never leave the helm unattended. Keep a watch at all times. The helmsman should always monitor the course of the boat and the NS3300
Pilot and be ready to resume steering the boat manually.
•
The performance of the NS3300 Pilot can be affected by the failure of a part, environmental conditions, improper installation and use.
Note: The User is to be aware that when the autopilot is powered on, the Control Dial and Dodge keys are active and can operate the rudder at
any time (see Power Steering modes 1-1-3)
NORTHSTAR DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY FOR ANY USE OF THIS PRODUCT IN A WAY THAT MAY CAUSE ACCIDENTS, DAMAGE OR THAT MAY
VIOLATE THE LAW.
Northstar is continuously improving this product; we retain the right to make changes to the product at any time which may not be reflected in
this version of manual. Please contact your nearest Northstar office if you require any further assistance.
Governing Language: This statement, any instruction manuals, user guides and other information relating to the product (Documentation)
may be translated to, or has been translated from, another language (Translation). In the event of any conflict between any Translation of the
Documentation, the English language version of the Documentation will be the official version of the Documentation.
Copyright © 2005 NORTHSTAR. All rights reserved.
4
Northstar NS3300 Pilot
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
1 Introduction
The NS3300 Pilot is a superior quality, high
performance autopilot display head. The Northstar
autopilot system has the flexibility to be used with
power or sail boats.
Northstar NS3300 Pilot
The NS3300 Pilot has dedicated performance keys
and a large 3.8” Color TFT display. This provides the
user with exceptionally easy to use controls.
The NS3300 Pilot is part of the Northstar family of
instruments for boats, which includes instruments for
speed, depth, wind and repeaters. These instruments
can be connected together to form an integrated
data system for a boat. The autopilot’s performance
is enhanced if it is connected to a boat speed
instrument such as a Northstar MULTI 3100 or a
GPS instrument.
Using this manual
This manual describes how to operate the NS3300
Pilot. Refer to the separate NS3300 Pilot Installation
Manual for information on how to install and setup
the NS3300 Pilot before use.
Cleaning and maintenance
Clean the parts of the NS3300 Pilot with a damp cloth
or mild detergent. Avoid abrasive cleaners, petrol or
other solvents. Do not paint any part of the NS3300
Pilot except for the cables.
For maximum benefit, please read this manual
carefully before using the NS3300 Pilot.
1-1 Autopilot Modes
1-1-1Operating modes
The autopilot has three operating modes (see
sections 3-5 and 3-6):
1-1-2 Steering modes
The autopilot has three steering modes
(see section 3-7):
STANDBY: The autopilot does not steer the boat
(except during jog steer). The helmsman steers the
boat with the manual helm.
Compass: The boat sails at a set compass heading.
STBY
The boat sails to a destination along a preset route.
GPS: This mode requires a GPS instrument, such as a
Northstar chart-plotter to be connected via NMEA.
AUTO: The autopilot steers the boat automatically
based on selected Steering Mode and course. Do not
steer the boat manually.
WIND: The boat sails at a set angle to the wind.
This mode requires a wind instrument, to be
connected via NavBus or NMEA.
HAND - STEER: The autopilot does not steer the
boat, but displays steering information for you to use
to manually steer a course. Steer manually using the
displayed steering data.
HSTR
5
Reference Manual
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
1-1-3 Power steering modes
Note regarding Jog and
Follow-up mode:
When the autopilot is in STBY (STANDBY) mode
the helmsman must steer the boat manually.
However The NS3300 Pilot has two different power
steering control modes (see section 3-11).
The user is to be aware
that while in Standby
(STBY) Mode, the
Jog: Turns the rudder left or right while the key
is pressed.
autopilot can move
the rudder at anytime
that the Dodge keys or
Control Dial is operated.
Follow-up: Sets the target position of the rudder.
The rudder will turn until it is in the target
position.
1-1-4 Turn modes
The NS3300 Pilot can follow a preprogrammed
turn sequence. The autopilot has three different
turn modes (see section 3-10):
Tack/Gybe: Auto-tacks OR Auto-gybes the boat
after a delay period. The tack/gybe angle and
tack/gybe delay can be customized.
90º turn: The boat turns through 90º
180º turn: The boat turns through 180º
Note: Not all turn modes are available in all
operating modes.
6
Northstar NS3300 Pilot
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
2 Quickstart
2-1 Starting the autopilot system
1. Turn the autopilot system on by pressing
.
2. If the autopilot is connected to multi, depth or GPS instruments, turn these on too.
3. If necessary, adjust the backlight so that the display can be easily read (press
the Control Dial).
briefly and adjust using
2-2 Using the autopilot to steer the boat automatically
1. Manually steer the boat to open waters before engaging the autopilot to steer the boat.
2. Select the desired steering mode by pressing then use the control dial to highlight Compass, GPS or
Wind then press
3. If using GPS mode, start navigating to a waypoint using the GPS instrument.
4. Engage the autopilot by pressing the key.
.
2-3 Changing course during a voyage
In Compass mode and Wind mode it is possible to change course during a voyage:
1. Turn the Control Dial in the direction of the intended course change, for example:
•
•
To change course 10º to starboard, turn the Control Dial 10 clicks clockwise.
To change course 30º to port, turn the Control Dial a whole turn counter-clockwise.
2-4 Changing steering mode during a voyage
It is possible to change the steering mode during a voyage, for example:
•
•
Change from GPS mode to Compass mode at the end of a route, or,
On a sailing boat, change from Wind mode to Compass or GPS modes when changing from sailing
to motoring.
1. Press
then use the Control Dial to highlight the desired steering mode then press
.
2-5 Regaining manual control
1. Press
The
The autopilot is now disengaged and you have complete steering control.
key can be pressed at any time.
.
2. Manually steer the boat using the boats steering helm.
3. To re-engage the autopilot, press the key.
2-6 Action in an emergency
To regain control of the boat in an emergency situation:
1. Press the key. The autopilot is now disengaged and you have complete steering control.
2. Manually steer the boat.
Alternatively:
1. Press
or
to make an immediate course change to port or starboard.
2. After a period of time, press
alternative course.
to resume original course, or press
to continue on the
7
Reference Manual
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
2-7 Manually steering the boat from the boats helm
To manually steer the boat:
1. Press the
key. The autopilot is now disengaged and you have complete steering control.
2-8 Manually steering the boat using power steering
To manually steer the boat using the autopilot to move the rudder:
1. Ensure the autopilot is in STBY by pressing the key.
2. Press and hold or to turn the rudder to port or starboard. Pressing Both will center the rudder
3. Release the button when the rudder is in the desired position.
Alternatively:
1. Ensure the autopilot is in STBY by pressing the
key.
2. Turn the Control Dial until the on-screen rudder indicator is in the desired position.
3. The autopilot will turn the rudder until it is in the target position.
8
Northstar NS3300 Pilot
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
3 Autopilot operation
Button
Function
ESC
Step back a menu level or return to selected pilot screen
1
ENT
Selects highlighted items or brings up Parameters menu when in Pilot
display mode
2
Control Dial
Use to scroll through menus, increment or decrement selected values,
follow-up rudder control and to make course changes.
3
MENU
Shows context sensitive Options menu, press twice to show the Setup
menu.
4
DISP
Opens display menu to change between pilot screens
5
POWER
Press and hold to turn instrument off. Single press shows backlight control
Dodge Right
Dodge to Starboard key (repeated presses increments values)
Initiates tack/gybe, 90° turns and 180° turns
7
Dodge Left
Dodge to Port key (repeated presses increments values) Initiates
tack/gybe, 90° turns and 180° turns
8
STBY
Places autopilot into standby mode
9
AUTO
Places autopilot into auto mode
10
Turns
Key opens turn menu to access tack/gybe, 90° turns and 180° turns
Invokes steering mode menu
11
MODE
12
2
1
4
3
5
8
7
10
11
12
9
9
Reference Manual
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
3-1-1 AUTO key
3-1-6 Control Dial
When using menus and adjusting settings, use to scroll
through items and increment or decrement values.
Press to engage AUTO mode. The autopilot is
now steering the boat based on the selected
steering mode. Press and hold for 2 seconds to
engage H-STEER mode.
STBY mode: Moves the rudder to port or to starboard
half of a degree per click.
AUTO mode:Changes the set course by one degree per click.
3-1-2 STBY key
Note: In GPS mode, the set course can not be adjusted as
Press to disengage AUTO mode and set STBY mode.
The autopilot is not steering the boat – the helmsman
must steer the boat using the manual helm.
the course is controlled by the navigation instrument.
3-1-7 ESC key
When using menus and adjusting settings, press to step
back one level without saving changes.
3-1-3 Dodge keys
Press
or
to trigger an immediate dodge
When no menus or settings are displayed, press to jump
back to the most recently used autopilot display screen.
to port or starboard. Repeated presses of the
same key increments dodge angle.
STBY mode: Jogs the rudder left or right while
the key is pressed
3-1-8 ENT key
When using menus and adjusting settings, press to
choose selection or save setting.
AUTO mode: Activates a dodge. Causes the vessel
to deviate from the set course by a preset angle.
Tip: When the showing the Basic, Pilot or Compass
screen, pressing
opens the Parameters menu.
3-1-4 Turn key
Press to display the turn menu. The boat follows
a preprogrammed turn sequence. Select an item
3-1-9 MENU key
Press to show the Options menu (where applicable).
from the menu then press
or
to activate
Press twice to show the Setup menu.
the turn in the corresponding direction.
Tip: Repeated pressing the
key will cycle
through the menu selection.
3-1-10 DISP key
Shows the Display menu.
3-1-5 MODE key
Press to select steering mode.
Tip: Repeated pressing the
the menu selection and will automatically select the
highlighted entry after 1 second.
key will cycle through
Tip: Repeated pressing the
will cycle through
the menu selection and will automatically select
after 1 second.
3-2 Turning the NS3300 Piloton
displayed to alert the user that there may have been a
power interruption.
•
Briefly press the
key.
•
If there are no other autopilot display heads
Note: When the autopilot is powered on, the Control Dial
and Dodge keys are active and can operate the rudder at
any time (see Power Steering modes 1-1-3)
on the system, The NS3300 Pilot will turn on
and enter STBY (Standby) mode.
Note: If the autopilot was switched off while
still in AUTO mode, a warning message will be
10
Northstar NS3300 Pilot
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
3-3 Turning the NS3300 Pilot off
When in STBY mode:
When in AUTO mode:
• Press and hold the
remind you to enter STBY mode before the unit can
be turned off. Press to close the pop-up.
•
Press and hold the
key. A pop-up box will
key. A warning pop-up box will
appear and start a 3 second count-down. The unit
will turn off when the timer reaches 0.
•
•
Releasing the
normal operation.
key during this time will resume
Any settings you have made are retained by the unit.
3-4 Backlight
Briefly press the
will appear.
key. The Backlight pop-up
•
The NS3300 Pilot has a choice of white background
‘Day’ and black background ‘Night’ backlighting
modes. Either mode can be selected using the
Control Dial.
Repeating this action will toggle from day to
night mode
•
•
The Backlight pop-up may also be selected: Menu >
Setup > System > Backlight menu.
Use the Control Dial to increase or decrease the
display and keypad backlighting.
Backlighting on all other Northstar instruments
that are connected and on the same NavBus
backlighting channel will also change.
3-5 Engaging autopilot
Select AUTO mode by pressing the
key. The
autopilot is now steering the boat based on the
selected steering mode.
3-6 Disengaging autopilot
Select STBY mode by pressing the
key. The
autopilot is not steering the boat – the helmsman
must steer the boat using the manual helm.
3-7 Setting the steering mode
For a power boat
Select GPS mode by pressing
press
For a sailing boat
To steer to a set compass heading, choose
Compass mode.
Select Compass mode by pressing
Compass and press
, choose GPS and
•
For a boat without GPS, or for a boat with GPS
but you do not want to navigate to a waypoint,
choose Compass mode. The autopilot steers the
boat at a set compass heading.
.
•
Select Compass mode by pressing
Compass and press
, choose
, choose
.
.
•
To use the autopilot with a GPS to navigate to a
waypoint or along a route, choose GPS mode. The
autopilot steers the boat using navigation data
from the GPS.
•
To navigate to a waypoint or along a route, choose
GPS mode.
Select GPS mode by pressing
press
, choose GPS and
.
11
Reference Manual
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
•
To sail, tack and gybe at a set angle to the
To engage the autopilot in GPS mode, the GPS must be
navigating to a waypoint or along a route; otherwise the
NS3300 Pilot will display an error message. If the boat
is too far from the plotted course, the NS3300 Pilot will
display a warning message.
Tip: It is possible to
wind, choose Wind mode.
change steering modes
while in AUTO mode. For
example it is helpful to use
Compass mode to control
the boat when setting up
a GPS route, then change
directly to GPS mode.
Select Wind mode by pressing
and press
, choose Wind
.
Note for sailing boats:
Select ‘OK’ to engage AUTO mode anyway.
•
•
•
The autopilot is not recommended for use in
light, changeable or gusty winds.
Select ‘Cancel’ to remain in STBY mode.
To select Wind mode, the autopilot must be receiving
data from a compatible wind instrument, otherwise the
Wind selection will not be available.
Take care when running downwind to avoid
an accidental gybe.
Wind mode requires the wind instrument to be
accurately calibrated.
Note: To select GPS mode, the autopilot must be
receiving data from a compatible GPS instrument,
otherwise the GPS selection will not be available.
3-8 Changing course
3-8-1 Changing course in compass mode
To change course in 1˚steps, turn the Control Dial.
•
•
turn the Control Dial counter-clockwise to change course to port
turn the Control Dial clockwise to change course to starboard
Example
Heading = 45°
CTS = 45°
Heading = 45°
CTS = 45°
CTS changes to 46°
Boat comes to 46° heading
CTS changes to 44°
Boat comes to 44° heading
3-8-2 Changing course in GPS mode
The course maintained by the autopilot is controlled by the GPS device that is navigating to a waypoint. To
change course in GPS mode, select a different waypoint on the GPS device.
12
Northstar NS3300 Pilot
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
3-8-3 Changing set wind angle in wind mode
To change set wind angle (SWA) in 1˚ steps, turn the Control Dial.
•
•
turn the Control Dial counter-clockwise to change course to port
turn the Control Dial clockwise to change course to starboard
Example
Wind
Wind
SWA changes to 41°. Boat comes to
new wind angle of 41°
SWA = 40° SWA changes to 39°. Boat comes to new
wind angle of 39°
SWA = 40°
3-9 Dodge
A dodge is a sharp change of course, usually to avoid an obstacle.
•
•
press
press
to dodge to port by the dodge angle
to dodge to starboard by the dodge angle.
The boat will change course by a preset dodge angle. To dodge further, press
or
more times. To view
or change the dodge angle, go to Dodge angle in the Options menu (see section 6-3).
3-9-1 Dodging in compass mode
Press
to
continue
Heading = 45°
CTS = 45°
on the new
heading
or
Press
to
resume
CTS changes by the dodge angle.
the earlier
Boat comes to new heading.
heading
13
Reference Manual
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
3-9-2 Dodging in GPS mode
Press
to resume
the earlier heading
WARNING: The
NS3300 Pilot will steer
back to the GPS plotted
course. Make sure
there are no obstacles
or dangerous waters in
the way.
CTS changes by the dodge angle.
Boat comes to new heading.
The NS3300 Pilot beeps.
3-9-3 Dodging in wind mode
Wind
Press
to
resume
the earlier wind
angle
SWA changes by the dodge
angle. Boat comes to new
wind angle.
SWA = 40°
The NS3300 Pilot beeps.
3-10 Turn modes
The NS3300 Pilot can follow a preprogrammed turn sequence. The autopilot
has three different turn modes:
90º turn:
The boat turns
through 90º
180º turn:
The boat turns
through 180º
Tack/Gybe:Auto-
tacks the boat after
a delay period.
Availability:Compass GPS Wind
Tack/Gybe
90º
yes
yes
yes
no
no
no
yes
no
The tack angle and
tack delay can be
customized. Gybes
can be disabled.
180º
no
14
Northstar NS3300 Pilot
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
3-10-1 Auto tacking in compass mode
Auto tacking is intended to tack a sailing boat. The course to steer changes by the tack angle.
•
•
press
press
select Tack/Gybe then press
select Tack/Gybe then press
to tack to port by the tack angle
to tack to starboard by the tack angle.
Press
to port or starboard.
to initiate a tack
Press
or
to select
turn direction
The boat sails straight while
the NS3300 Pilot counts
down the tack delay.
CTS
A
Course prior to tacking
Delay count
The unit gives a long beep
at 60 and 30 seconds to
go, a short beep every
second from 10 seconds to
1 second to go and a long
beep that finishes when
the countdown ends.
The tack is
finished when
the boat
reaches the
new heading
B
15
Reference Manual
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
3-10-2 Turns in compass mode
To change course by 90˚
•
•
press
press
,select 90˚ turn then press
, select 90˚ turn then press
to turn to port by 90˚
to turn to starboard by 90˚
To change course by 180˚
•
•
press
press
, select 180˚ turn then press
, select 180˚ turn then press
to turn to port by 180˚
to turn to starboard by 180˚
Press
to initiate a
Press
select turn direction
or
to
90˚ or 180˚ turn to port
or starboard.
Note: To tack to a fixed wind angle, use the autopilot in
Wind mode (see section 7-3). To view or change the tack
angle or the tack delay, go to tack mode, tack angle or
tack delay in the Options menu (see section 6-3). Gybe
angle is not used in Compass mode.
Warning: In Compass mode auto tack, the
course to steer changes by the tack angle. The
autopilot does not use data from any wind
instrument. It is possible for the boat to gybe or
to end in irons (head to wind).
16
Northstar NS3300 Pilot
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
3-10-3 Auto tacking or gybing in wind mode
If the set wind angle (SWA) is 90° or less, the boat tacks, if the SWA is more than 90° the boat gybes. After the
tack or gybe, the SWA is the same as the SWA before the tack or gybe, but from the other side.
•
•
press
press
, select Tack/Gybe then press
to tack or gybe to port
, select Tack/Gybe turn then press
to tack or gybe to starboard
Example:
SWA is 40°, so the boat will tack, not gybe. If the tack angle is not set to Auto, the boat changes direction twice:
- first by the tack angle
- second so that SWA is the same as before the tack or gybe, but on the other side:
The tack is finished when the boat reaches the new wind angle
After the boat has reached the tack angle, the boat turns again so that
the SWA (set wind angle) is the same as the SWA before the tack, but
from the other side
At the end of the tack delay, the course changes by the tack angle (in
this example, the tack angle is not set to Auto). The boat turns.
To cancel the tack at any time, press
The boat sails straight while the NS3300 Pilot counts down the tack delay.
The unit gives a long beep at 60 and 30 seconds to go, a short beep every
second from 10 seconds to 1 second to go and a long beep that finishes
when the countdown ends.
Wind
Press
, select Tack/Gybe
initiate a tack
then press
to port.
3 seconds to go until the tack starts
SWA = 40°
17
Reference Manual
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
Example:
Example:
SWA is 120°, so the boat will gybe.
SWA is 40°. The tack angle is set to AUTO so the boat
The tack angle is not set to AUTO:
changes direction once:
End of tack, boat
is at new SWA
Press
, select Tack/Gybe
initiate a tack
then press
to starboard.
The course
changes so
The NS3300 Pilot
counts down the tack
delay.
To cancel the gybe
that the SWA
at any time, press
is the same as
the SWA before
the tack
To cancel the gybe
at any time, press
The course
changes by the
gybe angle
Wind
The NS3300 Pilot
counts down the
tack delay.
Press
, select Tack/Gybe
initiate a tack
then press
to port.
The course changes
again so that the SWA
is the same as the SWA
before the tack
If SWA is more than 90° and the gybe angle is set to AUTO
then the boat will change direction once during a gybe, so
that the SWA is the same as the SWA before the gybe.
End of tack, boat is at new SWA
There are four possibilities for auto tacking or gybing:
Tack (SWA is 90° or less)
Gybe (SWA is more than 90°)
Press
Tack/Gybe then
, select
Press
Tack/Gybe then
press
starboard.
select
Press
Tack/Gybe then
press to
gybe to port.
select
Press
Tack/Gybe then
press to gybe
to starboard.
select
press
to port.
to tack
to tack to
An error message is displayed if you attempt other tacks or if the tack will end
with the boat in irons.
Note: To view or change the tack mode, tack angle, gybe mode, gybe angle or
tack delay, go to the Options menu (see section 6-3).
18
Northstar NS3300 Pilot
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
3-11 Power steering
When the autopilot is in STBY mode the helmsman
must steer the boat manually. However the autopilot
has power steering control modes available while in
STBY mode:
•
•
the rudder will move to the desired position
To stop the rudder turning, press or
,
To centre the rudder:
•
press and release
and
together to turn the
rudder to amidships (this function is disabled until
the rudder feedback unit and the compass have
been calibrated [see section 6-8])
To Jog Steer to port:
•
hold down
To Jog Steer to starboard:
hold down to turn the rudder to starboard
Follow-up steering:
to turn the rudder to port
•
To stop the rudder turning to amidships press
or
,
•
Warning: Until the rudder feedback unit is calibrated,
there is no rudder limit and the user must ensure that
the rudder is not driven onto an end stop when using
jog steering (damage may occur).
•
turn the Control Dial to set the desired position
of the rudder (this function is disabled until the
rudder feedback unit and the compass have been
calibrated [see section 6-8])
•
a popup window will appear at the bottom of the
screen indicating the desired position and the
current position of the rudder
3-12 Alarms
There are several alarms that monitor the condition of the autopilot system, these alarms can not be adjusted.
There are also alarms that can be enabled to automatically detect certain conditions, such as low battery.
Alarms that are enabled are shown as black icons in the alarm status box on the NS3300 Pilot header.
When an alarm is triggered:
•
•
•
•
•
the beeper sounds
the external alarm sounds or lamp illuminates (if connected)
the bezel backlight on the NS3300 Pilot flashes
the alarm window is displayed
and the alarm status icon is shown in the color corresponding to the severity of the alarm.
Press
or
to acknowledge and reset the alarm. This action does not disable the alarm.
•
Alarms can be set: Menu > Setup > Alarms menu (see section 6-5).
Severity
Alarm tone
Color
Description
Info
Single beep
Blue
Information message, does not affect autopilot
operation.
Warning
Caution
Moderate beeping
Slow beeping
Black
A low priority event has occurred.
Yellow
An event has occurred that may require corrective
action.
Severe
Critical
Rapid beeping
Orange
An important event has occurred requiring immediate
attention.
Rapid beeping, low tone Red
A critical problem is preventing the autopilot from
controlling the boat, manual steering is required
immediately.
19
Reference Manual
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
3-12-3 Alarm history
3-12-1 The alarm window
The NS3300 Pilot keeps a record of alarms. The Alarm history
screen shows a list of up to 18 recorded alarm events.
The alarm window shows a list of the latest active
alarms. The most severe alarms appear at the top
of the list.
To show the Alarm history screen:
•
Go to Menu > Setup > Alarms > Alarm history.
Turn the Control Dial to select an alarm in the list and
press to see the Alarm details.
Turn the Control Dial to stop the NS3300 Pilot
from beeping.
Select ‘Details’ to jump directly
to the Active alarms screen.
3-12-4 Alarm details
The alarm details window shows extra
detail on an individual alarm.
Select ‘OK’ to acknowledge the
displayed alarms.
3-12-2 Active alarms
The Active alarms screen shows a list of the
currently active alarms.
To show the Active alarms screen:
•
Select ‘Details’ from the alarm
window or,
•
Select ‘Active alarms’ in the
Display menu or,
•
Go to Menu > Setup > Alarms >
Active alarms.
Turn the Control Dial to select
an alarm in the list and press
to see the Alarm details.
3-13 Keylock
When keylock is activated, the NS3300 Pilot will
ignore most key presses.
•
To turn keylock off:
Press and hold the
key for 2 seconds. A ‘Keys unlocked’
•
To turn keylock on:
message will appear and the keys are re-enabled.
Press and hold the
key for 2 seconds. A ‘Keys
locked’ message will appear and a small lock icon
will appear on the lower right-hand display.
3-14 Simulate mode
If the word ‘Simulate’ flashes on the display, then
the unit is in simulate mode.
•
•
Simulate mode allows you to become familiar
with the unit off the water.
Warning: Do not use simulate mode while at sea.
Simulate mode can be turned on or off: Menu
> Setup > Simulate menu.
20
Northstar NS3300 Pilot
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
4 The displays
Press
to show the Display menu, select a display option using the Control Dial and press
.
Tip: Repeated pressing
will cycle the
menu selection and will
automatically select after
1 second.
4-1 Display > Basic
Displays a standard autopilot display with just the essential autopilot data.
Display area
Drive
Function
Left and right boxes light up to indicate when the autopilot is
indicators driving the rudder
Heading
Large digits show the heading of the vessel
Info panel This panel can be configured to display different data items.
Default: Automatically switches between Rudder angle, Course
error and Cross track error.
Set course STBY mode: shows ‘---’ since the set course is not valid in
standby mode
AUTO mode: digits show the current course to steer (CTS), except
for WIND mode: digits show the current set wind angle (SWA)
The colored ring is yellow in STBY mode, green in AUTO mode,
magenta in H-STEER mode and red when there is a critical alarm
Steering
mode
Shows the steering mode (COMPASS, GPS, WIND)
panel
Operating Shows the operating mode (Standby, Auto, H-Steer). Panel
mode
panel
changes to blue when in AUTO mode.
Options menu:
Basic displays
Data setup - Selects what data is displayed in the info panel.
Auto Rd/CE/XTE – Automatically switches the displayed data between rudder, course error and cross track
error depending on the operating mode.
Course error – Shows a course error bar in the info panel.
Rudder angle – Shows a rudder angle gauge in the info panel.
XTE – Shows a cross track error bar in the info panel.
21
Reference Manual
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
4-2 Display > Pilot
Displays an advanced autopilot display with essential autopilot data.
Display area
Function
Data
Header
Customizable data cells. Each display page has a separate
header configuration. Default: Voltage, Current, Alarm Status
(see section 5).
Heading
Large digits show the heading of the vessel
Drive
indicators
Left and right boxes ‘fill up’ to indicate when the autopilot is
driving the rudder and how much power is being used by the
drive system
Numerical
Customizable data cells. Default: Course to steer, Course error.
data panels
Bar data
panels
Customizable indicator bar. Default: Automatically switches
between Rudder angle, Course error and Cross track error.
Mode panel Left hand side: shows the steering mode (COMPASS, GPS, WIND)
Right hand side: shows the operating mode (Standby, Auto,
H-Steer) inside a colored tab.
Panel changes to blue when in AUTO mode. The colored tab
is yellow in STBY mode, green in AUTO mode, magenta in
H-STEER mode and red when there is a critical alarm.
Pilot displays
Options menu:
Header Menu for configuring the data header in this display (see section 5).
Data setup Enters the data set-up mode. Use the Control Dial to highlight a data
cell, press
to display a list of data types that can be displayed in that cell.
22
Northstar NS3300 Pilot
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
4-3 Display > Compass
Displays a standard autopilot display with just the essential autopilot data.
Display area
Function
Data
Header
Customizable data cells. Each display page has a separate
header configuration. Default: Course to steer, Heading, Alarm
Status (see section 5).
Drive
Left and right boxes ‘fill up’ to indicate when the autopilot is
indicators driving the rudder and how much power is being used by the
drive system
Compass
card
Compass card rotates to show the heading of the vessel under
the lubber mark.
Course
arrow
STBY mode: points to the current heading
AUTO mode: points to the set course, except for:
GPS mode: points to the bearing to waypoint
Deviation
bar
Moves laterally to show course information.
Note: This bar can be configured to display different items.
Default: Automatically switches between Rudder angle, Course
error and Cross track error.
Deviation
scale
Indicates what data the deviation bar is currently showing and
the magnitude
Mode
panel
Left hand side: shows the steering mode (COMPASS, GPS, WIND)
Right hand side: shows the operating mode (Standby, Auto,
H-Steer) inside a colored tab.
Panel changes to blue when in AUTO mode. The colored tab
is yellow in STBY mode, green in AUTO mode, magenta in
H-STEER mode and red when there is a critical alarm.
Compass displays
Options menu:
Deviation bar Selects what data is displayed by the deviation bar.
Auto Rd/CE/XTE – Automatically switches the deviation bar between rudder, course error and cross track error
depending on the operating mode.
Course error – Shows course error using the deviation bar.
Rudder angle – Shows a rudder angle gauge using the deviation bar.
XTE – Shows a cross track error bar using the deviation bar.
Header — Menu for configuring the data header in this display (see section 5).
23
Reference Manual
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
4-4 Display > Data
The data display shows one large data cell, two smaller data cells and a data history graph. Each is these
items can be configured to display a range of data types. The graph is useful for analyzing the performance
of the autopilot.
Display area
Function
Big data cell Customizable data cell. Default: Rudder angle.
Small data
cells
Customizable data cells. Default: Voltage, Pilot Status.
History
graph
This graph plots data of a period of time. There are two graph
series that can be configured, red and green. Default: Rudder
angle, Course error.
Time base
The time base of the graph can be set from 2 minutes to 1
hour. This is the amount of time it takes for new data to scroll
from the right hand side to the left hand side.
Data display
Options menu:
Data setup Enters the data set-up mode. Use the Control Dial to highlight a data cell, press
list of data types that can be displayed in that cell.
to display a
Time base - Selects the time base of the history graph. Select 2 min, 4 min, 10 min, 20 min or 1 hour
4-5 Display > Active alarms
Shows a list of the currently active alarms (see section 3-12-2).
24
Northstar NS3300 Pilot
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
5 Data headers
Data headers are available on the Pilot and Compass
Data setup
Enters the data set-up mode. The Data header
screens. A data header is a customizable feature that
can be used to display up to 6 different data items,
such as boat speed or alarm status. The Pilot and
Compass screens have separate settings for the data
header.
expands to display all 6 possible data cells. Some
data cells may be blank. Use the Control Dial to
highlight a data cell, press
data types that can be displayed in that cell.
Size
to display a list of
Selects the size of the data header items. Select
Small, Medium or Large.
Header menu:
Data Turns the data header completely on or off.
25
Reference Manual
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
6 Menus
•
•
If the box is ‘un-checked’ (does not contain a check or
tick), then that function de-selected (disabled) or OFF.
Many of the NS3300 Pilot features and functions
are operated through menus.
To select or de-select a checkbox, highlight the menu
•
To scroll through menu items, scroll through
items in a list or change data use the Control
Dial. Clockwise scrolls across/down or
increments data.
item using the control dial and press
will happen immediately.
. The change
The main menu for configuring the NS3300 Pilot is the
Setup menu. Press
(normally twice).
until the Setup menu is displayed
•
•
•
•
To select a menu item press
To go back to the previous menu press
.
.
The Setup menu and options are summarized in this
chapter. The factory default settings are shown where
applicable. Each Setup menu option is explained in the
following sections.
To accept changes press
To discard changes press
.
.
Occasionally items in the NS3300 Pilotmenus
utilize checkboxes.
•
If the box is ‘checked’ (contains a check or tick),
then that function is selected (enabled) or ON.
6-1 Setup > System
Language
Key beep
Select the language for the display. The options
are: English, Italian, French, German, Spanish,
Dutch, Swedish, Portuguese, Finnish and Greek.
Enables or disables an audible beep when a key is
pressed or Control Dial is rotated.
Auto power off
Backlight
Select to have the autopilot power off automatically
every time the boat’s ignition is switched off. This
applies only if the display unit is wired for Auto Power
(see installation manual).
The backlight pop-up is displayed (see also
section 3-4).
Tip: In case you
The bar setting represents the current level
of backlighting.
can’t read the current
language, the language
setting is the first item in
the system menu.
About
Displays information about the unit.
Night Mode –Allows low contrast Night mode.
Factory Reset Resets all settings to the factory default
Auto – allows night mode to be selected in
settings. A warning box asks: Are you sure? Select Yes
backlight pop-up
and press
to confirm, or No or
to cancel.
On – night mode is active all the time
Main control unit – Resets the MCU’s settings
Head unit – Resets just this head unit’s settings
Both – Resets the MCU’s settings and this unit’s settings
Off – night mode tis not available
26
Northstar NS3300 Pilot
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
6-2 Setup > Profiles
Profiles are used to store a range of autopilot
settings for different sea, environmental and vessel
conditions. Up to 5 user profiles may be configured
(see section 8-2).
Edit name
Use to edit the name of the currently selected
profile (see section 8-2).
Parameters
Profile
Opens the Parameters menu (see section 8-1).
Select the current profile to use.
6-3 Setup > Options
Options can be selected to set autopilot operating limits:
Gybe angle
Dodge angle
Set gybe angle if Set angle is selected in Gybe mode
Minimum = 40˚; maximum = 140˚
Sets size of the dodge angle steps in degrees.
Minimum = 5˚; maximum = 30˚
Tack delay
Tack mode
Set delay that the autopilot will use from the time a
Tack is requested to the time a Tack is carried out
by the autopilot.
Auto – vessel tacks to the same set wind angle
but on the opposing tack.
Set angle – vessel tacks through an angle set in Tack
angle, then steers to the same set wind angle but
on the opposing tack.
Minimum = 0; maximum = 120 (seconds)
Turn Rate
Set the maximum turn rate you want the autopilot to use.
Minimum = 3; maximum = 20 (˚/second)
Tack angle
Set tack angle if Set angle is selected in Tack mode.
Minimum = 50˚; maximum = 160˚
Gybe mode
Off – gybing is disabled.
Auto – vessel gybes to the same set wind angle
but on the opposing tack.
Set angle – vessel gybes through an angle set
in Gybe angle, then steers to the same set wind
angle but on the opposing tack.
6-4 Setup > Vessel
Vessel type can be selected to alter the performance
characteristics of the autopilot depending on the
vessel hull type:
Drive type
Configures the autopilot to drive the type of
steering system. See installation manual for details.
Vessel type
Select Planing, Displacement or Sailing.
Warning: Changing the vessel type causes the
steering parameters to be reset to default values in
the current profile.
27
Reference Manual
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
6-5 Setup > Alarms
Some of the autopilot alarms are user configurable.
Alarm trigger settings can be defined to suit the boat
and individual preferences as follows:
Low battery
The alarm will sound if the vessel battery voltage is
below the setting.
Course error
Set OFF or a value in Volts.
The alarm will sound if the vessel strays from its
intended course by more than the set error. Set
OFF or a value in degrees.
Minimum = 7; maximum = 14 (Volts)
High current
The alarm will sound if the current drawn from the
battery by the rudder drive system exceeds the setting.
Minimum = 1˚; maximum = 90˚
XTE
Set OFF or a value in Amps.
Cross Track Error – The alarm will sound if the
vessel strays from it’s intended track by more than
the set error. Set OFF or a value in nautical miles.
Minimum = 5; maximum = 20 (Amps)
Active alarms
Displays a list of currently active alarms (see
section 3-12-2).
Minimum = 0.1; maximum = 2.0 (nautical miles)
Waypoint akn
Alarm history
The alarm will sound and ask the user for
confirmation, when in GPS mode, when arriving at
a waypoint before steering to the next waypoint.
The NS3300 Pilot keeps a record of alarms.
Displays the alarm history list (see section 3-12-3).
Clear alarm history
Set ON or OFF.
Allows the alarm history to be cleared.
Wind shift
A warning box asks: Are you sure?
The alarm will sound if, when in Wind mode,
the wind shifts by more than the set angle since
engaging AUTO.
Select Yes and press
to cancel.
to confirm, or No or
Set OFF or a value in degrees.
Minimum = 1˚; maximum = 90˚
6-6 Setup > Units
Magnetic variation
Select the units you prefer the autopilot to display:
Set the local magnetic variation in degrees.
Distance
Minimum= -°90(W); maximum= +°90(E) (degrees)
All distance readings are displayed in the
selected units.
Wind
All wind readings are displayed in the selected units.
nm (nautical miles), mi (miles), km (kilometers)
App (Apparent), True (True)
Compass
All compass readings are displayed in the
selected units.
°T (degrees True), °M (degrees Magnetic)
28
Northstar NS3300 Pilot
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
6-7 Setup > Comms
NavBus group
Use this feature when the autopilot is connected
to other Northstar instruments through NavBus or
any compatible NMEA instrument.
Use this when a group of Northstar instruments are
connected together using NavBus, to specify a group
of instruments for backlighting, if required. Then, if
the backlight setting on one instrument in the group is
adjusted, the other instruments change automatically.
Otherwise, select 0.
NMEA mode
Select NMEA port mode.
Input – NMEA port can receive NMEA data
Slow – NMEA port outputs heading and
rudder angle once per second
Fast – NMEA port outputs heading data ten
times per second
6-8 Setup > Calibrate
•
•
Stand clear of the rudder and linkages so the
autopilot can test the limits.
The calibrate wizard screens are used during
the initial autopilot installation stage or if any
previously installed autopilot transducers have
changed or moved.
Testing limits – press
the calibration
at any time to abort
It is vital to the performance of the autopilot that
the transducers are installed in the best location
and carefully calibrated.
•
•
Accept calibration
Calibration complete
Align heading
Compass
Use to align the compass to the actual boat heading. If
a compass calibration has recently been performed, it
is not necessary to align the heading again.
Use this calibration wizard to calibrate
the compass.
Follow the on-screen instructions:
Use the manual helm to sail a straight course and
ensure the boat heading does not change during this
procedure. Use an accurate reference compass or
external GPS to find the actual boat heading. If you
are using an external GPS, sail as fast as convenient to
ensure the heading is accurate.
•
Slowly turn boat 2.5 times, observing the
turn rate indicator
•
Align heading – press
current heading
and dial in the
•
•
Accept calibration
Enter the actual course heading.
Calibration complete
Minimum = 0°; maximum = 359° (degrees)
Center Rudder
Rudder
Use to set the rudder center position. If a rudder
calibration has recently been performed, it is not
necessary to set the rudder centre position again. Ensure
the rudder is in the center position and that there is no
cross-wind or tidal current affecting the rudder.
Use this calibration wizard to calibrate the rudder.
Follow the on-screen instructions:
•
•
•
•
Center the rudder
Turn rudder to Maximum Port
Turn rudder to Maximum Starboard
Select OK and press
when the rudder is centered.
Set angle – press
rudder angle
and dial in the current
•
Center the rudder
29
Reference Manual
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
6-9 Setup > Simulate
Switches simulate mode on and off (see section 3-14).
30
Northstar NS3300 Pilot
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
7 Steering modes
Important:
The autopilot cannot control the boat better than a helmsman. The autopilot is not intended for use in
•
extreme weather, in adverse conditions or near other boats, dangerous waters or land. In these conditions,
disengage the autopilot and steer manually.
•
Never leave the helm unattended, keep a watch at all times and be ready to resume steering the
boat manually.
•
•
Do not try to turn the rudder by hand when the autopilot is engaged.
Local variations in magnetic field can affect the accuracy of the compass heading. Such variations are the
responsibility of the user.
7-1 Compass steering mode
The autopilot has three ways of steering the boat, compass, GPS and wind. To select an appropriate mode, see
section 3-7. In Compass mode, the autopilot steers the boat to a set course, called CTS (Course to steer).
7-1-1Compass steering data
Actual boat heading is 45°
Course error = 10°
CTS (course to steer, the intended autopilot course) 55°
31
Reference Manual
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
7-1-2 Engaging and disengaging the autopilot in compass mode
For example:
Manually steer the boat to
open waters. Sail straight on
the intended course.
Heading = 45°
To engage AUTO,
press
To engage H STEER,
hold
AUTO:
HANDSTEER:
The Pilot steers the boat automatically.
Steer the boat manually. Display CTS in
the info data or course error in the bar
data and use these to steer by.
Heading = 45°
CTS = 45°
The NS3300 Pilot sets CTS (course to steer)
to the current heading, in this example 45°,
and starts steering on this course.
To disengage the Pilot, press
The Pilot returns to STBY mode. Steer the
boat manually.
32
Northstar NS3300 Pilot
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
7-2 GPS steering mode
The autopilot has three ways of steering the boat, compass, GPS and wind. To select an appropriate
mode, see section 3-7. In GPS mode, the autopilot uses data from a GPS to steer the boat along a
route or to a waypoint.
7-2-1 GPS navigation data
Navigating to a waypoint:
The boat is sailing from the start to the destination and has moved off the GPS plotted course from
the start to the destination:
Destination
DTG (distance)
TTG (time)
SOG (speed)
COG (bearing)
BRG (bearing)
CTS (bearing)
Course error (angle)
Plotted course
Boat
XTE (distance)
Start
BRG
COG
CE
Bearing to destination
The bearing to the destination from the boat.
Course over ground
Direction in which the boat is moving over the ground.
Course error
The difference between CTS and the boat heading.
CTS
DTG
SOG
Course to steer
Optimum course to steer to return to the plotted course.
Distance to go
Distance from the boat to the destination.
Speed over ground
The current boat speed over the ground. This is not necessarily the same as the boat speed through the water nor the speed at which the boat
is approaching the destination.
TTG
XTE
Time to go
The estimated time to reach the destination.
Cross track error
The distance from the boat to the nearest point of the plotted course. XTE may have a letter: R means steer to the right to return to the plotted
course, L means steer to the left.
33
Reference Manual
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
7-2-2 Engaging and disengaging the autopilot in GPS mode
Manually steer the boat to open waters. Start
the GPS navigating to a waypoint, either a
waypoint on a route or a single waypoint.
GPS plotted course
to a waypoint
BRG (direction
of GPS course)
XTE (distance to
GPS course)
To engage AUTO,
press
To engage HAND STEER,
hold
AUTO:
HANDSTEER:
GPS
plotted
course
The Pilot steers the boat automatically.
Steer the boat manually. Display CTS in the info data or
course error in the bar data and use these to steer by.
When the NS3300 Pilot is engaged, if the XTE is more than 0.05 nm or the boat heading is not within
30° of BRG then the NS3300 Pilot displays a warning:
Press
to return to Compass mode or press
to have the NS3300 Pilot steer the boat to the course.
When the NS3300 Pilot is engaged, it uses data from the GPS to steer the boat along the plotted course to
the waypoint.
To disengage the Pilot, press
The Pilot returns to STBY (standby). Steer the boat manually.
34
Northstar NS3300 Pilot
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
7-2-3 Arriving at waypoints
If the GPS is following a route and the boat reaches an intermediate waypoint:
If the Waypoint Acknowledge alarm (see section 6-5) is off, the autopilot automatically starts steering to the
next waypoint in the route. If the Waypoint Acknowledge alarm is on, the autopilot shows the following alarm:
The autopilot continues steering on the old course. Select OK to start steering to the next waypoint.
When the boat reaches the final waypoint, the autopilot shows the following alarm:
The autopilot continues steering on the old course. Select OK to change to Compass mode and continue sailing
at the current heading.
Press
to return to STBY mode.
Note: To return to the last waypoint if the boat has passed the waypoint, restart the GPS device navigating to
the waypoint.
7-2-4 GPS gain
In GPS mode, The GPS gain determines how much correction is applied to remove cross track error. A high
setting will cause the autopilot to steer quickly back towards the track. A low setting will cause the autopilot to
steer very gently back towards the track.
35
Reference Manual
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
7-3 Wind steering mode
The autopilot has three ways of steering the boat, compass, GPS and wind. To select an
appropriate mode, see section 3-7. In wind mode, the autopilot steers the boat to a set angle to
the wind, called SWA (set wind angle).
7-3-1 Wind steering data
Course error, 10° to starboard
CTS (intended autopilot course, to achieve
the SWA [set wind angle])
Boat heading
SWA (set wind angle), 45°
Wind angle,
can be APP (apparent)
or TRUE
Wind
APP
CTS
Apparent wind
angle
The apparent wind angle at the boat. P in front of the angle means the wind is from port, S means that the wind is
from starboard.
Course to steer
Course error
The course to steer to maintain the SWA (set wind angle).
The difference between APP (wind angle) and SWA (set wind angle).
The desired wind angle.
SWA
Set wind angle
True wind angle
TRUE
The true wind angle at the boat. P in front of the angle means the wind is from port, S means that the wind is
from starboard.
36
Northstar NS3300 Pilot
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
7-3-2 True and apparent wind speed and direction
Apparent wind speed and direction are the values measured on the boat. True wind speed and direction are
the values after allowing for boat speed through the air.
If the boat is moving, then the apparent wind speed is different to the true wind speed and the apparent wind
direction is different to the true wind direction, as shown below.
Boat at rest
True wind speed is the same as apparent wind speed and
true wind direction is the same as apparent wind direction
Boat is at rest
Boat moving upwind
Apparent wind speed is greater than true wind speed
and apparent wind direction is closer to dead ahead than true wind direction
True
Apparent
wind speed
28 kts
Apparent
wind speed
28 kts
True
wind
speed
20 kts
True wind
direction
45º
Apparent
wind
direction
30º
wind
speed 20
kts
Boat
speed
10 kts
Boat
speed
10 kts
Boat moving downwind
Apparent wind speed is less than true wind speed and apparent wind
direction is closer to dead ahead than true wind direction
Apparent wind
speed 15 kts
True
wind
speed
20 kts
True
Apparent
wind
direction
107º
True wind
direction
135º
Apparent wind
speed 15 kts
wind
speed
20 kts
Boat
speed
10 kts
Boat
speed
10 kts
37
Reference Manual
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
7-3-3 Engaging the autopilot in wind mode
Manually steer the boat to open waters. Sail
straight at the intended wind angle.
For example:
Wind
APP = P40°
The NS3300 Pilot info data can display TRUE (true
wind angle) or APP (apparent wind angle) (see
section 3-4)
SWA = 40°
To engage AUTO,
press
To engage HAND STEER,
hold
GPS
plotted
course
Wind
APP = P40°
The NS3300 Pilot sets CTS (course to steer) to the current heading, in this
example 40°, sets SWA (set wind angle) to the current wind angle and starts
steering at this wind angle.
SWA = 40°
To disengage the Pilot, press
The Pilot returns to STBY (standby). Steer
the boat manually.
The NS3300 Pilot can also be engaged on the
starboard tack, for example:
or when running, for example:
Wind
Wind
APP = S120°
SWA = 120°
APP = S40°
SWA = 40°
38
Northstar NS3300 Pilot
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
7-3-4 Wind gain
In GPS mode, The wind gain determines how much correction is applied to reduce any difference between the
set wind angle and the actual wind angle. A high setting will cause the autopilot to be strongly affected by
changes in the wind. A low setting will cause the autopilot to be very mildly affected by changes in
the wind.
39
Reference Manual
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
8 Optimizing steering performance
8-1 Steering parameters
C-rudder
Counter rudder gain – (derivative gain) At the
The autopilot has seven steering parameters which
can be adjusted to optimize steering performance.
Select the Advanced checkbox to view all parameters.
end of the turn, counter rudder will steer in the
opposite direction to help stop the turn at the
desired heading. If the boat is turning quickly
towards the set course, the autopilot with start to
apply rudder in the opposite direction to prevent
to boat steering past the desired direction, this is
called counter rudder. Counter rudder gain sets
how strong this effect is.
These parameters can be adjusted using the
Parameters menu. To adjust the parameters, go to
Menu > Setup > Profiles > Parameters (see section 6-2).
From the Basic, Pilot or Compass screens, press
to open the Parameters menu directly.
Adaptive
•
The range is 1 (low: Most often used with a
plaining boat) to 10 (high : Most often used with
a sail boat or displacement boat) and 0 (OFF no
counter rudder effect).
This is an adaptive response setting where the
autopilot adjusts how far the boat can move off course
to maintain a constant rate of rudder corrections. The
adaptive setting eliminates the need to set the response
according to varying weather conditions.
GPS gain
In GPS mode, this determines how much correction
•
The range is A1 (adapts slowly) to A5 (adapts quickly).
is applied to remove cross track error.
Response (dead band)
•
The range is 1 (steer gently back on track) to 10
(steer quickly back on track).
How far the boat will be allowed to fall off course
before it makes a correction.
A lowest response setting lets the boat fall very
far off course before the autopilot corrects.
The highest response setting corrects for every
boat movement
Wind gain
In wind mode, this determines how much correction
is applied to reduce any difference between the set
wind angle and the actual wind angle.
•
The range is 1 (slowly affected by wind change) to
10 (sensitive to wind change).
•
The range is 1 (broad course keeping) to 10 (tight
course keeping).
Optimum steering
Ratio (gain)
How far the rudder moves relative to the degrees
Change the values of the steering parameters for
optimum steering performance.
of course error
Generally:
•
The range is 1 (small corrections) to 10
(large corrections).
•
•
•
•
For calm seas, increase response; for rough seas (or
to save power) decrease response.
Trim
Trim gain -(Integral gain) Watches if the boat is off
For higher boat speeds, decrease ratio; for lower
speeds, increase ratio.
course consistently in one direction (Ex. Due to a
strong wind, or poor weight distribution ).
Trim Gain causes the pilot to slowly apply extra
rudder in the opposite direction to correct for the
course error.
In case of cross-winds or weather-helm, increase
trim; In case of balanced steering, decrease trim.
For large displacement boats and boats with
insensitive steering, increase counter rudder;
for lightweight boats and boats with responsive
•
The range is 1 (trim slowly) to 10 (trim quickly)
and 0 (OFF no trim effect).
40
Northstar NS3300 Pilot
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
steering, decrease counter rudder.
wind gain; for lower and/or unstable winds, decrease
wind gain.
•
•
For higher boat speeds and large GPS routes,
decrease GPS gain; for lower speeds and tight
GPS routes, increase GPS gain.
Ideally, in AUTO the autopilot should steer the boat to the
course without the rudder moving
too often.
For higher and/or more stable winds, increase
8-2 Profiles
Note: When using more than one NS3300 Pilot, profile
names are not transferred between units. So when
naming profiles, be sure to name the profile on each
NS3300 Pilot.
The autopilot provides five configurable steering
profiles that can be quickly recalled to alter the
autopilot’s performance based on changing sea,
environmental and vessel conditions.
How to use profiles:
•
To change a profile go to: Menu > Setup >
Profiles > Profile menu.
1. When the autopilot is installed, the steering
parameters in all the profiles are set to their
default values.
Each of the five profiles can be individually
named and configured with different steering
performance settings, and recalled as needed.
2. Select User 1, and adjust the steering parameters for
optimum steering in typical conditions.
To name the currently selected profile, go to
Menu > Setup > Profiles > Edit name then:
3. If the conditions change and the steering is no longer
optimum, select another profile and adjust the steering
parameters again
•
Use the Control Dial,
and
keys to edit
Repeat this step as required to adjust the parameters in
each profile.
the name of the profile.
•
Rotate the control dial to select numerical and
upper and lower case alphabetical characters.
4. When using the autopilot to steer, select a profile
suitable for the current conditions. For example
different profiles can be configured for rough
conditions and calm conditions, sailing or motoring.
Maximum number of alphanumeric characters is 8.
Repeatedly press to finish editing.
•
41
Reference Manual
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
8-3 Adjusting the steering parameters
Problem: rudder turns too frequently
This causes wear on the steering linkage and uses power.
Decrease response.
Reduce ratio.
Reduce counter rudder gain.
Problem: drifts off course to one side
Increase ratio.
Increase trim gain.
Increase response.
or
Problem: boat moves too far off course closely before the rudder turns to correct the course
Decrease ratio.
Decrease counter rudder gain.
Decrease trim gain.
Problem: oscillations from side to side build up
Decrease ratio.
Problem: after a large course change, boat overshoots and oscillates before settling to new course
Increase counter rudder gain
Problem: after a large course change, boat takes too long to settle to new course
Decrease counter rudder gain
42
Northstar NS3300 Pilot
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
Problem: after a sideways current or wind, the correction is applied too quickly or too slowly
If the boat encounters a sideways force, then it will move off course sideways. The Pilot will automatically
bring the boat back to the correct heading by applying a few degrees of rudder, called trim. Trim gain sets how
quickly the trim is applied. Trim gain should be adjusted to trim the boat in about one minute. Getting the Trim
gain setting right can be difficult for your specific boat and it is easy to alter the Trim gain too much. Change
the settings slowly and conservatively at first, until the right settings are known.
a
Boat takes much more than one minute to trim
Sideways force starts
Increase trim gain
1 minute
b
Boat takes much less than one minute to trim
Sideways force starts
Decrease trim gain
1 minute
Problem: drifts off GPS course
Increase GPS gain.
or
Problem: boat oscillated around GPS course
or
Decrease GPS gain.
43
Reference Manual
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
9 Troubleshooting
This troubleshooting guide assumes that you
4
a
b
When sailing a straight course, the boat drifts
off course:
have read and understood this manual.
It is possible in many cases to solve difficulties
without having to send the unit back to the
manufacturer for repair. Please follow this
troubleshooting section before contacting your
nearest Northstar dealer.
Change to a profile suitable for boat speed and sea
conditions (see section 8-2).
Adjust response, ratio, counter rudder gain, GPS
gain (if autopilot is in GPS mode) or wind gain (if
autopilot is in wind mode) (see section 8-1).
There are no user serviceable parts. Specialized
methods and testing equipment are required to
ensure that the unit is reassembled correctly.
5
When making a large course change, boat does
not follow the expected course:
Repairs to the unit must only be carried out by a
service centre approved by Northstar.
a
Change to a profile suitable for boat speed and sea
conditions (see section 8-2).
Users who service the unit themselves will void
the warranty. More information can be found on
b
c
Check turn rate is not too low (see section 6-3).
Adjust counter rudder gain (see section 8-1).
6
Boat turns too sharply:
1
a
b
Unit will not turn on:
Reduce turn rate (see section 6-3).
Fuse blown or circuit breaker tripped.
Battery voltage is outside the range 10.5 to
30.5 V DC.
7
The word SIMULATE flashes on the display,
values displayed are unexpected:
c
Power/data cable damaged.
Unit is in simulate mode (see section 3-14).
2
Autopilot makes too frequent course
corrections:
8
The display fogs:
a
Moist air has entered the breathing tube at the rear
of the unit. Air the boat or run unit with backlight
fully on.
The value of response is too low (see section 8-1).
3
When sailing a straight course, the boat
drifts from side to side of the course:
b
Water has entered the breathing tube. Return unit
for service.
a
The boat should drift from side to side of
the course when the autopilot steering
is optimized.
b
c
Change to a profile suitable for boat speed
and sea conditions (see section 8-2).
If the boat drifts too far from the course, adjust
response, ratio, counter rudder gain, GPS gain
(if autopilot is in GPS mode) or wind gain (if
autopilot is in wind mode) (see section 8-1).
44
Northstar NS3300 Pilot
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
10 Specifications
Electrical
Supply voltage: 10.5 to 30.5 V DC.
Standards compliance
EMC compliance:
Supply current ( at 13.8 V):
USA (FCC): Part 15 Class B
Europe (CE):IEC 60945:2002 Clause 9 & 10.
Without backlighting: 160 mA.
With full backlighting: up to 390 mA.
Other optional instruments: refer to the instrument’s
operation manual.
Interfaces
NavBus: connection to MCU and other
New Zealand and Australia (C Tick):
IEC 60945:2002 Clause 9.
Environment:
IPx6 and IPx7 - completely waterproof.
Northstar instruments.
NS 3300 Display unit power/data cable wires:
Black connector - Power
Pin
5
Wire color
Red
Signal
Power positive, 10.5 to 30.5 V DC
Power negative
1
Black
6
Orange
Blue
NavBus +
4
NavBus -
7
Yellow
White
Factory use (isolate, do not cut)
Factory use (isolate, do not cut)
3
8
Green
Brown
External alarm, switched to ground, 30 V DC and 250 mA max.
+9V out
2
Green connector - NavBus expansion
Pin
5
Wire color
Red
Signal
Factory use (isolate, do not cut)
Power negative
1
Black
6
Orange
Blue
NavBus +
4
NavBus -
7
Yellow
White
Factory use (isolate, do not cut)
Factory use (isolate, do not cut)
Factory use (isolate, do not cut)
+9V out
3
8
Green
Brown
2
45
Reference Manual
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
|