Topic: Installing an Autopilot: A step-by-step guide (Read 10 times)
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Behind the scenes, there is also a Sensor Core, the ‘brains’ of the system, which sends co*mands to all other co*ponents. It’s essentially a clever 3D co*pass, acting gyroscopically, cleaning up data and allowing for the boat’s pitch, roll and yaw, so it can take account of different sea conditions without overreacting. Then there is the Actuator Control Unit, which interfaces with the existing SeaTalk network on Greyfin and acts as the power supply to the drive unit.
The fourth and final co*ponent is the drive unit, which in my case is the Hydraulic Pump. That would get connected to my existing steering cylinder and ultimately the rudder. Critically, these last three co*ponents were selected specifically for my boat’s size, type and speed.
New couplings fitted to existing steering hoses
Apart from the Control Head, which was fitted at the helm, all other co*ponents were mounted on the forward bulkhead in the lazarette. The Sensor Core needed to be located away from other equipment like pumps and electric motors, as well as big lumps of metal, such as the engine, which might interfere with the co*pass.
Fortunately, Greyfin’s lazarette allows for a fairly simple wiring run back to the Control Head and chartplotter and also to the fuse board, which is located within easy reach, behind a hatch at the helm.
The new system was linked to the chartplotter via the SeaTalk network, allowing the autopilot to tap into the plotter’s navigational functionality, using stored routes and waypoints. Although following a course is not a priority for my particular type of boating, it would be if planning a long passage.
Neat hydraulic drive unit for the autopilot
With all the hardware in, it was time to call in the services of the hydraulic engineer to connect the new pump. They measured up the runs and made up hoses and connectors off site. My system now had to be drained before new couplings were fitted to my existing hoses at the steering cylinder, where the new hoses would link in. The system was then refilled with hydraulic oil, before being bled and tested. With no hint of a leak, the system was good to go.
The final bit of onshore work was for Billy to run through the dockside set-up using the software wizard. This calibrates the system, accounting for the type of drive and factoring in the rudder travel limits and the hard-over timing from lock to lock. With all the professional jobs co*pleted, it was time to launch Greyfin and co*plete the final set-up on the water.
The basic user set-up was simple. You simply select your responsiveness, boat type, typical speed and display options and then allow the system to automatically run a co*pass linearisation process to co*pensate for any local magnetic variations. And there it is. Job done.
Raymarine autopilot actuator control box
I’ve been using the autopilot for a few months now and I already find it invaluable. I use it at some point on every single trip I undertake.
It keeps a far straighter course than I can and it does so without over-correcting the rudder. Admittedly, I have a tendency to overuse it now. In fact, I’m continually tempted to leave the helm. But having just done an RYA powerboat course, where keeping your hands on the wheel and throttle are drummed into you, I’m able to resist – for now!
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