M A X I M I S I N G Y O U R P E R F O R M A N C E A T S E A
Instruction manual M A N U A L Simrad WP32 Wheelpilot III
WP32 Wheelpilot © 2004 Simrad Ltd The technical data, information and illustrations contained in this publication were to the best of our knowledge correct at the time of going to print. We reserve the right to change specifications, equipment, installation and maintenance instructions without notice as part of our policy of continuous development and improvement.
Instruction manual CONTENTS 1 GENERAL 1.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 1.2 The SimNet network system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 2 OPERATION 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 3 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Engaging the clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Autopilot mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
WP32 Wheelpilot 1 GENERAL 1.1 Introduction The Simrad Wheelpilot WP32 is a self-contained automatic pilot suitable for a wide variety of wheel steered sailing yachts up to 12m (39 ft) overall length. Combining highly sophisticated electronics with advanced software and a powerful mechanical drive, they are capable of providing reliable and accurate steering performance under a variety of different conditions with minimal current consumption.
Instruction manual 1.2 The SimNet network system The SimNet system is built around a high-speed bus networking system, that allows Simrad instruments, navigation equipment and autopilots to be easily interconnected and share data. All units are interconnected and powered using a standard single cable (Fig 1.2) WIND Tx SPEED/LOG WIND COMPASS GPS/CHARTPLOTTER COMPASS Tx Junction box 2 P3 W WHEELPILOT WP32 Fig 1.
WP32 Wheelpilot 2 OPERATION 2.1 General The WP32 powers up in Standby mode, indicated by a flashing LED next to the STBY/AUTO key. The two direction LEDs above the Port and Starboard keys are always dimly lit, which provides night illumination for the keypad. All functions are confirmed audibly by a “beep” and visually by the LEDs, so the status of the unit can always be confirmed at a glance. 2.2 Engaging the clutch The Wheelpilot will not drive in any mode unless the drive clutch is engaged first.
Instruction manual To lock the pilot onto the desired course, either steer the correct course and then engage the autopilot, or engage the autopilot and then adjust the heading until the correct course is being sailed (see section 2.4 below). If the STBY/AUTO key is pressed and held, the pilot will beep a second time and lock onto the previously used heading (note that this feature will not be available if the unit has just been switched on).
WP32 Wheelpilot 2.5 Autotack The Wheelpilot has a built-in autotack facility, allowing easy tacking of the vessel when single or short handed. An autotack is only possible when in autopilot mode. To initiate autotack, press and hold the TACK key, followed by either the Port ( ) or Starboard ( ) key, depending on which direction you wish to tack (Fig 2.4) - TACK STBY STBY AUTO TACK TACK STBY STBY AUTO Fig 2.
Instruction manual In all cases, the autotack is confirmed by a long beep, with the relevant Port or Starboard LED flashing during the course change. 2.5.3 Autotacking in Nav mode As the Wheelpilot will be steering directly to a waypoint, the autotack facility is disabled while in Nav mode. If it is necessary to perform an autotack, disengage Nav mode by pressing the NAV key, then perform the autotack. WARNING E04596 Ensure that the boat is on the correct tack before re-engaging Nav mode.
WP32 Wheelpilot 3 ADVANCED FEATURES The WP32 Wheelpilot contains many advanced features, one of which is the ability to accept course data from a variety of sources apart from the internal fluxgate compass, including SimNet and NMEA compatible navigational receivers (GPS/ chartplotters, etc) and windvanes. An external SimNet compass can also be used. 3.1 Nav mode The Wheelpilot can interface directly with compatible Simrad Chartplotters via the SimNet high-speed data bus.
Instruction manual 3.2 Steer To Wind The Wheelpilot can sail to the apparent wind angle, rather than a compass course, using wind data via the SimNet or NMEA interfaces. Due to the faster data rate, the use of a SimNet windvane such as the Simrad IS12 Wind is recommended – priority will be given to SimNet wind data over NMEA wind data received by the Wheelpilot. NOTE If no wind information is present, the Wheelpilot will not enter Steer To Wind mode.
WP32 Wheelpilot 3.3 Using an external compass Normally, the accurate operation of a self-contained autopilot is very difficult on a ferrous hulled boat (steel, ferro cement, etc), as the hull will affect the bearing read by the internal fluxgate compass. Although the Wheelpilot operates using its inbuilt fluxgate compass, it will give priority to an external SimNet compass if detected on the network bus.
Instruction manual 4 CONFIGURATION 4.1 Scaling Setting (Beeps/flashes) Turns lockto-lock 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 11⁄2 2 21⁄2 3 31⁄2 4 41⁄2 5 Fig 4.1 - Scaling factors Before using the Wheelpilot, it is necessary to program the steering sensitivity, which is related to the number of turns that the wheel makes between end stops. This will determine the amount of steering correction the Wheelpilot applies. With the power off, press and hold TACK and NAV, then switch on the power.
WP32 Wheelpilot 4.2 Calibration mode The Gain and Seastate settings can be adjusted while the Wheelpilot is in either Standby or Autopilot mode. Press and hold the TACK key, then press NAV (Fig 4.3) - TACK TACK TACK STBY STBY AUTO NAV NAV Fig 4.3 - Entering Calibration mode The Starboard LED will illuminate to indicate that Gain adjustment is selected. To toggle between Gain and Seastate adjustment, press TACK – the Port LED will illuminate for Seastate. 4.
Instruction manual When Gain is selected, the Nav LED will flash and a repeated sequence of beeps will be heard. The number of flashes and beeps in the sequence indicates the level of the Gain setting. Use the Port ( ) and Starboard ( ) keys to adjust the Gain setting between 1 and 9 (Fig 4.5) - TACK STBY STBY AUTO NAV Fig 4.5 - Increasing Gain level Press NAV to confirm settings and return to normal operation, or press TACK to switch to Seastate adjustment. 4.
WP32 Wheelpilot C t ou th wi im e rs otr ou ut A Ideal course 4.5 Autotrim Wind & Tide Fig 4.7 - Effects of Autotrim NOTE 18 Under differing conditions a helm bias (sometimes known as standing helm or rudder trim) is applied, in order to steer a straight course. An example is when sailing close hauled, where the vessel will normally pull into the wind, and the helmsman applies a standing helm to leeward, in order to maintain course.
Instruction manual 5 INSTALLATION 5.1 Fitting the Wheelpilot With correct preparation, the Wheelpilot can be installed in under an hour. However, it is important that it is fitted correctly to operate to its maximum efficiency. Please read this section thoroughly before attempting installation. The pedestal mount is fixed to the pedestal using two band clamps. The Wheelpilot’s two metal guide rods slide into slots on either side of the mount.
WP32 Wheelpilot 3. The exposed section of the band clamps are slotted through the sleeving provided, which covers the clip and also prevents it from scratching the pedestal when tightened. It is recommended that the sleeving length is reduced to approx. 25mm (1.0in) shorter than the length of the band clamps when tightened around the pedestal, to avoid fouling the slots in the pedestal mount. Note, that if the sleeving has already been fitted to the clamps, it will need to be removed to facilitate fitting.
Instruction manual 7. Fit the Wheelpilot to the pedestal mount by inserting the two guide rods into the slots on the pedestal mount. Check that the Wheelpilot ring is centred on the wheel shaft (Fig 5.6) - Fig 5.6 - Pilot should be central to wheel shaft If necessary, reposition the pedestal mount by removing the pilot and the front plate and loosening the band clamp. 8. With the clutch lever disengaged, rotate the Wheelpilot ring until the two spoke pillars are at the top. 9.
WP32 Wheelpilot 12. Clip the badge to the spoke clamps (Fig 5.8). Spoke clamps Badge Wheel nut Socket head bolts Attaching badge Fig 5.8 - Fitting of Wheelpilot 13. Spin the wheel from lock to lock and check that the Wheelpilot rotates freely and smoothly. If there is any oscillation at any point of rotation, this is due to the Wheelpilot being mounted slightly off-centre.
Instruction manual 5.2 Electrical installation The Wheelpilot operates from a 12v DC supply. The cable fitted to the Wheelpilot is used to supply the power, SimNet and NMEA data via the junction box supplied (Fig 5.10) Junction box W P3 12v DC 2 NMEA0183 In SimNet Fig 5.10 - Wheelpilot junction box wiring Length of Cross Conductor AWG cable run section type Under 4m 1.5mm2 (13ft) 4-8m (27ft) 2.5mm2 30/0.25 16 50/0.25 14 Fig 5.
WP32 Wheelpilot Notes: * Mount the junction box in a dry location. * No power is supplied to or from the SimNet bus – the Wheelpilot must always have its own dedicated power connection. * Use a suitable gauge power cable to run from switch panel to the junction box (see Fig 5.11, previous page). * Connect to the vessel’s switch panel via a 10Amp fuse or breaker.
Instruction manual 5.4 Interfacing via NMEA The built-in NMEA processor allows NMEA0183-compatible equipment to be connected directly to the Wheelpilot, without any need for a separate interface unit (Fig 5.14) Wind Speed NMEA0183 or GPS/Chartplotter SimNet Wheelpilot power P32 W Fig 5.14 - NMEA integration examples If a GPS or Chartplotter is connected to the Wheelpilot, it can extract the data necessary for Nav mode.
WP32 Wheelpilot Because of the vast number of different manufacturers and models of navigational equipment, Simrad cannot guarantee correct operation and installation of this equipment. Therefore, before connecting any equipment to the Wheelpilot, it is important that the unit’s manual is referred to with regard to interfacing via NMEA. 5.5 Electronic interference suppression The Wheelpilot has been designed to minimise the effects of interference generated by the engine alternator.
Instruction manual If the rate of turn or boat speed is too fast, the Port LED will flash (Fig 5.16). Either slow the boat or reduce the angle of turn. TACK Fig 5.16 - Rate of turn too fast If the rate of turn or boat speed is too slow, the Starboard LED will flash – either increase the boat speed, or increase the angle of turn. A short beep will indicate that the calibration has been successful, and the Wheelpilot will return to Standby mode.
WP32 Wheelpilot In the example shown, there are two nav data sources (the CP44 Chartplotter and the NMEA GPS via the IS12 Mega instrument) and two external heading sources (the IS12 Compass and the RFC35R Rate Compass via the AP25 Autopilot). The Wheelpilot could be used as a backup pilot, while still using the RFC35R as the heading data source.
Instruction manual To select System mode press and hold the TACK and and turn the power on (Fig 5.19) - keys TACK TACK POWER ON TACK TACK Fig 5.19 - Selecting System mode The Wheelpilot will beep and all the LEDs will light briefly to confirm the new configuration. Please refer to the instructions supplied with the relevant Command Unit for details on the remote configuring of data sources.
WP32 Wheelpilot 6 APPENDIX 6.1 Advice on operation When used correctly, your Wheelpilot can maintain as good a course, on most points of sail, as a skilled helmsman, with the advantage that it never gets distracted, whereas a human can start showing lapses of concentration after as little as 10 mins. However, there are certain circumstances where a human has the advantage in being able to anticipate events, which no autopilot can sense, typically in a heavy following sea.
Instruction manual 6.2 Fault finding Symptom Probable Cause Pilot consistently over or under compensates when a course error is detected • Gain setting is respectively too high • Adjust Gain setting or too low. • Steering sensitivity scaling has been • Enter the correct scaling for the vessel (section 4.1). incorrectly set. After functioning normally course is suddenly lost and the Wheelpilot goes into Standby Mode. • Power interrupted briefly, or low voltage. • Cable used to socket too small.
WP32 Wheelpilot 6.
Instruction manual 6.5 Spares and accessories The following spares and accessories are available from local Simrad agents.
WP32 Wheelpilot 348mm (13.7 in) 388mm (15.25 in) 6.7 Dimensions 234mm (9.2 in) 165mm (6.5 in) 550mm (21.6 in) 6.8 Specification Supply Voltage 12v (10-16v) DC Current Consumption Standby - 60mA (Typical) Auto - 750mA NMEA Format Compliant with NMEA0183 versions 2.0, 2.3 & 3.0 (4800 baud, no parity, 8 bits, 1 stop bit) Maximum torque 80Nm No load speed 7.8rpm Ambient Temp Range -10ºC to +55ºC (14ºF to 140ºF) 6.9 Warranty The unit is guaranteed for 2 years from date of retail sale.
M A X I M I S I N G Y O U R P E R F O R M A N C E A T S E A
