Instruction manual

WP32 Wheelpilot
12
E04596
STBY
NAV
TACK
STBY
AUTO
NAV
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 com-
pass can also be used.
3.1 Nav mode
The Wheelpilot can interface directly with compatible Simrad
Chartplotters via the SimNet high-speed data bus. It also has
an inbuilt NMEA interface, which allows connection to
NMEA0183-compatible GPS and chartplotters.
Once interfaced with a GPS or chartplotter, the Wheelpilot can
steer using data from this source in addition to the internal
compass, allowing it to steer to a waypoint with great accuracy.
To activate Nav mode, the unit must be in Auto mode (press
STBY/AUTO). Simply activate a waypoint or route pro-
grammed into the GPS/chartplotter, and press the NAV key.
The LED next to the NAV key will light, and the Wheelpilot
will steer to the first waypoint using Cross Track Error and
Bearing To Waypoint information from the navigational receiv-
er to maintain an accurate course (Fig 3.1) -
On arrival at the target waypoint an intermittent alarm will
sound. As a safety feature to avoid an unexpected course
change, the next waypoint will not be automatically loaded
until the NAV key is pressed. When the vessel reaches the final
waypoint, the Wheelpilot will continue its current course
under Compass (Auto) mode.
NOTE Some of the standard keystroke functions may have a different
effect in Nav mode than in Compass mode. Please refer to sec-
tions 2.4 and 2.5.3.
Fig 3.1 - Activating Nav mode