Technical data

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5.2 Fault Finding
Symptom
Pilot consistently over or
under compensates when a
course error is detected
After functioning normally
course is suddenly lost and the
Wheelpilot goes into Standby
Mode.
Helm is hard over and alarm is
continuously on.
Power supply is live, but pilot
is not on.
Pilot does not hold accurate
course in auto mode
Probable Cause
* Gain setting is respectively too high
or too low.
* Steering sensitivity scaling has been
incorrectly set
* Power interrupted briefly, or low
voltage.
* Supply cable used too small.
* Intermittent connection.
* Steerage way insufficient to control
course, or sails are aback.
* Steering scaling set too high
* Wheelpilot is wired incorrectly.
* Internal fluxgate compass is being
affected by interference from nearby
magnetic influences (binnacle
compass, speakers) or metallic objects
(winches, deck hardware etc).
Remedy
* Adjust gain setting (see
section 3.3).
* Enter the correct scaling for
the vessel (see section 3.1).
* Increase size of cable.
* Check all connections.
* Charge batteries.
* Uprate batteries.
* Reset the vessel on course
and re-engage pilot
* Enter the correct scaling for
the vessel (see section 3.1).
* Check wiring of pilot
(see section 4.2).
* Check compass has been
calibrated (see section 5.3).
* Replace binnacle compass
with bulkhead compass.
* Relocate objects that are
causing interference.
5.3 Auto Compass Calibration
Although the Wheelpilot internal compass is extremely
accurate, after installation it is necessary to calibrate the
compass to compensate for any deviations caused by
objects surrounding it on board the vessel.
With the vessel motoring along slowly (2-3 knots) in
calm conditions and the Wheelpilot in Standby Mode,
engage the clutch and press the Starboard key a num-
ber of times to induce a slow clockwise rotation of the
vessel. Press and hold the TAC K key, followed by the
Port and Starboard keys simultaneously to enter Auto
Compass Calibration Mode (Fig 5.1). The Port and
Starboard LEDs will both light. Allow the vessel to turn
through a minimum of 1
1
/
4
turns (450¼) in approximate-
ly two minutes, during which time the fluxgate compass
will automatically calibrate itself.
If the rate of turn or the boat speed is too high, the Port
LED will flash (Fig 5.2) indicating that it is necessary to
either slow the boat or decrease the angle of turn. If the
rate or turn or boat speed is too slow the Starboard LED
will flash, indicating that it is necessary to either
increase the boat speed or increase the angle of turn. A
double beep will indicate that the calibration has been
successful, and the Wheelpilot will return to Standby
Mode. If the calibration has been unsuccessful after a
period of four minutes, a long beep will sound. Try
again carefully following the above directions.
5.4 Adjusting Belt Tension
The belt tension is set when the Wheelpilot is assem-
bled, however it may be necessary to adjust this during
the lifetime of the pilot.
The tension is adjusted by means of a screw situated
underneath the clutch lever (Fig 5.3). This screw is only
accessible when the lever is in the up (disengaged) posi-
tion. To increase the clutch tension, turn the screw anti-
clockwise. To decrease the tension, turn the screw
clockwise. The scale next to the screw indicates the cur-
rent tension setting. When the pointer is at the top, the
clutch is at maximum tension. Minimum tension is
indicated when the pointer is at the bottom.
TACK
TACK
TACK
TACK
Fig 5.1 - Auto Compass Calibration
TACK
Fig 5.2 - Rate of turn too fast
Fig 5.3 - Belt tensioner
Indicator pointer
Adjusting screw
Scale