Computer Aided Yachting

[Richard_H]

Have recently installed a Raymarine ST2000 autopilot and Multiplexer linked to Sony Laptop to create automated Course management on my Moody 27 - only problem is every time I reach a waypoint on my route the autopilot insists on helm inputing -10+10 on autopilot to commence correct track to next waypoint.
Is their a way of eliminating the -10+10 on autopilot or is it simply to ensure I dont become a too lazy sailor and pay too little attention to the way ahead as all good sailors are supposed to do?
It would be nice to eliminate this little feature if I promise not to be too complacent!
Thanks in anticipation
Richard H

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[steve28]

Its not possible, raymarine had to include this function after certain rules were instigated.
As you know you cant advance to the next waypoint until the buttons are pressed and this is so people dont just put an entire course in and then click start and go to bed!

It did happen all the time and i must say i prefer the way it is.

steve

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[snowleopard]

my autopilot similarly requires you to press Track before it will make the turn. the reason is that it expects you to look out of the window and make sure it is safe to turn at that moment.

imagine a give way vessel taking avoiding action and your autopilot suddenly turning 40 degrees as he is doing so. no, the requirement for input is essential and could/should not be overridden.

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[steve28]

It was more to do with people making bad tracks to waypoints and going over things like breakwaters and piers and headlands as well!

steve

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[Oldhand]

The autopilot function is there to ensure a human, or some other type of mammal if you can't find a human on board, takes a look around and ensures it is safe to change course. I don't think you should be interested in trying to remove this permanently installed safety feature.

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[bedouin]

It might be possible to simulate this by filtering some of the NMEA sentences being sent to the AH. After all if it doesn't know you've changed waypoint it can't complain.

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[steve28]

I dont agree with the suggestion that the nmea sentence could or should be bypassed, its there for a reason. wouldnt look good if someone published a bypass here and there was an accident as a direct result.


Why not get a hand held remote for the autopilot, i use mine from an observant position in the shelter of the cabin. Avoids the wave in the face senario.

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[Guest]

Question ....

What program are you suing to chart / plot and then control autopilot ?

Most will have preferences that you can set-up to get the auto-pilot and program to speak to each other in increments / orders that elate to YOUR boat - not the defaults that often are too severe or not enough.
There may be deadband areas, turning distance box's etc. etc. that all affect how much helm is used to turn and then how much is used to stop the turn .... etc.

NMEA is there to talk between the two items .... interfering with those may just end up with no sterring input at all.

For me - I have a wandering lead on my AP and do it by hand from the comfort of cabin top in the sun etc. PC is linked - but rarely used for this direct control - but may be later when I get more lazy !!!!

Conclusion - check out ALL settings and options / preferences in computer program etc. before changing NMEA etc.


<hr width=100% size=1>Nigel ... and of course Yahoo groups :
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gps-navigator/

 

[Richard_H]

Re: Question ....& Reply

Nigel
Thanks for reply - Am using Maptech Offshore Navigator software which I am very pleased with. Maptech has been quite helpful but the most significant help has come from a guy called Ian Stevens at Alstholm Ventry in Gosport. 02392 525600 He supplied the multiplexer to link peripherals to my Sony laptop. Like you I found that using the hand control on Autopilot to control waypoint arrival was a good compromise and probably the safest option rather than total autosnoozing!
Still both options are worth having.
Best wishes and safe sailing
Richard H


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