Simrad ROBERTSON AP45 manual AP45 System layout Basic system with options, Heading Sensors

Robertson AP45 Autopilot	Page 1-1
General Information

Introduction

System description

AP45 Control Unit

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

Today Simrad manufacture a complete range of autopilots for all types of vessels, from leisure boats up to advanced steering systems for merchant marine vessels. Our factory for these products – branded Robertson – is located in Egersund, on the south/west coast of Norway. The company’s involvement in autopilots began in 1953 with equipment for the North Sea fishing fleet.

In 1982 the world's first microprocessor based autopilot, the Robertson AP100, was introduced and shortly after the AP9 and AP40 systems followed.

The AP45 autopilot described in this document is based on the experience with the AP40 and the AP9 models. A series of improvements based upon this experience has been implemented in the new model and special attention has been paid to simplified operation.

The standard AP45 system consists of the following units (refer to Fig. 1-1):

1.AP45 Control Unit with accessories

2.Heading sensor

3.Rudder Feedback Unit with transmission link

4.Junction Unit

Fig. 1-1

AP45 System layout - Basic system with options

All settings and operation of the autopilot take place on the control unit. In addition to push buttons it has two LCD-displays and a course selector knob on the front panel. The control unit is made of seawater resistant aluminium and has a polyester coating to protect it against the environment. The main electronics are located in the control unit, and connection to other system components are by high quality connectors to facilitate reliability and easy maintenance.

Heading Sensors

The AP45 autopilot can be used with one of three different types of heading sensors:

Simrad Robertson AS

Egersund - Norway