Robertson AP45 Autopilot | Page |
Trouble shooting |
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7. TROUBLE SHOOTING
Fault warnings The following fault warnings may be shown on the Information Display:
OFF COURSE
RESET ALARM
Course deviation greater than selected off course alarm limit. The alarm is automatically reset when the vessel is back within the limit or cancelled by pressing Alarm reset button.
The following conditions may cause the alarm:
a.Low speed on vessel (slow acting response).
b.Extreme sea conditions (following sea).
Readjustment of the autopilot (Weather, Rudder, Counter Rudder) to improve steering performance may cure the problem. Otherwise the off course limit should be adjusted.
This fault warning may also appear due to intermittent fault on the compass signal (open connection).
RUDDER FEEDBACK
FAIL!
Indicates that the autopilot is not reading any rudder feedback signal. By pressing the alarm reset button, the audible alarm will be disabled and the autopilot will switch to a simulated signal, instead of the real. This is indicated by a flashing * * SIM * * on the information display.
The autopilot will continue to steer the set course, but the steering performance is normally somewhat reduced.
The alarm is probably caused by and should be checked in the following sequence:
a.Open wire in feedback cable.
b.Defective feedback unit.
c.Defective input circuit in control unit.
When the fault is rectified, the autopilot will automatically disable the simulated rudder angle signal.
Note!
“Rudder Feedback Fail” may also be caused by a Feedback unit that has not been aligned and is outside AP45’s maximum working angle of ±55°.
If a rudder command is not executed, or the rudder moves in wrong direction, this
NO RESPONSE
FROM RUDDER
message will be shown on the display. The reason can be a malfunction of the steering gear, or simply that the steering gear is not switched on.
Other reasons may be:
a.Wrong connection of feedback unit (new installation only).
b.Broken feedback unit transmission link.
c.Opposite Port/Stbd output connection to solenoids or motor.
d.Sticking solenoid valve.
e.Defective drive unit motor.
Simrad Robertson AS
Egersund - Norway
