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18 ST7002 SmartPilot Controller Operating Guide
2.2 Using Wind Vane mode – sail boats
Note:
You can only select Wind Vane mode if the SmartPilot is receiving suitable SeaTalk
or NMEA wind direction information.
What is Wind Vane mode?
When the SmartPilot is in Wind Vane mode it uses the fluxgate compass as the
primary heading reference. As changes in the true or apparent wind angle occur,
it adjusts the locked heading to maintain the original wind angle.
Wind information
To use Wind Vane mode, the SmartPilot must receive wind information from one
of the following sources:
• SeaTalk wind instrument connected to the autopilot via SeaTalk
• NMEA wind instrument
• Raymarine pushpit wind vane connected via a SeaTalk interface
True and apparent wind
SmartPilots can maintain a course relative to either an apparent or true wind
angle in Wind Vane mode
The default setting is apparent wind. If required, you can change this to true wind
in User Calibration (see
page 24
).
WindTrim
In Wind Vane mode the SmartPilot uses WindTrim to eliminate the effects of
turbulence and short term wind variations. This provides smooth and precise
performance with minimal power consumption. You can adjust the wind
response (WindTrim) level in User Calibration (see
page 24
) to control how quickly
the SmartPilot responds to changes in the wind direction. Higher wind trim
settings will result in a pilot that is more responsive to wind changes.
How do I select Wind Vane mode?
You can select Wind Vane mode from either Standby or Auto mode:
1. Steady the boat onto the required wind angle.
2. Press standby and auto together to select Wind Vane mode and lock the
current wind angle:
• the display shows the locked heading (e.g. 128°) and the wind angle
(e.g. WIND 145P indicates an wind angle of 145° to port)
• if the SmartPilot does not enter Wind Vane mode, it is not receiving wind
data - check the instrument and connections