AUTOPILOTS

All Autopilots have been checked for the sticking button problem and none have been found in our stock. To date only one has been reported in the Australian market.

During the checking procedures we took the opportunity to upgrade all of our current stock to the new software version 1.2.00 to provide the Virtual Feedback capability.

Frank

URGENT re AP26 Autopilot

Sticking buttons.
Here is an urgent report from Simrad Egersund.

Caution!
We have received a few reports from our distributors which have created concern. A recent report from Holland describes an incident were the boat ran into the dock. At this point in time we have received less than 10 reports which is a very small number compared to the total. It is not likely that we are dealing with a big problem, but right now we cannot exclude any AP26 from being a potential failure unit.
The problem is only an AP26 problem!

Observation
On random AP26 units a button may occasionally stick depending on where you put your finger when you press it down.

Cause
The problem is caused by too little clearance between the housing and the button. New check measurements have shown that the dimensions of the key pad assembly are very close to and above the upper limit and, the front mould may sometimes have a burr edge that will obstruct the natural travel of the button.

Actions
­ All deliveries of AP26 from Egersund and Central Warehouse have been stopped
­ We are currently double checking all the AP26s in Egersund and may also do the same in Central Warehouse to get an overview of how serious the problem is.
­ All distributors must hold back deliveries and do the same with their inventory.

­ Can all dealers please contact and advise their customers of this issue and have them report any instances of this problem. We will replace all units with new ones.
We would of course assist in this ourselves but failure to return warranty registration cards make it impossible for us.
We must do our outmost to avoid accidents and liability claims in this matter.
Please contact me with customer details, serial number of unit etc.

Frank

AP25 VIRTUAL FEEDBACK

Simrad is proud to announce the release of a new autopilot software that is a breakthrough in autopilot technology.

On boats up to 40ft powered by outboard engines or stern drives it is now possible to install the Simrad AP25 - series autopilots (including AP16) without a rudder feedback unit.

Thanks to the excellent work of our engineers, they have managed to develop and implement a new set of steering algorithms that compensate for the missing feedback.

Among the benefits offered with the new software are:

­ No extra cost, this sophisticated software is now standard in the autopilots.

­ No need for the cumbersome and sometimes impossible job of installing the rudder feedback unit on these boats.

­ The installation of the autopilot is less time and cost demanding.

­ The Virtual Feedback is automatically activated in the dockside setup when there is no feedback unit connected.

­ In the event of a rudder feedback failure on a conventional autopilot with a rudder feedback unit, the autopilot will convert to a simulated rudder feedback and steer the boat home, still without the need of a helmsman.

Several successful tests have been made on different boats in the USA to verify the performance and ease of installation.
It is so simple. All you need is a standard autopilot with the latest software, a RC36 Rate Compass, a drive unit and no feedback unit.
The setup is as simple as before with all instructions on the display, and there is no need for extra cabling to peripheral sensors of all sorts.
With this new software Simrad has got another competitive edge in the fastest growing market segment for power boats.

The new software has revision 1.2.01.
The following serial no. codes will apply for units with the new software:
All models of autopilot control units: CA
All models of autopilot computers: DA
Quin Marine technicians are currenty installing the new software in AC10/20/40 computers and AP16/25/26 controllers now.

When promoting and selling this upgraded version of the autopilots, be aware of the following:

­ Always include the RC36 Rate Compass (mini gyro) on a Virtual Feedback installation.
The use of the rate compass is essential for the performance of the Virtual Feedback configuration.

­ The Virtual Feedback should only be recommended for outboard and stern drive boats up to 40 ft with hydraulic steering, because they are the target boats.

Be not tempted to propose the Virtual Feedback configuration when a rudder feedback unit can be installed. It is intended for boats where the installation of a rudder feedback unit becomes awkward or impossible.
­ There is no rudder angle indicator and no Follow-Up mode on autopilots configured for Virtual Feedback.
­ On stern drives with power assisted steering the MSD50 drive unit with built in feedback is still the alternative.

AP25 series autopilots No1

In our continuing efforts to improve our products Simrad is pleased to introduce an exciting set of new features for our autopilots.

NoDrift mode
With position input from a GPS and a single press on the autopilot it will steer the boat on a straight course over ground unaffected by wind and current. There is no need to enter a waypoint on your navigator because the autopilot when in NoDrift mode will steer the shortest distance to your destination. This NoDrift mode is available in all models including the AP16.

Depth Contour Tracking (DTS)
A new feature has been added to the multiple turn pattern steering that was introduced last year. When interfaced to a depth sounder the autopilots can be programmed to follow a bottom contour or a user defined depth line. A feature that should be welcomed by anglers and boaters that want to follow a channel or a submerged river bed.

Depth Contour Tracking is available in AP25, AP26 and AP27.

Programmable Turn Patterns also on AP26 and AP27. This feature that last year was successfully introduced in our top model, the AP25, is now available in the AP26 and AP27 models. This means that also on boats with limited console space while searching for fish you can now benefit from programmable steering patterns like C-turn, Spiral, ZigZag, Square, Lazy S and Depth Contour Tracking.
Available in AP25, AP26 and AP27

Bow Thruster Control also on AP26 and AP27
With the growing number of boats with a bow thruster installed we have made this feature available in all models with a rotary course knob. With the optional TI25 installed the autopilot offers precise heading control during low or no-speed situations. The feature is especially helpful for boat positioning when drifting or handling large fish at the boat side, and when steering in close waters.
Available in AP25, AP26 and AP27

Volvo IPS interface
In close cooperation with Volvo Penta, Simrad has developed new software and hardware to make the autopilots perfectly tuned to the unique speed handling and efficiency of the revolutionary Volvo IPS.
Only three units are required to steer a boat with Volvo IPS; Control Unit, RC36 Rate Compass and the new AC05 Autopilot Computer. The connection between the autopilot (AC05) and the IPS system is on a single CAN bus cable supplied with the autopilot computer. The autopilot control units have dedicated IPS functions implemented in the new software which are activated when connected to an AC05 Autopilot Computer.
All models including AP16 can interface to Volvo IPS.
Note!
Volvo is making a special gateway device for the autopilot that has to be ordered
from Volvo. They have announced that the IPS system will be available in the week beginning at May 9, 2005. Simrad will make the AC05 available at the same time.

Marketing material
Simrad is working on an upgrade of the autopilot brochure and you will be informed about availability later.

Availability
• The new software will be available in units shipped from April 18, 2005
and onwards.
• AC05 will be available May 9, 2005

Software particulars and product codes
The new software is designated 1.2.00 for all autopilots and autopilot computers (except AC05). Please note the following:
• The new software is not compatible with the current version 1.1.00, hence units with different software version must not be mixed.
• All exchange units will be upgraded to version 1.2.00.
• If you need a replacement unit with software version 1.1.00 this has to be specified on your order and exchange units MUST be ordered through service department.

Regards Frank

AP25 series autopilots No2

Autopilots for Volvo Penta IPS now available.



It is a pleasure to announce the availability of this exciting new version of our autopilots made to integrate with the revolutionary Volvo Penta IPS.

The autopilots have been developed in close cooperation with Volvo Penta, and after several successful sea trials the new autopilot system is now ready for the market.

Some of the unique sales points worth mentioning are:
• A basic system comprises only three
units - AP16, AP25, AP26 or AP27
autopilot control unit
- RC 36 Rate Compass
- AC05 Autopilot Computer
• Steer by wire through a single cable
• Automatic override from helm
• Quick and cost saving installation
• Automatic setup
• All standard autopilot features are included

The complete AP25 – series autopilots including AP16 are upgraded to operate with the Volvo Penta IPS (software version 1.2.00 onwards). All it takes is to connect to the new AC05 Autopilot Computer instead of a standard one and the autopilot control units are automatically configured for this application – NMEA0183 interface is wired to the SimNet AT10 converter.
A single CAN bus cable supplied with the autopilot computer interconnects with the Volvo Penta autopilot interface unit.
Note:
The Autopilot Interface is supplied from Volvo Penta under p/n 3819744, normally ordered by the boat builder.
The AC05 Autopilot Computer can be ordered under p/n 22089007.

The Volvo Penta IPS system is designed for high speed power boats and you should immediately contact the boat builders in your market and present them with Simrads new exiting autopilot models, specially designed for the Volvo Penta IPS. A new updated autopilot brochure is in process and will be distributed in a short time.
Simrad has again proven to be in the forefront of autopilot technology and with perfect time to market.

In the week beginning May 9, 2005 Volvo Penta took deliveries of their system and so did Simrad with the autopilots.

Frank