AP50 Plus Autopilot
The AP50 Plus can be built up as a part of a complete steering system for all types of vessels. A combination of steering levers, rudder angle indicators and gyro repeaters can be used to create an integrated steering station on the bridge.
- IMO Approved
- Excellent steering performance
- Two complete sets of preprogrammable steering parameters
- Simple operation by dedicated push buttons
- Any combination of dual compass input including NMEA heading
- Interface to virtually any type of steering gear
- Combined steering and navigation mode
- Thruster control
Steering performance
AP50 Plus has been designed to produce very accurate steering under autopilot control. The autopilot has been programmed to learn how the rudder responds to commands. This both reduces rudder activity and ensures that the rudder is positioned exactly as required, so eliminating rudder overshoot. It also compensates for wear and play in the steering gear, which can be of particular importance when using AP50 Plus as a retrofit autopilot. Precise course keeping is guaranteed due to the ability to set all parameters on the AP50 Plus individually with a high level of fine tuning.
Thruster control
As an optional feature, the AP50 Plus can be configured to control a bow thruster. Rudders are inefficient at the slow speeds often required by dredgers and survey vessels. A vessel can, however, maintain an accurate heading by automatic control of a bow thruster through the AP50 Plus autopilot.
The configuration possibilities of Simrad autopilots, made by the selection of specific modules, will cover all applications, from small inshore fishing boats to large ferries and survey ships. Interface to magnetic, fluxgate and gyrocompasses is possible. Flexibility in system choice covers all retrofit applications.
Options and accessories
Rudder angle indicators, follow-up steering levers and non-follow-up levers combine with the autopilots to form full electronic steering systems. With the addition of helm units and the AP50, dual independent steering systems for larger vessels may be built.
AP51 Remote Control
The AP51 portable remote control may simply be plugged in to the network and it is ready to use. The remote will provide total portable control over the autopilot system including direct thruster control.
OS50 Remote control unit
With the QuickStick connected, the autopilot performance and functionality can be greatly enhanced. Features and benefits are easily available without having to be within reach of the AP50 main station.