Autopilot

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==Autopilots==
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Autopilots are equipment used on ships and boats to maintain a chosen course without constant human action. It is also known by several other terms, such as self steering gear and autohelm (technically a Raymarine trademark, but often used generically). Several forms of self-steering gear exist, divided into two categories: electronic and mechanical.
===Introduction===
===Introduction===
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Electronic self-steering is controlled by electronics operating according to one or more input sensors, invariably at least a magnetic compass and sometimes wind direction or GPS position versus a chosen waypoint. The electronics module calculates the required steering movement and a drive mechanism (usually electrical, though possibly hydraulic in larger systems) causes the rudder to move accordingly.
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The main goal of a mechanical self-steering gear is to keep a sailboat on a given course towards the apparent wind and to free the helmsman from the steering job. An advantageous side effect is that the sails are kept in optimal angle towards the apparent wind, and deliver optimal propulsion force by that. Even in sailboats running under engine the self steering gear can be used to keep the boat on the correct heading into the wind to easily set or change sails.
==Autopilot Types==
==Autopilot Types==
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===Direct Drive===
===Direct Drive===
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==Autopilot Vendors==
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===Electronic Autopilots===
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* [http://www.raymarine.com/ Raymarine]
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* [http://www.coursemaster.com/ Coursemaster]
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* [http://www.simrad-yachting.com/en/ Simrad]
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* [http://www.garmin.com/en-US Garmin]
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* [http://alphamarinesystems.com/ Alpha Marine Systems]
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* [http://www.cptautopilot.com/ CPT Autopilot]
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===Windvane / Mechanical Steering===
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* [http://www.selfsteer.dk/ Aries]
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* [http://www.selfsteer.com/products/monitor/ Monitor]
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* [http://www.hydrovane.com/ Hydrovane]
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* [http://www.flemingselfsteer.com/ Fleming]
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* [http://www.sea-feather.co.uk/ Sea Feather]
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* [http://www.windpilot.com/ Windpilot]
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* [http://www.capehorn.com/ Cape Horn]
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* [http://www.windvane.co.uk/ Neptune]
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* [http://www.sailomat.com/ Sailomat]
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* [http://voyagerwindvanes.com/ Voyager]
==Components==
==Components==
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* Autopilots are traditionally named "George".
* Autopilots are traditionally named "George".
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==Forum Discussions==
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==Forums==
* [http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/tags/autopilot.html Autopilot Discussions] on Cruisers Forum
* [http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/tags/autopilot.html Autopilot Discussions] on Cruisers Forum
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==External Links==
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==Links==
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autopilot Autopilot] on wikipedia
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autopilot Autopilot] on wikipedia
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-steering_gear Self Steering Gear] on wikipedia
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-steering_gear Self Steering Gear] on wikipedia
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* [[NMEA 0183]]
* [[NMEA 0183]]
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==References & Publications==
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==References==
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==Personal Notes==
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{{Comments}}
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|style="color:#000;"| | [[World Cruising and Sailing Wiki|HOMEPAGE]] | [[World Cruising Guides|Wiki Contents]] | [[Navigation]] | [[Autopilot]]
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[[Category:Seamanship]]
[[Category:Seamanship]]

Latest revision as of 11:40, 15 August 2018

World ▶ Navigation ▶ Autopilot

Contents

Autopilots are equipment used on ships and boats to maintain a chosen course without constant human action. It is also known by several other terms, such as self steering gear and autohelm (technically a Raymarine trademark, but often used generically). Several forms of self-steering gear exist, divided into two categories: electronic and mechanical.

Introduction

Electronic self-steering is controlled by electronics operating according to one or more input sensors, invariably at least a magnetic compass and sometimes wind direction or GPS position versus a chosen waypoint. The electronics module calculates the required steering movement and a drive mechanism (usually electrical, though possibly hydraulic in larger systems) causes the rudder to move accordingly.

The main goal of a mechanical self-steering gear is to keep a sailboat on a given course towards the apparent wind and to free the helmsman from the steering job. An advantageous side effect is that the sails are kept in optimal angle towards the apparent wind, and deliver optimal propulsion force by that. Even in sailboats running under engine the self steering gear can be used to keep the boat on the correct heading into the wind to easily set or change sails.

Autopilot Types

Wheel Pilot

Tiller Pilot

Wind Vane (mechanical self-steering)

Direct Drive

Autopilot Vendors

Electronic Autopilots

Windvane / Mechanical Steering

Components

Controllers

Control Heads

Remote Controls

Hydraulic Pumps

Rudder Sensors

Compass

Notes

  • Autopilots are traditionally named "George".

Forums

Links

See Also

References

Comments

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SailorSmiley.gifContributors to this page

Names: Delatbabel


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