BT-32

自动操舵仪
Autopilot
用户手册
User Manual

台州市椒江八达船用电器厂
TAIZHOU JIAOJIANG
BETTER MARINE ELECTRIC APPLIANCE FACTORY

地址：浙江省台州市椒江区工人西路 1501-3 号
Address: No.1501-3 Gongren west Road, Jiaojiang district, Taizhou city,
Zhejiang
Postal Code:318000 Tel: 0576-88897978
 BT-32 型 自动操舵仪使用说明书 BT-32 Autopilot user manual

版本：1310 E-mail :tzxzc@163.com Fax: 0576-8888110

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Contents
Ⅰ、Introduction 2
Ⅱ、Components of equipment 4
Ⅲ、Technical Performance 6
Ⅳ、Names and functions for various parts of steering stand 7
Ⅴ、Peripheral equipment 11
Ⅵ、Installation 13
Ⅶ、Trial operation and inspection before sailing 16
Ⅷ、Sailing at sea 19
Ⅸ、Trouble shooting 24
Ⅹ、Maintenance 31
Ⅺ、Appendix 32
A. Adjustment of steering control system 36

B. Correction of Magnetic heading sensor 39

Ⅻ、Figures 37
1、Outline dimension and installation dimension of steering stand 37
2、Outline dimension and wiring diagram of magnetic heading sensor 38
3、Outline dimension and wiring diagram of rudder feedback unit  38
4、Outline dimension and installation dimension of steering gear control 39
5、Outline dimension and installation dimension of steering gear starter 39
6、Wiring diagram of pilot system 40
7、Electrical schematic diagram of Main steering stand 41
8、Electrical schematic diagram of steering gear control 42
9、Electrical schematic diagram of No.1 Starter 43
10、Electrical schematic diagram of No.2 starter 44

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Ⅰ、Introduction
 Please keep this manual in the bridge house for reference at any time
 The manual indicates various safety cautions during installation, operation and maintenance, but
not all of the safety cautions, so the appropriate measures should be taken in case of some
hidden dangers under special circumstances.
Safety cautions:
Please read this chapter carefully before operating the system, which is very important for safe and
smooth operation of the equipment.

　 Danger!

 Do not use the AUTO steering mode in short visual range or narrow
visual field situations, or in case of mist and rainstorm, or in the
area affected by navigation obstructions, or in the sea areas that
have heavy traffic and many vessels passing by, or in the seaport
and narrow waterway in order to prevent serious accidents from
happening.
 Do not use the system if power supply voltage is beyond a specified range or
unstable and fluctuating in case of fires and electric breakdown.
 Do not leave the helm unattended or fall asleep on duty .Believe the pilot but
do not over-rely on it
 The operation of the autopilot is based on the signals transmitted by the
sensor mounted on the magnetic compass and thus depends largely on the
heading accuracy of the sensor detection. As the magnetic compass is used as a
heading source, the heading it provides might have a significant deviation due to
the interference of the external magnetic field, but it is still deemed correct and
used for control, which will make the vessel deviate from a preset heading
obviously. In the satellite navigation control mode, the autopilot is controlled by
the heading information transmitted by the GPS satellite navigator and thus
depends on the accuracy of the heading information. Due to the influence of
winds, current and waves etc., overconfidence on the autopilot will cause
shipwreck such as collision, grounding etc., therefore a sharp lookout and
frequent inspection of the heading are required to prevent such shipwrecks from
happening.

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Warning!

 Transportation and installation for equipment

○ Steering stand: do not install the steering stand in a place which can receives
wind, rain, sunlight and with more vibrations.
○ Magnetic heading sensor (magnetic compass): keep the sensor 50cm or more
away from ferromagnetic materials.
○ Rudder feedback unit: do not install the rudder angle feedback in a place with
humidity and more vibrations to avoid cable breakage and short circuit.
○ Do not tie an autopilot cable and a power cable and a speaker cable together;
in addition, high power marine radio will interfere the autopilot, whilst the
autopilot will affect the marine radio too.
○ Do not disassemble or refit the controller to avoid fires, electric breakdown or
functional failures.
○ Do not stretch the cables to prevent cable breakage or short circuit occurs
which might cause fires or contingencies.
 Steering controller not run normally until the failure is eliminated.
If abnormal conditions are found such as abnormal noise, abnormal heating,
strange odor etc., please check and remove them in time to prevent fires and
contingencies
A good understood of the methods and steps of how to switch to emergency
manual steering can ensure a timely switch of steering mode when the AUTO
steering fails
 Before using the autopilot for the first time, do more review and practice, make
yourself familiar with the equipment for safety.

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Ⅱ、Components of equipment
BT-32 Autopilot consists of steering stand and peripheral equipment. An integrated AUTO steering
system which is acquired by means of accessory equipment would be a necessary for the
implementation of a heading AUTO steering or a tracking automatic steering.
The components of the complete set of equipment are as shown in the following table:
BT-32 Type
Control unit DC－32
Main steering Follow-up transmitter HD - 32
stand
Rudder angle indicator 45C3-A
Alarm indicator AL-8
Steering mode selector switch LW38B-164F1474/5
Manual steering switch LW38B-164B4307/4
Power supply, pump selector LW38B-164F4114/3
switch
Magnetic heading sensor SC-32
Steering gear starter box ST
Peripheral
Steering gear control box SGC
equipment
Rudder feedback unit FB-32
Adjustable link LG-1
Equipment Magnetic compass of class A To be provided by the
provided by the user
user
GPS satellite navigator option

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Ⅲ、Technical properties
Type BT-32
Power supply 380V±10% 50Hz±6%
Consumption not more than 150W
power
Operating －10℃～＋55℃
temperature
range
Steering mode  Auto: according to the preset heading set on the controller,
automatically steer the vessel to sail in a straight line, which is the so-
called “heading control”
 NAV: use the current target heading output by the GPS satellite
navigator as a preset heading, automatically steer the vessel to sail in a
straight line, after the vessel reaches the current target, set the next
target as a new current target and steer the vessel automatically to sail
in a straight line, which is the so-called “tracking control”.
 Hand: manipulate the steering wheel of the follow-up transmitter to
issue rudder order, and the rudder will track the position automatically.
 Emergency manual: manipulate the emergency steering switch to
issue rudder order to drive the rudder.
External  Weather adjustment: 1℃～10℃ heading continuously adjustable
regulators
(sensitivity adjustment)
 Rudder angle ratio adjustment: 0.3～2.5x continuously adjustable
 Differential adjustment: 0～50s continuously adjustable
 Preset heading setter: adjustment starting from 1°
Internal  Bar-graph amplitude adjustment
regulators  Noise (rudder angle tracking sensitivity ) adjustment
 SIN/COS input adjustment
 Compass correction
Alarm point The alarm sounds if the vessel deviates 10°degrees or more from the
preset heading; and the alarm disappears if the vessel deviates
8°degrees or less from the preset heading.

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Ⅳ、Names and functions for various parts of the steering stand

The steering stand configuration includes the following parts:
Rudder angle indicator - indicate the current position of rudder angle.
Alarm indicator - give an audible and visual alarm if the system fails; and has alarm detection and a
mute function.
Power and pump selector switch - select the power supply of autopilot and the operating pump unit of
hydraulic system, or the standby pump to work.
Steering mode selector switch - select the current steering mode, including four optional modes:
satellite NAV steering, AUTO steering, HAND (follow-up) steering and NFU (no- follow-up steering.
Manual steering switch - manipulate the switch on or off, to actualize the manual switch steering.
Follow-up steering hand wheel - turn the hand wheel to send a follow-up steering order, to actualize
the follow-up steering.
Steering controller - the main control unit，which is for AUTO steering and follow-up steering.

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1、Rudder angle indicator

a electricity meter type indicator with an indicating range of
±40° rudder angle.
2、Alarm indicator
The alarm indicator comprises running lamps of the #1 and #2
pump, various malfunctions indicator lamps, alarm device
detection buttons and a mute button etc.
24 alarm indicator lamps in total, divided to three groups; the
right and left group on the upper part of the indicator monitor
the running state of the #1 and #2 steering dynamical sources
(power supply and hydraulic pump systems) respectively; 10
items for each of the two groups.
The # 1 and #2 pumps running indicator lamps are on the upper
left corner of the left and right groups. If an indicator lamp is on,
it means the pump is running. Each alarm group indication
consists of nine red indicator lamps, monitoring the working
state of the left and right dynamical system respectively. Each
alarm item is indicated by a text on the lamp with its meaning as
follows:
RUN………if the lamp is on ,it means the pump is running
POWER…… the dynamic power of hydraulic system is missing
PHASE……one phase in the three-phase power supply for the hydraulic system is missing
LOAD……the pump motor for the hydraulic system is overloaded
CONTROL……one 380V~main power supply selected by the bridge house steering stand is
missing
LEVEL……the liquid level of oil tank for the hydraulic system is too low
FILTER…… the oil filter for the hydraulic system is blocked
TEMP……the hydraulic oil temperature is higher than the set value
PRES…… the control oil pressure in the hydraulic system is lower than the set value
HY.LOCK…… the breakdown of hydraulic system causes a failure of steering

Beneath the first group above mentioned is the second group of indicator lamps, including two
indicator lamps in total:
AUTO FAIL --- a fault in the main controller inner circuit causes the failures of AUTO steering
and follow-up steering.
DC24V---if the 24VDC power supply from the vessel is missing or its voltage is insufficient(less
than 18V), an alarm is triggered, the lamp gives red light; if the 24VDC power supply is normal,
the lamp gives green light.

The third group indicator lamps are used to indicate the steering position, whose selection depends on
the steering position selector switch in the steering gear room:
BRIDGE--- the bridge house steering stand control is valid.
STERN--- the steering gear room steering is valid, the bridge house steering stand control is
invalid.

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In the bottom part of the indicator is DIM, MUTE and TEST button.
DIM button is on the left, which is used to adjust the display brightness of alarm indicator lamp; the
button on the right with a text of “TEST” on it is the detection button for the alarm system, press the
button, and all of the alarm indicator lamps are on with an alarm sound, then detect if the alarm
system is normal; the button in the middle position with a text of “MUTE” on it is used to answer the
alarm.
Once an alarm is triggered, its indicator lamp flashes with alarm sounds of “beep, beep ”, press the
MUTE button and the alarm lamp turns on solid and the alarm sound disappears, which will not stop
an alarm sound if the alarm is triggered again. When the malfunction is cleared ，the alarm will be
removed and the indicator lamp goes out automatically
3、Power supply and pump selector switch
The power supply and pump selector switch are located in the lower left corner of the steering stand
control panel.
Rotate the power transfer switch counterclockwise and turn it on, start the #1 steering gear system and
connect the port side main power supply to the pilot; turn counterclockwise to the second gear (1
work 2 standby), the # 1 steering gear system works and the # 2 steering gear system is in standby; if
the power supply of the #1 steering gear system fails, the #2 steering gear system will start
automatically. Rotate clockwise the power transfer switch and turn it on, start #2 steering gear system
and connect the starboard main power supply to the pilot; turn clockwise to the second gear (2 work 1
standby),the #2 steering gear system works and #1 steering gear system is in standby; if the power
supply of the #2 steering gear system fails, the #1 steering gear system will start automatically.
4、Steering mode selector switch
The steering mode selector switch with four options details as below:
NAV---the pilot works in the AUTO steering mode; at the moment, the preset heading is derived
from a satellite navigator and is used for steering.
AUTO---the pilot works in the AUTO steering mode, the preset heading is set on the steering
controller by the navigating officer.
HAND---the pilot works in the follow-up steering mode; the helm order is issued by the
navigating officer manipulating the steering wheel, to make the rudder track and get to the ordered
position automatically
NFU---the pilot works in a steering mode that uses the handle steering switch to turn the rudder to
“move” or “stop”
5、Manual steering switch
The manual steering switch in the upper right side of the lower part of steering stand control panel is
still a self-reset switch used to work the manual steering. It has “OVERRIDE” property and highest
response level, no matter where the steering mode selector switch is, as long as the manual switch
moves, the steering actuator will execute its order immediately while the rudder orders given by other
modes are invalid; but once the manual switch resets to the middle position, the steering actuator will
be controlled by the former steering mode again.
6、HAND steering wheel
随动操舵手轮位于操舵台控制面板的下部正中位置。它与随动操舵舵令发讯机相啮合。向左逆
时针转动手轮发出动左舵指令；向右顺时针转动手轮发出动右舵指令。
The follow-up hand wheel in the median position of the lower part of steering stand control panel
meshes with the follow-up steering rudder order transmitter. Turn the hand wheel counterclockwise to
port and send Port orders; turn the wheel clockwise to starboard and send starboard orders.
7、Steering controller
Names and function descriptions for various parts on DC-32 control panel

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Ⅴ、Peripheral equipment
1、Magnetic heading sensor
The magnetic heading sensor is used to detect the magnetic compass heading. It is usually mounted in
the median position of the top of compass bowl; and it is so small that it will not affect the reading of
scale of the magnetic compass.

2、Rudder feedback unit

The rudder feedback unit is used to detect the actual position of the rudder
The rocker arm of the rudder feedback unit and the tiller can form a parallelogram by means of an
adjustable link and achieve the synchronous transmission of rudder angle. The rocker arm can also be
adjustable and easy to install or adjust.

3、Steering gear room steering box

The steering gear room steering box is mounted in the steering gear room and equipped with a left
pump running indicator lamp, a right pump running indicator lamp, a bridge house control indicator
lamp, a steering gear room control indicator lamp, a steering position selector switch and a manual
steering switch.
The steering position selector switch is used to transform the steering control position.
When the change-over switch on the steering gear room steering box is put on the bridge, the bridge
control is in effect, and the steering orders are given by the steering stand, while the steering switch
control mounted on the steering gear room steering box is invalid. When the selector switch is
mounted in the steering gear room, the bridge steering control becomes invalid, only use the manual
steering switch on the steering gear room steering box to work the steering.
The steering gear room steering box is provided with electricity by two 380V AV power supplies from
the #1 and #2 steering gear starter box respectively; two power conversion circuits inside the steering
box convert the two 380V AC power supplies to two 24C DC power supplies, which supply
electricity to the control solenoid valves in the #1 and #2 hydraulic dynamical rudder-pushing
mechanism respectively.

4、Steering gear starter box

Different power gears shall be equipped with different power steering gear starter box, which should
be pointed out in the purchase order.
The pilot is armed with two steering gear starter boxes, which control the starting or stopping of the
pump unit motor in the #1 and #2 hydraulic systems respectively.
The #1 and #2 steering gear starter box are provided with electricity by the three-phase main power
supply respectively, which is sent by the main switch board and the emergency switchboard along
port and starboard.
Each steering gear starter box is equipped with a three-position control switch, which has three
working state:(bridge house) remote control, stop, start; when they are all in “remote control”
position, the navigating officer can distantly control the starting or stopping of any hydraulic system
in the bridge house. In the steering gear room, if the control switch of one starting box is turned in
“start” or “stop” position, the steering gear hydraulic system is started or stopped accordingly, the
steering can be executed in the steering gear room by using the steering switch on the steering gear
room steering box. (refer to the previous chapter: Steering gear room steering box)
When the starting and stopping of hydraulic steering gear system are controlled by the bridge house,
three state of above-mentioned switch should be all set in “remote control” position; at the moment if
the two main power supplies both cannot start one selected hydraulic pump unit, the pilot will start

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another hydraulic pump unit automatically to ensure the normal operation of the AUTO steering
system.
In addition, the steering gear starter box can monitor the steering gear dynamical system by detecting
and forwarding its malfunction alarm signal. Once the steering gear dynamical system fails, an
audible and visual alarm sounds immediately. The steering gear starter box has seven monitoring
items including: steering gear dynamical system electricity loss, steering gear dynamical system phase
loss, oil pump motor overload, low liquid level of oil tank, high pressure of filter oil, high temperature
of hydraulic oil and low pressure of control oil; moreover, the steering gear starter box is equipped
with a detection and a mute buttons, the detection button is used to detect if the alarm system is
normal, and the mute button is used to remove the alarm sound that appears under alarm conditions;
the removal of the former alarm sound will not affect the appearance of an alarm sound when the
alarm is activated again.

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Ⅵ、Installation
As the pilot contains precise electronic components, its installation location shall meet the
requirements as below:
○ with low humidity and away from flash zone ○ without direct sunlight
○ easy to install and maintain ○ with less vibration

1、Installation of pilot
To ensure the normal operation of pilot, please note the following points when installation:
a. Before installation, understand the cable specification recommended by the system wiring
diagram, choose the standard cable type as requested, unless otherwise specified, the equipment
does not include installation cables.
Do not use an installation cable that is not tested by using high pressure
b. Keep the magnetic compass at least one meter away from any other electronic instrument,
mobile ironwork , ferromagnetic etc.; the cables nearby with strong current shall be installed in pairs
(twining would be better);inspect the accuracy of the magnetic compass regularly.
c. Install the equipment in an easy to operate place with less vibration and no sunlight and no rain
to ensure a long useful life; sufficient space should be retained around the equipment for future
maintenance.
d. Be sure that the power supply aboard the vessel shall in accordance with the requirement of the
pilot in order to avoid damage to the equipment.
e. As the pilot uses semiconductor devices, do not use the insulation resistance meter to measure
the insulation resistance otherwise the equipment might be damaged
f. The adjustment of equipment is already finished before leaving the factory; without sufficient
certainty, do not dismantle and adjust it; if any questions, please contact the manufacturer.

2、Installation of magnetic heading sensor SC-32

The magnetic heading sensor which is used to convert the heading reading of magnetic compass to an
electronic signal is the most important component in the steering system, be more careful when
installation. Install it at least 50 cm away from other ferromagnetic
○ Put the magnetic sensor and its mounting bottom plate in the median position of the compass bowl
of the magnetic compass, align the bow mark of the magnetic sensor with the fore-and-aft line of
compass bowl; in this position, and use the glue to fix the mounting bottom plate on the glass surface
of compass bowl. The more accurately the magnetic sensor is fixed, the better.
○ After the controller is connected with electricity, according to the comparison of the reading on the
sensor display and the reading of the magnetic compass, fine adjust the position of fore-and-aft line of
the sensor to improve the repeat accuracy of heading.

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3、Installation of rudder feedback unit FB-32

The rudder feedback unit converts the angle signal in the rudder blade position to an electronic signal
which is supplied to the controller. It is an indispensable and important component for this system.

Caution!

The rudder feedback unit must not be installed in a place with more vibrations
and tends to suffer from waves and rains, otherwise the apparatus and the
steering might fails. The installation location shall be easy to install and
maintain.
The actual rudder angle position of the rudder blade shall be transmitted
accurately to the controller by the rudder feedback unit. Make sure that the four
points, i.e., the center of rotation of the rudder feedback unit rocker arms, the
center of tiller draft, the hinge point of the tiller and adjustable link, the hinge
point of the rocker arm and adjustable link, can form a parallelogram, which
will be close to a rectangle when the rudder is in amidships position
Besides, the rudder feedback unit shall be installed to a place which shall make
the length of two sides of the parallelogram within the adjustable length range
of the rocker arm and adjustable link.
The external shell of the rudder feedback unit shall be fixed in such a place that
when the rudder is in amidships position (zero position), the rudder feedback
unit can indicate the amidships position (zero position) accordingly.

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Ⅶ、Trial operation or inspection before sailing (preparing for sea)

A. Preparation before first operation
1. Make sure the wire connections for various parts of the system are already finished as requested.
2. Please make sure that the hydraulic steering gear system works normally in the steering gear room
3. Please make sure that the voltage and polarity of power supply of steering system comply with the
request in the bridge house,
If trial operation or sailing preparation fails, please refer to the ninth chapter “Troubleshooting during
trial run” and the eleventh chapter “Adjustment”.

B. Steering gear room steering

No matter the steering stand in the bridge house runs or not, the steering still can be executed in the
steering gear room according to the following steps as below:
Start one steering gear hydraulic unit, transform the steering position selector switch on the steering
gear room steering box to “Steering gear room” position, then manipulate the steering switch on
steering gear room steering box to execute the steering .
If the steering stand runs already, and the “steering gear room steering” lamp on it is bright at the
moment, the steering stand control in the bridge house will become invalid; when the steering
position selector switch on the steering gear room steering box is rotated back to “bridge house”, the
“bridge house steering” lamp is on, the movement of the rudder restores to be controlled by bridge
house steering stand, and the steering gear room steering is invalid.
When the steering gear room executes steering, the starting of steering gear hydraulic unit is
controlled by the bridge or by the helmsman in the steering gear room. As long as the control selector
switch on the starter box is in “start” or “stop” position, the hydraulic steering gear can be started or
stopped accordingly.
When the bridge control is restored, the selector switch on the starter box shall be set in “remote
control” position and the steering position selector switch on the steering gear room steering box shall
be set in ‘bridge house’ position, so that the steering system can be fully controlled by the bridge
house.

C. Inspect ion before sailing (preparing for sailing)

The correction and test for the steering gear should be carried out by the crewman within 12 hours
before sailing.
1. In the steering gear room, start each set of steering gear oil pump in sequence; use the manual
steering switch to execute steering, make sure that the movement of rudder is correct when the
steering gear room executes steering; the indicating value of the rudder angle indicator corresponds to
the actual position of the rudder; and the rudder angle limit meets a request.

2. Inspection of bridge house steering stand

1）Inspect manual steering mode
a. Set the steering mode switch in “manual” position
b. Make the power switch on the controller connected (pull to “open” position), the power indicator
lamp is on, the buzzer sounds for a time, and the heading indicator shows the current heading, the bar-
graph rudder angle indicator indicates the current position of the rudder angle.
c. Use the manual (emergency) steering switch to move the rudder 30°to port and starboard
respectively then back to mid-ship position.

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2）Inspection of follow-up steering mode

a. Set the steering mode switch in Follow-up position, the power indicator lamp is on, the buzzer give
a sound, the heading indicator shows the current heading, the bar-graph rudder angle indicator
indicates the current position of the rudder angle.
b. Manipulate the steering wheel 30°to port and starboard respectively then back to mid -ship position,
the bar-graph rudder angle indicator shall track and indicate the position of the rudder angle.

3）Inspection of AUTO steering mode

When the system is in “AUTO steering” mode, the vessel will keep sailing in a straight line
according to a preset heading set manually; Press the “port” and “starboard” button, and the set value
of the preset heading will be changed
a. The steering mode is set in “AUTO” position, the buzzer sounds for a time, the power indicator
lamp and the “AUTO” indicator lamp are both bright simultaneously, the reading of the heading
indicator flashes and shows the current heading which is used as a preset heading for AUTO steering
after the reading flashes for several seconds.
b. A press on the “port” button, the buzzer sounds for a time, and the set value of the preset heading
reduces to port by 1°and flashes; a long press on the “port” button, the set value of the preset heading
reduces successively while the buzzer sounds continuously; after the button is disengaged, the reading
of the heading indicator flashes for several seconds and is used as a new set value of the preset
heading; after the reading flash goes out, the heading indicator will reset to show the current heading.
Due to the setting of a preset heading, the rudder will rotate to port and stay in one position.
c. A press on the “starboard” button, the buzzer sounds for a time, the set value of the preset heading
increases to starboard by 1°and flashes; a long press on the “starboard” button, the set value of the
preset heading increase successively while the buzzer sounds continuously; after the button is
disengaged, then the reading of the heading indicator flashes and is used as a new preset heading.
After the reading flash goes out, the heading indicator resets to show the current heading. Due to the
setting of a new preset heading, the rudder will rotate to starboard and stay in one position.
d. Press the “port” or “starboard” button to make the preset heading in accordance with the current
heading, and the rudder shall return to mid-ship position
e. When the difference between the preset heading and current heading is more than 10 °, the “yaw
alarm” lamp is on, the buzzer sounds for a time. When their difference is less than 8°, the “yaw
alarm” lamp is off, and the yaw alarm disappears.

4）Inspection of NAV mode

It is an AUTO steering mode, in which the preset heading is set by the satellite navigation equipment.
If the steering system is already connected to a GPS satellite navigator or a GPS chart plotter and
receives the sentences with APB, BOD, XTE format under NNMEA0183 standard from the GPS
equipment, set a route on the GPS equipment, then the steering system which works in a NAV mode,
can control the route according to the command heading from the satellite navigation system ---steer
the vessel to sail automatically according to a preset heading.
a. Set the mode switch in “satellite navigation” position, the buzzer sounds for a time, the “satellite
navigation” mode indicator lamp and the “AUTO” mode indicator lamp are both on, the current
reading of heading indicator flashes and is used as a current preset heading.
b. When the waypoint data from GPS is input, the “NMEA” indicator lamp flashes; once the
controller of the steering system receives the target bearing from the current vessel position point to
the next waypoint, the reading of the heading indicator flashes and shows this target bearing; after the
reading flashes for several seconds, it will be used as a new preset heading

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Ⅷ、Method of operation in sailing

A、Manual steering
In the manual steering mode, manipulate the self-reset manual (emergency) steering switch, whilst
observe the rudder angle indicator, then the movement of rudder can be controlled at any time.
Operating steps:
1、Set the steering mode to manual side, the buzzer sounds for a time, the “manual” indicator
lamp is on.
2、Rotate the manual steering switch handle clockwise, the rudder will move to starboard; turn
the manual steering switch handle counterclockwise, the rudder will move to port; whilst observe
the rudder angle indicator; when it indicates the rudder already moves to a desired position,
release the handle, then the rudder stays in the position.

B、Hand steering
In Hand mode, manipulate the steering wheel then the position of rudder blade can be controlled at
any time
Operating steps:
1. Set the steering mode to follow-up side, the buzzer sounds for a time and the “follow-up”
indicator lamp in on.
2. ring wheel clockwise, the rudder moves to starboard and will not stop automatically until it
reaches a rudder angle position indicated by the steering wheel; rotate the steering wheel
counterclockwise, the rudder moves to port and will not stop automatically until it reaches a
rudder angle position indicated by the steering wheel.

C、Auto steering
In the automatic heading control mode, use the current heading as a preset heading to perform the
AUTO steering so as to keep the vessel sailing in a straight line.
For safety, manipulate the heading close to an expected bearing firstly before the AUTO
steering mode is acquired by means of transformation. Once the steering mode is
transformed to “AUTO”, the controller will use the vessel heading of the moment when
the transformation was made as a preset heading.
Operating steps:
1. In the manual or follow-up steering mode, set the heading to a position which is close to a
desired heading by using the manual steering
2. Set the steering mode switch to auto side, the buzzer sounds for a time, and the “AUTO”
indicator lamp is on.
3. Use the “port” or “starboard” button to modify a desired preset heading

Alteration of preset heading:

Press the “port” button once, the buzzer sounds for a time, the preset heading reduces to port by 1°.
Press the “starboard” button once, the buzzer sounds for a time, the preset heading increases to
starboard by 1°.
Press the “port” or “starboard” button for a long time, the preset heading reduces to port or increases
to starboard successively; release the button, the reading of the heading indicator flashes for several
seconds and is used as a new set value of the preset heading. After the reading flash goes out, the
heading indicator reset to show the current heading.

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D、AUTO steering by the NAV mode

In the NAV mode, use the target bearing sent by the navigation equipment such as GPS/GPS chart
plotter, as a preset heading to perform the automatic steering.
When the steering system is already connected to the satellite navigation equipment such as GPS
satellite navigator or GPS chart plotter, the inspections is carried out according to the following steps:
Step 1
Set a target on the satellite navigation equipment such as GPS satellite navigator (set the target
according to the navigation equipment manual)
Step 2
When the system is already connected to the navigation equipment, check if the “NMEA”
indicator lamp flashes; but the lamp don’t flash, and check the wired connection between the
system and the navigation equipment is correct or not.
Step 3
Set steering mode switch to “NAV” side, the buzzer sounds for a time; the “NAV” indicator lamp
is on.
When the target data is already input from the satellite navigation equipment, the target bearing is
shown in the heading indicator and flashes; several seconds later, the current heading is shown on the
indicator; at the moment,
“NAV” indicator lamp is on
“AUTO” indicator lamps are all on simultaneously
“NMEA” indicator lamp flashes

1、When two or more targets are set

When tow or more targets are set in the navigation equipment, the steering system receives the
bearing signals of these targets in sequence, and the vessel sails to the two targets one after another.
Note: when the vessel sails from one target to the next target, it will deviate outwards if the heading is
changed substantially.

2、Deviation of set value of preset heading

During an interval between the target setting on navigation equipment and the transformation of
steering system to NAV mode for sailing, a large deviation might occur to the preset heading.

3、Arrival of target
When the last set target is completed in sequence, the vessel circles the target, and the circling
direction depends on how the vessel passes through the last target.
When the vessel gets close to the last target, which steering mode the steering system transforms to
depends on the specific conditions.

4、如何避让 Collision Avoidance

When collision with another vessel or an obstruction in sailing, do not have to change the steering
mode, just use the manual (emergency) steering mode to avoid the collision . After avoidance, release
the manual steering mode switch handle, the steering system will restore to the navigation mode
automatically.

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5、导航模式下收不到导航信息 Non-receipt of navigation data in a navigation mode

If the navigation data is not received in 15 seconds after setting the NAV mode for the first time, a
receipt error occurs, the buzzer will give a long sound; if the buzzer sounds endlessly, transform the
satellite NAV mode to another steering mode firstly and then reset to navigation mode; if the buzzer
becomes silent, it means that the steering system already works normally in navigation mode.

Caution!

导航模式下可以接收的信息是 NMEA0183、NMEA0182 格式由于 DC-32

内部没有海区地磁差校正功能，在导航设备中设定为输出经校正后的真
方位信号，如果磁方位和真方位两者都有输出，则优先接收的是真方位。
In navigation mode, the data which can be received is with NMEA0183 and
NMEA0182 format; as the correction of sea areas magnetic variation cannot be
made in the DC-32, the output true bearing signal which is set in the navigation
equipment shall be corrected; if the magnetic bearing and the true bearing both
output, the true bearing will be received preferentially.

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6、stopping of transmission of navigation data in sailing

During the voyage at sea, if the navigation data transmission from the navigation equipment stops or
the controller of the steering system fails in NAV mode has input problems, the vessel will keep
sailing in a straight line automatically according to the bearing it received the last time.

E、Setting of various parameters in the AUTO steering mode

After the AUTO steering is performed, observe regularly if the vessel sails according to the command
heading, adjust the control parameters of the AUTO steering system properly to acquire a optimal
heading control. The methods of adjustment are as follows:

1、Adjustment of Sensitivity(weather)
The sensitivity adjustment knob is used to determine the deviation tolerance (in degree) of the
heading deviating from the preset heading; when a deviation reaches the deviation tolerance, correct
the rudder angle. If the deviation tolerance is set to be a big value, the allowable yaw range of the
vessel will be large too, but the amounts of rudder movement reduce, then the unnecessary steering is
expected to reduce accordingly; if the deviation tolerance is set to be smaller, the allowable yaw range
of the vessel will be narrow too, a higher heading keeping accuracy is expected to acquire, but the
rudder moves frequently and relatively.
The optimal set value set of the sensitivity adjustment knob depends on vessel type, rudder
performance, vessel speed etc.; all these will be verified in the actual sailing
○ Calm glass sea area: scale 1
In a calm sea, the wave hardly causes floating and swing of the bow; so the scale value can be
set close to 1,but the correction of the heading should not exceed 4-5 times in one minute.
○ Smooth wavelet: scale 1.5
A wavelet causes the bow to float and swing; do not have to allow the steering system to correct
the deviation of heading overly, the frequency of heading correction at the moment shall be
limited in an acceptable range
The set value of sensitivity should be roughly equivalent to the average deviation amplitude of
bow relative to the preset heading, namely, the natural yaw amplitude of the vessel.
The natural yaw amplitude of the vessel is determined by the following methods: set the yaw
adjustment to“1”, observe the average yaw range of the vessel relative to the command heading,
for example, the yaw range observed is approximately ±3 degree, set “yaw” to 3 or slightly less
than 3
○ Rough sea: scale to 2-3
A large wave results in a big angle swing of the bow, do not have to allow the steering system to
correct the heading frequently, just correct the heading from a security point of view, steer the
vessel to leave the rough area.

2、Adjustment of rudder angle ratio

The rudder angle ratio knob is used to determine how many of rudder angle to use in order to correct
one unit heading deviation when the heading deviates from the preset heading.
Assumption: the heading deviates from the preset heading 2° to starboard
When the rudder angle ratio scale is set in 0.5—the rudder blade move to 1° port
When the rudder angle ratio scale is set in 1—the rudder blade move to 2° port
When the rudder angle ratio scale is set in 2—the rudder blade move to 4° port
In general, the rudder angle ratio is set in 1～1.5 position

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The optimum set value of the rudder angle ratio depends on vessel type, rudder performance, vessel
speed etc., which should be verified by considering the yawing conditions of the vessel in the actual
sailing and easy to distinguish in a calm sea.
In a calm sea, “rudder angle ratio adjustment” is set in 1.2, the vessel will deviate from the preset
heading due to the influence of wind and flow; if the pilot works the AUTO steering once, the vessel
will stop deviating outwards and slowly return to the preset heading; the setting of rudder angle ratio
is proper and optimum.
If the bow quickly returns and cross the preset heading and makes the pilot move the rudder reversely
once again, with continuous back-and-forth movements of the rudder, the bow swings from side to
side endlessly, it means the set value of the rudder angle ratio is too big and needs a reduction
If only when the pilot move the rudder continuously in the same direction twice or more, can the
vessel stop deviating outwards from the preset heading, it means the set value of rudder angle ratio is
too small and needs an increase.
The optimum set value of the rudder angle ratio is relative to the vessel speed and direction of water
flow or rudder effect; if the vessel speed is low and the rudder effect is poor, the rudder angle ratio
should be set to be a bit bigger, and if the vessel speed is high and the rudder effect is good, the rudder
angle ratio should be set to be a little smaller; In the wake of the variation of relative vessel speed, the
rudder angle ratio should be adjusted properly.

3、Rate (Differential) regulation

Rate (Differential) regulation shall be set according to loading conditions of the vessel
Full load - to be set with a bigger value
Ballast/light load - to be set with a smaller value
Once an optimum rudder angle ratio is determined, the optimum value of differential regulation is
determined in the process of alteration of the preset heading in AUTO steering mode. When the vessel
turns 10 - 20° to port and 10 - 20° to starboard once respectively, if the vessel alter its heading quickly
without any excessive overshoot, (the overshoot is less than 3° i.e. the overshoot is not more than 10 -
20% of the alteration of the heading), and the parameter will be considered to be set properly, the
system is in optimum condition. If the vessel does not overshoot at all and stagnates before a new
heading then moves close to the new heading very slowly, it means the set value of differential is too
big and needs a reduction; if the vessel overshoots more than 3°, then returns, and overshoots again,
or even oscillates endlessly, it means the set value of differential is insufficient and needs an increase.
Explanations:
1）In the sea with wind and waves, the overshoot might be a little bigger after turning of the vessel,
but an appropriate overshoot shall be allowed
2 ） For some types of small vessels, even no differential is added, the overshoot might not occur
when the vessel turns; if the turning time is too long, increase the set value of rudder angle ratio
appropriately to improve the turning performance of vessel.
3）For some vessels with good rudder effects, a large-angle turn can cause a big overshoot, even an
increase of differential cannot make more effect; therefore, several small turnings are used to
substitute one big angle turning in the practical application.

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Ⅸ、Troubleshooting
A、Troubleshooting in first operation
1、Vibration of hydraulic system

Problem The port and starboard steering indicator lamps light up alternately, the plunger
of the hydraulic steering gear moves back and forth endlessly.

Cause The flow of pump is too big, the rudder moves too fast

Measure Adjust the output flow of the oil pump, increase the time between full rudder
and full rudder movements by 5 seconds (but not more than 28 seconds), if a
vibration cannot be eliminated, check and remove the air in the hydraulic
pipes; if no improvement achieved, adjust the current sensitivity.

2、Inverse and full rudder creep when manual steering

Problem The rudder moves against the order

Cause The hydraulic pipes are connected reversely and the electrical wires are
connected wrongly.

Measure 1. Exchange the cables that connect to the left and right solenoid valve.

2. Swap the position of pipe A and pipe B of the cylinder of the steering gear
oil cylinder.

3、Inverse and full rudder creep when follow-sup steering

Problem The rudder moves against the orders till full rudder is reached

Cause The rudder feedback unit sends reverse signals or its wire connection is wrong

Measure Swap and connect the red and black wire at one end of the cable which
connects to the rudder feedback unit.

4、The rudder moves reversely but it can stop when follow-up steering

Problem The rudder stops at one side against the order

Cause The output signal of the rudder feedback is reverse and the connection of the
wires which connect to the two solenoid valves is wrong.

Measure Swap and connect the red and black wire at one end of the cable connecting to
the rudder feedback unit; besides, swap the connecting position of red wire
and white wire at one end of the cable that connects to the rudder feedback
unit.

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Ｂ、Troubleshooting in operation
１、Disposal for a failure alarm
If an alarm sounds, switch to another pump according to the conditions; make further
inspection in proper time and remove errors.
“Power failure” alarm

A Cause The three-phase power supply of the steering gear hydraulic system is
missing---the main switch board cannot provide electricity or the power
supply circuit has troubles.

Measure Switch to another hydraulic system and inspect the power supply circuit in
proper time.

B Cause The steering gear room steering box lacks electricity and its fuse core is
broken or its supply cable is broken.

Measure Replace the core of fuse or use a spare cable for a change.

“Phase fail” alarm

A. Cause One phase of the three-phase power supply is missing or the phase sequence
is disordered.

Measure Switch to another hydraulic system, inspect the power supply circuit and the
phase sequence of the three-phase power supply; correct them.

B. Cause The alarm loop gives a false alarm, other alarm monitoring loops might have
the same problem, no repeat here.

Measure Inspect the contact and wiring connection of the alarm monitoring loops.

“overload” alarm

cause The hydraulic system oil pump motor is overloaded.

measure Switch to another hydraulic system to work the steering; inspect the pump
starter box and the hydraulic pump assembles, reset the overload relay in
proper time

“Low liquid level” alarm

Cause The liquid level in the hydraulic system is too low.

Measure Inspect the liquid level in the oil tank and refill it.

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“Filter Block” alarm

Cause The hydraulic system filter is plugged, and the pressure difference in it is too
big.

Measure Clean the filter and change the element of it.

“High oil temperature” alarm

Cause The oil temperature in the hydraulic system is too high

Measure Use another pump, inspect and adjust the hydraulic system that sounds an
alarm.

“Loa oil pressure” alarm

Cause The auxiliary pump of the hydraulic system is out of order, or the back
pressure valve is broken.

measure Use another oil pump; inspect the hydraulic system that sounds an alarm.

“Hydraulic lock” alarm

Cause The hydraulic system has some clogging problems ,the rudder cannot move
normally. (refer to Troubleshooting of manual steering)

Measure Quantitative pump system: dismantle and clean the directional valve, filter and
remove the impurities in the hydraulic oil or change it; or the centering spring
of the directional valve is broken, change it.
Variable pump system: inspect and maintain the variable pump.

“Yaw” alarm

Cause When the AUTO steering works, the difference between the current heading
and preset heading of the vessel is more than an allowable value

Measure The AUTO steering change the preset heading by more than 10°to a new
heading, the alarm disappears automatically.

The AUTO steering control is abnormal, refer to the chapter ‘Troubleshooting

of automatic steering’

“24VDC”alarm

Cause The AUTO steering system does not provide 24V DC to the steering stand

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after it starts.

measure The switch of the switch box that provides 24V DC to the steering stand is
set to “open” position.

“control electricity loss”

A. Cause One 380V main power supply of steering stand selected currently is
missing

Measure Switch immediately to another power supply ， and handle the trouble in
time

B. Cause The pumps of the steering hydraulic system cannot start, and the steering
position selector switch of the steering gear starter box is set wrongly to the
“Steering gear room” control position.

Measure The steering position selector switch is set to the bridge house control.

C. Cause The core of the fuse core is broken or the supply cable is cut.

Measure Replace the core of fuse or use a spare cable for a change.

D. Cause The pilot is already closed, but the 24V power supply from the storage
battery is still opened

Measure Turn off the switch in the bridge console switch box that provide a 24 V
power supply to the pilot.

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２、手动操舵失灵 Manual steering failure

If the manual steering fails, switch to another pump immediately; make further
inspection in proper time, referring to the following table :

Failure symptom Cause Strategies and Measurements

The rudder cannot The solenoid valve has a Measure the resistance of coil of the
move but the open coil. solenoid valve; if it is open coil, replace it
solenoid gets the with a coil of the same type.
power supply.
The valve core of the Use a screwdriver to push the valve core,
solenoid valve is choked if the valve core is seriously choked,
disassemble the solenoid and filter, clean
them; replace the hydraulic oil regularly.

The solenoid lacks The steering stand sends a The Connecting cable is broken and use a
the power supply. steering control voltage spare cable.
output

The steering stand does not The fuse is broken, replace it; and find
send a steering control out the reason of short circuit, then
voltage output eliminate the latent danger.

An unidirectional The valve core of the Clean the solenoid valve

rudder creep occurs solenoid valve is seriously
choked

The Hand steering The centering spring of the Inspect the centering spring of the valve
is normal, but when solenoid valve or hydraulic core, if it is broken, replace it.
the manual steering valve is broken or fails
is executed an
unidirectional
rudder creep occurs

The rudder cannot The terminal blocks are Inspect the securing screws on the
move sometimes loose or the switch has terminals and fix them, clean the contacts
connection problem. of the switch

The valve core of the Clean the solenoid valve.

solenoid valve is choked
occasionally

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３、Follow-up steering failures

When the follow-up steering fails, switch to the manual emergency steering, and make
further inspection, referring to the following table:

Failure symptom Cause Strategies and measurements

The follow-up The manual steering See the chapter: Manual steering failures
steering fails fails too

The rudder vibrates NOISE adjustment Readjust the NOISE adjustment potentiometer,
or stagnates malfunctions turn counterclockwise to increase the sensitivity;
turn clockwise to reduce the sensitivity.

The port or the The rudder speed in Adjust the output flow of hydraulic pump in the
starboard pump the two system is not hydraulic steering system make the speed of
vibrates or consistent rudder in the two systems nearly equal, whose
stagnates difference shall not be more than 2 seconds.

The follow-up The gains of all stages Inspect the gains of rudder feedback
tracking error is big of the rudder order amplification, follow-up order amplification and
amplifier are not rudder order integrated amplification, and correct
adjusted properly them.

The rudder feedback Correct the location of rudder feedback

transmitter is loose. transmitter in the rudder feedback unit and fix it.

When the Hand The rudder feedback Inspect the screws of the input and output port of
steering is has no signals the rudder feedback transmitter, fix them, and
executed, a full check if the transmission cable is broken
rudder creep
occurs, but when The follow-up Inspect the rudder order amplifier
the manual steering amplifier is out of
is executed, the order
rudder moves
normally.

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４、AUTO steering failures
If the AUTO steering fails, switch to other steering mode firstly for steering, and make
further inspection referring to the following table at proper time:
Failure symptom Possible cause
The AUTO steering fails The follow-up steering fails
When the AUTO steering The various parameters of
works, the heading of vessel the AUTO steering are set
is not kept stably improperly, and the setting
of the rudder angle ratio
shall be concerned.
When the AUTO steering The differential regulation is
works, a big overshooting set improperly (too small or
or stagnation occurs if the too big)
heading of the vessel is
changed.
The AUTO steering fails No heading information
input
g order loop malfunctions
When the AUTO steering when the follow-up steering
works, a rudder creep is performed, a full rudder
occurs creep occurs too.
An AUTO steering order
loop malfunctions
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Strategies and measurements
See “Follow-up steering
failures”
Reset the various parameters of
adjustment, refer to the chapter
“Setting of various parameters
in AUTO steering mode”
Ditto, reset all the parameters
Inspect the screws of the input
and output port of the
command heading transmitting
loop, fix them.
consult an experienced
maintenance man
See “Follow-up steering
failures”
consult an experienced
maintenance man
 BT-32 型 自动操舵仪使用说明书 BT-32 Autopilot user manual

Ⅹ、Maintenance
Ａ、Magnetic compass
Lubricate the moving parts of the gimbals in time to ensure a smooth rotation as the salts tend to
adhere to it. If the vessel is idled for a long period of time, take the magnetic compass off and place it
in the storeroom or cover it to avoid the sun, which can prolong its useful life.
Ｂ、Magnetic sensor
The magnetic sensor uses a thin and gentle lead wire so as not to impede the operation of the
magnetic compass. Note: do not allow senor or lead wire to touch any other metal component
otherwise the external layer of the lead wire might be damaged, causing an AUTO steering failure. If
the vessel is idled for a long period of time, take the sensor and compass off together and place them
in the storeroom.
Ｃ、Rudder feedback unit
The rudder feedback unit is mounted aboard in a place which is under a worst atmospheric
environment with a biggest vibration. It is a very important unit. Once it is damaged, the follow-up
steering, AUTO steering and rudder angle indicating will all fail. Before the vessel leave a port, check
if the spherical connecting part and fixed part are loose in the steering gear room; add lubricating oil
to the moving part that moves back and forth, such as the spherical connecting part monthly.
D、AUTO Steering Control unit
Check frequently if the plug-fixe sockets and connecting terminal accommodation area are affected
by rust and insulation damage etc., which are caused by salt air, salt, rain water etc.

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Ⅺ、Appendix:
Adjustment
A、 Adjustment of steering controller

Caution!
In general, the following contents are already complete in the manufacturer, unless
an unacceptable error occurs, no need to make a setting and a correction for them
again.

1、Adjustment of indicating amplitude of Bar-graph indicator

Open a cage on the controller, draw out a panel, use a little screwdriver to adjust the left and right
adjustable potentiometer on the back of the panel in order to control the quantity of left side and right
side lamps of the bar-graph rudder angle indicator, which are lit up; turn clockwise, the quantity of
the lamps will increase.
1). Turn the actual rudder angle “20” degree to port, four lamps on the left of the bargrahp indicator
lamp shall be lit up, if the amounts of the lamps are less than 4, set VR1 counterclockwise; otherwise
set VR1 clockwise.
2). Turn the actual rudder angle “20” degree to starboard, four lamps on the right of the bargrahp
indicator lamp shall be lit up, if the amounts of the lamps are less than 4,set VR2 clockwise;
otherwise set VR2 counterclockwise.
3). VR6 is used to set the bar-graph rudder angle indicator lamp to mid position, when the rudder is in
mid-ship position, the mid position lamp is off, if the rudder angle deviates 2 degree to port or to
starboard, the mid position lamp gives red or green light; set VR6 counterclockwise to reduce the
rudder angle of the time when the mid position lamp is on; set VR6 clockwise to increase the rudder
angle of the time when the mid position lamp is on.
4). Manipulate the actual rudder angle and acquire different rudder angles to port and starboard side;
adjust VR1, VR2, VR6 respectively until the indicating rudder angle corresponds roughly to the
actual rudder angle.

2、Adjustment of tracking accuracy

If the follow-up steering assembles are connected, the debugging will be done according to the
following methods:
1). Firstly finish the debugging of “Manual”, and turn the follow-up hand wheel to mid position “0”
2). Turn the mode switch to “follow-up” position, at the moment, the state of all the indicating lamps
is unchanged, but the buzzer sounds for a time; turn the follow-up hand wheel “10” degree to port; at
the moment, Rudder-Port indicating lamp is on (red light), the rudder shall start tracking
3). Observe the tracking condition of actual rudder angle, if the rudder angle is not “10”degree to port,
adjust FO.ADJ potentiometer to make the actual rudder angle correspond roughly to the rudder angle
of follow-up hand wheel steering; repeat the debugging at all the scales until the tracking accuracy
meets the request.

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3、Adjustment of feedback gains

Adjustment in the “AUTO” steering mode
1). Before turning the mode switch to “AUTO” position, firstly set “rudder angle ratio” to 1, turn
“WEATHER” counterclockwise to end and set it to “1”; turn “differential” counterclockwise to end
and set it to “0”
2). Rotate the mode switch “AUTO” position, the buzzer sounds for a time, “AUTO” indicating lamp
is on, the bow bearing value flashes for several seconds whilst it is input as a preset heading
3). Connect the control output loop, the system is already in “AUTO” state; at the moment, observe
the lighting conditions of the steering indicator lamps on the two ends of the bar-graph indicator and
the deflecting direction of the rudder angle; if the Rudder-port indicator lamp in the left end of the
indicator is on but the rudder angle deflects to starboard, or the Rudder-starboard indicator lamp in the
right end of the indicator is on but the rudder angle deflects to port, it means the isolation relay is
wrongly connected, the power supply should be cut immediately; swap the red and white control
output wire which connect to the isolation relay for a try.
If the steering indicator lamps on the two ends of the indicator are both off since the system is in
“AUTO” state, several clicks on the set heading button, lit up one steering indicator lamp and observe
the conditions of rudder angle deflection
4). Adjust the corresponding value of the “rudder angle ratio” scale and the actual rudder angle: press
the set heading button to set the heading 10 degrees to port, i.e. “118”(analogize according to the
difference of initial heading ),at the moment, the actual rudder angle shall deflect to port by 10
degrees (because the rudder angle ratio is 1),if the difference is too big, adjust the RD.ADJ
potentiometer on the adjustment board or adjust the position of the rudder feedback link on the rocker.

4、Adjustment of Voltage for SIN/COS 1V

CAUTION!

SIN/COS 1V adjustment is already complete before they leave the factory,

but due to the installation of the magnetic compass or its connection to other
devices, the values of SIN/COS 1V might be changed, which can result in a
deviation between the heading reading of the pilot and the heading reading of
the magnetic compass or the reading of the devices in connection with
SIN/COS 1V, or a heading reading jump. Under such a condition, SIN/COS
1V needs an adjustment and a correction again. If the above deviation or the
reading jump still exists after the adjustment and correction, change the
magnetic sensor and the steering controller.

If the value of SIN/COS 1V needs a readjustment, please follow the steps as below:
Step1:
Open the rear cover of the controller, draw a switched wire used for inspection out from inside the
controller and connect it to the test instruments
Step 2:
Firstly make the compass bowl of the magnetic compass be rotatable, put a stuff of a wood board type
on the cage of the magnetic compass, take the compass bowl out from inside the cage and put it on the
wooden board. The place for correcting the magnetic compass should be close to its installing place as
much as possible in order to avoid the effect of external magnetic field.
Step3

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Rotate the compass bowl and the sensor mounted on it together, set them on the four bearing points,
adjust the SIN / COS 1V according to the following stipulated data

SIN side voltage adjustment COS side voltage adjustment

Connect “+5V”(black wire) to the electricity
meter “-”and measure the voltage of “SIN”
(red wire)
As the voltage polarity in 90°and the voltage
polarity in 270°are inverse, adjust SIN
potentiometer slowly to make the voltage
reach 1.0 V or -1.0V
Connect “+5V”(black wire) to the electricity
meter “-”and measure the voltage of “SIN”
(white wire)
As the voltage polarity in 0°and the voltage
polarity in 180°are inverse, adjust COS
potentiometer slowly to make the voltage
reach 1.0 V or -1.0V

Compass bearing Output voltage Compass bearing Output voltage

0° 0V 0° -1.0V

90° -1.0V 90° 0V

180° 0V 180° 1.0V

270° 1.0V 270° 0V

5、Noise adjustment
The oscillation in the steering system (the port and starboard steering indicator lamps light up
alternately and the steering gear oil cylinder reciprocates incessantly) can be reduced by means of a
flow adjustment or mechanical adjustment; but sometimes the oscillation still cannot be reduced even
by doing so. In such a situation, the adjustment of electric sensitivity is required: adjust the “NOISE
adjustment” potentiometer counterclockwise to increase the sensitivity; adjust the “NOISE
adjustment” potentiometer clockwise to reduce the sensitivity,

B. Correction of Magnetic heading sensor

Caution!
In General, the following contents are complete at the factory, unless an
unacceptable error occurs ,no need to make a setting and a correction for
them again.

It can be considered that a deviation between the heading indicated in the controller and the heading
indicated by the fore-and-aft baseline on the magnetic compass always occurs
Preparation
Firstly, make the compass bowl of the magnetic compass rotatable, place a wooden board on the cage
of the magnetic compass, and put the compass bowl on the wooden board; correct the sensor in a
place close to its installation location as much as possible, which is required to avoid the influence of
the ambient magnetic field.
Step1

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Turn the controller steering mode switch to “Manual”, open the rear cover of the controller, press the
“S2” button on the main board for about 5 seconds (the buzzer sounds for a time and then gives a long
sound).Once the buzzer gives a long sound, release the “S2” button, and the liquid crystal display of
the heading indicator shows “000”.

Suggestion

After the“S2”button is disengaged ,the elimination and waiting state will last for five seconds;
during this period, turn the controller steering mode switch to “Follow-up”, then the buzzer
sounds for a time, the liquid crystal display shows “888”and eliminates the former connection
data.(During the five seconds, turning the controller steering mode switch to “follow-up” is
more effective than pressing any button)

Step 2
Rotate the magnetic compass and set its baseline readings to“000”(N), press the “S1” button on the
main board, the buzzer sounds for a time ,and the“000” correction is complete (when the button is
disengaged, the data is already input);then the heading indicator shows “010”, prompting that the
magnetic compass is rotated to “ 010” position.
Step 4
Rotate the magnetic compass and set its baseline readings to“010” (N), press the “S1”button on the
main board, the buzzer sounds for a time, and the “010” correction is complete (when the button is
released, the data is already input); then the heading indicator shows“020”, prompting that the
magnetic compass is rotated to “020” position.
Step 4
Use the same methods mentioned above, one correction for every ten degrees, thirty-six points in
total.

Suggestion

If one point for every 30°, 12 points in total. According the above mentioned methods,
make the correction of“000”, and the liquid crystal display will show “010”, then use
the “port” button to increase it to “030”; if the reading exceeds “030”, use the “port”
button and reduce it to “030”; align the baseline of the magnetic compass to 30°, then
press the “S1” button to finish the correction of “030” and the liquid crystal display
shows “040”; use the same method again to change “040” to “060” …… until the
completion of the correction

Step 5
Press the“S2”button,the buzzer sounds for about one second and the“Manual”mode is set; or turn the
controller steering mode switch to“follow-up”.
Step 6
Put the compass bowl back in the magnetic compass and the correction is complete.

Caution!

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1) If two or more points are not corrected during the process of the correction,
press the “S2” button, the buzzer will sound, but a (manual) steering mode cannot be
set.

2) To eliminate the former correction data, press the “S2” button for five seconds and
the correction mode is set, then turn the controller steering mode switch to the
“Hand”. The new data will be saved after connection even the former data has not be
eliminated.

3) If the power supply is cut or the standby battery fails, the correction data will not be
saved properly. At the moment, the correction shall be made again.

4) The standby battery (lithium battery) can be used for about five years. When the
lithium battery is going to fail, the LCD screen of the heading indicator will show
“777” for around two seconds, prompting that the lithium battery needs a
replacement.
Once the lithium battery fails, the stored data will be eliminated.

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Ⅻ、Figure
1. Outline dimension and installation dimension of BT-32 steering stand

Outline dimension and installation dimension of BT-32 steering stand

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2. Outline drawing and external wiring diagram of Magnetic heading sensor SC-32

Outline drawing and external wiring diagram of Magnetic heading sensor SC-32

3. Outline drawing and external wiring diagram of rudder feedback unit RP-10

Outline drawing and external wiring diagram of rudder feedback unit RP-10

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4. Outline drawing and installation dimension drawing of steering box in steering gear room

Outline drawing and installation dimension drawing of steering gear room steering box

5. Outline drawing and installation dimension drawing for steering gear starter

Outline drawing and installation dimension drawing of steering gear starter box

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