Radar/Chartplotter/Fishfinder:
The radar/chartplotter interlocks radar, Fishfinder, plotter, ais, autopilot.
For a detailed description consult the specific manual.
Radiation danger
The radar antenna emits radiations, which can damage the human body, especially the eyes. When the radar is operating, never look straight at the transmission aerial from a distance shorter than 1m.
When the radar is in operation it is essential to stay out of the antenna’s flow direction.
Turn off the radar when not strictly necessary for navigation.
Be very careful when navigating, as a radar shadow forms near the yacht.
The electronic chart is an aid to navigation, designed to facilitate the use of authorized government charts, not to replace them. Only official government charts and notices to mariners contain all information needed for the safety of navigation and, as always, the Captain is responsible for their proper use.
At least once a week carry out the cleaning of the LCD.
At least once every six months check the connection and the presence of corrosion on the cables.
Automatic pilot (autopilot):
The operation modes of the autopilot are following:
The autopilot functions are checked by simply pressing the keys.
For a detailed description consult the specific manual.
When navigating with the autopilot enabled and if there is an obstacle in front of the yacht’s bow, the best thing to do is set the device to standby in order to definitively take control of the yacht. Once by-passed the obstacle the device can be switched on by setting the track again.
This instrument has been designed in order to offer the maximum precision and reliability; anyway its performance can be influenced by many factors. For this reason we recommend its use only as an help to navigation.
A careful and continuous monitoring has always to be kept also under the best navigation and sea conditions.
At least once a week check the correct operation. At least once every six months check all connections. When necessary have it calibrated.
Never place electric and/or electronic sources of any kind closer than 1 meter from the autopilot compass (particularly in presence of loudspeakers, transceivers, tool boxes, etc..) because they could jeopardize the operation and reliability of the autopilot.
An autopilot is a very useful navigational aid, but DOES NOT replace under any circumstances a human navigator.
Do not use automatic steering when:
When using an autopilot:
For further information on use and maintenance, please refer to the manufacturer’s manual.