GHP Autopilot Makes Sharp Turns When It Is Engaged

Sometimes, due to incorrect installation or commissioning, a GHP autopilot could be making sharp turns. This creates a safety hazard when using the autopilot at high speeds. To resolve this issue, a few things should be considered.

The first item to check is the compass itself (CCU). Make sure the CCU is not mounted near anything that may cause electromagnetic interference. Some items that can cause interference are iron, motors, electronics, other ferrous metals, power cables, and speakers. One way to check for interference is to purchase an inexpensive handheld compass and bring it to the area where the CCU will be mounted. Make slow, broad sweeps of the area. If the readings of the handheld compass are off or the compass is ever "pulled", then that area will not be suitable to mount the CCU.

The second item to check is the speed source going into the GHP autopilot. The GHP 10, 12 and 20 can use analog tach, GPS or NMEA 2000 tach as a speed source. The GHP Reactor can use NMEA 2000 tach and GPS. This information is very important because it lets the autopilot know how aggressively it can steer. At slow speeds, the autopilot can steer aggressively. At high speeds, it must steer in a conservative manner. Whatever speed source is being used, confirm that it is properly connected and being read. If you are not using a speed source, you should not use the autopilot at high speeds. You can check what your speed source is set to by running through the Dockside Wizard. To get into the Dockside Wizard, please refer to Related Content at the end of this FAQ. It can be accessed from the Wizards menu, within the Dealer Autopilot Setup.

The last items to check are the rudder gain and counter rudder gain settings. These settings dictate how aggressively the autopilot will steer toward a heading and then counter steer to straighten out the boat. A higher rudder/counter rudder setting will move the rudder more quickly to initiate or stop a turn. Conversely, a lower rudder/counter rudder setting will move the rudder more slowly to initiate or stop a turn. If this setting is set to high, the rudder may move erratically in a zigzag pattern. Too low of a rudder/counter rudder setting will cause a slow sluggish response in the rudder's movement.

The Autotune function is designed to properly set the rudder and counter rudder gain setting. You can access the Autotune by performing the Sea Trial Wizard. It is also accessible from the Wizards menu in the Dealer Autopilot Setup.