Quick Start Guide
1. Delivery and Preparation
The Pcnautic Autopilot set is fully tested and delivered ready to use – plug & play.
First connect only the power supply to test the system before installing everything permanently.
The power cable is already connected to the MotorController. You can connect 12 volts directly:
Red = +
Black = –
This allows you to easily verify that the complete system is working properly before permanently installing the set and neatly routing the cables.
2. Initial Startup Test
Plug the connector into the ControlHead and the drive connector into the socket.
Switch on the power supply to the MotorController.
The LEDs on the MotorController will illuminate.
During startup, the ControlHead screen may briefly flicker. Wait until the display backlight remains on continuously – then the system is fully active.
Test the drive with the arrow buttons on the ControlHead. Hold the button while operating
3. Installation
To route the cables through the boat, they must be disconnected from the MotorController.
Important: do NOT disassemble any blue and/or black plugs/connectors!
A. Install the MotorController at your chosen location.
B. Loosen the black cable glands
C. Pull the green connectors off the MotorController.
D. Push the cable inward slightly to create more room to unscrew the wires from the green connectors.
E. You can now remove the cables and mount all components. Then route the cables back to the MotorController and reconnect them correctly (see image on page 3).
F. Install the drive and ControlHead at your chosen location and connect them.
G. Repeat step 2 (the initial startup test).
4. Web Interface and/or App:
You can easily configure and operate the system via the web interface on your laptop or PC, or via the Android or Apple app. For this purpose, the autopilot creates its own Wi-Fi access point (network).
If you are using an Android or Apple iOS smartphone or tablet, first install the Pcnautic Autopilot app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store
Power on the Autopilot.
On your smartphone, tablet, or PC, search for available networks and select
pcnautic_AP.Click connect (no password required).
Open the Android app or go in your browser (preferably Chrome) to http://192.168.14.1
(If the web interface is not accessible on your smartphone or tablet, check the Wi-Fi access point connection and disable mobile data.)
After configuration, calibration, and optional tuning, the web interface is no longer required for normal autopilot operation. All standard functions are also available via the ControlHead.
5. Configuration and Calibration
In the web interface or app, select the “Install Wizard” from the menu and follow the instructions.
After completing the wizard, the Autopilot is ready for use. You can adjust the steering behavior on the “Easy Tuning” page. Use the “info icons” for additional information.
6. Basic Operation
Insert the drive into the socket.
Press A on the ControlHead.
Gently move the rudder toward the drive; due to the course change, the drive will automatically extend.
When the rudder and drive meet, click the drive onto the rudder pin.
On the display, the top value shows the current heading/course and the bottom value shows the set target course.
Use the arrow buttons to adjust the desired course:
Single press → 1° course change
Hold button → after the first 1° step, changes in 5° steps, then 10° steps up to max. 100°
Press A again to exit Autopilot mode and return to Standby.
Troubleshooting
In the menu of the web interface or app, open the “Manual” and check the “Troubleshooting” section to see if your issue is listed there.
1: Wi-Fi access point not available or unable to connect:
1.1: If using a smartphone or tablet, make sure mobile data is turned off.
1.2: Check the Wi-Fi settings:
Press M on the ControlHead and use the arrow buttons to navigate to “WIFI”. Press M to select.
Under “Defaults” you will see the configured settings. Verify that they match your setup.
Mode: Master → The autopilot functions as a Wi-Fi access point.
Mode: Client → The autopilot is connected to your boat’s network.
The Wi-Fi access point you need to connect to is shown under “Mode”.
If required, the password / key is shown below it.
The last line displays the IP address where the web interface or app is available.
1.3 If necessary, reset the Wi-Fi access point:
Select “Defaults” with the arrow buttons and confirm with M. The red LED will turn on and switches off after the beep.
The access point pcnautic_AP should now be available again without a password.
Reconnect (no password required) and open the web interface at: http://192.168.14.1
2: Problems during or immediately after an update:
If the ControlHead does not operate correctly, but you can still connect to the Wi-Fi access point and can no longer access the web interface or app, the update may not have completed properly.
In that case, open a browser and go to: http://192.168.14.1/emergency
Follow the instructions to perform the update again.
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