Quick Start Guide

Before shipping, the Pcnautic Autopilot set is fully tested and delivered ready to use (plug & play). To ensure a smooth start, we recommend installing only the ControlHead first. Using the screw connectors, you can easily establish the necessary connections.

The power cable is already connected to the MotorController. You can directly connect 12 volts to this: Red = + / Black = –

This allows you to easily test the entire system before permanently installing the set and neatly routing the cables.

First Test

Once the system is powered on, the LEDs on the MotorController will light up. The display will take a moment to start up; it may briefly turn on and off. The system is fully active only when the backlight of the display turns on.

Operating the ControlHead

• Use the arrow buttons to extend or retract the tiller rod.

• Hold an arrow button: the movement will start slowly and then gradually speed up.

• Press M to open the menu.

• Navigate through the menu with the arrow buttons.

• Use M to select or confirm a function.

• Press A to return to the home screen.

ControlHead Orientation

The system must be aligned:

1. Press M, select Calibrate, then choose Level.

2. A progress bar will appear. After a few seconds, leveling is complete.

3. Press A to return to the home screen.

We assume the ControlHead is mounted facing forward (in the direction of travel). In that case, the Magnetic Heading Offset should be set to 0 degrees.

If the ControlHead is mounted sideways, adjust the offset on the Compass Calibration page as follows:

• Starboard side (right): Magnetic Heading Offset = -90°

• Port side (left): Magnetic Heading Offset = 90°

Compass Calibration

The compass will automatically calibrate itself while sailing (deviation correction). For this reason, simply leave the autopilot powered on while underway. In practice, the system often responds well as soon as you leave the harbor.

For more detailed tips on fine-tuning, refer to the Compass Calibration section in the web interface.

Usage

Insert the tillerdrive into the mounting sleeve and extend it approximately to the expected rudder position. Press A, then move the rudder toward the drive so you can place the drive onto the rudder pin.

As the rudder moves, the autopilot will immediately respond. Both parts will move toward each other, making it easy to click the drive onto the pin.

Autopilot Display

When the autopilot is active, the green LED lights up.

• The top heading on the screen shows the current heading of the boat.

• The bottom heading shows the set course the boat is steering toward.

Adjusting Course in Autopilot Mode

When in Auto mode, using the arrow keys will:

• Change the course by 1 degree per short press

• When holding the button, the course will change by:

  • 5 degrees initially

  • Then increase in steps of 10 degrees, up to a maximum of 100 degrees

Selecting a Mode

Press M to open the menu and select the desired mode. By default, the autopilot is set to Compass mode, indicated by a square around the letter C on the home screen.

If GPS and/or wind data is available, the following modes can be selected:

• G – GPS Course

• W – Wind Angle

• TW – True Wind (requires GPS)

• N – Navigation Mode

The currently active mode is always shown on the home screen with a square around the corresponding letter.

Connecting to the Autopilot

The autopilot automatically creates its own WiFi network (access point). Using your smartphone, tablet, or PC, search for available WiFi networks and select:

pcnautic_AP

No password is required, unless you previously set one.

You can set or change the password via the web interface under WiFi / Network Config.

Accessing the Web Interface:

The Autopilot’s web interface can be accessed via:

• Any web browser (such as Chrome or Safari)

• The Android app (available via the Google Play Store)

Navigate to the following address:

http://192.168.14.1

Through this web interface, you can:

• Control the autopilot

• Change settings

• Perform calibrations

Need more information about a setting or function?

The web interface offers a wide range of configuration options. If you’d like more details about a specific feature, click on the info icon in the top left corner of the web interface.

Blue info symbols will appear throughout the page:

Click on any of these to open a popup window with additional information and explanations about the corresponding feature.

TCP Connection (NMEA)

You can establish a TCP connection for NMEA data exchange with the autopilot using the following default network settings:

• IP Address: 192.168.14.1

• Port Number: 20220

This connection enables the autopilot to send and receive heading, wind, GPS, and other NMEA data, both to/from navigation software and other networked navigation equipment.

For step-by-step setup instructions, see the section on NMEA Data Connections.

Connecting Instruments

You can connect additional instruments via the USB port on the ControlHead. Examples include:

• A USB GPS mouse for navigation based on Course Over Ground (COG). Simply plug in the USB connector — the baud rate is detected automatically, and the instrument will appear in the data overview. The received data is also forwarded via WiFi to OpenCPN.

• NMEA 0183 instruments (such as a multiplexer or wind sensor) can be connected using a suitable USB adapter. An example of a compatible adapter can be found here: 👉 Isolated NMEA0183 input to USB – pcnautic.com

This type of connection also allows you to send routes or waypoints from your plotter directly to the autopilot.

Installation

Drive Position

The default mounting position for the drive is on the starboard side. If you have mounted the drive on the port side, you will need to adjust this setting in the web interface:

1. Go to the Configuration tab
2. Set servo.mounted_left to true

ControlHead

Installing and operating the ControlHead is straightforward and mostly self-explanatory.

MotorController Connections

The green screw connectors on the MotorController are actually plug-in terminals.

• Gently pull out the green connector; the wires have some slack, so there’s no need to worry about them coming loose immediately.

• Once the connectors are removed, you can loosen the cable glands.

• Then, push the cable down through the top opening (where the connectors were located). This creates space to easily loosen (and later re-tighten) the small screws.

After loosening, you can remove the cables, permanently mount everything neatly, and then route the cables properly through the enclosure.