# Quick Start Guide

## 1. Delivery and Preparation

The Pcnautic Autopilot set is fully tested and delivered **ready to use** – plug & play.

To get started smoothly, we recommend **installing only the ControlHead first**. The green screw connectors make it easy to establish the necessary connections.

The **power cable is already connected** to the MotorController. You can directly connect 12 volts:

* <mark style="color:red;">**Red = +**</mark>
* **Black = –**

This allows you to easily test whether the system works before final installation and cable routing.

## 2. Initial Startup Test

* Connect power to the MotorController.
* The LEDs on the MotorController will light up.
* During startup, the screen may briefly flicker. Wait until the **backlight remains on** – the system is now fully operational.

## 3. ControlHead Operation

* **Arrow buttons**: Extend or retract the tiller rod\
  → Hold to start slowly, then accelerate smoothly
* **M**: Open menu
* **A**: Return to home screen
* **Arrow buttons in menu**: Navigate
* **M in menu**: Confirm/select

## 4. Using the Web Interface

The **web interface** is the central hub for configuring, calibrating, and operating the system.

### Connecting

The Autopilot creates its own Wi-Fi network:

* **Network name**: `pcnautic_AP`
* **Password**: None by default (unless previously set)

### Access

* Web browser: `http://192.168.14.1`
* Android app: available on the [Google Play Store](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pcnautic.autopilotwebview)

### Detailed information about features / settings

{% hint style="success" %}
Click the ![](https://3611896438-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-Mf7j4nUAIpHY72_rYOl-1703796690%2Fuploads%2FzNnLfXP8fsXij8UMhkpw%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=91978d51-c4a4-4f2e-9bfc-bdf7d3e5713a)-icon at the top. After that, a blue  <img src="https://pcnautic.gitbook.io/~gitbook/image?url=https%3A%2F%2F1465392261-files.gitbook.io%2F%7E%2Ffiles%2Fv0%2Fb%2Fgitbook-x-prod.appspot.com%2Fo%2Fspaces%252F-Mf7j4nUAIpHY72_rYOl-2361048795%252Fuploads%252F0CXJkkCNIto58fv60Lzq%252Fimage.png%3Falt%3Dmedia%26token%3D575ad71e-6550-4180-8054-563cd8b2e6a4&#x26;width=42&#x26;dpr=4&#x26;quality=100&#x26;sign=3b9260b6&#x26;sv=2" alt="" data-size="line"> -icon will appear next to each feature / setting. By clicking this blue  <img src="https://pcnautic.gitbook.io/~gitbook/image?url=https%3A%2F%2F1465392261-files.gitbook.io%2F%7E%2Ffiles%2Fv0%2Fb%2Fgitbook-x-prod.appspot.com%2Fo%2Fspaces%252F-Mf7j4nUAIpHY72_rYOl-2361048795%252Fuploads%252F0CXJkkCNIto58fv60Lzq%252Fimage.png%3Falt%3Dmedia%26token%3D575ad71e-6550-4180-8054-563cd8b2e6a4&#x26;width=42&#x26;dpr=4&#x26;quality=100&#x26;sign=3b9260b6&#x26;sv=2" alt="" data-size="line"> -icon, you will see detailed information about the corresponding feature / setting.
{% endhint %}

### Functions

* Operate the autopilot
* Perform calibrations (compass, offset)
* Set drive position (starboard/port)
* Change heading modes
* Manage NMEA sources
* Configure Wi-Fi/network settings
* Firmware updates

## 5. Orientation & Calibration

Open the web interface and go to [**Compass Calibration**](operate/web-interface/compass-calibration).

### 5.1 Alignment

Click the orange **"here"** button when the boat is level and stationary in the harbor to align the internal sensors.

### 5.2 Magnetic Heading Offset

* ControlHead facing forward → Offset = **0°**
* Mounted on **starboard side** → Offset = **-90°**
* Mounted on **port side** → Offset = **90°**

### 5.3 Compass Calibration (Automatic)

The compass calibrates itself while sailing.\
Keep the autopilot on during the first trip.\
See [_Compass Calibration_](operate/web-interface/compass-calibration) in the web interface for optimization tips.

## 6. Using the Tiller Drive

1. Place the drive in the mount.
2. Extend it roughly to the expected rudder position.
3. Press **A** on the ControlHead.
4. Move the rudder toward the drive – the drive will react and move with it.
5. Snap the drive onto the rudder pin.

## 7. Autopilot Display & Heading Control

* **Green LED on**: Autopilot is active
* **Top course** = current heading
* **Bottom course** = set heading

#### Adjusting Course (Auto Mode)

* **Short press arrow** → change by 1°
* **Hold arrow** → first changes by 5°, then 10°, up to a max of 100°

#### Selecting Mode

Use the web interface or the ControlHead menu to select:

* **C**: Compass (default)
* **G**: GPS course
* **W**: Wind direction
* **TW**: True Wind (requires GPS)
* **N**: Navigation (with route)

The active mode is shown as a **square around the letter** on the display.

## 8. NMEA Data Exchange (TCP)

For integration with navigation software or other instruments:

* **IP Address**: `192.168.14.1`
* **Port**: `20220`

This enables exchange of heading, GPS, wind, and navigation data.\
For full setup, refer to the [NMEA Connections](wifi-verbindingen) guide.

## 9. Connecting Instruments via USB

* **USB GPS mouse**: Plug & play (baud rate auto-detected)
* **NMEA0183 via USB adapter**: For example, wind sensors or multiplexers\
  → Compatible adapter:\
  👉 _Isolated NMEA0183 input to USB_ – [pcnautic.com](https://pcnautic.com/product/isolated-nmea0183-input-to-usb)

Data is also forwarded via Wi-Fi to, for example, OpenCPN (if configured).

## 10. Installation Details

### Drive Mounting

* **Default**: starboard side
* **Mounted on port side?**\
  → Set in the **Web Interface → Configuration → Servo mounted left**

{% hint style="danger" %}
**Note when installing the socket:** Disconnect the cable on the MotorController side and leave the socket side intact!
{% endhint %}

### MotorController Connections

The green screw connectors are **plug-in terminals**:

1. Gently pull the green plug loose (there’s slack in the cables, so they won’t immediately disconnect).
2. Unscrew the cable glands.
3. Push the cable inward from the top side for easy access to the screws.

Once loosened, you can remove the cables, finish mounting, and route everything neatly.

<figure><img src="https://3611896438-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-Mf7j4nUAIpHY72_rYOl-1703796690%2Fuploads%2FCIsyUZ1Jeqct8794T22X%2FMC%20aansluitingen%20V2.jpg?alt=media&#x26;token=b85be345-bc45-4c09-a9b4-3cdb8e6c6480" alt=""><figcaption><p>MotorController Connection Diagram</p></figcaption></figure>
