T&T: Autopilot operation - GPS error

[Randy Pickelmann]

For the first five years we had our boat I refused to let the GPS give
steering instruction to the autopilot to allow it to run a route.  I set the
course by hand and then monitored it and adjusted as needed.  Offshore, I
would allow it to steer to a single waypoint.  That all changed when we
installed the Raymarine C-120.  Our Robertson autopilot operates on two
separate modes.  The COM mode simply follows your predetermined compass
course.  The NAV mode gets its information from the GPS/Chartplotter and
steers to a predetermined waypoint.  When it arrives at the waypoint, the
C-120 squawks an audible alarm as well as a visual one.  The Robertson also
squawks an audible alarm.  If running a route, the Robertson will NOT take up
the new course if the course change is more than 2 or 3 degrees, without
instruction from the helmsman.
Regards,
Randy Pickelmann
hard aground in Clearwater
MORNING STAR
lying in Rondout Creek,
Hudson River
www.morningstar.talkspot.com