The new CM880 autopilot designed to IMO standards for use on workboats, trawlers and freighters of 50 tonnes to 10,000 tonnes or more is a high performance commercial autopilot and the result of over three years of working closely with workboat and freighter captains; ongoing software development since the launch of the respected CM650 pilot; and 18 months of exhaustive sea trials on coastal freighters, workboats and trawlers both in Australia and overseas.
The CM880 is a very robust, single-package unit and incorporates all the specialised features required for the fine control of steering a large vessel while offering simple front panel control even when wearing thick work gloves:
- Adjustable turn rate in 5 degree steps for smoother course changes
- LED bar indicator for rudder angle and separate rudder sensitivity control
- Yaw control for reducing rudder activity in heavy seas
- Counter rudder (rate) factor
- Choice between manual or automatic trim for weather helm or for towing off-centre loads
- Visual warning when full helm has been applied
- Optional CM528 analogue steering interface to suit 360-degree nozzle and jet drive steering systems
- Accepts heading imputs from a fluxgate compass, flat top compass slave or a digital input from a gyrocompass
