AlphaPilot MFM is a adaptive autopilot which features a 5-inch touch display with the hardware and software based on our uniform product philosophy, creating a consistent bridge and operational approach. The advanced track steering technology contributes to safe and efficient operation, defined by its simplicity in usage. The idea behind our new AlphaPilot was to design a modular system with standard components that also makes it easy to service. Due to our experience and feedback of our customers and engineers, our main goal was to design an autopilot that is easy to install, commission and to maintain. The new AlphaPilot had to be deployable as a small system as heading control system up to an advanced and complex autopilot system with multiple positions and to control main steering.

The AlphaPilot is a modular, type approved heading control system designed to fit vessels of any size, including high speed crafts. This modern and technologically advanced control unit is intended to reduce the operator’s workload, increase the vessel motion efficiency and improve operational safety. The AlphaPilot is easy to install and has a fully self-adjusting ‘auto-tune’ algorithm which automatically estimates ships’ dynamics and allows it to easily adapt control settings, rudder gain and counter rudder as required to continually provide the best possible steering performance.

The tillers are required for steering and switches for selecting steering modes. As an additional safety feature, the tiller in command will lit. All tillers and switches have dimmer and mute buttons. The modules have an aluminum base fitted with a dedicated PCB and a splash-proof film coating on the front. The modules are connected via CAN bus for communicating with the main control unit.

Adaptive control technology
5-inch color LCD touch display
Flexible system configuration
Simple and intuitive operation

Technical Specification

1. Electrical & Power Specifications

Parameter	Operator Panel Unit (APH-5 / APH-7)	Main Control Unit (MCU Box)
Supply Voltage	$24\text{V DC}$ ( $18\text{V DC}$ to $32\text{V DC}$ range)	$24\text{V DC}$ (Main & Backup/Emergency inputs)
Power Consumption	Approx. $25\text{W}$ max	Dependent on steering solenoid load
User Interface	5.0″ High-Resolution Color Touchscreen with dedicated physical soft-keys and rotary controller	Modular central hub unit with cable glands

2. Core Functional & Steering Modes

Auto Mode (Heading Control): Maintains target heading using an adaptive auto-tuning steering algorithm that continuously estimates vessel dynamics.
Track Control Mode (TCS Category B & C): Connects to ECDIS via IEC 62065 for automated route-following.
Course to Steer (CTS) Mode: Steers on Course Over Ground (COG) to automatically counter current, drift, and leeway.
River / Rate of Turn (ROT) Mode: Precision angular rate control designed for inland waterways and tight channels.
Dodge / Non-Follow-Up (NFU) Override: Instant manual control takeover via external tillers or operator panel controls.

3. Signal Inputs & Interface Specifications

Interface Category	Formats & Supported Sentences
Heading Inputs	Dual NMEA 0183 / IEC 61162-1/2 (`$xxHDT`, `$xxTHS`, `$xxHDG`, `$xxHDM`) from Gyrocompass, Satellite Compass, or TMC
Navigational Inputs	NMEA 0183 from Speed Log (`$xxVBW`, `$xxVTG`, `$xxVHW`), GNSS Receiver (`$xxGLL`, `$xxGGA`, `$xxRMC`), and ECDIS (`$xxAPB`, `$xxXTE`)
System Communication Bus	Dual CAN Bus network connecting modular operator panels, steering controllers, tillers, and mode switches
Steering Gear Outputs	• Analogue Outputs: Proportional control ( $\pm 10\text{V DC}$ or $4\text{--}20\text{ mA}$ ) • Switching Solenoid Contacts: $24\text{V DC}$ drive relays for directional valve solenoids
Rudder Feedback Input	Potentiometric or 4–20mA feedback signal from Heavy-Duty Rudder Feedback Unit
Alarm & System I/O	Central Alert Management (CAM/BAM), BNWAS interface, Steering Failure, Power Fail, Off-Heading, and VDR outputs

4. Environmental Ratings & Physical Dimensions

Component	Weight	Ingress Protection	Operating Temperature Range
Control Unit (APH-5)	Approx. $1.8\text{ kg}$	IP56 (Front Flush Panel) / IP22 (Rear)	$-15^\circ\text{C}$ to $+55^\circ\text{C}$
Main Control Unit (MCU)	Approx. $4.5\text{ kg}$	IP22 (Indoor Console Cabinet)	$-15^\circ\text{C}$ to $+55^\circ\text{C}$
Rudder Feedback Unit (HD)	Approx. $4.0\text{ kg}$	IP66 / Heavy-Duty Waterproof	$-25^\circ\text{C}$ to $+55^\circ\text{C}$

5. Type Approvals & Standards Compliance

Manufacturer: Alphatron Marine B.V. / Japan Radio Co., Ltd. (JRC)
Country of Origin: Netherlands / Japan
Type Approvals: Wheelmark / MED Approved (DNV / Bureau Veritas)
Applied Standards:
- Heading Control Systems (HCS): ISO 11674, IMO Res. A.342(IX), MSC.64(67) Annex 3
- Track Control Systems (TCS): IEC 62065
- General Marine Electronics: IEC 60945, IEC 61162-1/2, MSC.302(87) BAM