Technical Specification

1. General Characteristics:

• Model Number: 4960-BA
• System Integration: Designed as the primary control and display unit for the Sperry Marine NAVIPILOT 4000 Autopilot System. Utilizes the NAVINET 4000 Steering Control Network.
• Function: Controls and monitors the vessel’s automatic steering, provides heading control, rate of turn, and radius of turn control.

2. Display and User Interface:

• Display Type: Graphic Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), illuminated with adjustable backlighting.
• Display Information:
  • Current heading (digital)
  • Set heading
  • Override status
  • Selected heading source
  • Steering modes (AUTO, NAV, TRACK)
  • Parameters for Rudder limit, Rate-of-turn, or Radius (steering mode)
  • Weather compensation settings
  • Preset heading selection
  • 1/10° increments of set heading
  • Additional displays: Load condition, Speed (auto/man.), Rudder order, Actual rudder angle, Rate of turn, Cross track error.
• Controls:
  • Sealed foil keyboard, illuminated.
  • Ergonomic control disk for analogue selection of set heading.
  • Soft keys for other major parameter adjustments.
  • Hard keys for main functions.
• Day/Night Modes: Features different display modes for optimal visibility in varying light conditions.

3. Power Requirements:

• Voltage: 24 V DC (Operating range: 18 V to 36 V DC)
• Max. Ripple Content: 4 V peak-to-peak (extreme values should not exceed 36 V or fall below 18 V)
• Power Consumption: 10 W max.
• Protection: Built-in reverse polarity protection.
• Data Retention: Operational data remains stored during power outage.

4. Inputs and Interfaces:

• Gyrocompass Heading Inputs: Two RS422 interfaces (IEC 61162-1, HEHDT at 10 Hz).
• Magnetic Compass Interfaces: NMEA 0183 (IEC 61162-1), sine/cosine (C. Plath product compatible).
• NAV/TRACK Interface: NMEA 0183 (sentence selectable) from GPS, INS, and other navigation systems, supporting track steering via Sperry Marine VisionMaster FT ECDIS or standard waypoint steering with position receivers.
• Speed Input: 200 pulses per nautical mile (p/nm) or NMEA 0183 (IEC 61162-1).
• Rudder Angle Feedback Signal: $\pm$10 V corresponding to $\pm$120° max selectable rudder angle. Potentiometer resistance: 2 k$\Omega$.
• External Steering System Input: $\pm$10 V corresponding to $\pm$120° max rudder angle.
• 180° Turn Command: Port and starboard.
• 180° Rotation of Heading Display: (for ferries)
• Gyro / Magnetic Selection: For heading source.
• Override Status: Input/Display.
• Mute: Alarm mute input.
• Status Signals: Inputs for AUTO, NFU (Non-Follow-Up), Helm, Remote, External System.
• Central Alarm Interface: NMEA 0183 (IEC 61162-1 bidirectional input/output).
• Voyage Data Recorder (VDR): RS422 at 9600 bps.
• CAN Bus: In accordance with IEC 61162-3 for remote control and display units and connection to NAVIGUIDE 4000 manual steering system.

5. Outputs:

• Analogue Outputs:
  • Two isolated analogue outputs, configurable as proportional rudder order or proportional rudder error.
  • Voltage: $\pm$10V DC, max. 20 mA OR Current: 4-20 mA.
  • Used for thrusters control, rudder propellers, and water jets.
• DC Solenoid Valve Outputs:
  • Two for port, two for starboard (solid-state relays).
  • Type: Plus or minus switching.
  • Voltage: 12 V DC to 110 V DC.
  • Rating: 2.0 A max.
• AC Solenoid Valve Outputs (Optional):
  • Two for port, two for starboard (solid-state relays).
  • Voltage: 24 V AC to 230 V AC.
  • Rating: 1.0 A max.
• Status and Alarm Outputs:
  • System alarm (potential-free contacts).
  • Off-course alarm (potential-free contacts, 2 A max current, 250 V max voltage).
  • Override alarm (potential-free contacts, 2 A max current, 250 V max voltage).
  • Gyro/Mag status.
  • Ext. system status.
  • Deadman’s control.
  • Mute (max. 4 outputs selectable).
  • Power failure alarm (primary and backup supply, potential-free contacts, 2 A max current, 250 V max voltage).

6. Environmental and Physical:

• Operating Temperature: -15° C to +55° C
• Storage Temperature: -25° C to +70° C
• Protection Grade (Installed): IP32 to DIN 40050.
• Environmental Testing: To EN 60945 (IEC 945 +A1).
• Front Panel Dimensions: 288 mm x 144 mm (to DIN Standard).
• Installation Depth: 150 mm.
• Weight: Approximately 1.5 kg.
• Magnetic Clearance: Minimum 0.4 m to standard magnetic compass.
• Cable Connections: Screw-down terminals.

7. Performance Features:

• Self-Tuning Adaptation: Continuously monitors vessel performance and automatically adjusts rudder gain and counter rudder to optimize tuning, adapting to changes in ship load, trim, and weather conditions for efficient fuel consumption.
• Steering Modes: Auto, NAV (Navigation), Track Control.
• Course Change Control: By setting turn rate or turn radius.
• Rudder Limit Setting: Available as an alternative to rate or radius.
• Track Control Type Approved: Category B/C when connected to a Northrop Grumman Sperry Marine VisionMaster FT ECDIS.
• Safety Features: Manual override via Non-Follow-Up (NFU) mode.