Adjusting the hard-over time — SmartPilot and SPX

On vessels without a rudder reference transducer, it is important to set a Hard Over Time.
Before attempting to follow this procedure ensure you have read and understood the Rudder Check warning provided in this document.
To estimate your hard over time follow the steps below:
  1. Adjust your Rudder Gain setting to the maximum value, making a note of the original value. The Rudder Gain setting can be accessed from the Drive Setting menu: Menu > Set-up > Autopilot Calibration > Drive Settings > Rudder Gain.
  2. With the autopilot in Standby, manually turn the rudder / engine full to port. (For vessels with power steering the engine should be running when turning the rudder.)
  3. Engage Auto mode.
  4. Press the +10 and +1 buttons at the same time (p70/p70s) or use the Rotary (p70R/p70Rs) to alter your locked heading by 90 degrees, use a stop watch to time the movement of the rudder / engine.
  5. Estimate how long it would take to move the rudder from full port to full starboard. This estimate is your Hard Over Time.
  6. Enter this estimate as your Hard Over Time. The Hard Over time setting can be accessed from the Drive Settings menu: Menu > Set-up > Autopilot Calibration > Drive Settings > Hard Over Time.
  7. Change your Rudder Gain back to its original value.
  8. After setting your Hard Over Time, observe your autopilot’s behavior and if required, make small adjustments to the Hard Over Time value until a satisfactory result it achieved.