Autopilot Control in the Palm of Your Hand
Vancouver based ComNav Marine Ltd. has just introduced a new hand held autopilot to compliment their existing product line.
The 1440 gives you complete autopilot control of your vessel in the palm of your hand. The portable controller comes with a snap-in dash mount bracket, and can be used at multiple steering locations with the optional 2nd station hardware.
Designed for inboard, outboard and sterndrive boats, the system will operate reversing drive units or solenoid valves.
Compact and waterproof, the 1440 has a large LCD display plus simple keyboard operation. Featuring automatic sea state, trim control, and a built-in NMEA 0183 interface for loran and GPS, the 1440 also has a completely automatic dockside set-up routine.
Self-testing and built-in diagnostics make this an outstanding autopilot. The 1440 is for the discerning Yacht owner that needs control! duced for balancing second-order forces and moments. In those installations for which second-order balancing is necessary, the aft balancer is mechanically-driven as usual from the main camshaft-drive gear wheel but the forward balancer can either be mechanically driven from the camshaft or now be an electrical balancer mounted on the end column. This electrically-driven unit is synchronised through the engine management system. It gives a degree of flexibility as, in marginal cases, engines can be prepared for the balancer and it only actually needs to be fitted if it should prove necessary on sea trials.
Ease of maintenance has been another priority in the design of the new engines. The reduction in component sizes and weights has obvious benefits in easier handling. The hydraulic tensioning jacks for fastenings are of a new, smaller design which is both lighter and more rigid. Wherever possible, particular attention has been given to access. The piston rod glad can how be withdrawn upwards or downwards. The high-efficiency water separator after the scavenge air cooler has proved its ability to allow the cooler to be cleaned while the engine is running.
The first engine of these designs will be installed in the new Diesel Technology Center in Switzerland over the summer and will be running in the autumn.
