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This section of this document provides you with information that will let you take advantage of
your TR-1 Gold autopilots' capabilities. We have made every effort to minimize the pain in
getting you up to speed as a user of the TR-1, however, programmable devices such as your TR-
1, are often difficult to learn to use and to program. We recommend that you do not take your
fishing tackle with you on your first trip with your new autopilot. Take a few hours on a nice
day to get your system setup and familiarize yourself with its operation, then your first fishing
trip with the unit will really have you smiling.
This manual is laid out in sections that are, as best we can make them, self contained. We start
with the features and functions available and fundamentals of how the system works, then how to
operate the basic functions, and finally how to get into the fine adjustments.
Some of you will find that this manual is lacking in depth and clarity, and for this we apologize.
Please do not hesitate to call us for interpretation and other help you may need.
Introduction to Operation and Adjustments
System Functions And Features
The TR-1 is, at its core, a heading hold autopilot. It steers the kicker to maintain a constant
magnetic heading. The autopilot measures magnetic heading with a flux gate compass and
receives rate of turn information from a vibrating beam rate sensor (gyroscope). The autopilot
computer forms a rudder rate command from a combination of the compass, gyro, and engine
tachometer signals. This rudder rate command is calculated and sent to the pump controller in
the electrohydraulic unit electronics 20 times each second. The pump control electronics
servos the pumping speed and direction to match the rudder rate command from the autopilot.
The autopilot is designed to disconnect from the steering cylinder when it is off or in standby.
It does this with a bypass valve that shunts fluid from the steering cylinder around the pump
when the bypass valve is open.
Beyond the basic heading hold function, the autopilot provides for several other modes of
automatic and manually controlled steering functions. These are listed below.
1. Rudder Command / Attitude Hold (RCAH). RCAH is the primary means for changing the
boats heading manually.
2. Remote steer. Remote steering is used for electrically steering the kicker without feedback
from the gyro or compass.
3. Step turns. The autopilot will execute predetermined fixed angle turns in this mode.
4. Circles. The autopilot will turn in circles of predetermined duration.
5. Zigzags. The autopilot will steer a zigzag course with predetermined angle and duration.
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