AlphaPilot MFS

Autopilot

• Intuitive smart design

• 5-inch touchscreen display
• Adaptive control
• Automatic permanent helm

Category
All vessel types

Deepsea

Workboats

Fishing

Yachting

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Features
This competitive AlphaPilot MFS is a speed adaptive,
Type Approved and Wheel marked autopilot system,
and is applicable to a wide variety of commercial or
leisure vessel types. This adaptive autopilot easy to
install onboard any vessel with a single rudder, linked
rudders, independent rudders, or azimuth Z-drives
configuration. The smart AlphaPilot MFS features an
extremely compact display size, which can even be
built into an armrest of a chair.

Display
The AlphaPilot MFS is easy to operate via an intuitive 5-inch color touchscreen MFS-VR control panel
which will give the operator a clear presentation of information. The user-friendly menu and parameters can
be accessed and changed by using the touch screen.

Selected heading source

Actual heading
Set ROT or RAD mode

Port Starboard

Set ROT or RAD value Actual speed

Actual ROT or RAD value
Rudder order / feedback
Allow remote stations
Operating mode for operation

Automatic permanent
Autopilot mode
helm mode
• Rudder(s)
• Thruster Info field displays:
• Rudder(s) & Thruster Alert status & alert message
Modes
The AlphaPilot MFS can be set as adaptive auto pilot when it uses information of speed or draft of the
vessel and can be used in several modes.

Mode Explanation

S Standby AlphaPilot is in stand-by or manual mode and does not control steering or rudders as
control is overridden

Auto Auto mode or automatic heading control activates the autopilot and steers the vessel
A to the reference course. When wind/current will push the vessel off course, the
AlphaPilot will counteract.

Dodge The dodge mode is a short-term switchover from auto mode to the manual rudder
D control.

N Non- Operating in the Non-Follow Up (NFU) mode, the vessel can be hand steered by using
Follow Up a NFU tiller.

F Follow Up Operating in the Follow Up (FU) mode, the vessel can be hand steered by using
the FU Tiller or Steering wheel. Hand steering is typically used when the vessel is
manoeuvring, and navigating in restricted waters, channels, and areas with high traffic
density.

T Track Track Control mode (also referred to as “Track steering”), combines an ECDIS with the
Autopilot. The navigator can program a voyage plan into the ECDIS that contains one
or more tracks.

The AlphaPilot MFS can be used for multiple leg track control with assisted turns
between legs. However, the AlphaPilot MFS is not certified as a type approved track
control system (TCS). If a type approved Track Control System is required, we strongly
recommend to use the AlphaPilot MFM.

Way point 1

Way point 2
 Adaptive control
The Autopilot system can be operated as a conventional PID (Non-Adaptive) system, which typically
involves manual adjustment of the Autopilot controls to achieve optimum steering performance.
Alternatively, the AlphaPilot MFS can function as an Adaptive Autopilot where the control parameters
are automatically adjusted as a function of Speed and Draft input data which, requires little or no manual
adjustments.

Standby Auto Track Follow up Non-follow up Dodge

Automatic permanent helm

The AlphaPilot MFS features the Automatic Permanent Helm function. When this function is engaged in the
autopilot mode, the AlphaPilot MFS continuously monitors any long-term differences between the heading
set and the main course steered, and automatically adjusted by the Autotrim (APH) function applying the
appropriate amount of permanent helm.

Vessel types
The AlphaPilot MFS is applicable for all vessels up to 70 knot, including HSC craft compliant with ISO16329.
The AlphaPilot MFS can be used for new build and retrofit projects for vessels up to 3000 GT. For larger
vessels or more complex configurations, with tillers and/or multiple command positions,
we advise to use the AlphaPilot MFM.
Accessories
Rudder feedback units
The rudder feedback units consist of aluminum housing
and are available as medium or heavy-duty versions.
A rudder feedback unit can be mechanically coupled to
the rudder post by a chain or a transmission link.
Both models contain one dual potentiometer which is
proportional to the rudder angle. The output of the RFU
must be connected to the input of the distribution box.
This continuously transmitted accurate rudder angle
data, will be presented by the control unit.

Magnetic Compass Sensor Coil Analog interface

Takes the magnetic heading, by mounting a Digital interface for reading analog signals.
compass coil at the bottom of the compass. Supported signals include 0..20mA, +/- 10V,
The HSC can be directly connected, with or and potentiometer signal for using with
without, junction box onto the distribution box. dimmers or rudder feedback units.

The Rudder Feedback units can

To main control unit
also be connected to the Analog
Interface Mk.2 which will convert the
analog signal to a digital MODBUS
and IEC61162-1 signal. This output
signal can be transmitted to any
AlphaLine MF Repeater display which
is capable to display graphical rudder
information.
 Distribution box
The complete AlphaPilot MFS system consists of
a 5-inch touchscreen MFS-VR control panel with
rotary knob and a separated MFS Distribution
box Mk2 to interface to all necessary data
communication signals.

Next to this, the MFS Distribution box Mk2 is

provided with multiple terminals to connect
different steering system interfaces.

• Proportional valves, thruster, and waterjet

control – (3x): 4...20mA or +/-10VDC
• Solenoid valves (bang-bang) – (2x): 11-110VDC

System diagram
Display
AlphaPilot MFS-VR
HSC or TMC Ethernet switch
Control Panel
Display
Gyro compass

GPS compass • CAM/BAM interface

AlphaPilot MFS • Heading data

Speedlog Distribution box Mk2 • BNWAS - dry contact

• Step by step
to radars, plotters, etc.
• Step heading 5 volt

• Draft input 4-20 mA

• Track data from ECS Thruster controller Bow thruster

or ECDIS

• 4...20 mA ±10 VDC

• 18-40 VDC Main power 11-110 VDC/5A for Solenoid or Bang-bang
• 18-40 VDC Back up power
Rudder

HD Rudder feedback unit Linkage transmission

Inputs and outsputs of the distribution box

Mandatory
MD Rudder feedback unit Chain transmission
Optional
Tech Specs
AlphaPilot MFS-VR Control Panel AlphaPilot MFS Distribution box Mk2
G-008288 Weight 0.768 kg (1.69 lbs) G-008287 Weight 6 kg (13.23 lbs)

180 mm 300 mm
(7.09 in) (11.81 in)

96 mm 300 mm
(3.78 in) (11.81 in)

120 mm
(4.72 in)

4 x ø10.3 mm
(0.41 in)

30 mm 72 mm
(1.18 in) (2.83 in)

RFU HD RoHS RFU MD RoHS

G-002344 Weight 6 kg (13.23 lbs) G-002345 Weight 4.2 kg (9.25 lbs)

Ø 20 mm
(Ø 0.78 in)
40 mm
(1.57 in)
Ø 190 mm Ø 20 mm Ø 190 mm
(Ø 7.48 in) (Ø 0.78 in) (Ø 7.48 in)

40 mm
240 mm (1.57 in)
(9.44 in)

130 mm
(5.11 in)

190 mm Ø 170 mm 190 mm Ø 170 mm

(7.48 in) (Ø 6.69 in) (7.48 in) (Ø 6.69 in)
 In the box
Model Accessories
• AlphaPilot MFS VR Complete set G-008290 • Rudder feedback unit HD G-002344
• Display 5-inch touch screen (with limit switches)
with rotary knob • Rudder feedback unit MD G-002345
• Distribution box Mk2 • Linkage Transmission G-002346
for Rudder Feedback Unit
• Chain Transmission G-002347
for Rudder Feedback Unit
Displays and control boxes • IP56 kit for MFS display, tillers G-002628
and modes switches
• AlphaPilot MFS-VR control panel only G-008288 • Analog Interface Mk.2 G-002343
Display 5-inch touch screen and programmed for rudder feedback
rotary knob - black 2 volt sea version
• AlphaPilot MFS distribution box Mk2 G-008287 • Pick up coil HSC 2 G-002266

Specifications
Control panel: Mechanical
Specifications Data ports
Operating -25°C ~ +55°C NMEA signals 3 x IEC61162-1 (rated at typical 4800 baud)
Storage -60°C ~ +70°C NMEA 2000 signals 2 x IEC61162-3 (proprietary CAN-Bus)
Humidity >95% relative humidity, non-condensing Network port for Ethernet IEC61162-450 (10/100 Mbps)
Additional connections
Water resistance Front: IP56
Rear : IP22 USB port IEC61162-1:2016 (4800 bps) or
IEC61162-2:2016 (38400 bps)
Regulations IEC60945 Ed.4
DNVGL – CG-0339 MicroSD Card Reader For software update and maintenance
IEC 61162 series Relay contact With Normally open and Normally closed
IEC 62288 (2014) contacts
ISO 11674:2006
Rudder Feedback units
Control panel: Electrical
Rudder Feedback unit - MD
Power supply Operating -25°C ~ +55°C
Redundant source 24VDC input
Storage -25°C ~ +70°C
Rated power consumption >75°/sec
Humidity >95% (rated at 40°C)
Settling time 12 Watt (24VDC@500mA)
Water resistance IP56
Protection Reverse polarity
Rudder Feedback unit - HD
Display Operating -25°C ~ +55°C
Screen resolution 480 x 800 pixels
Storage -25°C ~ +70°C
Brightness 450 cd/m2
Humidity >95% (rated at 40°C)
Touch screen 4-wire resistive touch screen, single touch,
glove operation Water resistance IP56
 Specifications
Distribution box: Mechanical Outputs

Specifications IEC 61162-1 or -2 Heading Data (Isolated RS422)

Operating -20°C ~ +60°C Update Rate Selectable at 1Hz, 10Hz, 20Hz, 40Hz or 50Hz

Compass Safe Distance 1 meter Sentence Types Hz Mag Gyro

(Mag/Gyro versus
Supply Voltage Range 18-40 VDC Update Rate) 1 $HCHDM $HEHDT
$HCHDG $AGHDT
Power Consumption 10 W $APHDM $HETHS
$APHDG $AGTHS
10 $HCHDM (5Hz) $HEHDT
Inputs $HCHDG $HETHS

Mag Heading Input Port 20 $HCHDM $HEHDT

Heading Sensor Coil (HSC) HSC 1 or HSC 2 or AlphaBinnacle Mk2 TMC 40 $HCHDG $HEHDT
Resolution 0.25° 50 $HCHDG $HETHS
Gyro / Mag Heading Input Port
Resolution 0.1°
Channel 1 / 2 Mag Gyro
Autopilot Status Data 1 $APRSA $AGRSA
IEC 61162-1 or -2 (Gyro / $XXHDM $XXTHS $APHTD $AGHTD
Mag and 4800 / 38400 baud $XXHDG $XXHDT Step by Step heading Data
Selectable) $XXHCC $XXHDM Steps per degree Selectable @ 3, 6, 12 or 24
$XXTHS $XXHDG
$XXHDT $XXHCC Signal Amplitude 5VDC
$XXROT $XXROT Maximum Rate Selectable 8, 16 or 24°/Sec
Heading Input Resolution 0.1
Z out 470R
Step by Step (‘S’ Type) Heading Input Port
Analogue Steering Machine / Thruster Outputs
Voltage 5VDC only
Triple ±10VDC Analogue Z out 200R
Steps / Degree 3, 6, 12 or 24
Triple 4-20mA Max Voltage / Load Res 20VDC / 1KΩ
Max Consumption 2mA / Line
Twin Solid-State Solenoid Switching (Rudder A / B)
Follow Up rate (Minimum) Polarity Comm., +ve / -ve Selectable
All Heading Input Types 30° / Sec
Max Rating 5A @ 11-110VDC
IEC 61162-1 or -2 Speed or Pulse Input data
System Alarms
Speed Over Ground $XX VBW Main Power Fail Watch Alarm Timeout
(SOG) $XX VTG
Back Up Power Fail OHA Limit
Speed Through Water $XX VBW
(STW) $XX VHW Heading Data Fail CCA Limit
200/400 ppNm 5-24V p/p STW in only Track Data Fail Course Change
Draft Input Data Steering Fail Track Heading Change
Analogue 4 – 20mA
Distribution Unit Fail Remote Control Engaged
Track Steer Data Input Port
Limit Switch Status Rudder Ref Unit Fail
IEC 61162-1 or -2 Track $XX HTC
Data from track Control $XX APB CCA Data Fail Control Unit Fail
System (Priority as shown) $XX HSC
Main Power Fail Watch Alarm Timeout
IEC 61162-1 or -2 CAM / BAM Interface
Sentence Received $xxACN
Sentences Transmitted Mag Gyro
$APALC $APALC
$APALF $APALF
$APHBT $APHBT
$APEVE $APEVE
$APARC $APARC
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Product and/or specifications could change without notice

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