Using AutoPilot for Advanced GPS Navigation (2023-present)

AutoPilot is an Advanced GPS Navigation feature that allows the user to control heading or course. While engaged, adjustments can be made on the fly simply by making a steering adjustment to re-establish their heading or course.

• AutoPilot Modes
• Engaging AutoPilot
• To Set the Default AutoPilot Mode
• AutoPilot Adjust Course - Angle
• Disengaging AutoPilot

AutoPilot Modes

Two different modes of AutoPilot are available: Locked Course AutoPilot and Locked Heading AutoPilot. Both are collectively referred to as AutoPilot. There are distinct differences between the two AutoPilot Modes and how they control the boat. Both Locked Course AutoPilot and Locked Heading AutoPilot are valuable tools anglers can use for accurate and precise bait presentation. Minn Kota highly recommends getting on the water and trying both Locked Course AutoPilot and Locked Heading AutoPilot in various fishing situations and applications. With experimentation and time you will find which AutoPilot Mode works best in any given situation.

• Locked Heading AutoPilot
  AutoPilot uses an internal compass to provide heading lock. When Locked Heading AutoPilot is on, it keeps the motor pointed in the same compass direction. If a manual steering correction is made, Locked Heading AutoPilot locks onto the new compass heading to which the boat was steered. This method of heading tracking does not take into account external forces such as a side wind or currents, which can allow side drift.
• Locked Course AutoPilot
  Locked Course AutoPilot not only uses compass heading but also GPS data to correct for cross winds, current and other external forces to keep the boat on the intended course. When Locked Course AutoPilot is turned on, it creates a course that it will follow. When the user steers to a new heading, a new course is created. Locked Course AutoPilot will keep the boat on the course in most conditions. When very extreme conditions exist, such as very strong winds or currents, the trolling motor may not have enough power to control the boat smoothly. In these extreme cases, it may be best to use Locked Heading AutoPilot and let the boat move with the wind or current if the motor is not powerful enough to overcome it.

Engaging AutoPilot

1. Press the AutoPilot button.
2. The AutoPilot Active Band will appear on the Dashboard. Either Locked Heading AutoPilot or Locked Course AutoPilot will be engaged depending on the AutoPilot Mode selected.
   
3. To adjust the desired heading, manually steer the motor to the new heading. The Advanced GPS Navigation system will automatically lock onto the new heading.
   

To Set the Default AutoPilot Mode

AutoPilot has two modes

1. Locked Heading - This method of heading tracking does not take into account external forces such as a side wind or currents, which can allow side drift.
2. Locked Course - This method of AutoPilot not only uses compass heading but also GPS signal data to correct for cross winds, current and other external forces to keep the boat on the intended course. Except when using Cruise Control, motor speed may need to be adjusted in order overcome outside influence like wind and current.

Once it is determined which AutoPilot Mode to operate in, use the following instructions to set it as the default.

1. Press the Menu button.
2. Use the Speed Up or Speed Down button to find the Motor Settings menu. Use the Steer Right button to select Motor Settings.
   
3. Select AutoPilot Mode by pressing the Steer Right button.
   
4. Once in the AutoPilot Mode menu, use the Speed Up and Speed Down buttons to scroll and select either Locked Heading or Locked Course.
   
5. Press the Steer Right button to make a selection. The circle to the right of the selected function will be colored in yellow when selected.
6. To exit the menu, press and hold the Menu/Back button.

AutoPilot Adjust Course - Angle

The angle from the current intended course can be adjusted in 5 degree increments.

1. When AutoPilot is engaged, press the Menu button and scroll to Adjust Course.
2. Select Adjust Course by pressing the Steer Right button.
   
3. Scroll to the Angle option and press the Steer Left or Steer Right button to adjust the course by 5-degree increments.
   
4. The new Course will be updated on the Dashboard.
   

AutoPilot Adjust Course - Jog for Locked Course AutoPilot

AutoPilot Jog allows the AutoPilot course to be temporarily adjusted to the left or right. AutoPilot Jog is only available in Locked Course AutoPilot.

1. When AutoPilot is engaged, press the Menu button and scroll to Adjust Course.
2. Select Adjust Course by pressing the Steer Right button.
   
3. Scroll to the Jog option and press the Steer Left or Steer Right button to adjust the course by 5-foot increments.
   

Disengaging AutoPilot

1. When AutoPilot is engaged, press the AutoPilot button to disengage.
2. The AutoPilot Active Band will disappear from the Dashboard.
   
3. AutoPilot can also be disengaged by pressing the Menu button, and then selecting Cancel Navigation by pressing the Steer Right button.