OPERATION MODES:

The system can work in four different control modes:

• Fin At Center: Fins are held at center (0 degrees)
• Navigation: Underway stabilization active, some settings are available for manual adjustment
• Adaptive: Underway stabilization active, settings are adjusted automatically by the system
• Anchor: Stabilization at anchor

FUNCTIONS & COMMANDS:

Start/Stop: From Touch Screen or Control Panel. It turns ON-OFF the control system.

• First push: the control system is ready for use and the fins are automatically driven at center.
• The switching OFF is not possible if the fins are not at center. Press always FIN AT CENTER before STOP.

Fin at center: From touch Screen or Control Panel. The system drives and keeps the fins at center.
It must be always used:
• Before maneuvering,
• Before shifting from Navigation/Adaptive to Anchor mode,
• Before switching OFF.

Navigation: From touch Screen or Control Panel. The system stabilizes the yacht during navigation.

• Press FIN AT CENTER before NAVIGATION if the system is in Anchor mode.
• During Navigation mode, the tuning SEA CONDITIONS and LIST are available.

Adaptive:From touch Screen or Control Panel. Full automatic stabilization mode during navigation.

• Press FIN AT CENTER before ADAPTIVE if the system is in Anchor mode.

Anchor: From touch Screen or Control Panel. The system stabilizes the yacht at anchor.

• Press FIN AT CENTER before ANCHOR if the system is in Navigation or Adaptive mode.
• During Anchor mode, the tuning SEA CONDITIONS is available.

Sea condition:Tuning available from the Touch Screen Monitor during “Navigation” and “Anchor” modes. It is NOT available during “Adaptive” mode. It is basically a setting of both speed and angle of the fin rotation. The basic parameters are usually fine for most of the time, but in some special condition (combinations of sea state and boat speed) it can be helpful to modify the parameters to reach the best comfort onboard.

• Reduce setting if the stabilization system is too “nervous” and a smoother reaction is needed.
• Increase setting if you need the system more fast and steady.

NOTE: When the stabilization mode is changed the SEA CONDITION comes back to the default value.

List: Tuning available from the Touch Screen Monitor only during the “Navigation” mode.

• It is not available during “Adaptive” and “Anchor” modes.
• It allows the compensation of eventual static roll angle of the yacht. Fin angle range ±5°.

When the stabilization mode is changed the LIST comes back to the default value.

Auto speed:Green=active, Red=alarm. When Auto Speed is active the data from GPS are correctly received by the system, so it can work normally.

When there is a faulty communication data from GPS:
• The Auto Speed indication becomes red
• The alarm starts
• The system works with the same parameters as for maximum speed
• The range of the fin angle is limited to ±5°

The user can acknowledge the alarm pressing ALARM RESET.
Auto Speed will change from red to green when the communication from the GPS is stable and the GPS system has a valid fix of the position/speed.

Ahead/astern inputs: The inputs Ahead or Astern from the engines’ gearbox or remote control, when active, are visible on the top of the main page of the Touch Screen monitor.

They give additional automation:

• When Ahead or Astern is active the Anchor mode cannot be activated
• When the Anchor mode is active and the input Ahead is received, the system shifts automatically to Fin At Center mode
• When the Anchor or Navigation/Adaptive mode is active and input Astern is received, system shifts automatically to Fin At Center mode.
The automation work only if the system is ON indeed.

In any case the Fin At Center button must be always pressed before maneuvering and before shifting from Navigation/Adaptive to Anchor mode and viceversa.

Low speed: During Navigation mode or Adaptive mode, when the speed of the yacht received by the GPS is lower than 4 kn, the system is automatically driven to Fin At Center mode.

This automatic function cannot work when the Auto Speed is not active (red indication, alarm ON).
In any case the Fin At Center button must be always pressed before maneuvering and before shifting from Navigation/Adaptive to Anchor mode and vice-versa.

BASIC OPERATIONS

Follow the sequences below for normal use of the system.

1. FIN SYSTEM DASHBOARD

2. FIN SYSTEM SETTINGS

LIST CORRECTION: Use the Starboard/Port arrows to offset the percentage compensation of the yacht’s list.
Please note that the system response increases with speed, the setting may require adjustment as the yacht’s speed varies.

RESPONSIVENESS: Use the scroll to adjust the system responsiveness. Increase responsiveness as the weather conditions become worse.

3. SOFTWARE OPTIONS   

ECO MODE: ECO MODE can be activated during ANCHOR MODE. ECO MODE reduces the reactivity of the fin, to reduce power absorption by approximately 30-40% (average). Both fin’s maximum speed and fin’s maximum angle are limited.

DOCK MODE: DOCK MODE can be activated during ANCHOR MODE. DOCK MODE limits the maximum fin’s rotation angle to minimize the risk of hitting obstacles during the operation. The maximum rotation angle in DOCK MODE is set during commissioning (as a reference, between 20° and 30°). The DOCK MODE allows the use of ANCHOR MODE in situations where the movement of the fins with the maximum angle (+/- 40°) can cause risk.

MSS MODE: MSS MODE (Maneuvering at-Speed Stabilization) can be activated during ANCHOR MODE. MSS MODE allows the stabilizer to operate in ANCHOR MODE with throttle engaged on both FORWARD and REVERSE and speed below the “Ship speed limit”.
The “Ship speed limit” parameter is set during commissioning. For reference, its default value is 3 knots, and the maximum value is 5 knots.

Note: When in REVERSE, after a “Time delay” (set during commissioning), the maximum fin angle is limited to +/-6° for safety reason. The “Time delay” default value is 1s and the maximum is 4s.

Note: MSS MODE is necessary for yachts equipped with Dynamic Positioning (DP) systems.

Note: GPS OVERRIDE and MSS MODE cannot be activated together because MSS ON needs the GPS signal to deactivate the ANCHOR MODE: when GPS OVERRIDE is activated, the MSS MODE is automatically turned off.

FLIP MODE: FLIP MODE can be activated only during ANCHOR MODE. In the standard “AT ANCHOR” mode, fins rotate (about ±40°) around the “fin at center” position. When the FLIP MODE is activated, the fins go to the “flip center” position (at around 180° from the “fin at center” position) and rotate (about ±40° around the “flip center” position. Whenever the throttle is moved from the idle position (both ahead and astern), both fins move automatically to the “fin at center” position (rotation completes in 10 to 20 seconds).

Note: FLIP MODE cannot be activated when MSS MODE is activated.

ARGO: ARGO is an integrated fin and steering control system for better seaworthiness in following seas by coordinating the movement of the rudder and the fins for better course stability when underway. ARGO can be activated in any system status but it is effective only when the vessel is underway and the system is in NAVIGATION mode or ADAPTIVE mode.

MANEUVERING MODE: MANEUVERING mode let the system automatically switch between ANCHOR mode and ADAPTIVE mode MANEUVERING mode automatically switches the system from ANCHOR to ADAPTIVE mode and viceversa with a smooth transition. The switch is triggered by the GPS-SOG value. The standard transitions of states of the system are modified as described in the picture below.

The 4knots-threshold can be modified during commissioning.

Compatibility:

• FLIP mode cannot be activated in MANEUVERING mode.
• If FLIP mode is active, MANEUVERING cannot be activated.
• If the system is OFF, MANEUVERING mode cannot be activated.

MANEUVERING is manually deactivated by: – –

• Pressing MANEUVERING button.
• Pressing FIN AT CENTER button.

MANEUVERING is automatically deactivated: – – – –

• whenever the vessel speed exceeds 12kn (GPS SOG)
• whenever the GPS STATUS is GPS NO-FIX
• whenever the GPS OVERRIDE mode is activated.
• whenever a fault occurs in the system

When Maneuvering is deactivated, the touch screen buzzer will make an acoustic signal.

3. GPS OVERRIDE

GPS OVERRIDE MODE allows to manually set the speed, overlooking the information and the errors of the GPS.

This mode can be activated in the “FIN SETTING PAGE” tapping on “GPS Override”.
To set the speed: go back to the “FIN PAGE” and set it with the +/- icons.
To switch on/off the “GPS override mode”, go to Fin Settings page and toggle on/of the “GPS Override” mode.

Note: “GPS OVERRIDE” and “MSS MODE” cannot be activated together because MSS ON needs the GPS signal to disactivate the “ANCHOR MODE”: when “GPS OVERRIDE” is activated, the MSS MODE is automatically turned off.

4. ALARM STATUS

5. ADVANCED FIN SETTINGS (PASSWORD-PROTECTED)

The “Advanced Fin Settings” contains the access to the Advanced Fin Settings page through the user password.

AFT FIN SETTINGS

FWD FIN SETTINGS

6. PARAMETERS SETTINGS

In the column ‘setting’ the user can modify the three values using the ratios in the brackets.

-Full power roll level (parameter for ANCHOR MODE). adjusts the roll angle at which the maximum power is provided. A lower value means higher responsiveness. Only active in AT ANCHOR mode.

– Fin acceleration level range: adjusts the maximum acceleration of the fins. A lower value means lower responsiveness. Only active in AT ANCHOR mode.

– Fin max. speed level range: adjusts the maximum speed of the fins. A lower value means lower responsiveness. Only active in AT ANCHOR mode.

ATTENTION: these parameters should only be altered under the instructions of a CMC Marine’s Service
representative.

– Disable P/SB FIN: From this page can be also disabled one fin, so the system can be used with one fin
locked. Stop the system before disabling fin

7. FINS TESTER

From here tests can be carry out to measure the typical parameter of the system.

8. MANUAL CONTROL MODE

From the Advanced fin setting page, you can access to “Manual mode page”.

1. To manually move the fins:
2. Mode, first press the ENABLE MANUAL icon to enable the Manual mode
3. The first step is to press the “SERVO ON” icon to switch on the servo.
4. You can now use the arrows to control the direction of the fin, press and hold until the required angle has been achieved.

To disable the Manual Mode, reverse the steps shown above, to activate the brake, switch off the Servo, and disable Manual Mode.
The user can cycle between 2 pages, one for the aft couple of fins and one for the forward one.

AFT FIN CONTROL

FWD FIN CONTROL

9. USER MAINTENANCE

The system records the 500 hours maintenance dates*: follow the instruction above to save the date.

10. ENGINE OVERRIDE SETTINGS

ENGINES OVERRIDE MODE overrides Ahead/Astern inputs and prevents the system from automatically switching to “FIN AT CENTER”.

This mode can be activated in the “Advanced fin setting page” tapping on “ENGINES FEEDBACK OVERRIDE”.

To switch on/off the “Engine override mode”, go to “Engines override page” and toggle on/off the “ENGINES FEEDBACK OVERRIDE” mode, as shown in the following pictures.

11. CANOPEN COMMUNICATION STATUS AND CONTROL

The user can check the CANopen network status from the CANopen page.
In case of CANopen fault alarm the user can check what is the device that caused the fault.

11. FINS SUNDECK CONTROL

The “Fin Sundeck Page” is an alternate “Fin Page” with a high visibility layout.
The “Fin Sundeck Page” can be accessed from the General Settings page.
The “Fin Sundeck Page” has the aim of increasing readability by using a basic and high contrast layout.

12. ALARM STATUS SUNDECK 

The “Alarm List Sundeck Page” is an alternate “Alarm List Page” with a high visibility layout. It can be accessed from the “Fin Sundeck Page”

13. WING CONTROL STATIONS 

The wing control station have a custom layout aimed at simplifying the user experience and improving the outdoor visibility.
From these control station the Stabilizer system can be monitored and controlled but some features of the system can be accessed from the main Touchscreen Display.

The “Fin Sundeck Page” can be accessed tapping on the fin icon on the left column.

The following picture is an example of display with the system active and in “Fin At Center” with “GPS Override” option active

The following picture is an example of display with the system active and in “Anchor Mode” with “Maneuvering mode” option active and “Flip mode” option active

13. EMERGENCY CONTROL SYSTEM

Stabilization control system is engineered to be fail-safe. Below, the most important failures and how the system reacts.

In case of AC power black-out during maneuvering at navigation or adaptive mode, a popup screen will appear to let user know warning message and status of the fins.

The warning message will only be displayed under specific conditions, which include:

• Navigation or Adaptive function should be activated.
• Ship speed must be higher or equal to 5 knots (Ship speed >=5 knots)
• AC power black-out detection for at least 2 seconds.
• Port angle° must be higher than +/- 3° (Port angle >3° abs)
• Stbd angle° must be higher than +/- 3° (Stbd angle >3° abs)

Following a process cycle that shows the automatic emergency brake management in case of AC power supply blackout during navigation or adaptive mode.

• It is important to note that, in case of AC power black-out for 2sec, fins will release automatically if it meets the specified criteria mentioned above. During the Fins Free operation user is not able to lock fins manually. Cancel warning screen is not possible during fin free operation. Fins will lock automatically after 30 seconds, then user is able to go back on home screen (dashboard).

• In case of automatically Fins Free for 30 seconds. If Port fin angle reach to <=3° abs in less than 30 seconds than Port fin will lock immediately. Moreover, if Stbd fin angle >3° abs will lock automatically after 30 seconds.

• In case of automatically Fins Free for 30 seconds. If Stbd fin angle reach to <=3° abs in less than 30 seconds than Stbd fin will lock immediately. Moreover, if Port fin angle >3° abs will lock automatically after 30 seconds.

• In case of automatically Fins Free for 30 seconds. If Port and Stbd fin angles reach to <=3° abs in less than 30 seconds than both fins will lock immediately.

• In case of AC power black-out for 2sec when system was working in Navigation/Adaptive mode with the ship speed >= 5 knots and Port angle <=3° abs and Stbd angle <=3° abs no WARNING screen will appear, and fins will remain locked.

• In case of AC power black-out for 2sec when system was working in Navigation/Adaptive mode with the ship speed < 5 knots no WARNING screen will appear and fins will remain locked.

• In case of AC power black-out when system was working in Anchor mode no WARNING screen will appear and fins will remain locked.

• Cancel warning screen is not possible during fin free operation. After the automatic fins locking. User is able to go back on home screen (dashboard).

Warning message and status of the 2 fins system as shown in the following example:

WARNING SCREEN FEATURES:

• AC power black-out and ALERT warning will start blinking until AC power black-out remains active.
• ACK switch to stop buzzer sound.
• FINS LOCKING real time status.
• Status of Port Fin Locked and Stbd Fin Locked will start blinking with the status Port Fin Free and Stbd Fin Free until it is free automatically or manually.
• It is possible to read current fin angle for both PORT and STBD.
• It is possible to read current ship speed.
• It is possible to read engine status.

• After the automatic fins locking, if Port angle >3° abs and Stbd angle >3° abs with the ship speed >= 5 knots, AC power black-out still active and engine status is not astern. In this case it is possible to release fins manually by press & hold Release Fins button for 2 seconds.
• After the automatic fins locking, if ship speed reach < 5 knots or AC power black-out recovered or engine status is astern. In all these conditions it is not possible to release fins manually.
• In case manual Fins Free. If Port fin angle <=3° abs and Stbd fin angle >3° abs, then only Stbd fin release while Port fin will remain locked.
• In case manual Fins Free. If Stbd fin angle <=3° abs and Port fin angle >3° abs, then only Port fin release while Stbd fin will remain locked.
• In case of manual Fins Free. If Port and Stbd both fin angles <=3° abs, then manually fin free is not possible.
• Cancel warning screen is not possible during manually fin free operation.
• It is possible to lock fins manually by pressing Lock Fins button to lock fins immediately, then user is able to go back on dashboard.

To accommodate both needs of high visibility during day navigation and low illumination during night navigation, the software graphic theme can be easily interchanged between BRIGTH and DARK respectively.