Orca supports mode change, heading control, following a route, and tacking and gybing, when your autopilot is connected to the Orca Core.
How do I set up my Core for Autopilot control?
Before you attempt to control your autopilot, be aware of the following:
Simrad, B&G, and Lowrance autopilots only support a single navigation source. For Navigation mode to work on these autopilots, you'll need to set Orca as your Navigation Data source on your Autopilot's Head Unit display
Some autopilots require the Orca Core to share Compass and GPS data to function. Calibrate your Orca Core and activate sharing via Main Menu > My Boat > Connected Devices before you activate your Autopilot
Do not activate a route on a traditional chartplotter and in Orca at the same time if both are connected to your autopilot's NMEA network.
How do I control my autopilot?
Power on your Autopilot
Connect your Orca Display or Orca Mobile Application to your Orca Core
Press Navigation at the bottom of the chart screen
Swipe to the left-most instrument page to find your autopilot controls
From the Autopilot Screen, you will be able to change the mode and heading of your autopilot.
How do I make my autopilot follow a route?
To follow a route, create a route and select Nav as your navigation mode from the autopilot control.
Orca supports advancing through waypoints as traditional chartplotters. In Nav mode, a separate set of controls will appear that shows information about the upcoming leg.
Orca requires approval for all turns sharper than 30 degrees. Approval can be pre-granted up to 15 minutes ahead of the waypoint arrival. All other turns will be auto-approved.
How do I command my autopilot to tack or gybe?
Orca can command your autopilot to perform a tack or gybe when the Wind Hold mode is engaged. Follow the steps below to ensure a successful maneuver:
Before initiating a tack or gybe, ensure the following conditions are met:
Orca App version 164 or higher.
An Orca Core, a supported autopilot, and a functioning wind sensor.
For a tack: Your vessel must navigate at an absolute True Wind Angle (TWA) of less than 90°.
For a gybe: Your vessel must navigate at an absolute TWA of more than 120°.
Check readiness:
Once the conditions above are met, a “Prepare Tack” or “Prepare Gybe” button will appear on the main autopilot controller screen.
Initiate preparation:
Tap the "Prepare Tack" or "Prepare Gybe" button to start the process.
Review maneuver details:
After tapping, a visual representation of the maneuver will appear, showing:
Next Heading
Next Apparent Wind Angle (AWA) or Next True Wind Ange (TWA)
Confirm these values to ensure they align with your intended course.
Execute the maneuver:
Press and hold the button "Hold to..." for 2 seconds to complete the action. The text of the button depends on the maneuver:
“Hold to Tack to Starboard”
“Hold to Tack to Port”
“Hold to Gybe to Starboard”
“Hold to Gybe to Port”
Post-maneuver navigation:
After the maneuver is complete, your vessel will adjust to the opposite wind angle relative to its pre-maneuver position, and the screen of the returns to main Auto Pilot screen.