Description
The FURUNO FAP7011C-A is the 4.1-inch colour control head used with the NavPilot 711C autopilot system, supplied with a 10 m control cable. It is the part of the autopilot the operator actually works with at the helm: set course, steering mode, heading information, pilot status, alarms and menu functions are presented on the dedicated TFT display with physical controls designed for use while the boat is moving.
- Dedicated NavPilot 711C interface: Purpose-built control/display head for the Furuno NavPilot 700-series processor architecture.
- 4.1-inch colour TFT LCD: QVGA 320 × 240 presentation with a bright helm-oriented display and multiple backlight levels.
- Direct steering controls: Provides physical keys and rotary operation for course changes, standby/auto selection, mode access and pilot setup.
- 10 m control cable included: The -A package includes the shorter Furuno control cable, useful for main-helm or nearby secondary-station installations.
- Replacement or additional station component: Appropriate for servicing a NavPilot 711C installation or adding a compatible colour control position.
What the FAP7011C-A Does
The control head is not the autopilot computer and it does not drive a hydraulic pump directly. It communicates with the NavPilot processor, which performs steering calculations and controls the appropriate drive output. The FAP7011C-A provides the human interface: the skipper selects the mode and set course, monitors steering behaviour and makes configuration changes from the display.
Colour Display and Helm Readability
Furuno specifies a 4.1-inch TFT colour LCD with a 320 × 240 QVGA resolution and multiple backlight levels. The screen is intentionally compact enough for a crowded helm but large enough to show heading and steering information at a glance. A dedicated pilot display also means the autopilot remains visible even when a chartplotter is showing radar, sonar or another application.
NavPilot Steering Modes
When connected to a complete NavPilot 711C system, the control head can be used to access steering functions provided by the processor, including standby, auto, dodge/turn and navigation-related modes. Additional modes depend on the vessel configuration and external data available. Wind steering, navigation steering, advanced automatic functions and fishing-oriented modes require the appropriate sensors, interfaces or vessel type.
Self-Learning Autopilot Architecture
The NavPilot 711C processor uses adaptive/self-learning control logic to tune steering response to vessel behaviour. The FAP7011C-A is where the operator sees the result of that control and adjusts course or operating mode. Proper performance still depends on correct commissioning, heading input, steering-drive sizing and vessel setup; replacing the control head alone does not correct an undersized pump or poor heading source.
10 m Cable vs. 15 m Version
Furuno sells both the FAP7011C-A with a 10 m control cable and the FAP7011C with a 15 m cable. Functionally the control heads are the same; the difference is the supplied cable length. Choose the -A version when ten metres is adequate for the run from the control position to the autopilot system. For a flying bridge or distant second station, measure the actual routed distance rather than relying on straight-line distance.
Planning an Additional Control Station
Adding a second control head can make a NavPilot installation substantially more useful on a boat with an upper helm or secondary steering position. Before ordering, confirm the existing NavPilot processor model, available connection path and required control cable. The control head should be mounted where it is protected from impact, visible from the steering position and reachable without the operator leaving a safe stance.
What’s in the Box
- FAP7011C colour NavPilot control unit
- 10 m Furuno control cable
- Standard mounting / installation hardware
- Installation documentation
Specifications
- Product type: NavPilot 711C control/display unit
- Display: 4.1-inch TFT colour LCD
- Resolution: 320 × 240 dots (QVGA)
- Backlight: 8 levels
- Typical brilliance: Approx. 700 cd/m²
- Supplied cable: 10 m control cable
- Compatibility: Furuno NavPilot 711C / compatible NavPilot 700-series installation
- Function: Operator control and status display; not a stand-alone autopilot processor
- Installation use: Main or secondary helm station
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