14 ST1000 Plus & ST2000 Plus Tiller Pilots - Owner’s Handbook2 Using the Tiller PilotGusting conditionsIn gusting conditions, the course may tend to wander slightly,particularly if the sails are badly balanced. By improving sail balance,you can improve course keeping.If you take the following precautions, the autopilot will be able tomaintain competent control even in gale force conditions:• Do not allow the boat to heel over excessively.• Ease the mainsheet traveller to leeward to reduce heeling andweather helm.• If necessary, reef the mainsail a little early.• It is also advisable (whenever possible) to avoid sailing with thewind dead astern when there are very strong winds and large seas.• Ideally, the wind should be at least 30° away from a dead run.• In severe conditions, it may be advisable to remove the mainsailaltogether and sail under headsail only.2.3 Switching display illumination on and offYou can switch the display illumination on and off when the tillerpilot is in Standby mode:• from Standby mode, press -1 and +1 together to switch theillumination between on (L1) and off (L0)• to return to the previous mode either wait 10 seconds or press theappropriate mode keyNote: The tiller pilot normally powers-up with the illuminationswitched on (L1).If other SeaTalk instruments or autopilot control units are connectedvia SeaTalk, you can also control the tiller pilot’s illumination fromthese units.D364-2