SAFEHELM2
Installation Guide
SafeHelm2 Installation Instructions
The SafeHelm2 Sensor Package consists of a bi-directional helm flow sensor and includes several different
hydraulic fitting adapters. These adapters allow direct installation on any hydraulic helm vessel in North
America that has already been plumbed for an autopilot with reversing pump control. SafeHelm2 and
Furuno NAVpilots are flexible and can be added to ANY new or existing reversing pump steering system
from any manufacturer on any boat where a NAVpilot 300 or 700 series autopilot is planned or already
exists. No software or hardware upgrade of the NAVpilot system is required. Once plumbed, simply wire
SafeHelm2 to the NAVpilot’s Processor Unit and re-configure the software for SafeHelm. SafeHelm2 allows
the full SafeHelm experience of both Helm Movement Autopilot Control and/or Furuno Power-Assist
Steering (FPS).
1. Features
• Compact and rugged Brass Billet Bi-Directional Hydraulic Flow Sensor
• Reversing Pump Independent – SafeHelm2 works with any existing or new hydraulic reversing pump
from any manufacturer.
• No specified physical mounting orientation (horizontal orientation recommended for high speed
vessels).
• No perceptible feeling of hydraulic drag or increased helm effort when in operation.
• Low installation cost
• Included hydraulic adapters allow installation on different vessel sizes and fitting configurations.
Other adapters can be used allowing installation on European and Asian vessels.
• Included adapters provide possibility for “Gender Matched” installations where no additional fittings
or hoses are required.
• SafeHelm 2’s unique isolated flow sensing electronics module can be easily tested, removed, and
replaced without opening or disturbing the vessel’s hydraulic system.
• Works with any existing Furuno NAVpilot300 or NAVpilot700/711C series autopilot with no software
or hardware updates required.
2. System Components
1 each – SAF-HM2-SEN SafeHelm2 Bi-Directional Flow Switch Sensor
2 each – ORB-NPT-F14 1/4” NPT Female to ORB #8 Male Adapters
1 each – ORB-NPT-M14 1/4” NPT Male to ORB #8 Male Adapter
2 each – ORF-NPT-M14 1/4” NPT Male to ORFS #4 Male Adapters
1 each – ORF-NPT-F14 1/4” NPT Male to ORFS #4 Female Adapter
3. Mounting Considerations
(The complete reversing pump sizing and installation instructions for a Furuno NAVpilot are beyond the
scope of these instructions. Please refer to the appropriate Furuno Octopus or Accu-steer reversing pump
installation guides for further information on reversing pump configuration and installation.)
Once a reversing pump is installed and the hydraulic, mounting, and connection considerations for your
specific installation are in place, you can begin mounting and connecting the SafeHelm2 sensor.
• Use the provided components to mount SafeHelm2 to a variety of different vessels and steering
systems. In some cases, addition fittings will be required to correctly plumb SafeHelm2 into the
hydraulic steering system.
• SafeHelm2 can be mounted in any orientation on the vessel but, a horizontal orientation is preferable
and may improve performance on high speed vessels and vessels with more than one helm. The
SafeHelm2 sensor should be installed as close as possible to the helm (or lowest helm on the vessel)
and physically below the helm to help prevent air accumulation inside the SafeHelm2 sensor.
• It is also recommended that SafeHelm2 be installed with flexible hoses at each end of the sensor to
prevent vibration and false activation, especially on high speed vessels.
• Never use any type of thread sealant or Teflon tape on the provided SafeHelm2 adapters that have
0-ring seals. Thread sealant or Teflon Tape MUST be used for any provided tapered fittings.
• SafeHelm2 must be mounted at least 12 inches (300 mm) away from magnetic material such as
speakers.
• In single helm vessels, there should not be a “T” fitting installed between the SafeHelm2 sensor and
the helm.
• There is an “Arrow” stamped into one side of SafeHelm2 labeled “Direction 1”. Note that this arrow
has no meaning and can be ignored during SafeHelm2 installation. The SafeHelm configuration
software will automatically determine and assign the correct directional switching during
configuration.
• In multi-helm vessels, SafeHelm2 should be installed between the pump and the hydraulic “T”s that
link the helms together. The sensor is to be installed as close to the helm as possible.
• SafeHelm2 must never be installed in the reversing pump return line.
• SafeHelm2 may be installed in either the starboard steering line or the port steering line. The NAVpilot
SafeHelm’s configuration software will automatically determine and assign the correct directional
switching during configuration.
• SafeHelm activation sensitivity and “Return to Auto/Nav Mode” delay time can be customized by the
installer and/or the vessel operator at any time after installation.
• Furuno Power Assist Steering (FPS) rudder speed can be customized by the customer and also may
be enabled in Standby Mode.
• Upgrading from an existing FPS8 SafeHelm Sensor to SafeHelm2 is possible by removing the FPS8
module while still retaining the original Accu-Steer Reversing Pump. Some additional ORB (O-Ring
Boss) fitting adapters may be required. Once the FPS8 is removed, SafeHelm2 installation is the same
as any other reversing pump.
• Mercury Verado Hydraulic power steering systems operate with high back pressure. It is very
important that the SafeHelm2 sensor is mounted as close to the helm as possible and in a horizontal
orientation to provide best performance. This is especially true with Dual Helm Mercury Verado power
steering systems.
4. Wiring Considerations
SafeHelm2 has a pigtail cable which is epoxy potted to an electronic module that contains two Normally
Open passive directional flow switches. These switches are designed to connect directly to the
NAVpilot300 Processor via a pigtail on the processor and by the TB5 “Universal Input” Port Connector on
the NAVpilot700/711C Processor.
• The original SafeHelm FPS8 utilized active sensors which required additional individual 12V power
wires from the NAVpilot Processor for each sensor. Both, the NAVpilot300 Processor and the NAVpilot
700/711C Processor provide 12V for each of the original FPS8 sensors. SafeHelm2 utilizes passive
contact closure switches that do not utilize these power wires. You must ensure that each power
wire is taped back and permanently isolated when installing SafeHelm2.
• SafeHelm2’s pigtail cable may be lengthened as necessary to reach the NAVpilot Processor Unit. Two
twisted pair cable of 22 Ga. (0.8 sq. mm) or larger is recommended. Shielded or unshielded twisted
wire cable is recommended.
General In Multi-Cable
SafeHelm2
Blue (SW1 PWR)
Red
Black (SW1 SIG)
Black
Blue/White (SW2 PWR)
White
Black/White (SW2 SIG)
Green
5. NAVpilot 300 Wiring Instructions
General In Port (TB5)
SafeHelm2
Pin2 (SW1 IN)
Red
Pin3 (SW1 GRD)
Black
Pin5 (SW2 IN)
White
Pin6 (SW2 GRD)
Green
6. NAVpilot 700/711C Wiring Instructions
End – Document Rev 1.02 (Jan 2023)
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