Garmin GHP Reactor Installation Instructions

GHP™ Reactor

Mechanical

Installation Instructions

Important Safety Information

WARNING

See the Important Safety and Product Information guide in the product box for product warnings and other important information.

You are responsible for the safe and prudent operation of your vessel. The autopilot is a tool that enhances your capability to operate your boat. It does not relieve you of the responsibility of safely operating your boat. Avoid navigational hazards and never leave the helm unattended.

Always be prepared to promptly regain manual control of your boat.

Learn to operate the autopilot on calm and hazard-free open water.

Use caution when operating the autopilot near hazards in the water, such as docks, pilings, and other boats.

CAUTION

When in use, beware of hot motor and solenoid components and the risk of entrapment from moving parts.

Failure to install and maintain this equipment in accordance with these instructions could result in damage or injury.

NOTICE

To avoid damage to your boat, the autopilot system should be installed by a qualified marine installer. Specific knowledge of hydraulic steering componentry and marine electrical systems is required for proper installation.

Installation Preparation

The autopilot system consists of multiple components. You should familiarize yourself with all of the component mounting and connection considerations before beginning installation. You must know how the components operate together in order to correctly plan the installation on your boat.

You can consult the layout diagrams (Power and Data Layout) to help understand the mounting and connection considerations.

You should lay out all of the components on the boat as you plan the installation to make sure your cables will reach each component. If needed, extension cables (sold separately) for various components are available from your Garmin® dealer or from www.garmin.com.

You should record the serial number of each component for registration and warranty purposes.

Tools Needed

• Safety glasses

• Drill and drill bits

• 90 mm (3.5 in.) hole saw or a rotary cutting tool

• Wire cutters/strippers

• Phillips and flat screwdrivers

• Cable ties

• Waterproof wire connectors (wire nuts) or heat-shrink tubing and a heat gun

• Marine sealant

• Portable or handheld compass (to test for magnetic interference)

• Anti-seize lubricant (optional)

NOTE: Mounting screws are provided for the main components of the autopilot system. If the provided screws are not appropriate for the mounting surface, you must provide the correct types of screws.

Mounting and Connection Considerations

The autopilot components connect to each other and to power using the included cables. Ensure that the correct cables reach each component and that each component is in an acceptable location before mounting or wiring any components.

Helm Control Mounting Considerations

NOTICE

This device should be mounted in a location that is not exposed to extreme temperatures or conditions. The temperature range for this device is listed in the product specifications. Extended exposure to temperatures exceeding the specified temperature range, in storage or operating conditions, may cause device failure. Extreme-temperature-induced damage and related consequences are not covered by the warranty.

The mounting surface must be flat to avoid damaging the device when it is mounted.

Using the included hardware and template, you can flush mount the device in the dashboard. If you want to mount the device using an alternative method where it appears flat with the front of the dashboard, you must purchase a flat-mount kit (professional installation recommended) from your Garmin dealer.

When selecting a mounting location, observe these considerations.

• The mounting location should be at or below eye level to provide optimal viewing as you operate your vessel.

• The mounting location should allow easy access to the keys on the device.

• The mounting surface must be strong enough to support the weight of the device and protect it from excessive vibration or shock.

• To avoid interference with a magnetic compass, the device should not be installed closer to a compass than the compass-safe distance value listed in the product specifications.

• The area behind the mounting surface must allow room for the routing and connection of the cables.

Helm Control Connection Considerations

• The helm control must connect to the NMEA 2000® network.

• Optional NMEA® 0183 devices, such as wind sensors, waterspeed sensors, or GPS devices can be connected to the helm control using a data cable (NMEA 0183 Connection

Considerations).

May 2015

Printed in Taiwan 190-01769-02_0B

CCU Mounting and Connection Considerations

• The CCU is the primary sensor of the GHP Reactor Mechanical autopilot system. For best performance, observe these considerations when selecting a mounting location.

◦ A handheld compass should be used to test for magnetic

interference in the area where the CCU is to be mounted. If the needle on a handheld compass moves when you

hold it where you intend to mount the CCU, magnetic interference is present. You must choose another location and test again.

◦ The CCU should be mounted on a rigid surface for best

performance.

◦ Although the CCU can be installed in any orientation on

your boat, you can avoid the step of defining north in the setup procedure by meeting all of these considerations when selecting a mounting location (optional). ◦ The connectors on the CCU must point toward the

bow.

◦ The base of the CCU must be at a right angle to the roll

and pitch axis of the boat.

◦ The CCU must be located near the center of rotation of

the boat, slightly toward the front, if necessary.

• The CCU cable connects the CCU to the ECU and is 5 m (16 ft.) long.

◦ If the CCU cannot be mounted within 5 m (16 ft.) of the

ECU, extension cables are available from your local Garmin dealer or at www.garmin.com.

◦ This cable must not be cut.

Finding the Best Mounting Location

Create a list of all suitable mounting locations for the CCU

where no iron, magnets, or high-current wires are located within 60 cm (2 ft.).

A large magnet, such as a subwoofer-speaker magnet should be no closer than 1.5 m (5 ft.) to these locations.

Locate the center of rotation of the boat, and measure the

distance between the center of rotation and each of the suitable mounting locations you listed in step 1.

Select the location closest to the center of rotation.

If more than one location is approximately the same distance from the center of rotation, you should select the location that best meets these considerations.

• The best location is closest to the centerline of the boat.

• The best location is lower in the boat.

• The best location is slightly forward in the boat.

ECU Mounting and Connection Considerations

• The ECU can be mounted on a flat surface, facing any direction.

• Mounting screws are included with the ECU, but you may need to provide different screws if the supplied screws are not suitable for the mounting surface.

• The ECU must be located within 0.5 m (19 in.) of the drive unit.

◦ The cables connecting the ECU to the drive unit cannot be

extended.

• The ECU must be mounted in a location where it will not be submerged or exposed to wash down.

• The ECU power cable connects to the boat battery, and it can be extended if needed (Power Cable Extensions).

Drive Unit Mounting and Wiring Considerations

• If a compatible drive unit is not already installed on your boat, the drive unit is sold separately, and must be installed by an experienced professional in order to correctly steer your boat.

• The drive unit must be installed before the ECU is permanently mounted.

• The cables connected to the drive unit cannot be extended.

• If you are connecting to an existing drive unit (not sold by Garmin), a drive unit power cable (sold separately) must be used to adapt your drive unit for use with the autopilot system (Connecting to an Existing Drive Unit).

◦ The drive unit power cable cannot be extended.

• If you are connecting to a solenoid drive unit, a solenoid power cable (sold separately) must be used to adapt your solenoid drive unit for use with the autopilot system (Connecting to a Solenoid Drive Unit).

◦ The solenoid power cable cannot be extended.

• If you are connecting to a drive unit not sold by Garmin, you must also install a rudder feedback sensor, such as the Garmin GRF™ 10, or connect to an existing rudder-feedback sensor using a rudder feedback cable (sold separately).

NOTE: The GHP Reactor Mechanical autopilot is compatible with a typical three-terminal, potentiometer-type rudder feedback sensor only. The system does not work with a frequency-based rudder feedback sensor.

Shadow Drive™ Mounting Considerations

NOTE: The Shadow Drive is a sensor you install in the hydraulic steering lines of your boat. It detects when you manually take control of the helm and suspends autopilot control of the boat. It is an optional accessory that can be used only on a boat with a hydraulic steering system.

• The Shadow Drive must be mounted horizontally and as level as possible, with cable ties firmly securing it in place.

• The Shadow Drive must be mounted at least 305 mm (12 in.) away from magnetic materials or devices, such as speakers or electric motors.

• The Shadow Drive should be mounted closer to the helm than to the pump.

• The Shadow Drive should be mounted lower than the helm, but higher than the pump.

• The Shadow Drive must not be connected directly to the fitting at the back of the helm. There must be a length of hose between the fitting at the helm and the Shadow Drive.

• The Shadow Drive must not be connected directly to a hydraulic T-connector in the hydraulic line. There must be a length of hose between a T-connector and the Shadow Drive.

• In a single-helm installation, there must not be a T-connector between the helm and the Shadow Drive.

• In a dual-helm installation, the Shadow Drive should be installed between the pump and the hydraulic T-connector that leads to the upper and lower helm, closer to the helm than to the T-connector.

• The Shadow Drive must be installed in either the starboard steering line or the port steering line.

The Shadow Drive must not be installed in either the return line or the high-pressure line, if applicable.

Alarm Mounting and Connection Considerations

• The alarm should be mounted near the primary helm station.

• The alarm can be mounted under the dashboard.

• If needed, the alarm wires can be extended with 28 AWG (0.08 mm2) wire.

NMEA 2000 Connection Considerations

• The CCU and the helm control must connect to a NMEA 2000 network.

• If your boat does not already have a NMEA 2000 network, one can be built using the included NMEA 2000 cables and connectors (Building a Basic NMEA 2000 Network for the

Autopilot System).

• To use the advanced features of the autopilot, optional

FEEDBACK

CCU

POWER

DRIVE

NMEA 2000 devices, such as a wind sensor, a water-speed sensor, or a GPS device, can be connected to the NMEA 2000 network.

Power and Data Layout

WARNING

When connecting the power cable, do not remove the in-line fuse holder. To prevent the possibility of injury or product damage caused by fire or overheating, the appropriate fuse must be in place as indicated in the product specifications. In addition, connecting the power cable without the appropriate fuse in place will void the product warranty.

Item Description Important Considerations

Drive unit This diagram shows only the electrical

Drive unit

power and feedback cables

Alarm The alarm provides audible alerts from the

connections for the drive unit (sold separately). Detailed installation instructions are included with the drive unit.

If you purchased a drive unit from Garmin, it will come with the power and feedback cables needed.

The drive unit power cable cannot be cut or extended. If you are using the autopilot with a drive unit not sold by Garmin, a drive unit power cable (sold separately) must be used (Connecting to an Existing Drive Unit).

If you are using the autopilot with a solenoid drive unit, a solenoid power cable (sold separately), must be used (Connecting to a

Solenoid Drive Unit).

If you are using the autopilot with a drive unit not sold by Garmin or a solenoid drive unit, you must also install a Garmin rudder feedback sensor (recommended), or connect to an existing rudder feedback sensor using a rudder feedback cable (sold separately) (Drive Unit Installation).

autopilot system, and should be installed near the helm control (Installing the Alarm).

Component Layout

Single-Helm Layout

Item Description Important Considerations

Helm control

data cable

NMEA 2000

power cable

NMEA 2000

network

ECU

CCU The CCU can be mounted in a non-submerged

ECU power

cable

CCU cable To extend this cable to reach the ECU,

This cable should be installed only if you are connecting the autopilot to optional NMEA 0183 devices, such as a wind sensor, a water-speed sensor, or a GPS device (NMEA 0183

Connection Considerations).

This cable should be installed only if you are building a NMEA 2000 network. Do not install this cable if there is an existing NMEA 2000 network on your boat.

The NMEA 2000 power cable must be connected to a 9 to 16 Vdc power source.

The helm control and the CCU must be connected to a NMEA 2000 network using the included T-connectors (NMEA 2000 Connection

Considerations).

If there is not an existing NMEA 2000 network on your boat, you can build one using the supplied cables and connectors (Building a Basic NMEA

2000 Network for the Autopilot System).

location near the center of the boat, in any orientation (CCU Mounting and Connection

Considerations).

The CCU must be located away from sources of magnetic interference.

The ECU must be connected to a 12 to 24 Vdc power source. To extend this cable, use the correct wire gauge (Power Cable Extensions).

extensions (sold separately) may be necessary (CCU Mounting and Connection Considerations).

This cable connects to the alarm.

NOTE: This diagram is for planning purposes only. If needed, specific connection diagrams are included in the detailed installation instructions for each component.

Item Description Important Considerations

Helm control

12 to 24 Vdc

battery

CCU The CCU can be mounted in a non-submerged

The ECU must be connected to a 12 to 24 Vdc power source. To extend this cable, use the correct wire gauge (Power Cable Extensions).

The NMEA 2000 power cable must be connected to a 9 to 16 Vdc power source.

location near the center of the boat, in any orientation (CCU Mounting and Connection

Considerations).

The CCU must be located away from sources of magnetic interference.

Item Description Important Considerations

Drive unit The drive unit power cable cannot be cut or

Ä Å

ECU

NMEA 2000 network

extended. If you are using the autopilot with a drive unit not

sold by Garmin, a drive unit power cable (sold separately) must be used (Connecting to an

Existing Drive Unit).

If you are using the autopilot with a solenoid drive unit, a solenoid power cable (sold separately), must be used (Connecting to a

Solenoid Drive Unit).

The helm control and the CCU must be connected to a NMEA 2000 network using the included T-connectors (NMEA 2000 Connection

Considerations).

If there is not an existing NMEA 2000 network on your boat, you can build one using the supplied cables and connectors (Building a Basic NMEA

2000 Network for the Autopilot System).

Installation Procedures

CAUTION

Always wear safety goggles, ear protection, and a dust mask when drilling, cutting, or sanding.

NOTICE

When drilling or cutting, always check what is on the opposite side of the surface.

Using the hole saw or rotary cutting tool, cut the mounting

surface along the inside of the dashed line indicated on the template.

If necessary, use a file and sandpaper to refine the size of

the hole. Place the helm control into the cutout to confirm that the four

mounting holes on the template are in the correct locations. If the mounting holes are not correct, mark the correct

locations of the four mounting holes. Remove the helm control from the cutout.

Drill the four 2.8 mm (7/64 in.) pilot holes.

If you are mounting the helm control in fiberglass, you should use a countersink bit as advised in the notice.

Remove the remainder of the template.

Place the included gasket on the back of the device.

You can apply marine sealant around the gasket to prevent leakage behind the dashboard (optional).

Place the helm control into the cutout.

Securely fasten the helm control to the mounting surface

using the supplied screws. If you are mounting the helm control in fiberglass, you should

use an anti-seize lubricant as advised in the notice. Snap the decorative bezel À into place.

After you have planned the autopilot installation on your boat and satisfied all of the mounting and wiring considerations for your particular installation, you can begin mounting and connecting the components.

Helm Control Installation

You must Install the helm control by flush-mounting it in the dashboard near the helm and connecting it to a NMEA 2000 network.

To use advanced features of the autopilot, optional NMEA 2000compatible or NMEA 0183-compatible devices, such as a wind sensor, water-speed sensor, or GPS device, can be connected to the NMEA 2000 network or connected to the helm control through NMEA 0183.

Mounting the Helm Control

NOTICE

If you are mounting the device in fiberglass, when drilling the four pilot holes, it is recommended to use a countersink bit to drill a clearance counterbore through only the top gel-coat layer. This will help to avoid any cracking in the gel-coat layer when the screws are tightened.

Stainless-steel screws may bind when screwed into fiberglass and overtightened. Garmin recommends applying an anti-seize lubricant to the screws before installing them.

Before you can mount the helm control, you must select a mounting location (Helm Control Mounting Considerations).

Trim the flush-mount template and ensure it fits in the

selected mounting location. The flush-mount template is included in the helm control

product box. Secure the template to the selected mounting location.

If you plan to cut the hole with a rotary cutting tool instead of

a 90 mm (3.5 in.) hole saw, use a 10 mm (3/8 in.) drill bit to drill a pilot hole as indicated on the template to begin cutting the mounting surface.

Mounting the CCU

Determine the mounting location.

Using the CCU as a template, mark the two pilot hole

locations on the mounting surface. Using a 3 mm (1/8 in.) bit, drill the pilot holes.

Use the included screws to attach the CCU to the mounting

surface.

ECU Installation

Mounting the ECU

Before you can mount the ECU, you must select a location and determine the correct mounting hardware (ECU Mounting and

Connection Considerations).

Hold the ECU in the intended mounting location and mark the

locations of the mounting holes on the mounting surface, using the ECU as a template.

Using a drill bit appropriate for the mounting surface and

selected mounting hardware, drill the four holes through the mounting surface.

Secure the ECU to the mounting surface using the selected

mounting hardware.

Connecting the ECU to Power

WARNING

addition, connecting the power cable without the appropriate fuse in place will void the product warranty.

You should connect the ECU power cable directly to the boat battery, if possible. Although it is not recommended, if you connect the power cable to a terminal block or other source, you must connect it through a 40 A fuse.

If you plan to route the ECU power through a breaker or a switch near the helm, you should consider using an appropriately sized relay and control wire instead of extending the ECU power cable.

Route the connector-terminated end of the ECU power cable

to the ECU, but do not connect it to the ECU. Route the bare-wire end of the ECU power cable to the boat

battery. If the wire is not long enough, it can be extended (Power

Cable Extensions).

Connect the black wire (-) to the negative (-) terminal of the

battery, and connect the red wire (+) to the positive (+) terminal of the battery.

After you install all of the other autopilot components,

connect the power cable to the ECU.

Power Cable Extensions

If necessary, the power cable can be extended using the appropriate wire gauge for the length of the extension.

Item Description

À Á Â

Item Description

À Á Â Ã Ä Å Æ

Item Description

À Á Â Ã Ä Å Æ

Fuse

Battery

9 ft. (2.7 m) no extension

Splice

10 AWG (5.26 mm²) extension wire

Fuse

8 in. (20.3 cm)

Battery

8 in. (20.3 cm)

Up to 15 ft. (4.6 m)

Splice

8 AWG (8.36 mm²) extension wire

Fuse

8 in. (20.3 cm)

Battery

8 in. (20.3 cm)

Up to 23 ft. (7 m)

Item Description

À Á Â Ã Ä Å Æ

Splice

6 AWG ( 13.29 mm²) extension wire

Fuse

8 in. (20.3 cm)

Battery

8 in. (20.3 cm)

Up to 36 ft. (11 m)

Drive Unit Installation

The drive unit (sold separately) must be connected to your rudder control so the GHP Reactor Mechanical autopilot can steer your boat. When you purchase a drive unit sold by Garmin, it will include the correct cables, connectors, and instructions.

If a drive unit is installed on your boat already, you can use a drive unit power cable (sold separately) to adapt your drive unit for use with the autopilot system.

If you connect the autopilot system to a drive unit not sold by Garmin, you must also provide rudder-feedback information by installing and connecting a Garmin rudder-feedback sensor (recommended) or by connecting to an existing rudder-feedback sensor on your boat using a rudder feedback cable (sold separately).

Installing a Garmin Drive Unit

Follow the installation instructions provided with your Garmin drive unit to mount it and connect it to your rudder control and autopilot system.

Corrosion Blocker

NOTICE

To ensure long life of all parts, apply corrosion blocker to the drive unit at least twice yearly.

A marine-rated corrosion blocker should be applied to the drive unit after all connections are made.

Connecting to an Existing Drive Unit

You must install a drive unit power cable to use a drive unit not sold by Garmin with the GHP Reactor Mechanical autopilot. This cable is sold separately.

These instructions do not apply to a solenoid-type drive unit (Connecting to a Solenoid Drive Unit).

If necessary, use the installation instructions provided with

the drive unit to install it on your boat. If your drive unit has cables connected, disconnect the

cables. Consult the documentation provided by the manufacturer of

your drive unit to identify the connections on your drive unit. Connect the drive unit power cable (not included) to your

drive unit, based on the wire colors and functions in the table. The drive unit power cable cannot be extended.

Wire Color Function

Red Drive unit positive (+)

Black Drive unit negative (-)

Blue Clutch power (cut and tape this wire if your drive unit

White Clutch ground (cut and tape this wire if your drive unit

Connect the drive unit power cable to the ECU.

Connecting to a Solenoid Drive Unit

You must install the solenoid power cable to use a solenoid drive unit with the GHP Reactor Mechanical autopilot system. This cable is sold separately.

These instructions apply only to solenoid-type drive units.

If necessary, use the installation instructions provided with

the solenoid drive unit to install it on your boat.

has no clutch)

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