INSTALLATION MANUAL
SIMRAD SD10
Sailboat Drive
20222683/A English
Simrad SD10 Sailboat Drive
About this document
Rev. A First issue
© 2007 Navico AS. All rights reserved.
No part of this work covered by the copyright hereon may be reproduced or otherwise
copied without prior permission from Navico AS.
The information contained in this document is subject to change without prior notice.
Navico AS shall not be liable for errors contained herein, or for incidental or consequential
damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this document.
ii 20222683 / A
Installation Manual
Contents
1. SYSTEM DESCRIPTION..........................................................................1
2. IMPORTANT INFORMATION................................................................
2.1 Operation...............................................................................................
Manual Override Procedure..................................................................
2.2 Mechanical Quick Release....................................................................
2.3 Recommended maximum yacht displacement and length....................
2.4 Cable .....................................................................................................
3. INSTALLATION.........................................................................................
3.1 Installation Planning .............................................................................
Determine Mounting Site for Drive Unit..............................................
Determine Mounting Site for Connection Kit ......................................
Determine Routing Path for Steering Cable .........................................
3.2 Installation of Drive Unit - Steering Cable & Spent Cable Tube.........
Step 1 - Install Drive Unit.....................................................................
Step 2 - Install Steering Cable ..............................................................
Step 3 - Install Spent Cable Tube .........................................................
3.3 Installation of Cable connection kit......................................................
3.4 Installation of electrical connections ..................................................
Cable Motor and Clutch Power Supply..............................................
2
2
2
2
3
3
4
4
4
5
6
7
7
8
9
9
10
10
4. MECHANICAL CALIBRATION PROCEDURE.................................
5. MAINTENANCE.......................................................................................
6. SERVICEABLE PARTS ..........................................................................
7. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS..........................................................
20222683 / A iii
11
12
13
14
Simrad SD10 Sailboat Drive
iv 20222683 / A
1. SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
The SD10 Sailboat Drive system makes it easy and
economical to install an autopilot on small to medium size
sailboats with access to a quadrant or tiller. The drive system
is powerful and fast - capable of delivering over 180 kg/400
lbs of cable thrust, with a normal H.O. to H.O. time of 12-15
seconds.
The system comprises of a Drive Unit, a Steering Cable and a
Universal Connection Kit. The drive unit can be installed in
any convenient location. The steering cable and connection kit
transmit the steering forces to the quadrant or tiller. Standard
steering cable length is 2 m (6 feet) – other lengths available
on request. The drive unit has a drive motor and solenoid
clutch which allows hand steering when disengaged. The drive
unit also has a built in adjustable thrust limiter and an integral
rudder feedback (RFB) device.
System Description
STEERING CABLE
SD10 DRIVE UNIT
UNIVERSAL
CONNECTION KIT
TYPICAL RUDDER AND TILLER
20222683 / A 1
Simrad SD10 Sailboat Drive
2. IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The Drive System will fit a large number of vessels, but please
note the following important information on operation,
installation and maintenance of the drive system.
2.1 Operation
In the event of uncontrolled automatic steering or other
emergency situations, automatic return to MANUAL steering
is provided by switching the autopilot to STBY, or by using
the Manual Override procedure.
Note ! It is strongly advised that the helmsman be formally
familiarized with this manual override procedure.
Manual Override Procedure
The helmsman can overcome the steering action of the drive
unit by exerting force on the steering wheel in the opposite
direction to the drive. With this action the drive unit thrust
limit will ‘slip’ allowing the helmsman to take control.
2.2 Mechanical Quick Release
The Cable end that attaches to the steering quadrant or Tiller
arm has a quick release pin that can be used to disengage the
cable from the main steering system therefore releasing the
Autopilot drive (see page
Note ! It is very important that the helmsman is formally familiarized
with the location of this during any passage.
5).
2 20222683 / A
Important Information
2.3 Recommended maximum yacht
displacement and length
The SD10 Sailboat Drive is designed to produce a maximum
cable push/pull of 180 kg/400 lbs, which requires a peak
power of 90 watts. This makes the unit capable of handling the
vast majority of sailboats up to 6500 kg / 14300 lbs
displacement fully laden and 11 m / 37 ft length.
Note ! Fully Laden = The displacement of the yacht including all
added accessories and crew. Any attempt to ignore this fact
may reduce the autopilot performance and overload the unit.
2.4 Cable
The cable is an accessory item which should be replaced at
regular intervals as required. Note that incorrect installation,
high torques or lack of maintenance will affect the life of the
cable. Follow the maintenance recommendation and normal
replacement will be required after 150-200 hours of use or
every two seasons. For extensive cruising and long passage
making we recommend that a spare cable is kept onboard.
20222683 / A 3
Simrad SD10 Sailboat Drive
3. INSTALLATION
3.1 Installation Planning
When planning an installation, it is recommended that you
follow 3 steps:
• Determine mounting site for the drive unit.
• Determine mounting site for the connection kit.
• Determine routing path for the steering cable.
Determine Mounting Site for Drive Unit
The mounting site should provide adequate
space to accommodate the drive envelope
including the entry and exit points for the
steering cable. The drive can be mounted at
any angle. See detailed graphics of drive
225mm
envelope (left) and mounting samples
below. Note that no access for maintenance
purposes is required.
150mm
The selection of the steering cable entry/exit port does not have a preference. To
provide more flexibility for routing the steering cable, the entry/exit port
arrangement can be reversed. If ports are reversed, the steering direction will
also be reversed. The Simrad autopilot software will automatically compensate
for this.
REVERSIBLE CABLE
ENTRY-EXIT
TYPICAL VERTICAL
MOUNT
REVERSIBLE CABLE
ENTRY-EXIT
TYPICAL HORIZONTAL
MOUNT
4 20222683 / A
Installation
Determine Mounting Site for Connection
Kit
The Universal Connection Kit must be mounted to stable hull
structure. Any orientation is acceptable as long as the HO
positions do not force the connection kit beyond its rotation
limits. Ideally the connection kit should be mounted so that the
thrust from the steering cable is tangential to the tiller arc at
mid stroke. It is acceptable to mount the connection kit
without using the base plate provided adequate support is
available for the hub. The clevis bracket can be mounted to a
separate tiller arm or directly to the quadrant if a suitable site
is available.
THREADED GUIDE TUBE
(+/- 3 inches of adjustment)
GREASE NIPPLE
BASE PLATE
CAN BE MOUNTED IN ANY
ORIENTATION
(hub can be installed directly onto
suitable structure without use of
base plate)
UNIVERSAL HUB
(360 degree freedom about vertical axis
+/- 40 degrees from horizontal plane)
QUICK RELEASE
HAIR PIN
CLEVIS BRACKET
Connection Kit Installation
20222683 / A 5
Simrad SD10 Sailboat Drive
Determine Routing Path for Steering
Cable
After the locations for the Connection Kit and Drive Unit have
been established, the routing of the Steering Cable must be
determined.
The cable routing should take into consideration the extreme
movements of the steering mechanism during HO to HO
steering. Care should be taken to maximize the bend radius
and to avoid more than one bend. If more than one bend is
required, bends should not be smaller than the minimum bend
radius (6”) and the total angle of all bends combined be no
larger than 270 degrees. See drawing below showing preferred
routing and bend definition.
Steering Cable length supplied with system is 6 feet (2
metres). Other lengths are available on request.
‘B’ DIMENSION
Determine Length of Custom Steering Cable
If suitable site for drive unit based on a 6 foot steering cable is
not available. A custom cable length may be considered.
‘A’ DIMENSION
MID STROKE
150 mm MIN
RADIUS
SPENT CABLE TUBE
Preferred Cable Routing
Use a length of rope or electrical cable to simulate the routing,
then measure the total length required. See graphic of cable
length definition.
6 20222683 / A
CABLE LENGTH
Installation
MID STROKE
Cable Length Definition
Example of steering cable length calculation:
Add ‘A’ + ‘B’ dimensions and subtract 4” for a 90 degree
bend. Round UP result to nearest full foot size.
For steering cable x length in feet or meter order 21120076
and add x m (ft)
3.2 Installation of Drive Unit - Steering Cable &
Spent Cable Tube
Step 1 - Install Drive Unit
20222683 / A 7
1. Remove 2 x lock bolts, nuts and washers
from ports and retain.
2. Position drive unit in final location. Verify
position by simulating the steering cable
connection whilst steering cable is NOT
connected.
3. Transfer bolt pattern from the drive base plate
(4 x 7 mm (0.28”) diameter holes) into
mounting structure.
4. Remove drive unit and prepare holes in
mounting structure to receive mounting
fasteners (screws, bolts). Note that this
Simrad SD10 Sailboat Drive
Step 2 - Install Steering Cable
connection does NOT transmit any steering
loads.
5. Re-position drive unit and install fasteners,
tighten and torque.
1. Either port can be used for steering cable
entry. The most convenient for the
installation should be selected. The spent
cable tube attaches to the opposite port.
Steering direction can be reversed either by
reversing the motor brush leads or by
software in the course computer setup.
2. Apply some grease on the inner cable and
install steering cable into drive port. Guide
inner cable into port and exert moderate force
using 2 hands to drive cable around the
driving hub. This action will back drive the
unit and the inner cable will appear out of the
opposite port. To complete the cable
installation, the cable outer jacket will enter
the port and butt against the drive housing.
This will enable the insertion of the lock bolt.
3. Note that undue force required to drive the
inner cable around the driving hub may be
caused by the leading edge of the inner cable
gouging into outer face of the nylon guide.
Remove the cable and inspect the leading
edge for sharp edges, if possible, twist the
cable and re insert with sharp edge towards
inside of radius or using a burr type tool
remove the sharp edges.
8 20222683 / A
Step 3 - Install Spent Cable Tube
1. Install spent cable tube in exit port.
2. Install 2 x lock bolt, nut and washers into
ports. Tighten and torque to 40-45 in-lbs
(4 Nm).
3.3 Installation of Cable connection kit
Installation
For best performance the following dimensions should be
followed.
932 mm
RUDDER
786 mm MIN
RUDDER POST
640 mm
105 mm105 mm
R150 MIN
UNIVERSAL CONNECTION KIT
STEERING CABLE
254 mm MAX
Note ! It is desirable that the cable connector kit is perpendicular to
the Tiller arm or quadrant at mid stoke. This geometry will
give the optimum performance.
20222683 / A 9
Simrad SD10 Sailboat Drive
3.4 Electrical connections
Cable Motor and Clutch Power Supply
CLUTCH
(WHITE)
CLUTCH
(GREEN)
+ 12V
MOTOR
(RED)
+12V
BROWN
(RF+ or RF-
SHIELD
(ground)
-
MOTOR
(BLACK)
- 12V
Motor & Clutch Cable
Rudder Feedback Signal Cable
WHITE
(RF+ or RF-)
RFB cable
Following autopilot installation guide and
wiring diagram, connect 4 x 4 mm (AWG10)
wires with the autopilot computer.
Following autopilot installation guide,
perform electrical tests.
Following autopilot installation guide and
wiring diagram, connect 2 x 0.2 mm
(AWG24) wires + shield core with the
autopilot computer.
Following autopilot installation guide,
perform electrical tests.
10 20222683 / A
TB3
TB4 TB6
Sol.-Motor
Sol.-Motor
RED
BLACK
Autopilot Computer Wiring Diagram
AUTOPILOT COMPUTER
Drive
Engage
GREEN
WHITE
TB11
Rudder
Feedb.
RF
4 x 4 mm
RF
2
2 x 0.2 mm
2
(AWG10) Motor & Clutch Cable
(AWG24)
RFB Cable
Mechanical Calibration Procedure
4. MECHANICAL CALIBRATION PROCEDURE
1. Before installing the drive unit
into the vessel, disassemble
the RFB module from the
drive housing, by removing 2
attach screws.
2. Install the drive unit into the
vessel and install the remote
RFB MODULE
COMPLETE
INSTALLATION
3. Complete the electrical hook up of
the drive following the autopilot
computer wiring diagram.
4. Centre the gear on the RFB module
by aligning the red paint mark on the
gear with the red paint mark on the
housing as shown in underside view
(left).
steering cable following the
drive installation guide.
ALIGN 2 RED DOTS
VERTICALLY
UNDERSIDE
VIEW
5. By turning the steering wheel of the
helm unit, centre the rudder.
6. Reassemble the RFB module to the
drive housing and install and tighten
the 2 attach screws. Ensure that the
mesh between the RFB module and
the drive gear is not excessive.
7. See autopilot manual for instructions
on rudder feedback calibration and
rudder test.
20222683 / A 11
Simrad SD10 Sailboat Drive
5. MAINTENANCE
Grease the Universal connector kit on installation by applying
a grease gun to the grease nipples and at regular intervals
thereafter (see page
After a few hours of operation and at frequent intervals
thereafter, check all fasteners and the complete steering system
for security and integrity.
Keep all moving parts free from build-up of salt and other
foreign material. Build up of salt will effect their operation and
create steering problems. Pay particular attention to the
Universal connector kit. Periodically remove the cable, clean
the connector tube and thoroughly lubricate with waterproof
grease.
Inspect periodically for corrosion. Any parts affected by
corrosion must be replaced. When replacing hardware, selflocking hardware must be used.
5).
Inspect steering cable periodically for cracks or other damage.
If any is found the cable must be replaced.
WARNING ! Do NOT cover cracks in the cable with tape or other
sealants; this will only delay a fatal failure of the cable.
Always replace the cable.
12 20222683 / A
6. SERVICEABLE PARTS
CLUTCH
SOLENOID
Serviceable Parts
RFB – PCB
DRIVE
MOTOR
RFB – MODULE
Main Components
Part numbers
21120001 SD10 Complete drive
21120027 SD10 Rudder feedback module
21120035 SD10 Drive Motor
21120043 SD10 Rudder Feedback PCB
21120050 SD10 Solenoid
21120068 SD10 Linear Universal Kit
21120076 SD10 Cable, 2 m (6’)
20222683 / A 13
Simrad SD10 Sailboat Drive
7. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: .......................................................................................................4.9 kg (10,8 lb)
Maximum stroke:.................................................................................305 mm (12 inches)
Peak thrust fro cable:................................................................................180 kg (400 lbs)
Max Rudder Torque: ............................................................................ 450 Nm (333 lb ft)
Hard Over Time:........................................................................................12 – 18 seconds
Tiller Arm Radius:...............................................................................254 mm (10 inches)
Max Boat Displacement Fully Laden:................................................ 6500 kg (14300 lbs)
Max Boat Length:.........................................................................................11 m (37 feet)
Voltage: .................................................................................................................12V DC
Peak Power:...................................................................................................................7 A
Average Power: ..........................................................................................................2.5 A
Clutch Circuit Power:...............................................................................................0.85 A
14 20222683 / A
Loading...