ECU 10 (Compact Reactor™ 40)

The ECU 10 is a central component of the Compact Reactor™ 40 hydraulic autopilot system. It is designed to connect and power the course control unit (CCU) and the hydraulic pump, controlling the latter based on information received from the CCU.

The ECU 10 and the Compact Reactor™ 40 system are specifically designed for single-outboard-engine motorboats, typically for vessels under 25 feet.

Yes, the ECU 10 and the Compact Reactor™ 40 system are not recommended for:

Sailboats of 25 feet or more.Engines over 150 horsepower.Vessels with a deadrise angle greater than 12 degrees.

The ECU 10 requires a 12 to 24 Vdc power supply.

The 9-axis AHRS (Attitude Heading Reference System) allows flexible mounting options and minimizes heading errors, course deviations, rudder movements, and power consumption, providing stable navigation even in rough seas. The autopilot actively reacts to sea conditions to maintain the set course.

No, to avoid damaging your boat, the autopilot system must be installed by a qualified marine installer. Specific knowledge of hydraulic steering components and marine electrical systems is required for proper installation.

The ECU 10 must be installed within 0.5 m (19 inches) of the hydraulic pump. Cables connecting the ECU to the pump cannot be extended.

Yes, the ECU 10 must be mounted in a location where it will not be submerged or exposed to washing. It can be mounted on a flat surface, in any orientation.

Required tools include:

Safety glassesA drill and drill bitsWrenchesWire cutters/strippersScrewdrivers (Phillips and flat-head)Cable tiesA single-pole single-throw (SPST) switch if the Shadow Drive valve is not installedWaterproof wire connectors or heat-shrink tubing and a heat gunMarine sealantMarine corrosion inhibitor sprayA handheld compass (to test magnetic interference)A hydraulic hose with crimped or field-replaceable fittings (minimum 1000 psi)Hydraulic T-fittingsHydraulic fluidThread sealantHydraulic bleeding equipment

For optimal performance, the CCU must be mounted on a rigid surface. It is recommended to place it as close as possible to the boat’s center of rotation, ideally on the centerline, lower in the boat, and slightly forward. It is crucial to test the mounting area with a handheld compass to detect magnetic interference and ensure it is no closer than 60 cm to iron, magnets, high-current wires, or pumps operating intermittently, and 1.5 m from large magnets.

The CCU cable, which is 5 m (16 ft) long, must not be cut. If the CCU cannot be mounted within 5 m of the ECU, extension cables are available from your Garmin dealer or on their website.

Removing the inline fuse holder from the power cable is not recommended. To avoid any risk of injury or product damage due to fire or overheating, the correct fuse must be installed as specified in the product documentation. Additionally, connecting the power cable without the correct fuse voids the product warranty.

The autopilot system must be configured and tuned according to your boat's dynamics using the "Dockside Wizard" and "Sea Trial Wizard" assistants. These assistants guide you through the necessary setup steps.

The "Dockside Wizard" is a configuration assistant that allows you to calibrate the rudder sensor, test the helm direction, and select the speed source. It can be performed when the boat is in the water (at rest) or out of the water, ensuring adequate rudder movement space if out of the water. If the boat is equipped with a power steering system, it must be activated before launching the assistant.

The "Sea Trial Wizard" must be performed in calm waters. The boat must not pitch when stationary or at very low speed, and must not be significantly affected by wind. The onboard weight must remain balanced, and you should not move around on the boat during the procedure.

You can select one of the following as a speed source:

Tachometer - NMEA 2000: If one or more NMEA 2000-compatible engines are connected to the NMEA 2000 network. GPS: If an NMEA 2000 tachometer data source is unavailable or unusable. Garmin recommends using an external GPS antenna mounted with a clear view of the sky for reliable and accurate speed data. None: If no NMEA 2000 engine or GPS device is connected as a speed source. However, Garmin recommends connecting a tachometer via the NMEA 2000 network or using an external GPS antenna if performance is insufficient.

Compass calibration is part of the "Sea Trial Wizard" or can be performed separately. Follow the on-screen instructions while keeping the boat as stable and level as possible. After calibration, a magnetic environment quality value is displayed (100 being perfect). A low value may indicate the need to relocate the CCU and recalibrate.

For applications requiring precise heading control at low speed or in rough waters, or for fishing, the higher-performance Reactor 40 models are more suitable than the ECU 10 and the Compact Reactor™ 40 system.

Yes, the course computer unit (CCU) and the helm control unit must connect to an NMEA 2000 network. If your boat does not have one, a basic network can be built using the included NMEA 2000 cables and connectors. Optional NMEA 2000 devices (wind sensor, speed through water sensor, GPS) can be connected for advanced features.

If the rudder direction test indicates that the sailboat is turning in the opposite direction to the expected one, you must select the "Switch Direction" option on a chartplotter or "No" on a helm control, then repeat the test steps until the direction is correct.