Reactor™ 40 autopilot kit for mechanical/retrocompatible/solenoid steering with GHC™ 50 instrument

To avoid potential injuries and damage to your boat, the autopilot system must be installed by a qualified marine installer. Specific knowledge of marine steering systems and electrical systems is required for correct installation.

For installation, you will need the following tools and supplies:

Safety glassesDrill and drill bitsJigsaw or rotary cutting tool (for optional control instrument installation)Cutting/stripping pliersPhillips and flathead screwdriversCable tiesSolder and waterproof heat-shrink tubing or waterproof crimp connectorsDielectric greaseMarine sealantPortable compass (to test magnetic interference)Note that mounting screws are provided for main components, but you may need to supply screws suitable for your mounting surface if the provided ones are unsuitable.

Yes, the Reactor 40 system is compatible with existing drive units not sold by Garmin, as well as solenoid-based drive units. However, specific power cables (sold separately) may be required for the adaptation. Additionally, if you are using a non-Garmin drive unit, you must install a Garmin tiller angle sensor (such as the GRF™ 10) or connect an existing three-terminal potentiometer-type tiller angle sensor, as the system is not compatible with frequency-based sensors.

Yes, this specific kit, the 'Reactor™ 40 Kit for mechanical/retrofit/solenoid steering systems,' includes the GHC™ 50 autopilot instrument, as indicated in the product name.

The "Dockside Wizard" is an essential configuration assistant that adapts the autopilot system to your boat's specific dynamics. It can be run when the boat is docked (in or out of the water, but stationary if in the water). The assistant guides you through several required steps, including:

Selecting the vessel type.Selecting the drive unit class.Configuring the drive unit and clutch voltage (for non-Garmin units).Setting the solenoid voltage (for solenoid units).Enabling the Shadow Drive™ valve (if installed).Calibrating the rudder angle sensor.Adjusting the drive unit (for non-Garmin units).Testing the rudder direction.Selecting the speed source.Checking the tachometer.These steps are critical to ensure the autopilot functions correctly.

The "Sea Trial Wizard" is a fundamental configuration procedure that must be performed in calm waters to optimize autopilot performance. It configures the system’s primary sensors and includes critical steps such as:

Configuring the planning mode or maximum speed (depending on the speed source).Calibrating the compass to ensure heading accuracy.The Autotune procedure, which automatically adjusts the autopilot’s parameters to your boat’s handling characteristics by performing zigzag movements.During this procedure, the boat must operate in an open and calm area, with no significant wind, and the onboard weight must remain balanced to ensure accurate results.

No, the drive unit power cable cannot be cut or extended. If you are using the autopilot with a drive unit not sold by Garmin or a solenoid drive unit, a drive unit power cable or solenoid power cable (sold separately) must be used, and these cables cannot be extended either.

The Garmin Reactor 40 kit with the GHC 50 instrument includes the essential components for an autopilot system. It typically contains:

The GHC 50 autopilot instrument (control display)The Reactor 40 course control unit (CCU)The electronic control unit (ECU)An NMEA 2000 starter kit (cables, T-connectors, NMEA 2000 power cable, terminations)An audible alarmThe necessary connection cables for the CCU and ECU power supply.Please note that the drive unit (pump or ram) and rudder angle sensor are usually sold separately.

The Reactor 40 autopilot is compatible with the following steering systems:

MechanicalRearward compatibleSolenoid

Yes, to avoid potential personal injury and damage to your boat, the autopilot system must be installed by a qualified marine installer. Specific knowledge of marine steering and electrical systems is required for correct installation.

The GHC 50 instrument serves as the dedicated helm control for the Reactor 40 autopilot system. It allows configuration, control, and interaction with the autopilot. It displays essential information and guides the user through configuration assistants (Dockside Wizard and Sea Trial Wizard).

No, the drive unit is not included in this kit and is sold separately. If you do not already have a compatible drive unit installed on your boat, you will need to purchase one.

After physical installation, the Reactor 40 autopilot system must be configured and tuned to your boat's dynamics. This configuration is performed using two assistants:

The Dockside Wizard: Guides you through initial setup steps that can be completed at the dock or out of the water.The Sea Trial Wizard: Configures the autopilot's core sensors and must be performed in calm water at typical cruising speed.These assistants are accessible via the GHC 50 instrument or a compatible Garmin chartplotter connected to the same NMEA 2000 network.

Power supply requirements are as follows:

The Electronic Control Unit (ECU) must be connected to a 12 to 24 Vdc power source.The NMEA 2000 network power cable must be connected to a 9 to 16 Vdc power source.

For optimal performance, the course control unit (CCU) must be mounted in a non-submersible location, near the center of the boat, and away from sources of magnetic interference. Additional considerations include:

The CCU must be mounted on a rigid surface. Avoid mounting it within 60 cm (2 feet) of iron, magnets, high-current wires, or pumps operating intermittently.Large magnets (such as those in subwoofers) must be at least 1.5 m (5 feet) from the CCU.The ideal location is closest to the boat's central axis, lower in the boat, and slightly forward.It is recommended to test the location with a handheld compass to detect magnetic interference.

A rudder angle sensor is generally not included in this kit and is often sold separately. However, it is required if you are using a non-Garmin drive unit. Garmin recommends the GRF™ 10 sensor. The Reactor 40 system is compatible only with three-terminal potentiometer-type rudder angle sensors; it does not work with frequency-based sensors.

The CCU cable (5 m/16 ft) must not be cut, but extension cables are available if the distance between the CCU and ECU exceeds 5 meters. The ECU power cable can be extended if necessary, using the appropriate wire gauge. Cables connected to the drive unit (including the drive unit power cable and cables between the ECU and drive unit) cannot be cut or extended. The ECU must be mounted within 0.5 m (19 in) of the drive unit.

The NMEA 2000 network is essential for communication between the different components of the Reactor 40 autopilot system, including the GHC 50 instrument, the course control unit (CCU), and other compatible marine devices (such as a Garmin chartplotter). It enables the transmission of data required for configuration, control, and proper operation of the autopilot.

The Shadow Drive™ valve is an optional accessory designed for boats equipped with a hydraulic steering system. It allows you to instantly regain manual control of the helm by automatically disengaging the autopilot as soon as you turn the wheel.

To check for magnetic interference at the CCU mounting location, use a handheld compass. Hold the compass at the intended location, then move it six inches (about 15 cm) left, right, above, below, in front of, and behind the location. If the compass needle deviates by more than three degrees during these movements, magnetic interference is present. In this case, select a new mounting location and repeat the test.