Reactor™ 40 autopilot kit for hydraulic systems without GHC™ 20

No, this Reactor™ 40 autopilot kit is specifically designed without GHC™ 20. It is intended to integrate with an existing compatible Garmin chartplotter or a GHC™ 20 control display that must be purchased separately, providing maximum flexibility for new installations or upgrades.

The Reactor™ 40 autopilot uses 9-axis AHRS (Attitude Heading Reference System) technology. This technology ensures precise course-keeping and rapid response to marine conditions, outperforming older systems in terms of responsiveness and energy consumption.

For optimal performance, the CCU must be mounted on a rigid surface, away from magnetic interference. The ideal location is near the boat's center of rotation, on the centerline, low and slightly forward. It should be kept at least 60 cm from iron, magnets, high-current cables, or intermittent pumps, and 1.5 m from large magnetic fields such as subwoofers.

You can use a handheld compass to test a mounting location. Hold the compass at the intended location, then move it 15 cm (6 inches) to the left, right, above, below, in front of, and behind the location. If the compass needle moves by more than three degrees, magnetic interference is present and another location should be chosen.

The cable supplied to connect the CCU to the ECU is 5 metres (16 feet) long. If the CCU cannot be mounted within this distance, extension cables are available from your Garmin dealer or at www.garmin.com. This cable must not be cut.

The ECU must be mounted on a flat surface, in any orientation, but no more than 0.5 meters (19 inches) from the hydraulic pump. The cables connecting the ECU to the pump cannot be extended. The ECU must also be placed in a location where it will not be submerged or exposed to water spray.

The Shadow Drive™ sensor must be mounted horizontally and as level as possible, securely fastened with hose clamps. It must be located at least 305 mm (12 inches) away from magnetic materials or devices (speakers, electric motors). It should be closer to the helm than to the pump, and lower than the lowest helm position but higher than the pump.

No, the Shadow Drive™ sensor must not be connected directly to the bulkhead fitting at the back of the helm station, nor directly to a hydraulic T-connector in the hydraulic line. There must be a length of hose between the bulkhead fitting or T-connector and the Shadow Drive.

The Shadow Drive™ sensor must be installed either in the starboard steering line or in the port steering line. It must not be installed in the return line or the high-pressure line, if applicable.

Yes, the Reactor™ 40 autopilot requires an NMEA 2000 network to operate. If your boat does not have one, a basic network can be built using the NMEA 2000 cables and connectors included in the kit.

To use advanced autopilot features, optional NMEA 2000 devices can be connected to the network. This includes, for example, a wind transducer, a water speed sensor, or a GPS device.

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

No, this Reactor™ 40 autopilot kit is specifically designed for hydraulic steering systems. It is not compatible with non-hydraulic steering systems.

Garmin recommends that the autopilot system be installed by a qualified marine installer. Specific knowledge of hydraulic steering components and marine electrical systems is required for correct installation to avoid damage to the boat or injury.

Required tools include safety glasses, a drill and drill bits, wire cutters/strippers, Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, cable ties, waterproof wire connectors or heat-shrink tubing with a heat gun, marine sealant, and a portable compass to test magnetic interference. Mounting screws are provided, but you may need to supply others if they do not suit your mounting surface.

No, the autopilot is a tool that enhances your ability to operate your boat, but it does not absolve you of the responsibility to operate your vessel safely. You remain responsible for the safe and prudent handling of your boat. You must always be prepared to quickly take manual control of your boat and never leave the helm unattended.

The alarm must be mounted near the main helm station. It can be installed under the dashboard if necessary.

Yes, the ECU power cable connects to the boat’s battery and can be extended if required.