Reactor™ 40 Compact electronic steering computer for electronic steering systems

The Reactor™ 40 Compact autopilot computer is an advanced autopilot solution designed specifically for boats equipped with compatible electronic steering systems. It integrates with digital steering to provide precise navigation and optimal adaptation to sea conditions.

The system uses an advanced 9-axis semiconductor AHRS (Attitude Heading Reference System). This technology delivers extremely precise navigation, minimizes heading errors, reduces unnecessary rudder movements, and optimizes the system's power consumption.

By minimizing course errors and rudder movements, the Reactor™ 40 Compact helps maintain the boat on the desired trajectory more efficiently. This can result in reduced fuel consumption and smoother sailing, especially in challenging sea conditions.

Shadow Drive™ is an optional feature. It allows you to instantly resume manual control of the boat by simply turning the wheel. Once manual control is released, the autopilot automatically resumes operation.

The Reactor™ 40 Steer-by-Wire autopilot system includes several key components, including the CCU (Course Computer Unit) as the primary sensor, an alarm for audible alerts, and the necessary cables for power supply and NMEA 2000® network connection.

The Reactor™ 40 Compact autopilot computer is specifically designed to integrate with compatible electronic steering systems. It is notably compatible with digital steering systems such as SeaStar Optimus, Yanmar Marine ZT 370 systems, and ZF 2800 omnidirectional thrusters.

Yes, the Reactor™ 40 Compact is NMEA 2000® certified. This certification simplifies integration into an existing network and enables data sharing for heading with other compatible Garmin devices, providing features such as MARPA and chart overlay with radar and chartplotter.

The autopilot can be controlled via a compatible Garmin chartplotter, GHC™ 50 or GHC™ 20 displays, or wired/wireless remote controls. For initial setup, a compatible Garmin chartplotter or control display must be connected to the same NMEA 2000® network as the CCU.

Yes, to use the advanced features of the autopilot, optional NMEA 2000® devices such as a wind sensor, water speed sensor, or GPS device can be connected to the NMEA 2000® network.

Yes, the Reactor™ 40 Compact autopilot computer is designed to integrate specifically with electronic steering systems, including Yanmar Marine ZT 370 systems and ZF omnidirectional thrusters 2800.

Installing the Reactor™ 40 Compact autopilot system requires specific knowledge of electronic steering components and marine electrical systems. It is recommended that installation be performed by a qualified marine technician to avoid any damage or injury.

For installation, you will need:

Safety glassesDrill and bitsHole saw 90 mm (3.5 in) or rotary cutting tool (for optional display installation)Wire cutters/strippersFlathead and Phillips screwdriversCable tiesWaterproof wire connectors or heat-shrink tubing and heat gunMarine sealantPortable compass (to test magnetic interference)Mounting screws are supplied for main components. If unsuitable, use stainless steel or brass screws to avoid magnetic interference.

For optimal performance, the CCU must be mounted on a rigid surface, away from magnetic interference sources (iron, magnets, high-current wires, intermittent pumps) by at least 60 cm (2 feet), and at least 1.5 m (5 feet) from a large magnet. The ideal location is as close as possible to the boat's center of rotation, on its centerline, lower and slightly forward.

To test a mounting location for magnetic interference, hold a portable compass at the intended position for the CCU. Move the compass 15 cm (6 inches) to the left, then to the 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 CCU cable is 3 meters (9 feet) long. It must not be cut. If the CCU cannot be mounted within 3 meters of the steering system, extension cables are available.

The alarm, which provides audible alerts from the autopilot system, must be installed near the main helm station. It can be mounted under the dashboard. The alarm wires can be extended with 28 AWG (0.08 mm²) wire if necessary.

After physical installation, the autopilot system must be configured and tuned according to your boat’s dynamics. This setup is performed using two wizards: the Dockside Wizard and the Sea Trial Wizard. These wizards guide you through the necessary configuration steps.

The Dockside Wizard is an initial setup assistant that must be performed the first time you power on the autopilot. It can be completed when the boat is in the water and stationary, or out of the water, provided there is sufficient clearance for rudder movement. It allows you to configure the system's basic parameters.

The Sea Trial Wizard configures the autopilot's fundamental sensors and is crucial for the system's proper operation. It must be performed in calm water, where the boat does not pitch at rest or at very low speed and is not significantly affected by wind. The onboard weight must remain balanced throughout the procedure.

The system can use multiple speed sources:

Tach. - NMEA 2000 or Proprietary: If your autopilot controller connection provides RPM data or if compatible NMEA 2000 engines are connected.GPS: If the autopilot controller connection does not provide RPM data and no NMEA 2000 tachometer data source is available or usable. Using an external GPS antenna is recommended for reliable information.None: If none of the previous sources are available. Garmin recommends connecting a tachometer via the NMEA 2000 network or using an external GPS antenna if performance is unsatisfactory with this option.