Reactor™ 40 autopilot for hydraulic systems with GHC™ 50 instrument

The Garmin Reactor™ 40 autopilot is an advanced navigation system designed for vessels equipped with hydraulic steering. It provides a complete solution for navigation, integrating a Course Computer Unit (CCU) and an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) to manage the boat's steering. This system is complemented by the GHC™ 50 autopilot instrument, which serves as a dedicated user interface.

The GHC™ 50 instrument is the dedicated user interface for the Reactor™ 40 autopilot. It allows configuration and control of the autopilot system. If no dedicated helm control instrument is included or installed, a compatible Garmin chartplotter connected to the same NMEA 2000 network as the autopilot’s CCU can also be used for configuration and control.

This Garmin Reactor™ 40 autopilot is specifically designed for hydraulic steering systems. Note that the hydraulic pump is not included and must be installed separately, following its own detailed instructions.

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

The CCU cable is 5 meters (16 feet) long. It must not be cut. If the CCU cannot be mounted within 5 meters of the ECU, extension cables are available (sold separately) from your local Garmin dealer or at garmin.com.

When mounting the Electronic Control Unit (ECU), consider the following:

The ECU can be mounted on a flat surface in any orientation. It must be installed within 0.5 meters (19 inches) of the pump, as the cables connecting the ECU to the pump cannot be extended. The ECU must be mounted in a location where it will not be submerged or exposed to splashes.

You can use a handheld compass to test a CCU mounting location for magnetic interference. Follow these steps:

Hold a handheld compass at the CCU mounting location. Move the compass 15 cm (6 inches) to the left, then to the right, and observe the needle. Repeat this process by moving the compass above and below the mounting location. Repeat this process by moving the compass in front of and behind the mounting location. If the compass needle moves more than three degrees at any step, magnetic interference is present and you should choose a new mounting location.

No. If an NMEA 2000 network is not already present on your boat, you can build one using the supplied cables and connectors. The GHC™ 50 instrument and the CCU must be connected to the same NMEA 2000 network to function correctly.

Recommended tools include safety glasses, a drill and drill bits, a jigsaw or rotary cutting tool (for the optional tiller pilot), wire cutters/strippers, Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, cable ties, solder and heat-shrink tubing or waterproof butt connectors, dielectric grease, marine sealant, and a handheld compass (to test for magnetic interference). Mounting screws are provided for main components.

The GHC™ 50 instrument is powered by the NMEA 2000 network and does not require a separate power connection. The NMEA 2000 network supplies power to the autopilot control unit and enables communication with other autopilot components.

The autopilot system must be configured and tuned according to your boat's dynamics. You must use the Dockside Wizard and the Sea Trial Wizard to set up the autopilot. These wizards guide you through the required configuration steps.

Yes, if the autopilot system is installed without a dedicated helm control instrument (such as the GHC™ 50 included in this pack), the initial configuration must be performed using a compatible Garmin chartplotter connected to the same NMEA 2000 network as the autopilot's CCU.

When running the Dockside Wizard, whether the boat is in the water or out of the water, ensure there is sufficient clearance for the rudder movement to avoid damaging the rudder or other objects. Also use caution to avoid bodily injury that could be caused by moving parts. If the boat is in the water, it must be stationary while you complete the assistant.

The Sea Trial Wizard configures the autopilot's core sensors, and it is critical to complete it under appropriate conditions for your sailboat. This means the boat must not pitch at rest or at very low speed, and must not be significantly affected by wind. The onboard weight must remain balanced throughout the procedure.

The Shadow Drive™ sensor must be installed according to the following requirements:

It must be mounted horizontally and as level as possible, securely fastened with cable ties. It must be installed at least 305 mm (12 inches) away from magnetic materials or devices, such as speakers or electric motors. It must be mounted closer to the tiller than to the pump. It must be mounted lower than the lowest tiller but higher than the pump. It must not be connected directly to a fitting at the back of the tiller. A length of hose must be between the tiller fitting and the Shadow Drive sensor. It must not be connected directly to a hydraulic T-fitting in the hydraulic line. A length of hose must be between a T-fitting and the Shadow Drive sensor.

If compass calibration is unsuccessful, the calibration steps must be repeated. If the magnetic environment quality value displayed after calibration is low (a value of 100 indicates a perfect magnetic environment), it may be necessary to relocate the CCU and recalibrate the compass.

To prevent potential damage to the device, it is mandatory to use only the included screws for installation. Using screws other than those provided will void your product warranty.

If you install an NMEA 2000 power cable, it must be connected to the boat's ignition switch or via another inline switch. NMEA 2000 devices will drain your battery if the NMEA 2000 power cable is connected directly to the battery.