Standard electronic steering package Reactor 40™ Steer-by-Wire without GHC™ 20

The standard electronic steering kit for the Garmin Reactor 40 Steer-by-Wire system is a central solution designed for integrating a high-precision autopilot system. It is specifically intended for vessels equipped with an electronic steering system and provides the essential components for responsive and reliable helm control.

No, this kit is specifically sold "without GHC 20". This means it does not include the dedicated GHC 20 control display. Autopilot configuration and control are performed via a compatible Garmin chartplotter already present on the boat's NMEA 2000 network.

This system is designed for vessels equipped with an electronic steering system (Steer-by-Wire). It integrates seamlessly with this type of steering to provide precise and reliable helm control.

The Course Computer Unit (CCU) is the primary sensor and the core of the Reactor 40 Steer-by-Wire autopilot system. It is essential for heading calculation and boat movement detection, ensuring optimal autopilot performance.

The system integrates seamlessly via the NMEA 2000 network. All essential components connect to this network, enabling communication with a compatible Garmin chartplotter for configuration and control.

Choosing a GHC 20 displayless kit offers increased flexibility, especially if you already have a compatible Garmin multifunction display (MFD). This allows you to optimize space at the helm and use a single user interface for navigation and autopilot control.

Yes, 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 and to avoid any damage to the boat.

For installation, you will generally need the following tools:

Phillips and flathead screwdriversCable tiesWaterproof wire connectors (wire caps) or heat-shrink tubing and a heat gunMarine sealantA handheld compass (to test for magnetic interference)Safety glassesA drill and drill bitsA 90 mm (3.5 in) hole saw or a rotary cutting tool (for optional tiller pilot installation)Wire cutters/strippersMounting screws are provided for main components, but you may need to supply additional ones if these do not suit your mounting surface.

For optimal performance, the CCU must be mounted on a rigid surface. It is crucial to keep it away from magnetic interference sources. Maintain a minimum distance of 60 cm (2 feet) from steel, magnets, high-current cables, and intermittent pumps. For large magnets, such as those in subwoofers, a distance of 1.5 m (5 feet) is required. The ideal location is closest to the boat's rotation center, on the centerline, low in the boat, and slightly forward.

You can use a handheld compass to test a mounting location. Hold the compass at the chosen location, then move it six inches to the left, right, above, below, in front of, and behind the location. If the compass needle moves more than three degrees, magnetic interference is present and you should choose a new location.

The CCU cable is 3 meters (9 feet) long. It must not be cut. If the course computer unit cannot be mounted within 3 meters of the steering system, extension cables are available from your Garmin dealer or on the Garmin website.

The Course Computer Unit (CCU) and compatible Garmin chartplotter must be connected to the NMEA 2000 network using the included T-connectors. If your boat does not already have an NMEA 2000 network, you can build one using the cables and connectors provided in the kit.

The autopilot system alarm must be installed near the main helm station. It can be mounted under the dashboard. If necessary, the alarm wires can be extended using 28 AWG (0.08 mm²) wire.

When connecting the power cable, it is imperative not to remove the inline fuse holder. To avoid any risk of injury or product damage due to fire or overheating, the appropriate fuse must be in place, as specified in the product documentation. Connecting the power cable without the appropriate fuse voids the product warranty.

Since this kit does not include the GHC 20 display, you will need to use a compatible Garmin chartplotter. This chartplotter must be connected to the same NMEA 2000 network as the autopilot’s course computer unit (CCU) to enable system configuration and control.

The autopilot can use different speed sources:

Tachometer - NMEA 2000 or proprietary: If your heading controller connection provides RPM data or if you have connected compatible NMEA 2000 engines.GPS: If no RPM data is available. Garmin recommends using an external GPS antenna for reliable and accurate speed information.None: If none of the previous options are available. However, Garmin suggests connecting a tachometer via NMEA 2000 or using an external GPS antenna if performance is unsatisfactory with this option.

Initial autopilot configuration is performed via a quick start sequence. If it does not start automatically, you can launch it from the menu of your compatible Garmin chartplotter. This sequence uses two main assistants: the Dockside Wizard and the Sea Trial Wizard, which guide you through the necessary configuration and adjustment steps.

Yes, the Docking Assistant can be performed whether the boat is in the water or out of the water. If the boat is out of the water, ensure sufficient clearance for rudder movements to avoid damaging the rudder or other objects. If the boat is in the water, it must remain stationary while you complete the assistant.

The Sea Trial Wizard is crucial for configuring the autopilot's fundamental sensors and must be performed under appropriate conditions. It is imperative to do it in calm waters, where the boat does not pitch when stopped or at very low speed, and is not significantly affected by wind. The boat's weight distribution must remain balanced throughout the procedure.