Reactor™ 40 Compact autopilot starter pack for hydraulic steering

The Reactor™ 40 Compact Autopilot Starter Pack is an advanced autopilot system designed by Garmin for vessels equipped with hydraulic steering. It provides precise and reliable navigation, featuring simplified configuration for optimal commissioning. Its compact format makes it particularly suitable for vessels where space is limited.

This autopilot is specifically designed for vessels equipped with hydraulic steering. It integrates with existing steering systems to automate course-keeping.

The 'Compact' format of the Reactor™ 40 is specifically designed for vessels where space is limited. It allows for easier installation in tight areas while maintaining the performance and reliability expected from a Garmin autopilot.

The Course Control Unit (CCU) is the main sensor of the Reactor™ 40 Compact autopilot system. It is essential for system operation as it provides the heading data required for precise vessel steering.

Yes, installing the Reactor™ 40 Compact autopilot system requires marine expertise. Specific knowledge of hydraulic steering components and marine electrical systems is required for correct installation and to avoid damage to the boat or the product.

The Dockside Wizard is an intuitive setup assistant that guides the user through the initial autopilot configuration. It allows you to configure parameters such as:

The vessel typeBar lock-to-lock valueBar displacement valueRudder sensor calibrationRudder direction testIt can be completed when the boat is dockside or out of the water, provided the boat is stationary if in the water.

The Sea Trial Wizard is a configuration assistant that calibrates the autopilot's core sensors under real sailing conditions. It must be completed in calm waters and in a suitable location for your boat. It includes:

Compass calibrationThe Autotune procedure to optimize autopilot performance based on the boat's specific dynamics.It must be performed after the Dockside Wizard and before using the autopilot fully.

To test a location for magnetic interference, use a handheld compass:

Hold the compass at the intended mounting location for the CCU.Move the compass 15 cm (6 inches) to the left, then to the right of the location.Observe the needle: if it moves more than three degrees, magnetic interference is present.Select a new location and repeat the test.Repeat this process by moving the compass above and below, as well as in front of and behind the mounting location.If the compass needle does not move or moves less than three degrees, the location is suitable.

When mounting the ECU, consider the following:

The ECU can be mounted on a flat surface in any direction. It must be installed within 0.5 m (19 inches) of the pump, as the connection cables between the ECU and the pump cannot be extended. The ECU must be installed in a location where it will not be submerged or exposed to splashes. The mounting screws are provided, but additional screws may be required if the supplied ones are unsuitable for the surface.

The hydraulic pump must be mounted in a location where you can run the boat's hydraulic steering lines. Ideally, it should be mounted horizontally. If vertical mounting is required, the hydraulic connections must face upward.

The Shadow Drive is a sensor installed in the hydraulic steering lines of your boat. It detects when you take manual control of the helm and suspends autopilot control. It must be mounted horizontally and as level as possible, securely fastened with cable ties.

Regarding its location:

It must be mounted lower than the lowest helm but higher than the pump. It must not be directly connected to the fitting at the back of the helm or directly to a hydraulic T-fitting. A length of hose must separate the Shadow Drive from these components.

In a single-helm installation, there must be no T-fitting between the helm and the Shadow Drive.

In a double-helm installation, the Shadow Drive must be installed between the pump and the hydraulic T-fitting leading to the upper and lower helms, closer to the T-fitting than to the pump.

It must be installed in the starboard or port steering line, not in the return line or high-pressure line.

For installation of the system, you will need the following tools:

Safety glassesDrill and drill bitsWrenches90 mm (3.5 inch) hole saw or rotary cutting tool (for optional tiller pilot installation)Wire cutters/strippersPhillips and flathead screwdriversCable tiesSPST unipolar unidirectional switch (if Shadow Drive is not installed)Waterproof wire connectors or heat-shrink tubing and heat gunMarine sealantMarine corrosion inhibitor sprayPortable compass (to test magnetic interference)Hydraulic hose with factory-crimped or field-replaceable fittings (minimum 1000 psi)Hydraulic T-fittingsHydraulic fluidThread sealing compoundHydraulic bleeding equipmentNote that mounting screws are provided for main components, but you may need different screws if the supplied ones do not fit your mounting surface.

Yes, some cables can be extended, while others cannot:

The CCU cable (5 m / 16 ft) can be extended if the CCU cannot be mounted within 5 m of the ECU. Extensions are available.

The power cable for the ECU, which connects to the boat’s battery, can be extended if necessary.

The alarm wires can be extended with 28 AWG (0.08 mm²) wire.

The Shadow Drive wires (or manual switch) can be extended with 28 AWG (0.08 mm²) wire.

However, the cables connecting the ECU to the pump cannot be extended. This is why the ECU must be mounted within 0.5 m (19 in) of the pump.

Yes, the course computer unit (CCU) and tiller pilot (if included) must be connected to an NMEA 2000 network. If your boat does not already have one, a basic network can be built using the NMEA 2000 cables and connectors included in the package.

Yes, to use the advanced features of the autopilot, optional NMEA 2000 devices can be connected to the NMEA 2000 network. This includes sensors such as a wind sensor, a speed through water sensor, or an external GPS device, which can enhance the data available to the system.

Garmin recommends using a reliable speed source for optimal performance. The options are:

NMEA 2000 tachometer: If one or more NMEA 2000-compatible engines are connected to the network.External GPS: If an NMEA 2000 tachometer data source is not available or unusable. Garmin recommends an external GPS antenna mounted with a clear view of the sky for reliable and accurate GPS speed data.Although a 'None' option is available, it is not recommended if the autopilot does not perform well, and it is advised to connect a tachometer via the NMEA 2000 network or use an external GPS antenna as a speed source.

Yes, Garmin has streamlined the initial setup with intuitive configuration wizards. The Dockside Wizard guides the user through initial settings, and the Sea Trial Wizard calibrates key sensors in real-world conditions, including compass calibration and the Autotune procedure.

To register your Garmin device, go to garmin.com/express and log in to your Garmin account. It is recommended to keep the original sales receipt or a copy in a safe place.

No. You are responsible for the safe and prudent navigation of your vessel. The autopilot is an assistance tool and does not relieve you of the duty of safety. You must always be ready to quickly resume manual helm control and never leave the helm unattended.