Reactor™ 40 Hydraulic Kit with SmartPump v2 and GHC™ 50

The Garmin Reactor™ 40 hydraulic kit with SmartPump v2 and GHC™ 50 is a complete autopilot solution that includes the following main components:

One SmartPump v2 pump.One Reactor 40 course computer unit (CCU).One GHC™ 50 autopilot instrument.

The SmartPump v2 has dimensions of 197 x 190 x 244 mm and weighs 7.5 kg.

The SmartPump v2 is compatible with steering cylinders from 4 to 24 cubic inches.

The SmartPump v2 operates on a 11.5–30 V DC power supply and requires a 40 A fuse. Its electrical consumption varies:

Less than 1 A in standby mode.Up to 34 A at peak.

The Reactor 40 Course Computer Unit (CCU) features the following specifications:

Dimensions: 91.4 mm diameter.Weight: 159 g.Technology: 9-axis MEMS AHRS.Mounting: Can be installed in any orientation to optimize power consumption and minimize heading errors.Waterproofing: High-impact plastic housing, fully waterproof, compliant with IEC 529 IPX7 standard.

The GHC 50 autopilot instrument features a 5-inch (12.7 cm) anti-reflective WVGA touchscreen with a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels.

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

For system installation, you will need the following tools and supplies:

Safety glasses.Drill and drill bits.Jigsaw or rotary cutting tool (if installing optional wheel pilot system).Wire cutters/strippers.Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers.Cable ties.Waterproof heat-shrink solder or crimp connectors.Dielectric grease.Marine sealant.Portable compass or handheld compass (to test magnetic interference).Mounting screws are provided for main components, but you may need other types of screws depending on the mounting surface.

For optimal performance, the Reactor 40 CCU must be mounted in a dry location near the center of the boat and can be installed in any orientation. It is critical to mount it away from magnetic interference sources. Avoid locations within:

60 cm (2 ft) of iron, magnets, high-current wires, or intermittently operating pumps. 1.5 m (5 ft) from a large magnet (e.g., a subwoofer speaker magnet). Ideally, choose a location:

As close as possible to the boat’s center of rotation. As close as possible to the boat’s central axis. Lower in the boat. Slightly forward of the boat’s center. The CCU must be mounted on a rigid surface for best performance.

You can use a handheld compass to test a potential CCU mounting location for magnetic interference:

Hold the handheld compass at the proposed mounting location for the CCU.Move the compass 15 cm (6 in) to the left, then 15 cm to the right of this location. Observe the needle.If the compass needle moves more than three degrees, magnetic interference is present. Choose a new location and repeat the test.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 does not move or moves less than three degrees, the location is suitable.

The Shadow Drive sensor must be installed in the hydraulic steering line of your boat, following these guidelines:

It must be mounted horizontally and as level as possible, securely fastened with hose clamps.Keep it at least 305 mm (12 inches) away from magnetic materials or devices (speakers, electric motors).Position it closer to the helm station than to the pump.It must be mounted lower than the lowest helm station but higher than the pump.Do not connect it directly to the fitting at the back of the helm station; a length of hose must separate the helm fitting and the sensor.Do not connect it directly to a hydraulic tee fitting; a length of hose must separate the tee fitting and the sensor.For a single helm station installation, there must be no tee fitting between the helm station and the Shadow Drive sensor.For a dual helm station installation, install it between the pump and the hydraulic tee fitting leading to the upper and lower helm stations, closer to the tee fitting than to the pump.The sensor must be installed in the starboard or port steering line, not in the return line or high-pressure line.

For installing the SmartPump v2, it is essential to consider the following points:

The pump must be installed in a dry location, protected from water and harsh weather.Before installation, identify your boat's hydraulic steering system type and consult the hydraulic diagrams.For larger steering cylinders or those requiring higher fluid pressure, install the pump as close as possible to the cylinder, ideally with no more than 3 meters (10 feet) of hydraulic hose between the pump and the cylinder.Mount the pump horizontally if possible. If not, it must be mounted vertically with the pump head connectors facing upward.Choose a location that allows easy extension of the boat's hydraulic steering lines.

Note: Ensure the system is depressurized before installation and verify compatibility with your boat's hydraulic specifications.

No, you must under no circumstances use thread sealing tape (such as Teflon tape) or thread sealant on the hydraulic fittings of this system. Small debris from these materials can enter the hydraulic system, become lodged in valves, and render the autopilot or steering system inoperative. For hydraulic fittings without an O-ring, use a liquid thread sealant, such as Loctite 567, strictly following the curing time.

Autopilot components such as the GHC 50 helm control instrument and the Course Computer Unit (CCU) must be connected to an NMEA 2000 network. T-connectors are included to facilitate this connection.

If your boat does not already have an NMEA 2000 network, you can build one using the cables and connectors supplied with the system.

Yes, it is recommended to update the autopilot software after completing installation and before proceeding with configuration. You can perform this update in two ways:

If the system is connected to an NMEA 2000 network with a compatible Garmin chartplotter, you can use the chartplotter for the update. If the system is not connected to an NMEA 2000 network with a Garmin chartplotter, you will need to use a dedicated NMEA 2000 network update tool (sold separately).

The autopilot system is designed to operate with a compatible Garmin chartplotter connected to the same NMEA 2000 network as the course computer unit (CCU). While the GHC 50 instrument is included for control, a compatible chartplotter can be used for setup and control if the helm instrument is not included or as an additional option.

After installation, the autopilot system must be configured and adjusted to your boat's dynamics. This setup is performed using two wizards:

The Dockside Wizard: It allows you to configure initial parameters while the boat is docked or out of the water (but stationary if in the water). The Sea Trial Wizard: It configures the autopilot's fundamental sensors under real sailing conditions, in calm and clear water. These wizards guide you through all the necessary steps.

The power requirements are as follows:

The SmartPump v2 requires a supply voltage of 11.5 to 30 V DC. The NMEA 2000 network, to which the CCU and GHC 50 are connected, must be powered by a source of 9 to 16 V DC.

Yes, the SmartPump v2 provides configurable hydraulic fluid flow from 0 to 2.4 litres per minute, allowing precise adjustment to your steering system requirements.

Installing the Garmin Reactor™ 40 hydraulic autopilot kit with SmartPump v2 and GHC™ 50 is a complex procedure that requires specific knowledge of marine steering and electrical systems. Garmin strongly recommends that the system be installed by a qualified professional to avoid potential damage to your boat, injury, and to ensure proper system operation.

The installation process involves several critical steps and precautions, including:

Careful planning of the layout of all components, including the Course Computer Unit (CCU), SmartPump v2, GHC 50 instrument, and Shadow Drive sensor, ensuring cables reach each component.The mounting of the Course Computer Unit (CCU) in a non-submerged location, near the center of the boat, away from magnetic interference sources and on a rigid surface.Installing the SmartPump v2 in a dry location protected from water, ensuring the boat's steering system has a vented reservoir. The pump must be mounted horizontally or vertically with connectors facing upward.Making hydraulic connections to the SmartPump using 6 mm (1/4 in) or larger hoses and specific fittings, and ensuring no thread seal tape (e.g., Teflon) is used, as it may damage the system. It is imperative to bleed all air from the hydraulic system after installation.Correct installation of the Shadow Drive sensor in the hydraulic steering line, respecting distances from magnetic materials and T-fittings.Setting up an NMEA 2000 network for communication between the various autopilot components.After physical installation, the system must be precisely configured and tuned for your boat's dynamics using software assistants (Dockside Wizard and Sea Trial Wizard), which include calibration of the rudder sensor, compass, and Autotune.An incorrect installation can not only compromise the safety and performance of the autopilot but also result in damage or injury.