ComNav 1001 - DISTRIBUTION BOX FUNCTIONS; POWER AND SIGNAL CONNECTIONS

18
DISTRIBUTION BOX
Position and mount the distribution box
underneath or inside the control console
in a DRY location so that the main cable
from the distribution box will easily reach
the rear of the autopilot. Cables are
inserted into the distribution box by filing
or cutting out the pre-formed ports in the
cover. To ensure a neat appearance, the
cover has only had the minimum number
of openings prepared in advance.
The suggested types and gauges of
cables required to hook up the
autopilot are listed in Table II.
The functions of each set of connections
in the distribution box are as follows:
1. POSITIVE PILOT POWER (+)
2. NEGATIVE PILOT POWER (-)
These two terminals should be hooked to
a source of DC power on the boat. The
voltage can be from 10 to 27.5 VDC. The
maximum current requirement is less
than 4 amps. The autopilot is negative
ground.
For vessels with positive ground, or with
multiple power sources (i.e. AC and DC
power sources) the autopilot control head
should be electrically isolated from the
vessel. This can be accomplished by
mounting it to a non-conducting material,
such as wood or fibreglass. This will
prevent any damage from ground
currents.
The power should be taken directly from
a breaker or power distribution panel. The
autopilot should have its own circuit. This
circuit can also send power to the drive
unit.
If the drive unit is a reversing electric type,
it should be wired back to the breaker
separately from the autopilot (i.e. do NOT
wire from the breaker to the drive unit,
and then from the drive unit to the
autopilot). The combined current
requirement of the autopilot and any
reversing electric drive unit manufactured
by ComNav Marine will not exceed 30
amps.
3. UNSWITCHED POWER
The input voltage appears on this terminal
at all times when the breaker which
supplies power to the autopilot is on. If a
12 VDC solenoid operated 4-way valve is
being used, wire this terminal to the
common of the solenoid valve to ensure
an adequate voltage supply.
If Jog Levers are being used, and are to
be active even with the autopilot turned
off, wire this line to the common of the
solenoid operated 4-way valve.
WARNING
If the UNSWITCHED PWR terminal is
used and there is a malfunction of the
autopilot or jog lever which continuously
activates the 4-way valve, the only way to
deactivate the 4-way valve is to turn off
the breaker which supplies power to the
autopilot.