ComNav 1101 Autopilot4 - 16 INSTALLATION
Rudder Follower
The Rudder Follower is used to transmit the position of the rudder
back to the Autopilot. It should be connected to whatever parts of
the steering system the Autopilot controls. Normally, this will be the
vessel’s rudder. However, if the vessel has 2 stage steering, where
the Autopilot drives a control or servo ram, the Rudder Follower
should be mounted to the servo ram rather than to the rudder. If the
Rudder Follower is connected directly to the rudder in this case,
uncontrollable hunting of the rudder will result.
Normally the Rudder Follower is mounted in the stern of the vessel,
close to the rudder post. A mounting base may have to be fabricated
to position the Rudder Follower properly. Mount the follower in a
location where the possibility of damage from any equipment stowed
in the area is minimized.
Mount the Rudder Post Arm on the rudder post using a stainless
steel band clamp (not supplied). Bolt the ball joint to the hole in the
Rudder Post Arm corresponding to the diameter of the Rudder Post
in inches, making sure the ball is facing upwards. Mount the Rudder
Follower so that the Rudder Follower Arm is the same height as the
Rudder Post Arm.
The Rudder Follower is centered when the arm is
directly above the cable gland (see Figure 10).
The distance between the centerline of the Rudder Post and the
Rudder Follower must not exceed 24 inches. Make sure that the ball
joints on the Rudder Arm and Rudder Follower arm are facing
upwards as shown in Figure 10. Snap the rod assembly onto the
ball joints. Be sure to close the release clamps on each socket.
Refer to Figure 10, and adjust the length of the rod to get the
correct geometry with the rudder dead-ahead.
If the locking screw in the Rudder Follower arm has been loosened,
or the arm removed from the Rudder Follower, re-attach the arm and
check the potentiometer center position. When the rudder is dead-
ahead, the electrical resistance between the black and green wires
and the white and green wires should be equal (approx. 600 ohms
each).
Be careful to check the installation for any mechanical obstructions
or binding of the linkage, and correct it now, before it becomes a
problem.
The Rudder Follower is supplied with approximately 15.5m (50’) of
cable. Run the cable from the Rudder Follower towards the
Distribution Box, ensuring that a hose or conduit protects it
wherever it passes through fish or cargo holds, or any other area
where it could be damaged.
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