ComNav 1500 / 1510 Autopilot - 15 -
2.5 Rudder Follower & Linkage
Location
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.
Installation
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 illustration below).
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 illustration. Snap the rod
assembly onto the ball joints. Be sure to close the release clamps on each socket.
Refer to illustration, and adjust the length of the rod to get the correct geometry with
the rudder dead-ahead.
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