ComNav Commander P2 & P2VS Installation & Operation Installation
Document PN 29010074 V4.1 - 54 -
Rudder Follower Unit
Note: the Commander P2VS does not use a Rudder Follower Unit when operating
using its
Virtual Rudder Feedback
feature, and so P2VS system kits do not
include an RFU.
However, an RFU (any of the types – rotary, linear, etc.) may optionally be used,
if you wish to install the P2VS to operate in its “P2 Equivalent” mode (see page
145); if so, follow the instructions here to install the RFU.
The Rudder Follower Unit (RFU) is used to transmit (i.e., “feed back”) the position of the
rudder to the autopilot.
The RFU should be connected to whatever part of the steering system that the autopilot
controls. Normally, this will be the boat’s rudder. However, if the boat has a two-stage
steering system where the autopilot drives a control or servo ram, the RFU should be
mounted to the servo ram rather than to the rudder.
Typically, the RFU is mounted in the stern of the boat, close to the rudder post. A mounting
base may have to be fabricated to position the RFU properly. Mount the RFU in a location
where the possibility of damage from any equipment stowed in the area is minimized.
Note: if you are connecting the Commander P2 to a mechanical Cable Drive (for
boats that use cable steering instead of hydraulic steering), the RFU is built into
the Cable Drive. See the Cable Drive Installation Manual for details.
Rotary Rudder Follower Unit
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 post in inches, making sure the ball is facing upwards.
Mount the RFU so that the RFU Arm is the same height as the Rudder Post Arm. The RFU
is centered when the arm is directly above the cable gland (see Figure 29).
The distance between the centerline of the Rudder Post and the RFU must not exceed
24 inches. Make sure that the ball joints on the Rudder Arm and RFU arm are facing
upwards as shown in Figure 3.
Snap the rod assembly onto the ball joints. Be sure to close the release clamps on each
socket. Refer to Figure 29, and adjust the length of the rod to get the correct geometry with
the rudder dead-ahead.
If the locking screw in the RFU arm has been loosened, or the arm has been removed from
the RFU, re-attach the arm and check the potentiometer center position.
When the rudder is dead-ahead, the electrical resistance between the wires of the black &
green wire pair, and the wires of the white & green wire pair, 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.
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