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Old 29-04-2018, 07:35   #1
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Autohelm 5000 to Garmin Reactor Replacement

I’ve searched and read all I can find on the forums.
My boat, an O’day34, currently has an autohelm 5000 which has been acting up. The linear drive and the main unit are working fine but the cockpit mounted remote is failing. I also have the handheld remote steering control. I can’t remove the remote to take it apart without destroying it as the previous owner used liberal amounts of 5200 to make sure it will never leak or come out.
As I recently upgraded to a Garmin GPS/MFD/Radar I’m looking at the Garmin Reactor 40 mechanical/retrofit/solenoid kit as a replacement. I would like to retain my linear drive, as it works great. I would also have to add a rudder position feedback unit.
Can anyone provide some insight as to the feasibility of this plan?
As I’ve done major additions to the boat this year (electronics, watermaker, Sunpower solar, VictronConnect controllers and 702 monitor, 660ah AGM battery bank, new freezer, radar/solar arch, etc.) budget is a factor.
Thanks for your feedback in advance.
Bill
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Old 05-11-2018, 08:31   #2
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Re: Autohelm 5000 to Garmin Reactor Replacement

I am looking to do exactly the same thing. The biggest question is whether I can still use the Autohelm drive unit with Garmin. The OP and I are looking for someone who has experience with this retrofit?
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Old 06-11-2018, 06:49   #3
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Re: Autohelm 5000 to Garmin Reactor Replacement

BUMP....I suppose nobody has done this configuration or can provide info on whether the autohelm 5000 drive unit can work with the Garmin system?
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Old 06-11-2018, 07:43   #4
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Re: Autohelm 5000 to Garmin Reactor Replacement

I completed this installation about six months ago and it’s been working fine. You need to purchase the solenoid output module to go with your Garmin auto pilot. This outputs +12V or -12 V directly to the old auto Helm linear Drive unit.
You have to bypass the circuitboard in the drive unit and go directly to the motors input. The big red and black wires. This works well, although I have set the autopilot sensitivity down to five which seems to work well in our 34’ O’Day.
Feel free to reply or pm me if you have and questions.
Bill
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Old 06-11-2018, 08:00   #5
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Re: Autohelm 5000 to Garmin Reactor Replacement

Quote:
Originally Posted by Quadrille in JB View Post
I completed this installation about six months ago and it’s been working fine. You need to purchase the solenoid output module to go with your Garmin auto pilot. This outputs +12V or -12 V directly to the old auto Helm linear Drive unit.
You have to bypass the circuitboard in the drive unit and go directly to the motors input. The big red and black wires. This works well, although I have set the autopilot sensitivity down to five which seems to work well in our 34’ O’Day.
Feel free to reply or pm me if you have and questions.
Bill
Thanks Bill, will PM you later and we can discuss.
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Old 07-11-2018, 20:40   #6
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Re: Autohelm 5000 to Garmin Reactor Replacement

If you have even a basic understanding of electrical this can easily be achieved.
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