Autopilot Drive

[RocketScience]

My Autohelm 4000 wheel pilot finally gave up the ghost. I came across a smoking deal on a new, open box Garmin Reactor 40 Corepack. I now need to allocate a drive unit, and I want to stay electro-mechanical. On my short list is Garmin's Class A (AKA Jefa LD100) drive. Unfortunately, and as most of you know, these drives retail for around $1800.

Question for you autopilot geeks:

GlideForce manufactures a linear drive unit that appears to check all the boxes when compared to Garmin's Class A drive unit (full specs HERE). The unit can also be had with built-in limit and position feedback.

GlideForce G17-121012-1-65 Linear Drive Unit:

- 12V DC
- 12" stroke.
- 1000 lbs. dynamic force.
- 1.5"/sec no load speed.
- 1.1"/sec max load speed.
- 3.6 no load amp draw.
- 26.6 full load amp draw.
- IP65

This linear drive unit can be had for $470.00. Am I missing something here, or do you guys think this could be a legitimate candidate?

[SailingHarmonie]

Very few of those industrial linear actuators have an electronic clutch that would allow free travel when hand steering. Typically, their mechanical design prevents any kind of back drive when depowered. That’s kind of a deal killer unless you are designing a 100% fly-by-wire system.

Most are also limited duty cycle (typically 25%). Of course 100% duty cycle models are available, but at a price.

[RocketScience]

Originally Posted by SailingHarmonie

Very few of those industrial linear actuators have an electronic clutch that would allow free travel when hand steering...

Ahhh....you're right. I didn't think about that. I'll run this by the supplier and see what they have to say. Thanks for the reply.