The Autopilot Computer positions the rudder, so as to achieve the desired heading, track or wind angle of the boat, determined by the Autopilot Mode.
It makes use of an already installed Autopilot Rudder Drive or any new rudder drive.
It connects to the bus cable with RJ-45 connectors which can be installed with a simple crimp tool, if custom wiring is selected. Standard cables have connectors already installed.
The reversible rudder motor (12 or 24 Volts) and its current source (battery) are both connected to the Autopilot Computer. So is the electric By-Pass-Valve of a linear hydraulic actuator or the electric clutch of a mechanical actuator.
The same Autopilot Computer can drive a non reversing pump and associated switch over valves and the customer can select to either have the pump operating at constant speed, or be regulated between zero and maximum pump speed, to achieve a variable rudder speed.
Two Autopilot computers can be installed on the same data bus to drive two pumps, either alternating or parallel, in an augmentation mode, where the second pump starts only when a higher rudder speed is required. A second rudder sensor can be used by both computers, if installed. Such a redundant installation is common on commercial vessels.
On larger vessels, where constant hydraulic pressure is normally available, the same Autopilot Computer can drive electric servo valves or proportional valves instead of the rudder motor. This is ideal for Servo Steering and Fly-By-Wire steering, since the rudder can instantly follow a fast wheel movement.