autohelm head unit ram output query

[NickRobinson]

Not drifting the 'easy fix by electrician' a-helm thread. I wandered through Ebay and see lots of head units to drive separate electric rams or wheel motors.

My question- if I have a ram, which could be a diy jobby fixed up from a water damaged self contained a-helm, could I drive it by two wires from a head unit like this for example.http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/261849424941?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT Or have I missed something?

 

[savageseadog]

Within limits, yes. The head unit is quite a good unit and useful as a self contained helm control, not necessarily the Autohelm one. The output is 12V reversible. I don't know what current it will deliver off hand but I imagine it might be about 5A, That's the limiting factor for driving other arms and motors. What you might need to do is find a bridge format motor driver, look it up on Google.

 

[NickRobinson]

Thanks,SSD, that is useful. I was using autohelm generically- I have more than one dead tillerpilots with good mechanics. The motors are small, like those in RC cars so 5A is plenty. Getting the electronics somewhere dry would be great...... anyone got a gash head unit, wheel or tiller ?