Autopilot rudder position feedback

I did try a generic unit but thought the Pcnautic unit wasn't that expensive and saved ploughing through hundreds of speed/power/displacement options plus the supplied end fittings work well. The other advantage is most of these units have proper limit switches not just a rubber buffer. If it over travels it just switches off until the opposite input is received rather than hunting against the buffer. I'd be interested in the correct generic part number though as I may order a spare.
 
There seems to be a range of different products representing this drive unit, depending on what autopilot computer it needs to work on.

Any idea if the more expensive of the same looking drive unit is required for my SPX5?

Pcnautic Tiller Autopilot

Thanks again
 
There was only one option when I bought mine. It was the cheapest. As far as I can see it looks like the other options come with wiring and junction boxes so you don't have to faff about yourself.
 
Surfshack said:
There seems to be a range of different products representing this drive unit, depending on what autopilot computer it needs to work on.

Any idea if the more expensive of the same looking drive unit is required for my SPX5?

Pcnautic Tiller Autopilot

Thanks again
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Your URL isn't loading properly for me, but if I go to https://pcnautic.com/en/product-category/autopilot-autopilot then I only see one drive, but three different "kits" with extra wiring and connectors, and stuff?
 
KompetentKrew said:
The PC Nautic and Pelagic arms are just "rebadged" Wuxi Hongba industrial actuators. People have now been using them for years. I've done 1200 miles with one, including a Biscay crossing, but that's nothing - I think the first batch of Pelagics competed in a race from California to Hawaii.

Sorry if this is rude, @Surfshack, but there's nothing new to be said about these - they're simply tougher than the Raymarine Q047 and a fraction of the price. (Well, I don't know how much PC Nautic currently charge.)

[Edited by request.]
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KK, do you mind telling me which of the Wuxi Hongba actuators has been rebadged by PC Nautic? I’m very happy with the PC Nautic in my minimal use with it and now I’m looking to get away from the limitations of the old ST4000 wheel drive system. I was thinking of getting a tiller arm and using the Wuxi Hongba/PC Nautic tiller actuator. Boat is a 36ft J/.
 
Useful info on actuators on this sailing anarchy thread, including a link to an AliExpress actuator that’s probably more straightforward that buying from Wuxi Hongba, whom I seem to recall from KK’s thread a while back have a minimum order of ten units, though that may have changed by now.
Anyway:

Who makes the Pelagic Ram?
 
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Chris 249 said:
KK, do you mind telling me which of the Wuxi Hongba actuators has been rebadged by PC Nautic? I’m very happy with the PC Nautic in my minimal use with it and now I’m looking to get away from the limitations of the old ST4000 wheel drive system. I was thinking of getting a tiller arm and using the Wuxi Hongba/PC Nautic tiller actuator. Boat is a 36ft J/.
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It's the Wuxi Hongba HB-DJ809, but you have to be a bit careful as the model is available in some variants - the obvious ones are shaft length and gearing. I think it's the lowest reduction ratio you want, with a max load of 200N but the fastest travel.

You also need to check the hole directions of both front and rear "mounting end" - see the full PDF datasheet.

WgAFfqM.png

A stroke length of 25cm was chosen by Pelagic, and it is this length that is a drop-in replacement for Raymarine's Q047 tiller drive:

ysfvk3c.jpg

80PFg4A.jpg

PC Nautic supply some odd lengths.
 
Just to add as I've just found this thread whilst answering another.
I fitted a NAC-2 driving a PCnautic actuator over the winter and it's the dogs doodads compared to my old TP 22 and 32.
Ive got the B&G controller as well as remote control. Couldn't be more satisfied after some years of delaying the change.


Lots of tacking practice in this one starting at 6 minutes. Really easy to set it up to tack really well.
 
Nice vids, cheers. Got the same actuator as a spare for my EV 100 - works well. They’re astonishingly cheap on AliExpress- got mine for £40 delivered. Claimed to be waterproof but I’ll be making a cover. Have yet to do a magnet test but I suspect the body of mine is mild steel - did you test yours with a magnet?
 
fredrussell said:
Nice vids, cheers. Got the same actuator as a spare for my EV 100 - works well. They’re astonishingly cheap on AliExpress- got mine for £40 delivered. Claimed to be waterproof but I’ll be making a cover. Have yet to do a magnet test but I suspect the body of mine is mild steel - did you test yours with a magnet?
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I think it's extruded aluminium. Not sure about the end caps.
 
Just had an unexpected incident with the PC Nautic. It was off the tiller whilst I rummaged in a locker. The ram jammed itself against the locker lid hinge very tightly and fortunately blew the 3amp fuse. Well worth having the fuse. Just need to tidy up the awfull rats nest so I can find it more easily next time.
 
KAM said:
Just had an unexpected incident with the PC Nautic. It was off the tiller whilst I rummaged in a locker. The ram jammed itself against the locker lid hinge very tightly and fortunately blew the 3amp fuse. Well worth having the fuse. Just need to tidy up the awfull rats nest so I can find it more easily next time.
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Where's the fuse, please? Is this part of the PC Nautic kit or inside the WX Hongba actuator?
 
Sorry I didn't word that very well. I added a couple of 3amp fuses as I was worried about overloading the old Raymarine ST4000. There's a lash up in a box with some resistors and diodes I put together a couple of years ago just as a test. I think it's for the position feedback. It worked so well I never got round to tidying it up and now I've forgotten how it all works. Doh. It's now on the winter jobs list.
 
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