Fitting a cheap rudder angle indicator

[pcatterall]

I thought I would try a cheapo chinese gauge. It has arrived. I note that the sensor ends arm only 'goes through 90 degrees while the rudder moves more than that.
I am trying to visualise the linkages as they operate my rudder but have the feeling that the ' the arm that pushes the rod that pushes the rudder' also moves through more than 90 degrees. If this is the case then I wonder how we will mount it. Any ideas please. Cant get to the boat now until February.

 

[rogerthebodger]

I thought I would try a cheapo chinese gauge. It has arrived. I note that the sensor ends arm only 'goes through 90 degrees while the rudder moves more than that.
I am trying to visualise the linkages as they operate my rudder but have the feeling that the ' the arm that pushes the rod that pushes the rudder' also moves through more than 90 degrees. If this is the case then I wonder how we will mount it. Any ideas please. Cant get to the boat now until February.

Work out the distance the arm on the rudder moves and then work out what distance along the rudder tiller the pivot needs to be to move the same distance.

Do you know the max angle the rudder can move then I may be able to calculate the distance from the centre of the rudder rudder shaft to the indicator arm link.

Hay presto.

This is a VDO rudder sender mounting and connection link

 

[pcatterall]

Gottcha!... great info ( as always) and a useful pic. We will be able to cobble something up now the principle is understood. Our arm has no return spring so perhaps the actuation could be via an arm rather than cable or maybe a return spring could be used?
many thanks.

 

[rogerthebodger]

I used the same fittings as on a single lever engine/gearbox control joined together with a threaded rod. No springs needed.

I attached mine direct to the tiller arm so did not need a second arm like shown the the pic I posted.