GHP Autopilot components

The GHP/GHP Reactor Autopilots are comprised of various parts that will enable them to steer a boat. Below is a list of the parts and what they are used for.

The GHP 10, GHP 12, GHP 20 and GHP Reactor Marine Autopilot consist of four primary components:

• The GHC 10 or GHC  20 is the display device and primary interface. The user engages and operates the GHP system via the GHC 10 or GHC  20. The GHC 10 or GHC 20 connects to the Course Computer Unit via a NMEA 2000 network link, and can also optionally connect to GPS devices over either NMEA 2000 or NMEA 0183.
• The Course Compass Unit (CCU) or Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS) is the brains of the Autopilot system. It collects data from the various sensors in the system and inputs from the user, and calculates the desired rudder rates needed to make heading adjustments. The CCU or AHRS also contains the compass, gyro, and tachometer sensors. The CCU or AHRS connects to the GHC 10 or GHC 20 via the NMEA 2000 network and connects to the Electronics Control Unit via a proprietary CAN link. The CCU or AHRS also connects to the alarm buzzer, Shadow Drive valve, and tachometer inputs.
• The Electronics Control Unit (ECU) is the power source for the system. It connects to the battery, provides regulated power for the CCU, and generates the high current pump drive signals. The ECU receives rudder commands from the CCU and outputs proportional power levels to the pump. It also monitors the actual rudder rates based on the pumps encoder sensor, and passes that info back to the CCU.
• The Hydraulic Pump Unit (HPU), SmartPump or drive unit is the actuator that allows the Autopilot to steer the boat. The HPU or SmartPump is plumbed into the boat's hydraulic steering system to act as a secondary helm. When using a GHP 12 with a linear drive, it is connected to the quadrant or rudder arm of the boat and pushes/pulls the rudder port or starboard. Based upon commands entered on the GHC 10 or GHC 20 and calculation done in the CCU, the HPU/SmartPump/drive unit generates rudder movements to produce desired heading changes.

Also included in the autopilot core pack are all required cables and accessories:

• The Shadow Drive Valve (not included with GHP 12) is a sensor that is installed between the helm and pump in the hydraulic steering lines of the boat. It detects fluid flow when the helm is turned, and automatically disengages the pilot.
• The Alarm Buzzer connects to the CCU and provides audible alerts when warning or error occur.
• The ECU Power connects the ECU to the boat battery and includes a 40 Amp fuse.
• The GHC 10 and GHC 20 Power/Data Cable connects the GHC 10 or GHC 20 to the battery and includes a 1 Amp fuse. It also contains the "Accessory On" output that must be connected to the "Accessory On" input on the CCU when using a GHP 10 AutoPilot, but is not necessary with a GHP 20. The GHC 10 and GHC 20 Power/Data Cable can also be used to connect to an optional NMEA 0183 GPS Source.
• The CCU to ECU Interconnect Cable contains the proprietary CAN link between the GHP ECU and CCU, and includes connections for the tach inputs, alarm buzzer, shadow drive, and "Accessory On" line.
• All required cables, tees, and terminators for building a full NMEA 2000 network are also included.

For additional figures and descriptions of all items above, refer to the Installation Instructions for the specific pilot you own. These instructions include detailed guidelines for locating and mounting all of the various components, plumbing the pump and Shadow Drive Valve into the hydraulic steering system, and connecting the tachometer inputs. The install instructions also explain how to setup and configure the autopilot via the Dock Side and Sea Trial Wizards.