Components of a Reactor™ 40 Autopilot

The Garmin Autopilot system is fully integrated. The essential components include: 

• Reactor™ 40 course computer unit 

• Electronic Control Unit

• Hydraulic pump or drive unit (linear for sailboats)

• GHC™ display (some Garmin-compatible chartplotters can control and commission the autopilot)

For vessels with existing autopilot pumps or non-hydraulic systems, Garmin offers the Reactor™ 40 Mechanical/Retrofit Solenoid corepacks. 

Reactor™ 40 course computer and Electronic Control Unit (ECU)

The Reactor 40 course computer is the "brains" of the autopilot system, containing the sensor to determine the heading and rate of turn. It communicates with the chartplotter and GHC™ and is powered by the NMEA 2000 network. It connects to the ECU. The ECU controls and powers the drive unit based on information received from the Reactor™ 40. It also provides rudder feedback when connected to a GRF™ 10 rudder feedback sensor and is an optional accessory providing position information and other benefits. 

Hydraulic Pump or Drive unit

The pump or linear drive is the "muscle" that moves the rudder or steering actuator. Garmin offers options for different-sized vessels and applications. See Autopilot Compatibility Guide to determine which drive is suitable for the vessel. If a third-party drive or pump is installed on the vessel, choose a Garmin Reactor™ 40 Mechanical Retrofit Solenoid Corepack. For hydraulic steering systems, Garmin autopilots offer a Shadow Drive™ sensor, a patented technology allowing the boater to automatically disengage the autopilot by simply turning the helm. For more information, see The purpose of a Shadow Drive on an Autopilot.

GHC™ or Compatible chartplotter

The GHC helm controller provides a display and a user interface to engage the Autopilot system. The autopilot system is commissioned or set up using the Dockside Wizard and Sea Trial. Additionally, it has advanced diagnostic features. Many Garmin-compatible chartplotters can commission and interface with a Garmin autopilot system, allowing consumers to utilize either the GHC or the Garmin chartplotter. See Commissioning a Garmin Autopilot GHP 10, GHP 12, GHP Reactor, or Reactor 40 Using a Garmin Chartplotter or GHC Requirement for Reactor Autopilot Commissioning for additional information

A Garmin chartplotter is not required to operate the Reactor 40 autopilot. However, it provides GPS navigation and course information to the autopilot system, allowing it to follow a route, go to a waypoint, or follow an Auto Guidance+™ Path. The Garmin Reactor 40 Autopilot cannot be commissioned using a third-party chartplotter; the vessel must have either a GHC or a compatible Garmin chartplotter.