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"Waiting for Autopilot Controller to Power Up" Message on a Reactor™ Autopilot

Note:  While the "Searching for Autopilot Controller" message is similar, the two messages have different meanings. For more information on this message, see Related Content 

The message, "Waiting for Autopilot Controller to Power Up" will appear for approximately 30 seconds on the GHC™ 10 / 20 Marine Autopilot Control unit while the Reactor™ autopilot boots up and establishes a filtered heading.

If the message stays on indefinitely, the course computer unit (CCU) may have frozen or not have the factory compass calibration data.


Power Cycle the CCU and NMEA 2000 Backbone

The NMEA 2000 has a constant connection to power unless an inline switch is installed.  If unsure, disconnect power for the NMEA 2000 backbone at the NMEA 2000 backbone power cable.  Let sit for 10 minutes and then re-connect / turn back on the system.

Calibrate the Compass

On the GHC™ 20 select the Menu / Menu Button >  Setup > System > System Information > press and hold the center soft key until Dealer Mode displays > press the back button twice > Dealer Autopilot Setup > Wizards > Sea Trial Wizard

While performing the compass calibration be sure to keep the boat as steady and flat as possible.  The boat should not list during calibration.  Make sure boat is evenly loaded and the CCU is not located near any sources of magnetic interference.


Connection Considerations

GHP™ 10 CCU with GHC™ 10 Marine Autopilot Control Unit  This message can appear if the Red wire is incorrectly connected to a power source on a redesigned GHC™ 10 helm controller that powers from the NMEA 2000 network. In this case, disconnecting the red wire should correct this error. Refer to the appropriate autopilot installation manual for wiring diagrams.


GHP™ 10 / GHP™ 12 CCU with GHC™ 20 Marine Autopilot Control Unit  Make sure the yellow wire of the GHC 20 NMEA 0183 Data Cable is connected to the yellow wire of the CCU / ECU interconnect cable and the black wire from the GHC 20 NMEA 0183 Data Cable is connected to the same ground as the ECU.



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