Had an exchange (after some effort) with the folks at octopus drives and here’s the result:
>> >> >> The boat is a 1985 C&c 33 mkii, and it displaces around 10,000 lbs. it is >> currently fitted with a 2015 Raymarine ev100 wheelpilot system. This system >> includes a control unit - the acu-100 - which can provide 7A of current to a >> drive unit. the acu-100 has provision for a rudder position sensor, but one >> is not currently installed. It does not have electrical connections for a >> clutch. >> I am not happy with the wheel drive for a variety of reasons and would like >> to install a below-deck linear drive. >> Unfortunately, Most larger and especially hydraulic drives require more than >> the 7A current available from the ev-100, meaning I would have to upgrade to >> a larger unit (acu) in addition to acquiring the drive itself and hardware. >> >> It appears however that the octopus RS drive is designed more or less for >> this sort of application, though I do have some questions and have been >> unable to find consistent application information. >> >> -Is this drive compatible with the Raymarine system described above? >> No it is not, I believe the EV100 does not have a solenoid/clutch output.. >> though the 7A max is no problem the EV200 would be the minimum requirement >> -how does the clutch engage/disengage electrically? Would assume 12v either >> engages or disengages the clutch, and this could be accomplished with a >> switch if necessary. >> Engaged and disengaged by the ECU >> Is it even necessary given the “joggle the wheel” clutch disengagement >> feature of the RS drive? (You could have the clutch engaged by the motor >> voltage, then disengage manually in the absence of that voltage, if I >> understand correctly) >> It still requires a joggle of the wheel to disengage the pin activated by >> the solenoid >> - is this the drive your experts would recommend for this application? Is >> there a better option? >> This is the preferred drive for smaller displacement sailboats due to its >> lower amp draw and less wheel resistance compared to the hydraulic linear >> drives >> -Any other advice? >> Upgrade to a EV200 or any other pilot with clutch/solenoid output >>
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