Instruction Manual: Simrad RI9 Rudder Angle Indicator
Instruction Manual: Simrad RI9 Rudder Angle Indicator
Simrad RI9
Rudder Angle Indicator
Note!
Simrad AS makes every effort to ensure that the information contained within this
document is correct. However, our equipment is continuously being improved and
updated, so we cannot assume liability for any errors which may occur.
Warning!
The equipment to which this manual applies must only be used for the purpose for
which it was designed. Improper use or maintenance may cause damage to the
equipment or injury to personnel. The user must be familiar with the contents of the
appropriate manuals before attempting to operate or work on the equipment.
Simrad AS disclaims any responsibility for damage or injury caused by improper
installation, use or maintenance of the equipment.
Copyright
© 2004 Simrad AS
The information contained within this document remains the sole property of Simrad
AS.
No part of this document may be copied or reproduced in any form or by any means,
and the information contained within is not to be communicated to a third party,
without the prior written consent of Simrad AS.
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Instruction Manual
Instruction Manual
This manual is intended as a reference guide for operating and
correctly installing the RI9 Rudder Angle Indicator.
Please take time to read the manual to get a thorough understanding of
the indicator system and its relationship to a complete autopilot system.
Other documentation materials that are provided with your system
include a warranty card. This must be filled out by the authorized dealer
that performed the installation and mailed in to activate the warranty.
Document revisions
Document history
20220562D 1
Simrad RI9 Rudder Angle Indicator
Contents
1 RI9 RUDDER ANGLE INDICATOR..................................................................3
1.1 General............................................................................................................3
1.2 Technical specifications .................................................................................3
1.3 Installation ......................................................................................................4
Stand alone rudder angle indicator(s).............................................................5
Connection to autopilot junction units ...........................................................6
RI9 set-up .......................................................................................................9
1.4 Maintenance..................................................................................................12
1.5 Spare parts ....................................................................................................12
2 RF14XU RUDDER FEEDBACK UNIT ............................................................13
2.1 General..........................................................................................................13
2.2 Technical specifications ...............................................................................14
2.3 Installation ....................................................................................................15
2.4 Wiring ...........................................................................................................15
2.5 Other rudder angles ......................................................................................23
2.6 Adjustments ..................................................................................................24
2.7 Spare parts ....................................................................................................24
3 RF45X RUDDER FEEDBACK UNIT ...............................................................25
3.1 General..........................................................................................................25
3.2 Technical specifications ...............................................................................25
3.3 Mounting ......................................................................................................26
3.4 Electrical connection ....................................................................................28
3.5 Spare parts ....................................................................................................31
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Instruction Manual
1.1 General
The RI9 is manufactured in non-corrosive aluminum with a non-
reflective black finish.
It is designed to operate from both voltage and current signals. The RI9
can also operate from the earlier Robertson "Standard" rudder feedback
units.
The indicator is made in standard modular size (144x144 mm) to match
the standard of the Simrad autopilots.
A separate PCB is mounted inside the indicator to convert the input
signals for the indicator instrument. To select either voltage or current
operation, a “jumper” is plugged in the respective position. For voltage
operation a jumper is available for inverting the feedback signal.
The instrument gives a continuous reading of the rudder angle up to 45
degrees on either side of the midship’s position. (Other angles as
optional). Both deflection and offset are adjustable on the PCB. Internal
illumination can be adjusted by the dimmer control on the front.
The water tight construction allows bulkhead or desk mounting in
exposed locations, such as bridge wings as well as wheelhouse and
engine room.
RI9 substitutes the Robertson RI40 and RI45 rudder angle indicators.
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Simrad RI9 Rudder Angle Indicator
144 (5.67")
RI9
153 (6.02")
144 (5.67")
137 (5.40")
57 (2.24")
Panel cut-out:138x138 (5.44")
65 (2.56")
1.3 Installation
The RI9 is designed for bulkhead or panel mounting, and should be
positioned in a location in clear view of the helmsman and the ship's
officers. For bulkhead mounting, use the 8 bushings enclosed with the
unit. These are placed two and two against each other and the screws
are put through them. Direct contact between RI9 and a steel bulkhead
is then avoided and corrosion is prevented.
Several indicators may be connected to one rudder feedback unit, in
parallel for voltage input signal, and in series for current input signal.
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Instruction Manual
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Simrad RI9 Rudder Angle Indicator
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Instruction Manual
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Simrad RI9 Rudder Angle Indicator
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Instruction Manual
RI9 set-up
The RI9 indicator is calibrated for voltage input signal (RF14XU
Rudder Feedback Unit). Assuming that the mechanical linkage is in
accordance with the instruction on Fig. 2-2 adjustment of the
trimpotmeters marked Voltage FB, G (=Gain) and O (= Offset) is not
necessary.
If the RI9 is indicating wrong/opposite direction, the meter deflection
can be reversed by moving “jumper” ST1 from “Norm” to “Inv”.
Note ! The “Norm”/“Inv” jumper does not affect the meter deflection for
current input signal. If the meter deflection has to be reversed, it must
be made in the feedback unit as described for RF45 and RF14XI.
If the current input signal is used (RF100, RF140, RF14XI, RF45), the
reference inside RI9 has to be changed. This is done by opening the
RI9 and move the “jumper” ST3 from “U” to “I” position (see Fig.
1-10).
20220562D 9
Simrad RI9 Rudder Angle Indicator
Note ! When changing from voltage to current signal (or vice versa), the
indicator may have to be recalibrated. In this case, or if the Gain and
Offset trimpot’s for other reasons are maladjusted, the following
calibration procedure should be carried out:
1. Take the rudder to midship position.
2. Use trimpot “O” (Offset) to calibrate RI9 to indicate zero rudder
angle.
3. Move the rudder to e.g. 40 degrees (starboard or port). Use trimpot
“G” (Gain) to calibrate RI9 to show the same angle as the rudder is
set to (or the same angle as shown on the autopilot display in
“Debug” mode).
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Instruction Manual
20220562D 11
Simrad RI9 Rudder Angle Indicator
1.4 Maintenance
Simrad rudder indicator equipment will need no special attention
besides replacing illumination bulbs (See Fig. 1-12 for location of
bulbs). It is, however, essential that the mechanical linkage between the
rudder stock and the shaft of the rudder feedback unit is regularly
checked and maintained in good condition to avoid misalignment.
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Instruction manual
2.1 General
The rudder feedback unit transmits a signal proportional to the rudder
angle. It is mounted close to the rudder stock and is mechanically
connected to the rudder by a transmission link in a 1:1 ratio.
The RF14XU Rudder Feedback Unit consists of a glass-reinforced
non-flammable polyester housing with a mounting plate of sea-water
resistant aluminium. It contains a potentiometer, limit switches and an
electronic drive module. The electronic drive module contains a
voltage section and a frequency section.
The voltage section outputs a voltage to the rudder angle indicator(s)
which is proportional to the rudder angle. The voltage varies ±9 volts
around half the supply voltage.
The frequency section generates a variable frequency signal with 3400
Hz as midposition reference. This section is only used if a Simrad
autopilot is connected to RF14XU. The signal varies at a rate of 20
Hz/degree, increasing when the rudder moves to port and vice versa.
The shaft of the Feedback Unit is free to travel 360 degrees, but only
±90 degrees from midposition are used for signal control.
RF14XU is equipped with two sets of micro switches, which can be
used as electrical limit switches for the steering gear.
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Simrad RI9 Rudder Angle Indicator
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Instruction manual
2.3 Installation
Before installation check that the alignment mark on the mounting
plate agrees with the mark on the shaft. Bring the rudder to midships
position. The feedback unit should be mounted on a plane surface and
secured by bolts through the three holes in the mounting plate. It
should be linked to the rudder in accordance with Fig. 2-2. It is
important that the linkage is linear, i.e. the A-a and D-d are pairs of
equal length. This will give a 1:1 ratio between the rudder travel and
that of the feedback unit shaft.
2.4 Wiring
Wiring to the RI9 is shown in Fig. 2-4 and Fig. 2-5. Fig. 2-6 - Fig. 2-8
show the combination of RI9 and Panorama connected to the
RF14XU. Fig. 2-9 - Fig. 2-11 show the combination of RI9 and
Panorama Mk2 connected to the RF14XU The cables are carried
through cable glands and connected to the terminal board. To avoid
any mechanical damage, the cables should be run in a conduit between
the rudder feedback unit and the rudder indicator(s). The cable screen
must be connected to the internal ground terminal. Ref. picture below.
20220562D 15
Simrad RI9 Rudder Angle Indicator
The feedback unit has an external ground terminal and must have a
proper ground connection to the hull. The grounding wire should be as
short as possible and at least 10 mm wide.
Note ! If the RF14XU and the indicators are powered from an unsmoothed
24V supply, the enclosed 470µF capacitor must be connected across
the supply voltage terminals (+, –) to avoid off-set on the indicator
reading.
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Instruction manual
24V DC
2x1,5 sq.mm
3x1,5 sq.mm
6
5
PANORAMA
4
3
2
1
VOLTAGE FB
RUDDER ANGLE INDICATORS
RI9
SUPPLY -
SUPPLY +
TOTAL NUMBER OF INDICATORS: 4
VOLTAGE FB
RI9
SUPPLY -
SUPPLY +
RUDDER FEEDBACK UNIT
RF14XU
U
10 9 8
VOLTAGE FB 1
RI9
SUPPLY - 2
SUPPLY + 3
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Simrad RI9 Rudder Angle Indicator
2x1,5 sq.mm
RECTIFIER BOX
4 5 6
110-220V 50-60Hz
RI4
2 3
MAINS
1
110V
220V
3x1,5 sq.mm
3x1,5 sq.mm
6
5
PANORAMA
4
3
2
1
VOLTAGE FB
RUDDER ANGLE INDICATORS
RI9
SUPPLY -
SUPPLY +
TOTAL NUMBER OF INDICATORS: 8
1 2 3
VOLTAGE FB
RI9
SUPPLY -
SUPPLY +
VOLTAGE FB 1
RI9
SUPPLY - 2
SUPPLY + 3
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PANORAMA
20220562D
RUDDER ANGLE INDICATORS
24VDC
+
1 2 3 4 5 6
SUPPLY -
SUPPLY -
SUPPLY -
SUPPLY +
SUPPLY +
SUPPLY +
VOLTAGE FB
VOLTAGE FB
VOLTAGE FB
3
2
1
SEPARATE LAMP SUPPLY
110/220VAC
3x1,5 sq.mm
U
10 9 8
NOTE: FOR RI4 AND OTHER UNSMOOTHED
24V SUPPLY CONNECT THE
19
Simrad RI9 Rudder Angle Indicator
24V DC
2x1,5 sq.mm
3x1,5 sq.mm
PANORAMA Mk2
4
5
2
U
1
3
VOLTAGE FB
RUDDER ANGLE INDICATORS
RI9
SUPPLY -
SUPPLY +
TOTAL NUMBER OF INDICATORS: 8
VOLTAGE FB
RI9
SUPPLY -
RUDDER FEEDBACK UNIT
SUPPLY +
RF14XU
U
10 9 8
VOLTAGE FB
RI9
SUPPLY -
SUPPLY +
20 20220562D
Instruction manual
2x1,5 sq.mm
RECTIFIER BOX
110-220V 50-60Hz
4 5
RI4
2 3
MAINS
1
110V
220V
2x1,5 sq.mm
3x1,5 sq.mm
PANORAMA Mk2
4
5
2
U
1
3
VOLTAGE FB
RUDDER ANGLE INDICATORS
RI9
SUPPLY -
SUPPLY +
TOTAL NUMBER OF INDICATORS: 4
1 2 3
VOLTAGE FB
RI9
SUPPLY -
SUPPLY +
VOLTAGE FB
RI9
SUPPLY -
SUPPLY +
20220562D 21
22
PANORAMA Mk2
24VDC
+
3 1 2 5 4
Simrad RI9 Rudder Angle Indicator
SUPPLY -
SUPPLY -
SUPPLY -
SUPPLY +
SUPPLY +
SUPPLY +
VOLTAGE FB
VOLTAGE FB
VOLTAGE FB
U
Supply -
Supply + 110/220VAC
3x1,5 sq.mm
RF14XU
110/220VAC – 24VDC 2A
RUDDER FEEDBACK UNIT
20220562D
Instruction manual
BROWN
RF14XU ELECTRONIC MODULE
(VIEWED FROM BACK SIDE)
PINK
NOTE 2
BLUE (GND)
TO
YELLOW (+5V) POT.
METER
GREEN (WIPER)
BROWN
WHITE
BLACK
BLACK
WHITE
RED
RED
NOTE 1 8 9 9 8 10 7 6 5
NOTE 2: Normally connected for +/-45° rudder angle (violet, brown and pink leads are
not connected). For +/-60° connect brown lead to terminal 10, for +/-70° connect
pink lead to terminal 10, for +/-90° connect violet lead to terminal 10.
White lead must remain connected.
Note ! Inside the Feedback Unit cover, a piece of moisture protecting sponge
is attached. The sponge produces a corrosion preventive gas, and to
increase the long-range efficiency of the gas, avoid keeping the unit
open over long time periods.
20220562D 23
Simrad RI9 Rudder Angle Indicator
2.6 Adjustments
After having tightened all mechanical parts and connected all cables,
the following adjustment must be carried out:
1. Check that the rudder is set to midship position.
2. Measure the voltage between "U" and "+", respectively "-" on the
RF14XU terminal board. If the two measured voltages do not have
the same numerical value, loosen the two clamping screws on the
potentiometer and turn the potentiometer housing. (Fig. 2-13 pos.
5) until the same numerical value is measured. The RF14XU is
now set to midposition. Tighten the two clamping screws.
After installation, the cable glands should be sealed with silicon to
prevent water from seeping in. Also apply silicon grease to the gasket
between the bottom and top cover.
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Instruction manual
3.1 General
The RF45X is a medium duty rudder feedback unit. Mechanically it is
identical to it’s predecessor RF45, therefore it is a repairable rather
than a potted throw away item. Electrically it outputs a frequency
(pulse width modulated) signal that matches with the J3XX input
(AP35/AP50), but it can also output a frequency signal (selectable via
internal jumpers) that matches with AP45 and AP9 Mk3. The RF45X
can also operate on 24V DC, a useful feature when connected in a
stand alone rudder angle indicator system.
The unit is mounted close to the rudder stock and is mechanically
connected to the rudder by the RF45 transmission link.
20220562D 25
Simrad RI9 Rudder Angle Indicator
3.3 Mounting
The RF45X is normally mounted with the shaft pointing upwards. It
can, however, also be mounted with the shaft pointing downwards if
that appears to be more convenient. The deflection can then be inverted
as illustrated in Fig. 3-4.
An “upside-down” installation will make access to within the unit more
convenient as the unit can be opened without moving it from the
mounting base. To open the unit, unscrew the two screws at the
bottom and remove the cover. Be careful with the wires when you put
back the cover.
26 20220562D
Instruction manual
Use the attached template (Fig. 3-6) to drill the required mounting
holes. The unit is fastened to the mounting base by the two Allen screws
enclosed. (Other types of screws may be used if fastened to i.e. a
wooden base.)
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Simrad RI9 Rudder Angle Indicator
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Instruction manual
Fig. 3-6
RF45 Template (N4-2011225)
Scale 1:1
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Simrad RI9 Rudder Angle Indicator
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Instruction manual
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Simrad RI9 Rudder Angle Indicator
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