Find a flat, rigid surface near your steering quadrant or tiller arm. The RF300 can be mounted upside down if space dictates, but right-side up is preferred. Ensure the area is dry, free from pooling water, and out of the path of shifting gear or heavy anchor chains stored in the lazarette. Step 3: Drill and Mount the Base
transmitter lever until its alignment mark is opposite the cable entry into the unit.
Simrad RF300 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. is a high-resolution, rotary rudder feedback unit that converts mechanical rudder movement into a variable frequency digital signal for autopilot computers.
Ensure your physical rudder is pointing dead straight ahead, then press OK on the display to confirm the zero point.
: Mount the RF300 on a stable platform so its center is in line with the rudder post. You can mount it horizontally, vertically, or upside down as needed. Wiring & Connectivity simrad rf300 installation manual
Choose a location that satisfies:
The RF300 is distinct from its successor, the IS300, primarily in how it mounts.
If your autopilot screen displays a "Rudder Feedback Failure" alarm or shows erratic behavior, use these diagnostic steps:
Once it's bolted down and wired in, you aren't done yet. You have to teach the computer what "center" looks like. Enter your Autopilot’s Installation Menu Rudder Feedback Calibration Find a flat, rigid surface near your steering
If you suspect the unit is failing, disconnect the brown and white wires from the autopilot computer. Connect a digital multimeter set to measure Frequency (Hz) across the two wires while the unit is powered by the system: Should read approximately 3000 Hz. Full Port: Value should rise toward 3400 Hz. Full Starboard: Value should drop toward 2600 Hz.
[ Rudder Stock ] │ │ (Rudder Arm) └───●───────────────┐ │ │ │ (Link Rod) │ (Must be parallel) │ │ ┌───●───────────────┘ │ (RF300 Arm) │ [ RF300 ] Step-by-Step Mounting
Ensure the shield drain wire is grounded; check for play in the linkage rod. If you need help with specific steps, please tell me:
Route the 10-meter cable from the lazarette to your autopilot processor location. Avoid running it alongside high-current cables, such as VHF antenna lines, radar cables, or engine starter wiring, to minimize electrical interference. Strip back the outer insulation of the cable cleanly. Step 3: Drill and Mount the Base transmitter
Probe the Brown and White lines while the unit is powered by the autopilot computer. At exact midships, you should read approximately .
Visually inspect the ball joints on the transmission link for wear.
Go back to the main steering screen. Turn the wheel manually and look at the virtual rudder angle indicator bar. Ensure that turning the wheel to port shows port movement on the screen. If the display shows the opposite direction, reverse the Brown and White wires at the processor or toggle the "Invert Direction" setting in the installation menu. 6. Troubleshooting Common Issues