[CA] Ev300 and solenoid hookup

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Welcome to the Raymarine Forum Oregoncme,

Diodes are fine. The rating s/be 3 amps. Make sure vessel type is correct (stern drive incorrectly selected will give you an Auto Release).

I believe that the cause of the reported symptoms is that a rudder reference transducer has not been interfaced the system. A bad Rudder Reference can give you Drive stopped. Unlike other Evolution autopilot applications where a rudder reference transducer may be optional (I always recommend that a rudder reference transducer be installed), when an Evolution autopilot is used with a solenoid system, a rudder reference transducer must be used. Detection of an interfaced rudder reference transducer may easily be verified by placing the autopilot into Standby mode examining the rudder bar displayed on the autopilot control head, rotating the helm to port and to starboard, while verifying that the displayed rudder bar indicates the correct rudder motion. As you have suggested, the Evolution autopilots feature a virtual rudder indicator which will indicate approximate rudder deflection when the autopilot has not been interfaced to a rudder reference transducer and has been placed into Auto or Track mode.