[CA] [CA11] Redundant Autopilot install

[Mick]

I am installing a secondary autopilot and want to use the same drive unit. I have a Raymarine Smartpilot S2 installed right now.

The units will power will be wired in a way that will prevent them from being on, at the same time.

Do you see any concern about making the drive connection, via a busbar? So the drive output of each unit would go to a busbar and from the busbar to the drive unit. Would power being present at those terminals, while the Smartpilot is off, cause damage to that unit?

Thanks.

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Welcome to the Raymarine Forum Mick,

Backfeeding power into either the motor or clutch terminals of the autopilot course computer which was switched off may indeed damage an autopilot course computer. Any such physical switches to be installed would additionally need to switch in/out the motor and clutch terminals of the autopilot course computer.