Simrad Rf300 Installation Manual -
: Supports horizontal, vertical, or upside-down installation.
Before you even read the first step of the , physically rotate the sensor’s lever arm through its full range. It should move smoothly without any grating or sticking. The spring inside the unit should return the arm to its center position when released. If the arm feels sticky or the spring is weak, return the unit immediately—this is a common failure point that installers sometimes miss.
Install the RF300 on a stable platform near the rudder post. The center of the RF300 should ideally be in line with the center of the rudder post to ensure geometric accuracy.
The RF300 must mount close to the rudder stock, mechanically linked to the rudder tiller arm or quadrant. Do not mount it to the boat's hull or bulkhead if it is not aligned with the rudder post.
Turn off all DC power to your marine electronics at the breaker panel. simrad rf300 installation manual
Slowly turn the helm from lock to lock by hand. Verify that the rod does not bind and that there is no mechanical interference throughout the full range of motion. 2. Wiring and Connection The RF300 uses a unique two-wire frequency-based signal .
If you need to extend the 10-meter (33-foot) attached cable, use a high-quality, twisted-pair shielded marine cable.
When it comes to professional-grade marine communication and steering control, the Simrad RF300 Rotary Feedback sensor stands out as a critical component. This device is the unsung hero of any autopilot system, constantly translating the physical position of your rudder or steering wheel into an electronic signal that the autopilot computer can understand. Without proper installation—guided by a clear understanding of the —your vessel’s heading control can be sloppy, unresponsive, or even dangerous.
Drill and tap the rudder tiller arm (typically using a 4.2 mm drill and 5 mm tap). : Supports horizontal, vertical, or upside-down installation
on a flat platform with its center in line with the center of the rudder post.
Before beginning, ensure you have all components. The standard package includes: RF300 Sensor Unit with a attached 10-meter cable. (Rod and ball joints). Mounting hardware. Key Requirements:
Verify the geometry: Ensure the RF300 arm and tiller arm form a perfect parallelogram.
Open-ended wrenches (for adjusting the link arm ball joints) Marine-grade sealant (for base screws) Zip ties (for cable routing) Digital multimeter (optional, for troubleshooting) 3. Installation Geometry and Placement Rules The spring inside the unit should return the
Despite careful installation, issues may arise with the RF300 system. Consult the troubleshooting guide in the Simrad RF300 installation manual for common problems and solutions.
Apply a light coat of marine-grade lithium grease to the ball joints once per season to keep motion fluid.
For full wiring diagrams and detailed mechanical drawings, you can consult the official documentation on Simrad-Yachting or specialized manual repositories like Manuals+ . B&G RF300 Rudder Feedback Unit | Autopilot - Simrad
The linkage rod must travel in a straight line between the sensor’s lever arm and the moving point on the rudder quadrant or tiller. The manual specifies that the rod should not deviate more than 5 degrees from perpendicular to the quadrant’s arc of motion.
Works with various Simrad autopilot computers (AC10, AC20, AC40, AC12, AC42, etc.).
Rotate the RF300 transmitter arm so the alignment marks on the housing and the arm line up exactly.