Hi my 1st post on the forum, I'm looking for help on the feasibility or a fix for my problem, my knowledge is basic so please answer is simple language. My existing autopilot (Raymarine S3, too old to connect to new multi function chart plotter) drives a Raymarine Type 1 hydraulic pump powered by a 12v motor. It is connected to the pilot by 2 wires, the output here is protected by a 15a fuse. The pilot switches the polarity to reverse the pump to turn the rudder one way or the other, in normal use it operates for a max of say 10 to 20 secs, then nudges for a sec or 2 as required to maintain course.
I have been given a much more modern autopilot (Raymarine XSol, that will connect to my chart plotter) but it is designed for a system with a constant running pump (non reversing), whereby the direction is controlled by opening 1 of 2 solenoid valves (the operation of these valves triggers the pump to run) to direct the flow of hydraulic fluid, the rated output is also 15a. It connects to the solenoids with 2 terminals for the negative cables and 2 terminals (marked A&B) for the positives.
I'm after advice on how to connect this up to my existing system e.g.
1. Use a simple connector block that connects both outputs of the Xsol to the pump motor reversing the polarity of A against B, my logic being that output form A would drive the pump one way and output from B the other way, my concern (you can see I have no electrical knowledge) is that in each case I will be connecting a + output to the - side and fear this may damage the pilot or send the lot up in flames. Could I protect the "opposite circuit" with something like a diode?
2. Use something like a set of relays to make it all safer, perhaps solid state to prevent minute delays in running the pump? So that output A closes a relay that supplies a current from the main power supply in one polarity and output B does the opposite. If I can't do the 1st option can someone sketch out the layout and components for this one?
Any solution that cost less than £100 would be economic for me.
I have been given a much more modern autopilot (Raymarine XSol, that will connect to my chart plotter) but it is designed for a system with a constant running pump (non reversing), whereby the direction is controlled by opening 1 of 2 solenoid valves (the operation of these valves triggers the pump to run) to direct the flow of hydraulic fluid, the rated output is also 15a. It connects to the solenoids with 2 terminals for the negative cables and 2 terminals (marked A&B) for the positives.
I'm after advice on how to connect this up to my existing system e.g.
1. Use a simple connector block that connects both outputs of the Xsol to the pump motor reversing the polarity of A against B, my logic being that output form A would drive the pump one way and output from B the other way, my concern (you can see I have no electrical knowledge) is that in each case I will be connecting a + output to the - side and fear this may damage the pilot or send the lot up in flames. Could I protect the "opposite circuit" with something like a diode?
2. Use something like a set of relays to make it all safer, perhaps solid state to prevent minute delays in running the pump? So that output A closes a relay that supplies a current from the main power supply in one polarity and output B does the opposite. If I can't do the 1st option can someone sketch out the layout and components for this one?
Any solution that cost less than £100 would be economic for me.