SI-TEX SP-80-1 Autopilot w/Rotary Feedback – No Drive Unit

Description

The SI-TEX SP-80-1 Autopilot with Rotary Feedback is an autopilot electronics and feedback package supplied without a steering drive. It includes the SP-80 flush-mount control head and external rotary rudder-feedback sensor, allowing the installer to select a compatible hydraulic pump, mechanical cable drive, linear actuator, rotary drive, or other approved steering actuator for the vessel’s existing steering system.

The SP-80 supports 12V or 24V DC power and provides up to 15A drive-output capacity. It includes NMEA 0183 connectivity for compatible navigation-data sources, while the supplied rotary feedback sensor measures actual rudder angle through a mechanical linkage. A separate steering drive, heading source, mounting hardware, power circuit, and full autopilot commissioning are required.

Key Specifications

• SI-TEX SP-80 control head and processor package supplied without a steering drive.
• Includes an external rotary rudder-feedback sensor for physical rudder-angle measurement.
• Supports correctly matched hydraulic, mechanical, inboard, outboard, and sterndrive steering-drive installations.
• Operates from 12V or 24V DC power.
• Provides up to 15A steering-drive output capacity.
• Uses hard-wired terminal connections between the processor and selected drive.
• Includes NMEA 0183 connectivity for compatible GPS, chartplotter, and navigation-data sources.
• Uses a 110 mm square flush-mount control head with IP56 front-panel protection.

System Integration

This is not a complete autopilot because the steering drive is not included. Select a drive based on the vessel’s steering type, displacement, hydraulic-cylinder volume where applicable, actuator thrust or torque, electrical current, clutch requirements, steering geometry, and manual-override needs. The selected drive must remain within the SP-80’s 15A output capacity.

The rotary feedback sensor is not a heading sensor. It must be mechanically linked to the rudder post, steering quadrant, tiller arm, or suitable outboard tie bar so it tracks real rudder position throughout the entire steering range. A compatible heading sensor or compass function remains required for the completed autopilot system.

Installation Considerations

Mount the control head at the helm in a suitable 110 mm square opening and install the processor in a protected accessible location. Mechanically centre the feedback unit, ensure its linkage moves without binding or over-travel, set port and starboard rudder limits during dockside setup, and complete the manufacturer’s sea-trial procedures after installation.

Before Ordering

Confirm vessel steering type, selected drive current at or below 15A, suitable hydraulic pump or mechanical actuator, rudder-feedback mounting location, heading-sensor requirement, 12V or 24V supply, 110 mm control-head panel space, NMEA 0183 data source, protected processor location, circuit protection, and all required drive and installation components before purchase.