SI-TEX Rotary Rudder Feedback 50 Foot Cable Unit

Description

The SI-TEX Rotary Rudder Feedback 50 Foot Cable Unit, SKU RF-50 or 11500-0010, is a standalone rudder-position sensor for compatible SI-TEX autopilot systems. It measures actual rudder movement through a stainless steel mechanical linkage arm connected to a steering quadrant, rudder post, or suitable outboard tie-bar arrangement. The sensor is designed for powerboats and sailboats with mechanical or hydraulic steering where a physical rudder-angle signal is required by the autopilot computer.

The unit includes 50 ft, or 15.2 m, of permanently connected cable and a rotary rudder-feedback linkage kit. SI-TEX documentation identifies the rotary rudder-feedback part as 20330008 and confirms that it includes the 50 ft cable plus linkage kit. The RF-50 uses an analog resistive or variable-voltage processor connection and receives 5V to 12V DC from the compatible autopilot computer. [281][283]

Key Specifications

• SI-TEX rotary rudder-feedback sensor, SKU RF-50 or 11500-0010.
• Designed to provide continuous physical rudder-position information to a compatible autopilot computer.
• Suitable for compatible powerboats and sailboats with inboard rudders or outboard tie-bar steering arrangements.
• Supports mechanical and hydraulic steering systems that use a steering quadrant or appropriate linkage point.
• Includes a 50 ft, or 15.2 m, permanently connected cable and rotary transmission linkage kit.
• Uses an analog resistive or variable-voltage direct connection to the autopilot processor.
• Receives 5V to 12V DC from the connected autopilot course computer.
• Uses a corrosion-resistant marine composite housing, stainless linkage arm, and IPX7 sealed enclosure.

Installation Considerations

Mount the feedback unit where the linkage arm tracks the full rudder range without binding, over-travel, collision, or side loading. Centre the sensor mechanically before setting rudder limits in the autopilot software. The sensor’s 50 ft cable must be routed away from heat, moving steering components, sharp edges, and high-current wiring that could affect the signal.

This is a feedback sensor only. It does not include a steering drive, hydraulic pump, control display, heading compass, or autopilot course computer. Confirm exact compatibility with the intended SI-TEX processor before purchase, particularly when replacing an older feedback unit or integrating the sensor into a non-SI-TEX system.

Before Ordering

Confirm compatible autopilot-computer input, physical access to a rudder post, steering quadrant, or tie bar, adequate linkage travel, 50 ft cable-routing distance, 5V to 12V sensor supply, protected mounting position, manual centering procedure, software rudder-limit setup, and all required steering and autopilot components before purchase.