Raritan RUDDERMASTER User manual

INTRODUCTION
The Ruddermaster indicates at a glance how far the rudder
is from a straight ahead position. As the steering wheel is
turned, the sending unit communicates the angle of the
rudder to the calibration box. The calibration box transmits
the rudder’s position to the meter. The Ruddermaster can
be used both as a steering aid and to monitor auto pilot
systems.
A complete unit consists of four components:
1. Meter with 5' (1.53m) of two conductor cable
2. Sending Unit with 30' (9.15m) of connecting
wire
3. Calibration Box
4. Actuator Rod with Ball Joints
Repeater Units with 15' (4.58m) of connecting wire can be
used for additional rudder angle displays.
NOTE: Additional lengths of connecting wire may be
ordered.
INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
READ ALL STEPS BEFORE PROCEEDING
Important Installation Note: Sending unit arm must
be re-positioned before installation and calibration, see
info sheet (L420) included with Sending Unit.
MK445, MK5, or MK6 meters are not water proof.
Mount where meter will not be exposed to
weather, wash down spray, or direct sun-
light. MK2**, MK2B** AND MK3B**ARE
SPRAY PROOF (IP64).
MOUNTING Meter and/or Repeater:
1. Using the templates provided, cut out the appropriate
size hole.
2a. MK445 - Secure the unit by attaching the faceplate to
the mounting surface.
NOTE: Use only stainless steel or chrome plated brass
screws.
2b. MK5 and MK6 - Drill four holes for the studs
attached to each corner of the meter. Secure using the
nuts provided.
2c. MK2**, MK2B** and MK3B** - Mount meter in
RUDDERM ASTER
Rudder Angle Indicator
INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: Raritan Engineering Company, Inc. recommends that a qualified person install this product. Equipment
damage, injury to personnel or death could result from improper installation. Raritan Engineering Company,
Inc. accepts no responsibility or liability for damage to persons, equipment or injury or death that may result
from improper installation or operation of this product.
hole and secure using meter bracket and hardware
supplied. Connect two conductor cable to the meter.
NOTE: Red wire must be connected to positive (+)
terminal on meter. Connect bulb wiring to power
source.
The Calibration Box:
Mount behind the panel within reach of the wires attached
to the meter and sender wires. A protected area where
wires can be easily connected is best.
The Sending Unit:
WARNING: TURNING THE WHEEL WITH
CENTERING SCREW IN PLACE WILL DAMAGE
THE SENDING UNIT. CORRECT POSITIONING
OF THE SENDING UNIT IS CRUCIAL TO AN
ACCURATE METER READING.
1. Drill a #21 hole 2 11/16" (6.83cm) from center of the
rudder post. Tap hole with 10-32 thread. Mount ball
joint at one end of the actuator into the hole.
2. Center rudder(s) in the straight ahead position. (This
can best be done by marking the steering wheel while
under way.)
Use the following criteria when selecting a mounting site
for the sender:
• Protected from bilge water immersion or splashing.
Sending units are not waterproof.
• The sending unit arm is on the same horizontal plane as
rudder arm (when looking from the side).
• The sending unit arm and the rudder arm, when centered,
are at right angles to the actuator rod. (The sending unit
arm will always remain parallel to the rudder arm.) See
Fig. #1.
• The distance between the rudder arm and the sending
unit arm must accommodate the range of adjustment of
the actuator rod.
• To maintain an accurate meter reading the rudder arm
and the sending unit arm should be parallel (when
looking from above). See Fig. #1. (It may be necessary
to add a spacer.)
3. Once the sending unit is mounted, attach the actuator
**Specify voltage

rod and other ball joint to the arm of the
sending unit.
4. Remove the sending unit's centering
screw.
WIRING
Sending Unit, Meters, and Power
Leads to the Calibration Box:
1. Connect the three wires from the
sending unit to the three “S” terminals.
(The red wire to S1, the black wire to
S2 and the white wire to S3.)
2. Connect the red wire from the meter to
M1 terminal and the black wire to M2
(see Fig. #2).
3. Connect the power leads from the
battery. Positive to the B+ and negative
to B- terminal. ABYC recommends a
minimum wire gauge of #18AWG
(1.0mm2) for current carrying
conductors of this type.
4. For MK2**, MK2B** and MK3B**
back illumination lighting: connect
one wire to the panel light switch
positive (+) and the other wire to
negative (-).
REPEATER WIRING:
Wire both meters in series as per Fig. #3. Disconnect
black wire from M2 terminal and, using a crimp
connector, attach it to the red wire from the repeater
unit. The black wire from the repeater unit should
then be connected to the M2 terminal.
EXCEPTION: MK4 with a 0-60 range cannot be
wired with a repeater of a different type. MK4
with MK4R may be wired in parallel by connecting
the red wire from the repeater to the M1 terminal
and the black wire to the M2 terminal.
ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE:
1. Meter should read zero with rudder centered and
power on.
MAKE SURE THE CENTERING SCREW HAS
BEEN REMOVED FROM THE SENDING UNIT
ARM.
2. Turn wheel hard to starboard. Adjust Full Scale
on the calibration box so that the meter indicates
full starboard on the rudder.
NOTE: Slight adjustment can be made by
loosening set screw in the sender arm and rotating
the sender shaft. It is important that the rudder
arm and the sending unit arm continue to move
parallel to each other hard over port to hard over
starboard.
Adjustment with a Repeater:
Since the two instruments are connected to the sending
unit, it is necessary to readjust the full scale at the
calibration box. Turn rudder full starboard, readjust
Full Scale until both meters indicate full starboard.
MAINTENANCE
Apply a drop of #20 oil to ball joints twice a year.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Moisture in the Meter:
If meter is no longer readable, it should be replaced.
Meter Indicates the Opposite Direction of Rudder
Position:
This indicates that the polarity is reversed. Check the
FIG. #2 Wiring the Ruddermaster with one Meter
Meter
(Typ.)
To Ignition
or
Toggle Switch
6 to 32 VDC 3 AMP Fuse
Calibration
Box
Battery
Ground
Black
Sending
Unit
Centering
Screw
Ball
Joint Actuator Rod to
Rudder Arm
Black
Red
Black
**Specify voltage
B+
B-
M1
M2
S1
S2
S3
Red
White
FIG. #1 Mounting the Sending Unit
Wire to
Calibration Box
Linkage to Rudder Arm
Drill & Tap
#21 Drill
#10-32 Tap
Center
to
Center
Attach to Boat Structure or Bulkhead
2 11/16"
(6.83cm)
2 11/16"
(6.83cm)

wiring to the calibration box and make sure
it is correct. Rewire if necessary.
Meter Indicates Full Scale in one Direction
and Short or Over in the Other Direction:
The sending unit is not installed correctly. It
must be reinstalled so that the rudder arm
and sender arm continue to move parallel to
each other.
Erratic Movement of Meter Needle or
Needle does not Move Full Scale:
Check connections in the calibration box to
make sure they are secure. If a loose
connection is not the cause of the problem
check the potentiometers in the sending unit
and calibration box with an ohmmeter.
Checking the potentiometer in the sending
unit:
1. Disconnect the S1 (red), S2 (black) and S3 (white)
wires from the Calibration Box.
2. Set the ohmmeter scale to a range setting greater
than 5,000 (5K) ohms. Connect the S1(red) wire
to ohmmeter’s positive lead and the S2 (black)
wire to the ohmmeter’s negative lead. Move the
wheel in each direction. In one direction the
ohmmeter should move smoothly toward full
scale.
3. Disconnect the S1 (red) wire from the ohmmeter.
Connect the S3 (white) wire to the ohmmeter’s
positive lead. Move the wheel. Again there
should be a smooth movement of reading on the
ohmmeter but in the opposite direction.
4. If steps 2 and 3 do not show a smooth movement
toward the full scale reading or the ohmmeter
reading changes erratically as the wheel is turned
it is necessary to replace the sending unit.
5. Reconnect S1 (red), S2 (black) and S3 (white)
wires to Calibration Box.
Checking the potentiometer in the Calibration
Box:
1. Disconnect the S1 and B+ connections on the
Calibration Box.
2. Set the Ohmmeter scale to a resistance of 50,000
(50K) ohms. Connect the ohmmeter's negative
lead to the S1 terminal on the Calibration Box.
Connect the ohmmeter's positive lead to the B+
terminal. Use a screwdriver to turn the adjustment
screw as far as it will go counter clockwise. The
ohmmeter scale should indicate 0. Now turn the
adjustment screw in a clockwise direction until it
stops. The reading on the ohmmeter should show
50,000 (50K) ohms of resistance.
3. If the ohmmeter does not read 0 in a counter
clockwisedirectionor50,000(50K) in a clockwise
direction, the potentiometer in the Calibration
Box should be replaced.
PARTS FOR RUDDERMASTER
MK2M** Meter for MK2, chrome bezel
MK2MB** Meter for MK2, black bezel
MK3MB** Meter for MK3B, black bezel
MK445M Meter for MK445 and MK445R
MK5M Meter for MK5
MK5MC Meter Cover for MK5
MK6M Meter for MK6
MK6MC Meter Cover for MK6
MK4FP Faceplate
MKDRW Actuator Rod Assy. (includes 2 ball joints)
MKCB Calibration Box
MKCBP Potentiometer for Calibration Box
MKS Sender Assembly
MKSP Sender Potentiometer
W182C* Wire: meter, 18 gauge, 2 conductor
W183C* Wire: sending unit, 18gauge, 3conductor
F019 10-32 x 3/4ss Set Screw
ERB90-161 MK2 bulb, 12V
ERB90-656 MK2 bulb, 24V
ERB90-657 MK2 bulb, 32V
For repeater units add an “R” to the part #.
*Order by the foot **Specify Voltage
Crimp
Connector
Black
To
Ignition
or Toggle
Switch
3 AMP Fuse
6 to 32 VDC
Battery
Ground
Repeater
(2nd
meter) Black
Existing
Meter
Actuator Rod to
Rudder Arm
Ball Joint
Centering
Screw
Sending
Unit
Red
Red
Black
Black
Calibration
Box
Fig. #3 Wiring of Ruddermaster with two meters
B+
B-
M1
M2
S1
S2
S3
Red
White

Replacement parts or additional units are available from Raritan Dealers or from Raritan direct. Questions
concerning installation or repair can be answered by Raritan Technical Support at either the New Jersey or
Florida offices.
LIMITED WARRANTY
Raritan Engineering Company warrants to the original purchaser that this product is free of defects in materials
or workmanship for a period of one year from the product’s date of purchase. Should this product prove defective
by reason of improper workmanship and/or materials within the warranty period , Raritan shall, at its sole option,
repair or replace the product.
1.TO OBTAIN WARRANTY SERVICE, Consumer must deliver the product prepaid, together with a detailed
description of the problem, to Raritan at 530 Orange St., Millville, N.J. 08332, or 3101 SW 2nd Ave Ft.
Lauderdale, FL 33315. When requesting warranty service, purchaser must present a sales slip or other
document which establishes proof of purchase. THE RETURN OF THE OWNER REGISTRATION CARD
IS NOT A CONDITION PRECEDENT OF WARRANTY COVERAGE. However, please complete and return
the owner Registration Card so that Raritan can contact you should a question of safety arise which could affect
you.
2.THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER defects caused by modifications, alterations, repairs or service of this
product by anyone other than Raritan; defects in materials or workmanship supplied by others in the process
of installation of this product; defects caused by installation of this product other than in accordance with the
manufacturer’s recommended installation instructions or standard industry procedures; physical abuse to, or
misuse of, this product. This warranty also does not cover damages to equipment caused by fire, flood, external
water, excessive corrosion or Act of God.
3. ANY EXPRESS WARRANTY NOT PROVIDED HEREIN, AND ANY REMEDY FOR BREACH OF
CONTRACT WHICH BUT FOR THIS PROVISION MIGHT ARISE BY IMPLICATION OR OPERATION
OF LAW, IS HEREBY EXCLUDED AND DISCLAIMED. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES SUCH AS
THOSE OF MERCHANTABILITY AND OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, IF APPLI-
CABLE, AS WELL AS ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES WHICH MIGHT ARISE BY IMPLICATION OF
LAW, ARE EXPRESSLY LIMITED TO A TERM OF ONE YEAR. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW
LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG A LIMITED WARRANTY LASTS, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY
NOT APPLY TO YOU.
4.UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL RARITAN BE LIABLE TO PURCHASER OR ANY OTHER
PERSONS FOR ANY SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER ARISING OUT OF
BREACH OF WARRANTY, BREACH OF CONTRACT, OR OTHERWISE. SOME STATES DO NOT
ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO
THE ABOVE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
5.No other person or entity is authorized to make any express warranty, promise or affirmation of fact or to assume
any other liability on behalf of Raritan in connection with its products except as specifically set forth in this
warranty.
6.This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
L58 1006gvw Specifications Subject to Change Without Notice Printed in USA
DIMENSIONS
MK2: 2"(5.1cm) in diameter, 2 1/4"(5.7cm) Deep
MK3B: 3 3/4"(9.5 cm) in dia., 2 7/8"(7.3 cm) Deep
MK4: 2"(5.1cm)H, 3 3/4"(9.5cm)W, 3" (7.6cm) Deep
MK5: 4"(10.2cm)H, 5 1/8"(13cm)W, 1 1/8"(2.9cm) Deep
MK6: 2 7/8"(7.3cm)H, 3 3/4"(9.5cm)W, 1 1/8"(2.9cm)Deep
SPECIFICATIONS
Volts: 12-24 DC
Fuse Size: 3 amps Amps: < 1
Maximum number of repeaters = 2; for more,
consult Raritan Technical Support
530 Orange Street, Millville, NJ 08332 USA
Telephone: [phone] FAX: [phone]
www.raritaneng.com
Southern Office and Plant:
3101 SW Second Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315 USA
Telephone: [phone] FAX: [phone]