Adding rudder position indicator.

[greenhut]

Glad I could help Tusc - JMA2 did all the work on this one though! I also plan on installing the sensor. Asked by Cobalt dealer for pricing this morning. Strange that it is a $243 option installed when ordering a boat, yet the VP part is over $500. Wish I had ordered it! Hopefully my dealer can at least get me the parts for $243.

Garmin Update is really easy, but let me know if you run into any bumps.

[Krob1114]

My R3 steering wheel has 3 spokes; one at 12 o'clock, 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock.
Why can't steering wheel be adjusted to where 12 o'clock indicates rudder is straight?

[Driller]

My R3 steering wheel has 3 spokes; one at 12 o'clock, 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock.
Why can't steering wheel be adjusted to where 12 o'clock indicates rudder is straight?

It can be, but once you make 1 360 deg turn with the wheel although you are in the 12 o'clock position, the rubber is no longer straight. I think it is a little over 2 turns left or right for my wheel to stop.

[Krob1114]

Correction: after trip to lake, I realized spokes are at 10,2, and 6.

[Ytmsn]

Correction: after trip to lake, I realized spokes are at 10,2, and 6.

That's how mine are, and it takes one full turn plus a tad to either side. I think when its centered I'm going to use the redneckengineering method and put a tiny sticker on the hub between the spokes at 10 and 2, mainly so I can center the drive when pulling out of my slip.

[greenhut]

Well I am off to the lake to install the rudder position sensor. Only part that makes me nervous is screwing into the transom wall... We'll see.

[Big Block Power]

Well I am off to the lake to install the rudder position sensor. Only part that makes me nervous is screwing into the transom wall... We'll see.

Just bring extra silicone with you
If you just start from the outside you won't be so mad at yourself for using too long of a screw or drill bit.
Yes its nerve racking

[greenhut]

Well the install didnt go well.. Plugged the sending unit position sensor into the plug market rudder indicator in the motorbox. Added the rudder position to the garmin. Garmin display doesnt change regardless of moving the sensor. Tried reversing the wires.. nothing.

Looked under the dash, and see a connector labeled Rudder Indicator not connected to anything. No obvious place to plug it in. Afraid I might need a $200 Garmin GRA-10 to adapt it to NMEA.

Also, the screws to mount in the transom looked frighteningly long - maybe an inch and a half. How thick is the transom?

So annoyed with myself I forgot to order at build time. Would have cost me like $175.

Anyone with a Cobalt with the glass cockpit have the rudder indicator? If so, could you look under your dash, see if you can find the connector, see where it goes, and perhaps snap some photos?

thanks!

[greenhut]

Doing some more research, it looks like the sensor should be plugged into the PCU (powertrain control unit) of the EVC system. EVC would then pass the data to the Garmin. PCU typically mounted in the engine compartment, so it is odd that there is a cable in the engine compartment that appears to terminate under the dash...

Will call Cobalt on Monday.

[greenhut]

It works! Got some good advice from a FB user. 2019/2020 R series with VP have the steering angle indicator wired directly into the VP wiring harness on the back of the engine, which delivers to EVC, and then on to the Garmins. So the dangling "Rudder Indicator" Deutsch connectors in the engine box (by the port battery) and under the dash are used for Merc installs (I am guessing with the addition of an NMEA adapter which is why it costs more).

Unfortunately, the connectors Volvo uses are not Deutsch connectors (but similar) and not compatible with the connector Cobalt ships with the VP sending unit. I tried to find the right connector and eventually gave up. Had some Deutsch connectors from my UW light install. Cut the VP connector off, installed a Deutsch, and the rudder position shows on the Garmin.

Next step is to mount the sending unit in the transom, but hoping to get some pics of factory mounted units first. Anyone have one? Please snap a pic!

VP engine location and connectors:

IMG_1052.JPEG

IMG_1053.JPEG

IMG_1054.JPEG

[greenhut]

Clipped off VP connector, Deutsch added, working:

IMG_1065.JPEG

IMG_1062.JPEG

[jma2@fuse.net]

This is the rough installation for now, but the outdrive is perfectly straight to the boat, and the rudder sensor is perfectly level and square to the transom and steering arm. Next time I get down the lake (who knows when), I will finish final installation, and attach and calibrate a NMEA 2K converter to the sensor to to send the signal to my iPad. My boat has a NMEA backbone , which I installed over the summer.

UPDATE: I finally got around to hooking up the NMEA 2K sensor to the rudder angle kit. I installed Yacht Devices Rudder Angle Adapter YDRA-01. The adapter worked perfectly with the Volvo Penta Easy Connect software on my iPad (screen shot below). The rudder-angle needle responds instantaneously when turning the steering wheel.

IMG_3085.jpeg

[Big Block Power]

Great stuff there.

[williamg]

Great thread. I bought my 2018 R5 off the showroom floor without a rudder indicator. My dealer is checking with Cobalt, but did not sound hopeful about adding it now. You guys had to go through a lot to get a working indicator. Fingers crossed - it would make docking easier and help avoid those awkward angled takeoffs.

[AsLan7]

Great thread. I bought my 2018 R5 off the showroom floor without a rudder indicator. My dealer is checking with Cobalt, but did not sound hopeful about adding it now. You guys had to go through a lot to get a working indicator. Fingers crossed - it would make docking easier and help avoid those awkward angled takeoffs.

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Hey WG. Hope you can get it to work too. Keep us apprised.

Missed ya' in your first post but we shall give you an official welcome aboard mate! Feel free to start a thread under the new members section with pics. We would love to see your R5 posted on the forum.

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