Description
Kongsberg RCU502I 421768
Technical Specifications
- Product type: Ship rudder control unit
- Supply: DC24 V marine
- Inputs: Rudder angle feedback, helm command, mode selection
- Outputs: Steering gear control signals
- Communication: CAN bus / serial
- Protection: IP56 marine
- Operating temperature: -15 °C to +55 °C
- Storage temperature: -40 °C to +70 °C
- Humidity: 95 % non-condensing
- Certification: Classification society (DNV, LR)
- Installation: Bridge console or steering gear room
- Conformity: Marine EMC standards
- LEDs: Status and alarm indication
Functional Features
- Automatic track keeping steering
- Manual non-follow-up steering
- Follow-up steering mode
- Rudder angle feedback loop
- Multiple redundant helm stations
- Alarm and fault monitoring
- Classification society certified
- Marine EMC compliance
- Front panel mode selection and indication
- CAN bus connection to ship network
- Long-term offshore operation
- Built-in self-diagnosis
Application Scenarios
- Merchant vessel main steering control
- Offshore platform supply vessel steering
- Cruise ship rudder control system
- Tanker bridge steering console
- Marine steering gear room control unit
Materials and Construction
- Housing: Anti-corrosion marine-grade metal
- Seal: Silicone rubber gasket
- PCB: FR4 with conformal coating
- Connectors: Marine waterproof connectors
- Pushbuttons: Sealed marine pushbuttons
- Paint: Anti-corrosion coating
Structural Features
- Marine sealed metal housing
- Front panel with mode selector, rudder angle indicator, and pushbuttons
- Rear waterproof cable glands
- Internal CPU, I/O, and communication modules
- Vibration-hardened mounting
- Anti-corrosion paint finish
- Panel gasket sealed against moisture
Working Principle The unit reads helm commands from the bridge steering wheel and rudder angle feedback from the steering gear telemetry unit. In automatic mode, the controller compares desired rudder angle with actual feedback and outputs control signals to the steering gear hydraulic valve to rotate the rudder to the commanded position. In manual mode, operator pushbuttons directly drive the steering gear. Multiple units communicate over the ship’s CAN bus for redundancy. Faults trigger audible and visual alarms.
Installation Requirements
- Mount on bridge console or steering gear room bulkhead
- Connect rudder angle sensor feedback cable
- Connect helm station command cable
- Connect steering gear hydraulic valve control cable
- DC24 V marine power supply
- Waterproof cable glands properly tightened
- Temperature -15 °C to +55 °C
- Classification society sea trial calibration
- Ship grounding connection
Precautions
- Periodically test automatic and manual steering modes
- Rudder angle feedback calibration must be verified
- Keep cable glands sealed to prevent moisture ingress
- Do not operate single-fault steering mode beyond sea trial limits
- Store spare units in dry environment
- Replace sealed gaskets during major maintenance
- Follow classification society inspection intervals
- Verify alarm annunciation during annual service
