Quick question on autopilot pump

[DaltonGang]

I'm just trying to understand how it works before i do my installation.
I have a hydraulic pump for an old autopilot system that I will keep using (with new electronics). But the thing that confuses me is it's just 2 wires (12v) going to it. I don't understand how it knows to "pump" towards port or starboard.

With just 2 wires at 12v it would just seem like it's on or off and not left or right.
I'd also like to test it but not knowing how it will pump left or right I'm not sure how to even test it.

?

 

[ttmott]

I'm just trying to understand how it works before i do my installation.
I have a hydraulic pump for an old autopilot system that I will keep using (with new electronics). But the thing that confuses me is it's just 2 wires (12v) going to it. I don't understand how it knows to "pump" towards port or starboard.

With just 2 wires at 12v it would just seem like it's on or off and not left or right.
I'd also like to test it but not knowing how it will pump left or right I'm not sure how to even test it.

?

It will - the polarity reverses from the controller and the pump reverses.

 

[DaltonGang]

It will - the polarity reverses from the controller and the pump reverses.

So any idea how to test it? Hooking up 12v and then just switching wires?

 

[ttmott]

So any idea how to test it? Hooking up 12v and then just switching wires?

Exactly right. It should move the rudder one direction then swapping the wires the other direction. It couldn't be simpler.

 

[DaltonGang]

Exactly right. It should move the rudder one direction then swapping the wires the other direction. It couldn't be simpler.

Awesome, thank you!