12 Meter Express Rudder Angle Indicator

[tcollins2]

Over the weekend my rudder angle gauge showed 30 degrees and it doesn't move when I turn the wheel.
I went to to look at the starboard rudder area where the unit is located. Without fully committing to crawling and sliding back there, I could see that there was about a 6" spring hanging there and a hose clamp on the bar connecting the rudders.
I cannot imagine that this was installed properly. Maybe PO did something?
Does anyone know what brand (VDO?) that was installed in 1990?
Any literature on the unit?

I did poke around the area with a gaff and my spotter said the gauge was moving on the dash, so I'm assuming it just became disconnected from the steering.
I'd like to put it back correctly rather than just have it connected with a hose clamp.
TIA, Tom C.

[tcollins2]

https://www.hodgesmarine.com/vdo440-050 ... g-kit.html

I found this on line, probably getting close.

[Doc Holiday]

My 1990 Express also has the hose clamp. The end of the spring has an "L" shaped attachment that is clamped onto the tie bar and can be moved on the bar to adjust the rudder angle indicator. Ex: if your indicator is showing port 10 while u/w and straight, you can loosen the hose clamp and move the spring until zeroed.

[tcollins2]

I found a video on my phone where I filmed that L bracket that you referred to while I was working on my power steering. Since the spring is in good shape and the hose clamp is still there, I’m assuming that this L bracket came out from the hose clamp and shot somewhere in the area. I took a quick look and I didn’t see it. Anyone know what it’s called or where to get it? It has a notch in it so the spring doesn’t slide off.

[Doc Holiday]

tcollins2, attached are a couple pictures I took last year. They may help you fabricate something if Beacon doesn't have the part available. It looks like it is just a 3" long piece of stainless round stock, cranked tight in a vise, bent to a 90* with an indent added to keep the spring on. If mine was deep-sixed, I'd cut the head off of a stainless bolt, bend and flatten the cut end, and use an acorn nut to retain the spring.

[tcollins2]

Thank you for the detailed photos. I assumed I would not find it so I started sketching a replacement before you commented. Funny stuff.

[RWS]

suggest you replace the hose clamp with a u bolt type of clamp - bet you can find a stainless steel one at McMaster Carr

RWS

[tcollins2]

I wrote to VDO, now Veratron, asking for input.
============================================

Hello Tom,

Thanks for your mail and sorry for the delay in response.

Unfortunately Veratron does not offer the “Spring” adapter or similar kit to be used with rudder angle sensor. The background story is that this component was sourced locally and offered by the US VDO distributor and is no longer available.

I’m sorry that I cannot be of direct help.

Thanks,

Tony
Tony McLachlan

Ph: 414 258-0603 veratron US Inc.
Tony.mclachlan@veratron.com 131 N 86th St
veratron.com Wauwatosa, WI 53226
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