🔍 Key Concepts

• Trace the signal path from the steering wheel/helm and from the controller (autopilot/differential repeater) in figure A. • Note what the Operating Mode Selector Switch connects to when it is left in the Controller position. • Think about the difference between follow‑up (helm control) and controller/autopilot control of the rudder.

💭 Think About

• When the switch is in Controller mode, which device is actually sending the control signal to the port/stbd amplifiers and power units: the helm follow‑up system or the controller/differential repeater? • If you tried to turn the wheel with the switch still in Controller, would that signal have a complete electrical path to the rudder drive, or would another signal source be in control? • Look at where the repeatback (feedback) signal goes—what is it being compared to when in Controller mode, and what does that tell you about how the rudder will move?

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify which line from figure A feeds the power unit control signal when the selector is on Controller versus when it is on Hand/Follow‑up. • Confirm whether the steering wheel potentiometer is actually connected into the circuit with the switch left in Controller mode. • Identify what equipment the term differential repeater/controller refers to in this system and whether it can command the rudder without any helm input.