Overview

The Garmin APK 10 Autopilot Keypad is a helm-mounted control keypad that lets you run compatible Garmin autopilot systems from a dedicated knob and buttons, without having to reach for the chartplotter every time you want to engage, standby, or nudge your heading.

It connects to the boat over NMEA 2000, and it is powered by the NMEA 2000 network (no separate power lead for the keypad). Electrical specs are 9 to 32 Vdc input, with typical draw around 2 W on the network. The housing is rated IPX7 for incidental water exposure, which fits open-helm and washdown-prone installs.

Mounting is either flush or surface, and the two orientations give you a layout that matches your dash space. Flush depth is about 7 mm, and surface depth is about 16.4 mm, so it stays low on the console while still being easy to grab when the boat is moving.

Key features

• NMEA 2000 connection for data and power, so the keypad runs off the network with a single drop cable connection
• 9 to 32 Vdc input (from the network) with typical NMEA 2000 power draw around 2 W (2.5 W max)
• NMEA 2000 LEN 6 for network load planning on smaller backbones
• IPX7 water rating for helms that see spray and routine washdowns
• Rotary knob with an LED ring that gives you quick feedback on autopilot status while you make heading changes
• Engage and standby buttons for quick autopilot control when docking, trolling, or running a tight channel
• Flush or surface mounting using the included template, gaskets, and trim caps

Variants

This keypad is offered in two orientations to match different dash layouts.

Orientation changes the overall footprint and cutout shape, while the network connection, power requirements, and mounting styles remain the same.

• 010-03197-00: Horizontal orientation. This layout spreads the controls across a wider, shorter face, which can suit helms with more horizontal panel space.
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• 010-03197-01: Vertical orientation. This layout stacks the controls in a taller, narrower face, which can fit better in tight columns or between other instruments.

What’s included

• APK 10 autopilot keypad (orientation depends on the selected variant)
• NMEA 2000 backbone/drop cable (2 m) and T-connector
• Mounting hardware for flush and surface installation
• Documentation

Installation and setup

Plan the mounting location so you can route the NMEA 2000 drop cable cleanly and keep the keypad where it can be reached with one hand. For surface mounting, the cable passthrough calls for a 20 mm hole. For flush mounting, the template is used to mark the cutout, with corner holes started using an 11.2 mm drill bit before cutting the opening.

Two lengths of mounting screws are typically provided for the different mounting styles, and trim caps finish the installation after the keypad is secured and connected.

Electrical and system integration

The keypad needs to be on the same NMEA 2000 network as the rest of the autopilot components so it can communicate with the system. The NMEA 2000 network supplies power to the keypad, so a separate power connection is not required at the keypad itself.

On boats where you are adding or rebuilding the network, make sure the NMEA 2000 power feed is switched through the ignition or an in-line switch. Leaving the network powered continuously can drain batteries over time.

Compatibility and fit

This keypad is intended for Garmin autopilot control setups and is commonly paired with Reactor 40 systems. A compatible Garmin helm control or chartplotter is required in the overall autopilot system.

Choose the orientation based on your dash layout and the cutout you are willing to make. Flush mounting keeps the profile close to the panel, while surface mounting avoids a large cutout and relies mainly on the cable passthrough hole.

Use on board

This style of keypad makes sense for boats where the helmsman wants autopilot control within arm’s reach, such as offshore runs, long channel transits, trolling patterns, or sailing passages where frequent heading tweaks are common.

It is a good match for helms that already have a NMEA 2000 backbone in place and need a dedicated autopilot control point that is easy to use in motion and in wet conditions.