Overview

The B&G 000-11554-001 is an H5000 Pilot Computer that sits below decks and handles the heavy lifting for an H5000 autopilot system, from steering calculations to driving the motor or pump that moves your rudder. It runs on 12/24 V DC (with a +30% / -10% supply tolerance) and fits a footprint of about 211 x 196 x 65.5 mm.

It supports steering to Heading, Wind, or Waypoint, with wind steering options that include apparent, true, and polar modes. Response features like Gust Response, Recovery, and High Wind Response are built in to help the pilot hold a steady course when conditions change quickly.

Key features

• 12/24 V DC power and drive support, with a recommended 30 A fused supply for the high-current drive output
• NMEA 2000 connectivity via a single CAN terminal (1 LEN) for integration with an H5000 network backbone
• NMEA 0183 input support for common navigation and heading sentences, plus output options for heading at up to 10 Hz and rudder angle (RSA) at up to 5 Hz
• Selectable steering modes: Heading, Wind, or Waypoint
• Wind steering modes that include apparent, true, and polar options for sail-specific control
• Drive outputs for typical autopilot actuators, including reversible pump, rotary drive motor, hydraulic ram setups, and solenoid valve control
• Rudder feedback support for RF300, RF45X, RF25N, and RF70 sensors
• External alarm and external I/O connections for tying the pilot into onboard alerting and control wiring

Compatibility and system integration

This pilot computer is meant to be part of the B&G H5000 family and connects into the H5000 network over an NMEA 2000 Micro-C style backbone. If your boat already has an H5000 network in place, it installs as another device on the backbone using a T-connector and drop cable.

For boats mixing older instruments with newer networks, the NMEA 0183 input and output ports make it possible to exchange key navigation and heading data with devices that are not on NMEA 2000.

Installation and setup

Plan for a below-decks location that stays dry, is easy to reach for service, and keeps high-current drive wiring runs practical. Power is typically brought in through a dedicated, fused feed, and the unit provides polarity indication to help confirm wiring before commissioning.

When wiring solenoid valves, note that the pilot computer is intended to power 12 V DC or 24 V DC solenoids directly. If a valve set is externally powered, isolating relays are required so the pilot computer is not switching a live external supply.

Use cases on board

This unit is a good match for performance sailboats that want wind-aware steering modes, as well as short-handed cruisers who rely on an autopilot for long upwind legs and downwind runs. It is also a solid fit when you need both network integration and hardwired NMEA 0183 data paths in the same steering system.

What’s included

• H5000 Pilot Computer
• Fixing screws (3.5 x 19 mm)
• Micro-C drop cable (male)
• Micro-C T-Joiner
• Connectors
• 30 A fuse