Bennett ACM 3000 Auto Tab Install

MExcelsior

MExcelsior

Member
Oct 23, 2006
497
Iowa
Boat Info
2007 310 SeaRay DA
Kohler
Engines
Twin 6.2 MPI Bravo III
Ok, I was instructed to post this here to get more valuable information: ; )

OK folks, I know that this has been discussed in a pretty good thread on the Auto Tab Install, but wanted to start a new thread to discuss the installation specific to newer SeaRays with EIMs..... and whether it is possible.

Firstly, has anyone installed these in a boat where the trim tab helm buttons/controls are part of the SeaRay instrumentation pads that have built in MXU processors and are hooked to a EIM? If so, please let me know how you did it. Also, for those of you fairly familiar with EIMs, please let me know if my idea works in case this hasn't been done before. I guess I should mention here that I want to retain the functionality of the tabs on the instrumentation pad and don't want to install new gauges and have "dead" tab functions of the existing pad.

#1 In order to install the Bennett Auto Tab, the current trim tab controls must have 4 wires connected to the trim tabs (port, starboard, up/down). However, the SeaRay helm pads are MXU processed and are connected to an EIM using anywhere from 2-4 wires for ALL the equipment on that pad. On my boat, the starboard "anchor, blower, bilge pump, tabs, acc 1 and 2, are connected via 4 wires to the aft EIM where it interprets Rx and Tx between processors. All the devices on a pad are connected to the EIM with only 2-4 wires, thus saving a ton of wiring. (Please let me know if I am wrong in my understanding).

Basically in a standard system without the helm pad hooked to a EIM, there are 4 wires running from the trim tab pump to the trim tab control at the helm. This is an easy setup with the instructions provided by Bennett. Basically (simplified) the 4 wires are cut near the helm and the (8 wire-ends) are connected through a control box via harnesses, etc.

However, with newer Searays, the 4 wires basically run from the trim tab pump to the EIM. From there, it is MXU processed from the helm pad. Theoretically, it should be possible to just splice between the trim tab pump and the EIM since the 4 wires carry the same signal as an analog system independent of any processors from there to the helm. (Hope this makes sense and I'm not confusing anyone).

When I spoke with Bennett, they had mentioned that SeaRay doesn't seem to have any answers and they had mentioned to me that for some reason, it might not work with the EIMs. Therefore, I'm on here asking if anyone has gotten this to work with an EIM.

I'm wondering even if I hook up, will the EIM send any regular electrical ghost packages or any signal at that will be misinterpreted as a manual input, and in turn, force the ATC3000 to disconnect or turn off.

Take me to school boys........

I'm listening... ; )

Mike
 
I am listening too. You are correct in theory if the ATC was connected into the 4 color wire harness that runs to the pump it should work just fine.

But theory and practice are not always the same!

I seem to remember hearing about the AC3000 being installed on a boat newer than Mike's and will take a look to see if I can find it.

This thread suggests that it works, but I am a bit unsure if they still use the SeaRay keypad. Maybe you can reach out to them http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/35630-Bennett-Auto-Trim-Tab-Install

Tom
Bennett Marine
 
Last edited:
Your assumptions on the function of the EIM matches mine. I researched this a couple of years ago. I spoke with Bennett at length and we came up with a modification. They made a special cable. The ACR is supposed to tap into the tab circuit at the helm. Because of the EIM that has to be done at the connection between the EIM and trim pump. The special cable is just a longer version of one that is supplied in the standard kit. It is used to connect the connection in the bilge with the dash display.

Unfortunately I never installed the control. Let me dig out the cable and my notes so I can report more correctly.

Henry


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
 
OK.... here is the deal. Currently the system as I have discussed above and Henry had also come up with will back feed power from the Bennet module into the EIM in this setup. (The Bennett module currently back feeds power to the existing standard control at the helm. I've talked with the makers of the EIM, and this potentially could lead to a problem with the EIM and toast it. (The EIM is only designed for power flow downstream to the accessories). Now, they are no longer making many SeaRay EIM from previous years, so there is a limited supply in the wild.

Also as a note, we are still unsure whether this will work or not, but I'm unwilling to risk or take a change with the EIM since those units are pretty expensive and becoming more rare with each passing day. I would probably bypass the EIM with new rockers at the helm, as it can easily be reversed and hooked back up if I so wanted in the future.

Hope this helps everyone.
 
good afternoon Mike did you ever find out how to connect SR EIM Control pads to the benett auto tab Controlier I HAVE a 2007 sr 280 sundancr
plase reply to me by E MAIL donashaw@Comcast.net my name is tom
 
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