I finally installed my remote helm system on the 506

[Carpediem44DB]

I know this is not the Carver forum but once a Sea Ray owner, always a Sea Ray owner is what I say. I shared with you all several years ago that I adapted a Wireless control system to my 44DB to make it possible to single hand my boat. I just could not see the value in spending 12 to 15 grand on one of the two systems on the market. The system was very easy to install and use on the Cummins Powered Sea Rays with dual controls and electric shift drives. When I moved up to the Carver 506, an aft cabin boat with a single helm two flights of stairs above the boarding platform with about seven feet of freeboard to the side walk, I knew I needed to install a remote helm. The 506 is Volvo powered with single electronic shift levers so simply paralleling a wireless switch system did not work without screwing up the EDM and having it go to limp mode and throw short circuit codes. I almost abandoned the idea and began negotiating with Dock Mate to install their system. I got them down to 10 grand but they would not allow owner installation. Sorry but on principle, I don't allow anyone to work on my boat but me (except bottom paint and bottom cleaning). I figured that it would not cost me even 5 grand if I hired a professional electrical engineering firm to design a work around the EMD. Well it turned out that my answer was to reach out to our own @TTmot and viola!
With Tom's insight and a visit to the electronics surplus, I installed a relay and some dummy coils to trick the EDM into thinking it still had control of the vessel when the remote is activated. Works like a champ! I can now remotely control the vessel the last few yards to the dock and single handedly dock this 50,000 lb monster without my wife having a nervous breakdown Big shout out to @ttmott for his help.

 

[techmitch]

I know this is not the Carver forum but once a Sea Ray owner, always a Sea Ray owner is what I say. I shared with you all several years ago that I adapted a Wireless control system to my 44DB to make it possible to single hand my boat. I just could not see the value in spending 12 to 15 grand on one of the two systems on the market. The system was very easy to install and use on the Cummins Powered Sea Rays with dual controls and electric shift drives. When I moved up to the Carver 506, an aft cabin boat with a single helm two flights of stairs above the boarding platform with about seven feet of freeboard to the side walk, I knew I needed to install a remote helm. The 506 is Volvo powered with single electronic shift levers so simply paralleling a wireless switch system did not work without screwing up the EDM and having it go to limp mode and throw short circuit codes. I almost abandoned the idea and began negotiating with Dock Mate to install their system. I got them down to 10 grand but they would not allow owner installation. Sorry but on principle, I don't allow anyone to work on my boat but me (except bottom paint and bottom cleaning). I figured that it would not cost me even 5 grand if I hired a professional electrical engineering firm to design a work around the EMD. Well it turned out that my answer was to reach out to our own @TTmot and viola!
With Tom's insight and a visit to the electronics surplus, I installed a relay and some dummy coils to trick the EDM into thinking it still had control of the vessel when the remote is activated. Works like a champ! I can now remotely control the vessel the last few yards to the dock and single handedly dock this 50,000 lb monster without my wife having a nervous breakdown Big shout out to @ttmott for his help.

Sounds great, although in this case, we expect operational videos along with installation pics and instructions. Lol, thanks Carpe.

 

[Carpediem44DB]

Sounds great, although in this case, we expect operational videos along with installation pics and instructions. Lol, thanks Carpe.

I can do that for sure. This was way more complicated in terms of running cable than the previous installations as they are all short harnesses that integrate at the helm. For the 506 I had to make OEM plug Y cables at the drives and run a cable to the bridge from the ER. I'll have to get a buddy to shoot a video of me running the boat with it, otherwise something will end up in the drink and it would either be my phone or me with my phone!
Carpe Diem

 

[techmitch]

I can do that for sure. This was way more complicated in terms of running cable than the previous installations as they are all short harnesses that integrate at the helm. For the 506 I had to make OEM plug Y cables at the drives and run a cable to the bridge from the ER. I'll have to get a buddy to shoot a video of me running the boat with it, otherwise something will end up in the drink and it would either be my phone or me with my phone!
Carpe Diem

Cool, I was always intrigued by your 44 project, so this will be more so.

 

[ttmott]

Fun to work through the issues!
Bring it on!