Analog control head systems
Our patented system for connecting to the control heads
Analog control head systems
Our patented system for connecting to the control heads
Some electronic shift and throttle control (ETSC) manufacturers use a potentiometer inside the control head to generate a control signal to manage the engine shift and throttle.In the past, the remote control systems initially used the so-called "parallel connection" to achieve certain degree of control of the potentiometer, allowing the remote system to manage simple engine maneuvers, such as ahead minimum, neutral, and astern minimum.
However the parallel connection control method has serious weaknesses and risks:
- It increases the current through the potentiometer wiper. This excess of current can reach or surpass the maximum allowed current through the wiper. The potentiometer may be damaged.
- It can only be used with the control levers in neutral position, because the effect of the parallel connection is greater when a control lever is out of the central position.
- The parallel connection disturbs the equivalent resistance value of the potentiometer. This may raise alarms on the ECU system, disabling it.
Shipcontroller uses a proprietary, patented technology as an interface with the control head potentiometers, solving the inherent risks of parallel connection. Its main features are:
- It does not intercept the potentiometer wiper connection. The wiper current is not changed. No risk of damaging the potentiometer.
- The equivalent resistance of the potentiometer can be adjusted so there is no change. No ECU alarms are raised.
- It can be used with the control levers in any position. The effect of activating the remote control unit is additive/subtractive to the position of the control levers.
- It allows stepped proportional engine control: multiple throttle speed steps can be used.
- Galvanic isolation: the potentiometer contacts remain isolated from the control electronics.
- The unit includes a safety passive bypass system which makes it "electrically transparent" when not in use.
This adapter supports the "Multi-Speed" advanced engine control option of Shipcontroller. For more information:
