DOCKMATE, single-handed wireless remote control over your boat.
Dockmate is a registered trademark from PPA-Electronics B.V. Leuvensesteenweg 177 – BE-3191 Boortmeerbeek – Belgium VAT BE 0891.773.260 – Tel. +32 (0)15 43 39 94 – Mob. +32 (0)475 45 37 35 info@dockmate.eu – www.dockmate.eu – info@ppa-electronics.com – www.ppa-electronics.
1. Safety precautions Before installing the Dockmate, read all the manuals carefully. Before starting any work on the installation of the Dockmate, make sure the boat is very well moored on strong and tight ropes. The Dockmate should be installed by a trained and qualified engineer only. FCC Warning This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.
1.1. Preparing the transmitter 1.1.1. TWIN/SINGLE Transmitter Testing the battery: - Press and hold down the HORN button; the green LED will light up. - After about 2,5 seconds, the LED will turn off and you have to release the HORN button. - The green LED will start to flash and the buzzer will start to sound (providing that the Receiver is off), indicating that it is trying to communicate with the Receiver.
1.1.2. TWIST Transmitter Press the key for 1 second to turn on the transmitter. The transmitter will be automatically switched off after 30 minutes of non use. Alternatively the transmitter can be switched off by pressing 3 times the button or holding it down for 3 sec. After the transmitter is switched on, both LEDs will go white. Then the LINK light will go dark and the STATUS LED will show one of following: Battery fully charged More than 3.90V Battery OK Between 3.45V and 3.
2. Receiver rev. G overview Dockmate is a registered trademark from PPA-Electronics B.V. Leuvensesteenweg 177 – BE-3191 Boortmeerbeek – Belgium VAT BE 0891.773.260 – Tel. +32 (0)15 43 39 94 – Mob. +32 (0)475 45 37 35 info@dockmate.eu – www.dockmate.eu – info@ppa-electronics.com – www.ppa-electronics.
3. Installing the modules Always disconnect the power, before installing or removing modules ! Usually, the Dockmate comes ready with the correct modules. When a module needs to be changed, it has to be done with care, not to damage anything by putting too much force. To remove the module, use a socket wrench and a screwdriver as a lever and lift the module gently at each mounting point. Then carefully mount the new module. Start with a point next to the red connector so the connector fits perfectly.
5. Connecting the Dockmate receiver to the power The Dockmate must be powered from the ship’s 12V or 24V installation. The maximum voltage allowed on the Dockmate receiver is 28V. It must be connected to a switch that is marked ‘Dockmate’, and/or to the starting key. On the picture the power connector inside the Dockmate is shown. The wires are connected to the connector on the front panel shown below.
6. Pairing the transmitter and receiver At delivery, the transmitter and receiver are paired already. In some cases, e.g. when ordering an extra transmitter, the new transmitter has to be paired with the Receiver. To do this, turn on the power of the receiver. Then after a few secods, press briefly the button “LEARN”. The status led on the receiver will change to a blue color. Then turn on the transmitter (Hold Horn button for 1 second and release it). The status LED in the receiver will flash white.
7. Programming / Settings Connectors used for programming and settings are marked above. Red plug needs to be fitted, so yellow marking on the plug corresponds with yellow plus marked on the drawing. Note that rev.G receiver has a mini USB socket which can be used as a LiveView cable (to read/write settings) but not to program. To change software mini programmer is still needed.
8. Connecting the horn module The first step of connecting the Dockmate to the boat is by connecting the horn module. Please note that when depressing the ‘Horn’-button on the single and twin transmitter, there will be a delay time of about 0,6 seconds. The Dockmate Receiver may only be connected directly to the boat’s horn button when the boat’s horn circuit has a built-in relay. When the horn button is big, bulky and has very thick wire, that suggests that no relay is used on the boat.
9. Connecting the TAKE COMMAND option On the scheme above the option with two separate “TAKE COMMAND” buttons is shown. When there is only one button, leave “Take CMD 2” unconnected. Some analogue gear shifts require only one push on the boat’s “take command” button. While others require two or more pushes. The required push/click hold time can also vary from system to system.
10. Connecting the anchor winch Most anchor winches are connected as shown below. To find out which wire is which, use a voltmeter. Turn on the power of the windlass (but don’t press any buttons) and measure the voltage between the ship’s ground and the 3 pins of the windlass switch. The one that has +12 or +24V is the center one and has to be connected to the red and black wires.
11. Connecting the Thrusters Both Bow and Stern thruster connection is the same and shown above NOTE1: If the thruster operates in reversed direction in the DOCKCONTROL Settings or by swapping Green and Brown wires. NOTE2: Cables coming out of the thruster panel may have different colors depending on the brand of the panel. NOTE3: On some of the panels, there may be more than 3 wires, for example black and yellow. They are not important for this connection.
12. Engine modules There are no generic engine modules. Installation drawings and procedure is delivered in a separate manual for specific brand of engine controls Dockmate is a registered trademark from PPA-Electronics B.V. Leuvensesteenweg 177 – BE-3191 Boortmeerbeek – Belgium VAT BE 0891.773.260 – Tel. +32 (0)15 43 39 94 – Mob. +32 (0)475 45 37 35 info@dockmate.eu – www.dockmate.eu – info@ppa-electronics.com – www.ppa-electronics.
Appendix A: Analog Engine Controls : Measurement sheet Conditions Dockmate powered on Control system powered on Engines NOT running Measure points PORT STBD Measure points PORT STBD MEASURED VALUES CALIBRATED VALUES Max desired throttle FWD Max throttle FWD GND GND OUT VDC VDC Gear FWD idle Gear FWD idle GND GND OUT VDC VDC Levers neutral Measure points PORT STBD Measure points PORT STBD Measure points PORT STBD OUT VDC VDC GND OUT OUT VDC VDC Neutral GND MID VDC VDC VDC VDC Ge
At this point your DOCKMATE system is ready to use. From now on you can dock your ship single handed! Dockmate is a registered trademark from PPA-Electronics B.V. Leuvensesteenweg 177 – BE-3191 Boortmeerbeek – Belgium VAT BE 0891.773.260 – Tel. +32 (0)15 43 39 94 – Mob. +32 (0)475 45 37 35 info@dockmate.eu – www.dockmate.eu – info@ppa-electronics.com – www.ppa-electronics.
