?generic substitute for thruster remote?

[stuartwineberg]

I have a side power thruster and the remote operates it and the anchor winch. It’s getting intermittently unreliable and I discovered that replacements aren’t a standard stock part. To order they come in at nearly £300 which is theft for a device with a simple pcb and a few buttons. Does anyone know of a more generic solution that would pair with the receiver. I am a complete electronics numpty so advice on troubleshooting the remote won’t help much. I have stripped it and I think the issue is corrosion on the pcb contacts where the buttons act. I have used switch cleaner which works for a while.

 

[Tranona]

Replacements vary from cheapo things used for garage doors and winches on vehicles to better quality ones from other windlass suppliers like Lofrans, Quick, Lewmar which are a bit cheaper than Sidepower. However I am not aware of anything that does the same job as the one you have (and I have also - my second one). All of the alternatives (and the single bow thruster remotes) will, I think, need their dedicated receiver wired in. Although it hurts to pay the Sidepower price it is the best bit of kit. Osmotec is the Sidepower place to go at Hamble Point.

 

[TSB240]

Does your thruster and windlass have hard wired control buttons or joy stick?
If so these usually just provide a 12v control input to the thruster or windlass contactor to initiate forward or reverse on the motor.

Many people and I have fitted ebay two channel winch control remotes for remote operation of a windlass.
LAND ROVER DEFENDER 12 VOLT WIRELESS WINCH REMOTE CONTROL - DB1308 | eBay.

You could use two and have independent control of thruster and windlass

If you want to have a combined controller then just use a single wireless relay with more channels. If your thruster is simply left or right then you just need a 6 channel wireless relay and remote( for on,off,left thrust, right thrust,anchor up, anchor down)

I have successfully used this 6 channel wireless relay to provide remote control for my autopilot. This turns the autopilot on or into standby and will allow course change and tacking by pressing 1 degree left or right turn buttons and or 10 degree left or right buttons.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pxyelec-6-...ocphy=9045246&hvtargid=pla-849146193767&psc=1

Any reasonable marine electrician should be able to work out how to fit either of the above.

 

[dunedin]

We are using a Quick wireless remote with bow thruster and windlass. Quick SpA - Products and Accessories for the Boating Industry - made in Italy

Yes can get very cheap wireless remotes on eBay (indeed initially bought one) but the Quick device is nicer and feels more robust

 

[Alex_Blackwood]

I have a side power thruster and the remote operates it and the anchor winch. It’s getting intermittently unreliable and I discovered that replacements aren’t a standard stock part. To order they come in at nearly £300 which is theft for a device with a simple pcb and a few buttons. Does anyone know of a more generic solution that would pair with the receiver. I am a complete electronics numpty so advice on troubleshooting the remote won’t help much. I have stripped it and I think the issue is corrosion on the pcb contacts where the buttons act. I have used switch cleaner which works for a while.

I don't know what your remote is like inside. However, if anything like the buttons on TV remotes etc. as well as cleaning with surgical spirit, you used switch cleaner so OK. The buttons themselves are electrically conductive, Some sort of carbon or graphite impregnation. I have found that this wears and if you super glue a tiny piece of kitchen foil to the button you will be OK. Make sure it is electrically conductive foil!
EDIT. Even if you get a new one may do as spare!

 

[stuartwineberg]

I don't know what your remote is like inside. However, if anything like the buttons on TV remotes etc. as well as cleaning with surgical spirit, you used switch cleaner so OK. The buttons themselves are electrically conductive, Some sort of carbon or graphite impregnation. I have found that this wears and if you super glue a tiny piece of kitchen foil to the button you will be OK. Make sure it is electrically conductive foil!
EDIT. Even if you get a new one may do as spare!

Interesting. I am a guitarist and so have lots of shielding foil - essentially copper self adhesive tape with special conductive adhesive - this may well be a slution - thanks

 

[stuartwineberg]

Does your thruster and windlass have hard wired control buttons or joy stick?
If so these usually just provide a 12v control input to the thruster or windlass contactor to initiate forward or reverse on the motor.

Many people and I have fitted ebay two channel winch control remotes for remote operation of a windlass.
LAND ROVER DEFENDER 12 VOLT WIRELESS WINCH REMOTE CONTROL - DB1308 | eBay.

You could use two and have independent control of thruster and windlass

If you want to have a combined controller then just use a single wireless relay with more channels. If your thruster is simply left or right then you just need a 6 channel wireless relay and remote( for on,off,left thrust, right thrust,anchor up, anchor down)

I have successfully used this 6 channel wireless relay to provide remote control for my autopilot. This turns the autopilot on or into standby and will allow course change and tacking by pressing 1 degree left or right turn buttons and or 10 degree left or right buttons.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pxyelec-6-...ocphy=9045246&hvtargid=pla-849146193767&psc=1

Any reasonable marine electrician should be able to work out how to fit either of the above.

The thruster has hard wired buttons at the helm, the windlass has a bulgin plug in the anchor locker which takes a push button controler on a curly lead. Based on your experience would it be straightforward to replace the existing receiver with the landrover one?

 

[TSB240]

The thruster has hard wired buttons at the helm, the windlass has a bulgin plug in the anchor locker which takes a push button controler on a curly lead. Based on your experience would it be straightforward to replace the existing receiver with the landrover one?

Almost definitely!
Just trace the wires from each of buttons back to a relay or contactor. It is very simple to wire in the landrover winch control in parrallel to each of the button wires where they connect to a contactor or relay.
You can usual find which contactor solenoid or relay is operating by feeling for a click on the component when a button switch is operated.

The only additional wiring required is a fused 2 amp supply and negative return for the remote control relay. This is usually wired in parallel to the main power and negative return of the relevant motor.

The instructions supplied with the remote are normally sufficient for diy guidance .
Full details of your thruster and windlass model would help for further advice.
Steve.