Make my own bowthruster control?

[richardm47]

My 35ft Hallber Rassy Rasmus is over 40 years old and I try to hide the new-fangled gadgets as much as possible. Or at least minimise it. To keep closer to the old classic lines.

At the moment, on the binnacle, I have a joystick control for the bowthruster which looks modern and out of place. My idea is to replace it with a momentary self-centering (On)/Off/(On) toggle switch like this one from BlueSea: https://www.bluesea.com/products/4154/WeatherDeck_Toggle_Switch_SPDT_-_[ON]-OFF-[ON]

There would thus be a small / insignificant switch instead of the much bigger joystick. Probably with a black rubber waterproof boot. I'm handy enough to fit that into a panel let into the solid wooden top of the binnacle. Though I might need an electrician to connect it properly to the actuators under the forward v berths.

What do you think. Am I on the right lines with this idea? Or is it a complete non-starter?

 

[PuffTheMagicDragon]

I don't think that it would be a problem because it is only controlling solenoids and not passing the full current. I have a similar switching arrangement in my cockpit for controlling the anchor windlass without walking to the bows when I am alone.
I am not an 'electrical person' but my friend is a large electronics contractor who deals in large control systems (hospitals, parliament, etc) and he checked and OK'd the installation.

 

[pvb]

What do you think. Am I on the right lines with this idea? Or is it a complete non-starter?

Should be fine. You don't need an electrician, the existing wiring in the binnacle can be used. However, thruster controls usually incorporate an on/off function, so that the thruster can't be accidentally operated. To achieve this, you'd need to add a simple isolator switch.

 

[Big John]

My 35ft Hallber Rassy Rasmus is over 40 years old and I try to hide the new-fangled gadgets as much as possible. Or at least minimise it. To keep closer to the old classic lines.At the moment, on the binnacle, I have a joystick control for the bowthruster which looks modern and out of place. My idea is to replace it with a momentary self-centering (On)/Off/(On) toggle switch like this one from BlueSea: https://www.bluesea.com/products/4154/WeatherDeck_Toggle_Switch_SPDT_-_[ON]-OFF-[ON]There would thus be a small / insignificant switch instead of the much bigger joystick. Probably with a black rubber waterproof boot. I'm handy enough to fit that into a panel let into the solid wooden top of the binnacle. Though I might need an electrician to connect it properly to the actuators under the forward v berths. What do you think. Am I on the right lines with this idea? Or is it a complete non-starter?

You would need to know how many wires are attached to your joy stick and how they are wired. A wiring diagram would be very helpful. Once you know the configuration then you are in a better position to chose the correct toggle switch. Switch could be 1pole 2way or 2pole 2way, centre off. It will be low current switching the relays/solenoids that take the high current to the bowthruster.

 

[Ian_Edwards]

You don't say what type of bow thruster you have, but the push button controller on by Lewmar 5kW system has three functions.

1) to put a delay in the system so you can't reverse the thrust, whilst the truster is still spinning, to prevent damage to the motor windings.
2) to limit the amount of time the thruster can be continuously operated, to prevent damage to the batteries and overheating the motor.
3) to turn off the controller after 20mins to save power and prevent accidental operation of the thruster

These three can be achieved by sensible and cautious operation, but it won't be fail safe if you use a simple centre off switch to drive the solenoids, which in turn drive the main contactors on the motor.

You may also need to add some diodes and capacitors to prevent the contacts from arcing, depending on how much current they switch and the gap between the contacts when open.

 

[pvb]

You would need to know how many wires are attached to your joy stick and how they are wired. A wiring diagram would be very helpful. Once you know the configuration then you are in a better position to chose the correct toggle switch. Switch could be 1pole 2way or 2pole 2way, centre off. It will be low current switching the relays/solenoids that take the high current to the bowthruster.

Almost all thrusters use simple SPDT switching.

 

[pvb]

You don't say what type of bow thruster you have, but the push button controller on by Lewmar 5kW system has three functions.

1) to put a delay in the system so you can't reverse the thrust, whilst the truster is still spinning, to prevent damage to the motor windings.
2) to limit the amount of time the thruster can be continuously operated, to prevent damage to the batteries and overheating the motor.
3) to turn off the controller after 20mins to save power and prevent accidental operation of the thruster

These three can be achieved by sensible and cautious operation, but it won't be fail safe if you use a simple centre off switch to drive the solenoids, which in turn drive the main contactors on the motor.

You may also need to add some diodes and capacitors to prevent the contacts from arcing, depending on how much current they switch and the gap between the contacts when open.

The delay function and timer function are in the control box on the thruster, not in the remote switch.

 

[Plum]

My 35ft Hallber Rassy Rasmus is over 40 years old and I try to hide the new-fangled gadgets as much as possible. Or at least minimise it. To keep closer to the old classic lines.

At the moment, on the binnacle, I have a joystick control for the bowthruster which looks modern and out of place. My idea is to replace it with a momentary self-centering (On)/Off/(On) toggle switch like this one from BlueSea: https://www.bluesea.com/products/4154/WeatherDeck_Toggle_Switch_SPDT_-_[ON]-OFF-[ON]

There would thus be a small / insignificant switch instead of the much bigger joystick. Probably with a black rubber waterproof boot. I'm handy enough to fit that into a panel let into the solid wooden top of the binnacle. Though I might need an electrician to connect it properly to the actuators under the forward v berths.

What do you think. Am I on the right lines with this idea? Or is it a complete non-starter?

Or you could use one of these and put the controller out of sight when not needed http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RECOVERY-...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649.

Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[pvb]

Or you could use one of these and put the controller out of sight when not needed http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RECOVERY-...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649.

I added a similar cheap wireless remote to my thruster. Works OK, but there's a slight delay after releasing the button before it switches off. Useful as an addition, but a hard-wired switch is essential really.

 

[Ian_Edwards]

The delay function and timer function are in the control box on the thruster, not in the remote switch.

On the Lewmar unit that's not correct. The logical controls are in the switch unit in the cockpit. The output of which goes to dumb relays and then to the main contactors on the motor.

I don't know about other makes, but I've had to repair my Lewmar system several times in the 5 years I've owned it, and have replaced every component in the system at least once.

from the Lewmar Manual:

Safety Features
• Lewmar control panel 589001 and
589002.
NOTE: If Thruster is operated
constantly for 3 minutes it
will power down. Panels will
deactivate.
NOTE: Dual Thruster panel
has same functions as single.
NOTE: The system is designed to
automatically power down after
no operation for 20 minutes.
• To activate the control panel press
and hold for 1 second (Fig 3.2.1).
Changing direction.
Press the button or move the joystick
for the direction you wish to thrust.
Press the opposite button or move the
joystick to change direction (Fig 3.2.2).
After 1 second thruster activates

 

[prv]

I added a similar cheap wireless remote to my thruster. Works OK, but there's a slight delay after releasing the button before it switches off.

I fitted an eBay remote for my anchor windlass; in sourcing it I discovered that there are two types (sold by various different sellers in different packages). One has the delay you describe, the other does not. I fitted the non-delay type, and have two of the other kind in my parts box in the shed

It soon started operating erratically, though (I suspect interference from the motor, which is right next to the receiver on the other side of a bulkhead) and I went back to deck buttons. I wouldn't really want to operate the windlass without being close enough to see it anyway.

Pete

 

[richardm47]

Hi, and thanks for the confirmation of my idea. And all your comments and suggestions too.

I'm going to do this bowthruster replacement switch as my first lay-up project. All the thick wires are in the bows near the battery and motor, only thin ones coming back to the binnacle. As suggested, I'll also put in a separate overall on/off switch for safety.

And I've bought an eBay wireless remote so I can have a play, but I think that will more likely be used for the anchor winch, useful when single-handed.

Thanks again!

 

[pvb]

On the Lewmar unit that's not correct. The logical controls are in the switch unit in the cockpit. The output of which goes to dumb relays and then to the main contactors on the motor.

OK, maybe some Lewmar models are different. Sidepower thrusters have all the delay/timer electronics in the thruster body.

Some Lewmar models don't need special switches, eg the Lewmar 140TT thruster manual says "The thruster can be operated using the Lewmar locking joystick (Part No. 589003) or any water proof momentary two direction switch with a 5 amp rating."