Yacht Contoller as per MBM Review

[Gludy]

I have used thruster radio control units and uses thruster with engine remote units linked by cable - both have proved a real benefit in managing large boats in marinas etc.

The yacht controller from www.yachtcontoller.co.uk does it all by radio - both the engines and the thrusters - this would save me having to plug in cables around the boat etc and would be of great benefit on any large boat with a crew of just 2 including the skipper.

My only reservation to this hopefully great bit of kit is the possibility of someone else by accident controlling the engines of your boat by radio interference.

There was a case on my pontoon of someone fitting radio thruster controls and then when pressing the button controlling the thrusters of a Squadron 58 about 50 foot away. This was used to great humorous effect at the time and the Squadron had to change his codes on his remote BUT if that were engines being controlled by accident then that is another matter. I know there are many combinations of code but I have witnessed that remote chance of duplication already and the MBM review whilst praising the unit did not even discuss this issue which has to be the critical issue of such a unit.

So is the risk worth it?

By the way if you visit the web site be warned they currently have a virus that downloads itself onto your computer - it was killed by my AV system - I have told them about it so it should soon be fixed.

 

[andyball]

this the same thing? http://www.yachtcontroller.com/index.php?page=faq



I'd expect waterproof ness not resistance, and some proper facts on how each system is unique radio-wise & free from interference.

while they're at it, what about steering control too, so can laze on quiet fore-deck dodging swimmers n dinghies ? /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif



"Even a boater with minimal experience can dock like a pro with Yacht Controller" ummm, really?


Sounds a dandy gadget of course, but reckon i'd use one more for pottering/steering from other spots than actual mooring; and yes, that's with a 72' in mind. much smaller boat I have, but recent lots of single-handed docking & working out how to safely do it makes me think you don't need one at all. of course you don't. Umm, compromise then, don't buy one, and when you can park the marlow on yr own np, re-consider /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif Long way from the upper deck to handling lines tho eh? will she have a lift? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[volvopaul]

Sounds like the same radio technology thats used now on building site cranes and such like, also there is a company with purpse built hiab on a short lorry chassis that will come out and remove your boat engine through the patio doors with minimal fuss, he just stands there with remote in side the boat, following the engine out with the jib, no problem.

I see what you mean about codes etc, was watching some model aircraft boys some time back, they asked us to turn off our mobile phones incase we had a call, suppose they were only being carefull as not to fly one into the crowd.

I wonder though with todays microchip technology, I would presume the same as a car ignition key programme, that the codes from a transponder to the brain, you would be able to change the set operation code every time its used? that way no one could play about with such a critical setting hence no problems of interference.

As regards your question of risk then I would say its fairly ok to use if you compare the ratio of use in a pleasure boat, but compared to a tower or mobile crane then the latter is a big no.

Paul.

 

[Gludy]

Yes - its the same thing Andy.

The controls on my last boat made life very easy because I could position myself anyhwere and control and that was needed on a number of occasions. I have no doubt about how useful radio engine control could be - just not totall;y happy about the possible interference.
This never worried my on my thruster radio control as it was just thrusters and I had a wired connection for remote engine control but the thought of engines suddenly revving to 2000 ho of thrust in a marina because something else just happnened to have a right code ( a situation I have seen with thrusters) worries me.

I thought the MBM revioew was very poor and should have dealt with such issues.

 

[MaltaBob]

Whilst not an electronics engineer, I suspect your concerns are well founded!! However, would also suspect that the controls can , and should have, a ' unique element ' in the coding to eliminate any stray radio traffic ! This does happen with 'high' security devices and is do-able .
/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Gludy]

I am going to follow this up with the maker.

 

[ari]

Interesting points there definitely. The chance (and consiquences) of a rogue signal doesn't bear thinking about!

However, when I read the report I couldn't help thinking, wouldn't it be great to stand on the harbour wall and drive your boat around the harbour like a 1:1 scale remote control model? /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[[2068]]

>wouldn't it be great to stand on the harbour wall and drive your boat around the harbour like a 1:1 scale remote control model

If it's anything like my RC car, then "yes", right up until it goes out of range /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

 

[MapisM]

Only rumours for the moment, but apparently this had something to see with radio controls.