The Lectrotab JLC Series Joystick Control is an electromechanical trim tab system designed to provide precise and intuitive control over boat trim tabs. This system is engineered for ease of use, reliability, and durability in marine environments, featuring a waterproof design and robust construction.
Function Description:
The JLC Series Joystick Control system allows boaters to adjust the trim tabs to optimize boat performance, efficiency, and comfort. The joystick provides a natural and intuitive interface for controlling the trim tabs, with movements corresponding directly to the desired trim adjustments. The system supports both single and dual actuator/tab operations, making it versatile for various boat configurations.
Key functions include:
- Easy to use "Joystick" control: Simplifies the process of raising or lowering trim tabs.
- Improved fuel efficiency and faster speeds: By optimizing trim, the system helps reduce drag and improve the boat's hydrodynamic efficiency.
- Single or dual actuator/tab operation: Accommodates different boat setups.
- Single station operation or dual station operation: With an additional keypad and JR cable, the system can be expanded for control from multiple locations.
- Automatic deployment to last tab position: When the ignition key switch is turned off and back on (if programmed), the tabs return to their last set position.
- Direct actuator connection to display: Simplifies wiring and installation.
- Automatic tab retraction: When connected to an accessory switch or ignition key switch, tabs automatically retract.
- Direct replacement for any Lectrotab control: With minor modifications, the JLC system can replace existing Lectrotab controls.
- Completely sealed and waterproof display: Ensures durability and reliability in marine conditions.
- Automatic dimming of display LED indicators: For optimal visibility in varying light conditions.
- NMEA2000 Compatible: For trim tab position display on MFDs (requires optional JLC-NMEA adapter).
- Operates on 12 or 24 Volts DC: Versatile power compatibility.
- 2 Year Warranty: Provides assurance of product quality and support.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Power Input: 12VDC or 24VDC.
- Fuse Size: 15 or 20 amp for 12VDC, 10 amp for 24VDC (per actuator). AUX Terminal (MUST CONNECT) fuse size is 1 to 2 amp.
- Display Dimensions: 3"x3" (77x77mm) overall width, 3.5"(89mm) overall height, 2.625" (67mm) mounting hole cutout diameter.
- Actuator Cable Lengths: Available in various lengths, typically 23' (7.0m) or 28' (8.5m) for standard installations. Custom lengths are available.
- Wiring: Uses 14 AWG wire for power connections.
- LED Indicators: Display tab position and automatically adjust brightness.
Usage Features:
The JLC Series Joystick Control offers several features that enhance its usability and performance:
- Intuitive Joystick Control: The joystick allows for easy and precise adjustments. Pushing the joystick left or right controls the port and starboard tabs respectively, for both up and down movements. Pushing the joystick forward or backward deploys or retracts both tabs simultaneously.
- Trim Tab Operation:
- Improved Fuel Efficiency and Faster Speeds: By adjusting the trim tabs, boaters can reduce hull drag, allowing the boat to plane more efficiently and achieve higher speeds with less fuel consumption.
- Faster Planing: Trim tabs can be deployed to create stern lift, helping the boat get on plane faster, especially in rough waters or with heavy loads.
- Porpoising Control: The system helps to correct porpoising (the rhythmic up-and-down motion of the bow) by deploying both trim tabs simultaneously a few degrees until the porpoising stops.
- Boat Leveling: Allows for precise leveling of the boat, correcting for uneven weight distribution or crosswinds, by adjusting one side's trim tab more than the other.
- Head Sea Management: In rough head seas, deploying both trim tabs can reduce bow rise and improve comfort by allowing the bow to cut through waves more smoothly.
- Beam Sea or Wind Control: Adjusting one trim tab more than the other can counteract the effects of beam seas or crosswinds, reducing spray and improving stability.
- Display Keypad Installation & Wiring: The display keypad is designed for easy installation, requiring a 2.625" (67mm) hole. It features a durable aluminum mounting plate and a rubber overlay to protect against water and debris. Wiring is straightforward, connecting to 12VDC or 24VDC power, ground, and actuators.
- Dual Station Wiring: The system supports dual station operation, allowing control from two separate locations on the boat. This requires an additional JLC-11 control unit and a JR cable for communication between the two stations.
- Dual Actuator/Wiring Diagram: The system is designed to control dual actuators per tab, either as a stand-alone control or in a dual station setup. The actuators are wired in parallel, ensuring synchronized movement.
- NMEA 2000 Integration: The JLC-11 can be connected to an NMEA 2000 backbone via an optional adapter cable, allowing trim tab position data to be displayed on compatible multifunction displays (MFDs).
- Programming JLC-11: The system offers programmable modes for various functions:
- Auto Retract Previous Position: Tabs automatically return to their last set position when the ignition is turned off and on.
- Actuator Time: Sets the deployment/retract time for the actuators (factory default is 8 seconds for serial A or B, and 6 seconds for serial C or D).
- Swap LED Tracking: Allows the LED indicators to track the opposite side of the joystick press, useful if the wiring is reversed.
- Independent Tab Control: Enables independent control of port and starboard tabs by pushing the joystick at 45° angles.
- LED Position Indicators: The display features LED indicators that show the current trim tab position. These LEDs automatically adjust brightness based on ambient light.
- Automatic Tab Retraction: When connected to an ignition key switch or accessory switch, the tabs will automatically retract when the switch is turned off.
Maintenance Features:
The Lectrotab JLC Series is designed for low maintenance, but some aspects contribute to its longevity and troubleshooting:
- Waterproof Design: The completely sealed display and robust construction minimize the risk of water ingress and corrosion, reducing the need for frequent repairs.
- Durable Materials: The aluminum mounting plate and rubber overlay provide protection against the harsh marine environment.
- Troubleshooting LEDs: If the LEDs on the keypad do not light up, troubleshooting steps include checking the +12VDC or +24VDC and ground connections, and ensuring the ignition key switch or accessory switch is turned ON. The "AUX" terminal on the back of the keypad must be connected to the ignition key switch or accessory switch for the LEDs to function.
- Warranty: A 2-year warranty provides support for manufacturing defects, ensuring peace of mind for users.
- Actuator Deployment Time: The ability to program actuator deployment time allows for fine-tuning and ensures optimal performance, which can be adjusted if needed.
- Wiring Diagrams: Comprehensive wiring diagrams are provided in the manual to assist with installation and troubleshooting, making it easier to identify and resolve wiring issues.
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