Section 1 - Getting to Know the Joystick Piloting System
90-8M0099745 eng MAY 2015 Page 3
• Engine operating hours
SmartCraft tachometer and speedometer
a - Tachometer
b - Speedometer
c - LCD display
The SmartCraft instrument package also aids in identifying fault codes associated with the engine audio warning system. The
SmartCraft instrument package displays critical engine alarm data and other potential problems on its LCD display.
For basic operation information on the SmartCraft instrument package and for details on the warning functions monitored by the
system, refer to the manual provided with your gauge package.
System Link Digital Instruments
Some instrumentation packages include system link gauges that augment the information provided by VesselView or a
SmartCraft system tachometer and speedometer. The owner and operator should be familiar with all the instruments and their
functions on the boat. Have your boat dealer explain the gauges and normal readings that appear on your boat.
The following digital instruments may be included with your power package.
System Link digital gauges
Item Gauge Indicates
a Oil pressure gauge Engine oil pressure
b Voltmeter Battery voltage
c Water temperature gauge Engine operating temperature
d Fuel gauge Quantity of fuel in tank
Electronic Helm Steering
The electronic helm steering operates through electronic signals. We recommend that you drive carefully until you have a
chance to explore the joystick piloting system's handling characteristics and boat's response in an open area clear of
obstructions or other boat traffic. The electronic helm steering can provide a faster steering response than expected.
To confirm your steering range from lock‑to‑lock, ensure that the starboard engine key is on. The engines do not have to be
running for this test. Steer to starboard until the wheel stops. This stop is electric and is driven by the electric motor attached to
the steering wheel. Begin turning the wheel to port and count the number of turns until the wheel stops at the port lock. This is
the number of turns the drives will move from full starboard (26°) to full port (–26°), with the center straight ahead position at
zero (0) degrees.
You may experience times during which the electronic end stops of the wheel are not felt. This will happen when the starboard
key is off, the starboard engine battery voltage is low, the 20‑amp circuit breaker (typically labeled Helm Main Power or similar)
is tripped, or a steering wheel motor fault occurs. This loss of feedback will not result in loss of steering, however. The drives
will still stop turning when the wheel reaches the hard‑over position at each lock.
The vessel personality developed by the boat manufacturer in partnership with Mercury Marine, determines the number of turns
lock‑to‑lock. Typically, this is about 2‑1/2 turns of the wheel from lock‑to‑lock, resulting in full starboard to full port steering
angle.
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