TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Page 1. GENERAL INFORMATION............1 2. REQUIRED PARTS AND TOOLS..........1 2.1 Supplied By Your MicroCommander Dealer ......1 2.1.1 Control Head ..............1 2.1.2 Actuator ...............2 2.1.3 Electric Cable ..............2 2.2 Supplied By Installer............3 2.2.1 Tools Required For Installation .........3 2.2.2 Push-Pull Cables ............3...
Page 4
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. 4.9 Actuator ................12 4.10 Connect Dc Power To Actuator .......... 13 4.11 Install Start Interlock Cable..........13 5. ADJUSTMENTS (ENGINES STOPPED) ........14 5.1 ACTUATOR ............... 15 5.2 Check Remote Controls And Station Transfer ......15 5.3 Push-Pull Cables ...............
Page 5
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. 8.4 Station Transfer ..............28 8.5 'HI' Idle 'LO' Idle (Optional) ..........29 8.6 Master Station Isolation (Optional)........29 8.7 Synchronization (Additional Option) ........29 9. MORSE CLUTCH AND THROTTLE KIT SELECTION ...... 30 9.1 Pre-Engineered Throttle Connection Kits .......
Page 6
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. 17. TROUBLE SHOOTING............41 17.1 SYMPTOM: Cannot take control at one (1) station (both Port and Starboard for twin screw), when the system is initially turned 'ON'................. 41 17.2...
Page 7
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. 17.14 SYMPTOM: The engine starter will not engage....49 17.15 SYMPTOM: One (1) long - two (2) short tones from all control stations................49 18. HAND HELD REMOTE CONTROL ..........51 18.1 Purpose ................
Page 8
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. Figure 3 – Power Source Figure 4 – Transfer Button Mounting Dimensions Figure 5 – Start Interlock Figure 6 – Control Head Connections Figure 7 – Actuator Plug Removal Figure 8 –...
The connection to the engine throttle and clutch is through standard Type 33C push-pull cables. (Reference Section 11.) The MicroCommander Engine Control offers an option to add automatic engine synchronization and trolling valve control. Sections 18. and 19. of this manual explains operation, installation, and adjustments of these options.
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. One station transfer button is included with each Control Head, a twin screw remote station requires only one transfer button. The -2 includes a green LED for synchronization. Included are gasket, wire, terminals, mounting screws, and watertight cable grip (for cable entrance on Actuator).
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. 2.2 S UPPLIED NSTALLER 2.2.1 Tools Required For Installation Anti-static wrist strap is included with Actuator. Wire cutter (Recommend Thomas & Betts WT-2000) Wire stripper (Recommend Thomas & Betts WT-2000) Wire crimper (Recommend Thomas &...
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. power connected directly to the Actuator. Examples are shown in Fig. 3. Use a relay with coil voltage to match your DC battery voltage. (Reference Section 11.) NOTE: Do not use the key switch as the DC power supply. The key switch must only energize a relay as described above.
D) The Actuator is usually located in the engine room. If the engine room is too small, locate in any accessible area. E) MicroCommander uses electronic circuits that can be influenced by strong magnetic fields, and static charges. Power source must be bonded (connected) to the hull. Do not mount close to gas engine ignition systems, alternators, or electric motors.
Mathers Controls Inc. D) Retrofit applications will need to plan an adapter pad to cover the old control cutout and to mount the control head. Adapter and cover pads are available from Mathers Controls Inc. 3.3 DC POWER SOURCE The MicroCommander Actuator requires a battery source (12, 24 or 32 volts DC) protected by a 10 ampere circuit breaker.
1%. (Reference Section 11.) 4. INSTALLATION Before starting the actual installation of the MicroCommander Engine Control make sure you have the correct parts and tools on hand. See Section 2 - REQUIRED PARTS AND TOOLS. Read all the instructions pertinent to each part before beginning the installation of that part.
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. 4.3 S TATION RANSFER UTTON One station transfer button is required at each control station. Locate carefully so that the button is accessible, but will not be inadvertently depressed. Use the hole template, Section 15.
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. 4.5 E 'STOP' S NGINE WITCHES Engine 'STOP' switches are required at all remote control stations. The 'STOP' switches are installer supplied. WARNING: Each remote station must have some method to stop the engine or engines.
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. 4.7 C ONTROL At the control head, strip back the PVC cover on the cable approximately 2½" Strip and cut off the shielding and (63,5mm). drain wire flush with the end of the PVC cover. The drain wire at the control head is not connected to ground.
Page 19
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. JMPR 1 SHIELD BLACK FUSE SHUNT BLUE BROWN GREEN YELLOW ORANGE STA 2 STA 1 JMPR 2 ORANGE YELLOW GREEN JMPR 2 BLUE BROWN JMPR 3 BLACK SHIELD SHUNT...
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. 4.8 B A.B.Y.C. E-1 46 CFR 111.05 ONDING All boats equipped with a Actuator permanently installed electrical system shall be equipped with a bonding system. The negative terminal of all batteries...
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. is included with each Actuator. It is taped to the relay on the circuit board. It is used to depress the Rotate spring lock for the individual wire W A G O Tool connection to the terminal strip.
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. lead and the other yellow with red striped wire to the start solenoid. Run the cable to the Actuator through the cable grip to the start interlock connections on the Actuator circuit board.
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. 5.1 ACTUATOR Actuator Settings (as shipped) (see Sections 13 and 14.) Throttle R7 Pot Fully counterclockwise gives minimum throttle. 'HI' Idle R8 Pot Fully counterclockwise. Leave in this position unless the 'HI' idle option is selected.
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. The controls are direction sensitive. To prove that the control wiring connections are correct: A) Place the control head levers in the 'NEUTRAL' position. B) Depress and hold the station transfer button, move the control head lever to the 'AHEAD' detent position.
(JMPR 3) to 'ON', and the push-pull cable will 'PULL' on the throttle lever for full-speed. D) Connect the push-pull cables to the MicroCommander Actuator (See Figure 13). Remove the #10-32 jam nut and the two (2) rubber seals from the push-pull cable end that is to connect to the Actuator.
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. B) Adjust the clutch cable ball joint at the transmission to match the clutch lever in 'NEUTRAL'. The push-pull cable should form a right angle (90E) with the shift lever in the 'NEUTRAL' position.
5.5 S TART NTERLOCK Check proper operation of start interlock: A) Turn 'OFF' DC power to MicroCommander, check that engines will not 'start'. Controls 'OFF', interlock check. Page 19...
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. B) Turn 'ON' DC power to MicroCommander, accept control, place control head lever to 'AHEAD' detent and check that engines will not 'start'. Clutch in 'NEUTRAL', interlock check. C) Place control head lever in 'NEUTRAL', engines should 'start' in this position.
CAUTION: The MicroCommander is single lever control that provides fingertip operation that is fast and accurate. When you move the lever, that is what you get! Start slowly and learn to appreciate a light touch and excellent control.
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. 6.1.2 Proportional Pause On Direction Change This feature allows for engine deceleration and vessel speed to decrease on a 'Full Speed Reversal'. The throttle setting drops to 'IDLE' and the transmission remains engaged 'AHEAD'.
7. CONTROL OPTIONS 7.1 H ('HI') I The MicroCommander Control offers an option of two (2) idle RPM settings for the engine. The normal LOW ('LO') idle RPM is set mechanically by adjusting the push-pull cable ball joint at the engine to hold a small amount of pressure against the engine idle stop.
Station-in-Command and move the control lever to the 'AHEAD' detent position. The blinking light at the control shows "Warm-up" Mode. THE MICROCOMMANDER CONTROL IS ALWAYS IN 'HI' IDLE MODE WHEN THE INDICATOR LIGHT IS BLINKING. Adjust 'HI' idle using potentiometer R8, ONLY when in "Warm-up"...
See Single Screw Figure 15 and Twin Screw Figure 7.3 A LARM APABILITY The MicroCommander Actuator offers a single alarm connection that OPENS with a control power failure or circuit malfunction. The 585 Actuator's alarm connection point is a single connection Station...
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. block on the Actuator circuit board labeled ALARM. It is located next to the DC Power terminal. The alarm circuit in the Actuator is designed to operate a relay in an alarm system supplied by others.
Only one (1) station has control at a time. Command 8.3 E NGINE TART There are three (3) MicroCommander features related to main engine 'start': • The MicroCommander is interlocked to block the engine 'START' signal if the power has not been turned 'ON'. Page 27...
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. • The MicroCommander is interlocked to block the engine 'START' signal if the clutch is in the engaged position. • The MicroCommander allows engine speed change without engaging the clutch to help starting and warming up a cold engine.
8.5 'HI' I 'LO' I PTIONAL The MicroCommander Control offers an option of two (2) engine idle RPM settings. The normal LOW ('LO') idle RPM is set mechanically, adjusting the ball joint connector at the engine. A second 'HI' idle RPM can be set electrically. Pushing the station transfer button will alternately move the engine idle setting back and forth between 'LO' idle and 'HI' idle.
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. 9. MORSE CLUTCH AND THROTTLE KIT SELECTION 9.1 P NGINEERED HROTTLE ONNECTION • MAKE • ENGINE MODEL • KIT Caterpillar 334, 3304, 3306 36680 3406 & 343 36680 3408...
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. 9.3 O I/O C UTBOARD ABLE ONNECTION • ENGINE MAKE • KIT NO. Chrysler 1975 & later 300465 Evinrude/Johnson 55-235 H.P. 1978 to date 301729 Mercury 40-300 H.P. 301901...
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. 11. REFERENCES 11.1 A (ABYC) MERICAN OAT AND ACHT OUNCIL Box 806 Amityville, NY 11701 E-1 Bonding of Direct Current Systems E-3 Wiring Identification on Boats E-9 DC Electrical Systems on Boats H-2.4e or 32.4g Ambient Temp.
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. 11.5 U NDERWRITERS ABORATORIES 12. PARTS SOURCE 12.1 A TATIC RIST TRAP Pc.No. 517 Thomas & Betts (Pc.No. AWCC) 12.2 C IRCUIT REAKER Pc.No. 810 E-T-A Manufacturer (Pc.No. 41-2-514-LN2-10) UL Approved 12.3 F...
Page 42
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. Page 34...
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. 13. SINGLE SCREW CIRCUIT Station No. 1 Typical of Station 2 thru 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8...
Page 44
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. Page 36...
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. 14. TWIN SCREW CIRCUIT Engine Stop (by others) Section 4.5 Blue Green Yellow Orange Brown Black Station Transfer Button Section 4.3 Yellow Green Blue Orange Brown Black Engine Stop (by others) Section 4.5...
Page 46
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. Page 38...
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. 15. TEMPLATE 1.75" (44,5mm) R.50 ( TYP ) 3.75" (95,3mm) FOUR 7/32" (5,6mm) DIA HOLES Page 39 CONTROL HEAD...
Page 48
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. Page 40...
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. 16. MAINTENANCE 16.1 A CTUATOR The Actuator does not require scheduled maintenance. If the Actuator becomes noisy, a light coating of silicone grease may be applied to the stainless steel lead screws.
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. c) Check the voltage between the red and orange wires (pins 3 & 4). The reading should be 4.80 to 5.00 volts DC. Check the voltage at pins 3 & 4 while depressing the transfer button. The voltage reading should be less than 0.50 volts DC.
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. 17.3 SYMPTOM: T BLINKS AT ONE STATION WHEN 'ON' POWER IS INITIALLY TURNED TO THE CONTROLS ANNOT TRANSFER TO ANY OTHER STATIONS CAUSE a) The transfer button is mis-wired.
Page 52
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. REMEDY a) Watch the push-pull cable at the governor or carburetor. If the push-pull cable is moving, go to step b). If not, contact a certified mechanic. b) At the Actuator, measure the DC voltage at the yellow and green wires (pins 5 &...
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. 17.7 SYMPTOM: N O AUDIBLE TONE AT A CONTROL HEAD WHEN 'ON', POWER IS INITIALLY TURNED BUT OTHERWISE WORKS PERFECTLY CAUSE a) Incorrectly wired eight (8) conductor cable. b) Defective sound transducer.
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. 17.9 SYMPTOM: C "W " M ANNOT OBTAIN CAUSE a) The Actuator is sensing lever movement in the astern direction. REMEDY a) Depress the transfer button, while moving the lever to the astern detent.
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. REMEDY a) Check the battery voltage at the Actuator. If the measurement is less than eight (8) volts, the battery needs to be replaced or the source of the voltage drop needs to be corrected.
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. d) Defective servo unit in the Actuator. REMEDY a) Disconnect the push-pull cable from the shift lever at the transmission or reduction gear. Disconnect the push-pull cable from the throttle lever at the carburetor or governor. Operate the controls.
Page 57
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. 17.14 SYMPTOM: T HE ENGINE STARTER WILL NOT ENGAGE CAUSE a) The controls are not turned 'ON'. b) The controls are not at the NEUTRAL position. c) Low battery voltage.
Page 58
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. Page 50...
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. 18. HAND HELD REMOTE CONTROL 18.1 P URPOSE The Hand Held Remote offers control of the engine speed, direction, engine stop, and is connected by a single multi- conductor cable. This allows the boat operator to move from one (1) location to another.
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. 0670 Figure 21 – Safety Lanyard event of a change of engine speed, gear, rudder position or any combination of these that causes you to stumble or fall, perhaps...
Page 61
TRANSFER Transfer NOTE: The Hand Held Remote should not be used Button for initial set up of the MicroCommander 0667 Actuator because its engine speed range is limited to approximately 80% of full speed. For a single screw boat, connect the...
Page 62
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. block. Connect the Port MicroCommander Actuator eight (8) conductor cable to the "Engine 2" terminal block inside the Distribution Box (see Figure 24). Connect per the color code marked on the terminal block.
If the operator becomes separated from the Hand Held for any reason, the lanyard will detach from the Hand Held and cause the MicroCommander Control System to immediately move the engine to idle and the gear to neutral.
Page 64
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. Page 56...
NOTE: The Synchronization Option may not be compatible with diesel engines using "speed limiting governors" exp. 8.2L Detroit Diesel. The MicroCommander synchronization is fully automatic, in that it is not necessary to turn it 'ON' or 'OFF'. When both engines are in 'AHEAD', above 10% of the speed range, and are within 15% of equal RPM the control system will work to synchronize.
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. NOTE: Either engine can be 'Lead' engine. We have elected to make the Port engine 'Lead' and the Starboard engine 'Follow'. The drawings and explanation reflect this selection. The remote control stations will have the green LED synchronization light on the Starboard side.
Page 67
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. F) The 1135 Starboard Black R e d Black R e d Auxiliary Board requires an S W I T C H electric pulse input in Starboard proportion to RPM from...
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. transmission and place shift levers in 'NEUTRAL'. 'Start' the engines and move the controls ahead beyond shift to approximately 1500 RPM. The green LED should blink, and the engines synchronize.
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. 19.5 S 0486-A YNCHRONIZATION RAWING Lead Follow Lead Follow Port Starboard Port Starboard (Red LED) (Red LED & Green LED) (Red LED) (Red LED & Green LED) Port Starboard...
Page 70
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. Page 62...
When in Troll Mode, the MicroCommander control lever can be placed in the 'AHEAD' detent and the trolling valve lever will move to maximum slip position (approximately 70% slip).
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. The controls at all remote control stations will operate as outlined when in the Troll Mode. Troll Mode 'ON'/'OFF'. One (1) switch at the Master Control Station can be used to turn Troll Mode 'ON' or 'OFF'. When in the 'OFF' position there is no clutch slip.
Terminate the eight (8) conductor shielded drain wire only at the Trolling Valve Actuator. 20.5 S The standard MicroCommander 585 Actuator Control System should be installed, set up, tested, and trialed before attempting to set up the Trolling Valve Actuator. If this is an...
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. existing installation, the 585 PROM's may need to be changed. A tachometer to measure propeller RPM is helpful in setting up the Trolling Valve 0665 Control. Figure 27 – Trolling Valve Lever 20.5.1 Adjustments...
Page 75
The switches on both Auxiliary Boards shall be set the same. 3) PUSH-PULL CABLE DIRECTION Place the MicroCommander control lever in the 'NEUTRAL' position. The Trolling Valve Actuator will extend, or retract the push-pull cable to the Trolling Valve lock-up position. If this is correct, leave it. If it...
Page 76
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. 4) ADJUSTMENT 'RANGE' 'OFFSET' The next step is to adjust the 'Range' (maximum slip) and 'Offset' (minimum slip), see Figure 27. The goal is to adjust the 'Range' such that in the 'AHEAD' or 'ASTERN detent position the propeller is turning, but at the slowest possible speed (maximum slip).
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. slipping just before lock-up. Adjust potentiometer R10 for Port and R9 for Starboard. Once set, turn SW1-2 to the 'OFF' position. You are now set. 5. SLIP DELAY It may be necessary to delay the response of the troll lever, to insure that the clutch oil pressure is high enough to rotate the propeller shaft.
Page 78
THIS PRODUCT IS INACTIVE! Please contact Mathers Controls for support information. transmission must be disconnected, and lever placed manually in the lock-up position. Page 70...
Need help?
Do you have a question about the MicroCommander and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers