Per Peeve Thruster Control Sleep Timer

[scross]

So why does the thruster control on my RT25 Classic shut off by “timing out” exactly when I need the thrusters the most? I don’t know exactly how long the timer is set for before it automatically shuts off but it’s just too short.
Has anyone figured out how to extend the time before shut off? Ten minutes would be much better than what I have now!

 

[bob daily]

That would depend on which unit you have on your boat. Most have timers that can be programmed from 5 minutes to 60 minutes in 5 minutes increments. If you download the PDF for your unit it should have a procedure for programming and to reset to factory settings. Good luck on the fix! Bob

 

[scross]

Since making a duration adjustment on our dual thruster control wasn’t mentioned in the owners manual, or anyplace I could find online, I sent a message to Imtra. This is my part

https://www.defender.com/product.jsp?id=606232#

Here’s what Imtra said:
“Unfortunately, there is no adjustment for the auto-shutoff feature. I believe it is factory set for minimum 6 minutes, but we have seen that after time and exposure to the elements that window can shorten. I'm afraid the only solution would be replacement.”

Oh well, just have to keep a fourth eye on the thruster control light to make sure it’s on the whole time while entering or leaving a tight maneuvering marina.

 

[Kevin Lamont]

Since making a duration adjustment on our dual thruster control wasn’t mentioned in the owners manual, or anyplace I could find online, I sent a message to Imtra. This is my part

https://www.defender.com/product.jsp?id=606232#

Here’s what Imtra said:
“Unfortunately, there is no adjustment for the auto-shutoff feature. I believe it is factory set for minimum 6 minutes, but we have seen that after time and exposure to the elements that window can shorten. I'm afraid the only solution would be replacement.”

Oh well, just have to keep a fourth eye on the thruster control light to make sure it’s on the whole time while entering or leaving a tight maneuvering marina.

Hello,

Yes I have had to replace thruster controls due to this and there isn't really a reason for it, I had one that failed while testing the boat. Sometimes electronics can just fail over time, typically I always hit my sticks before I am close to docking to make sure they are still on.

Thanks,

 

[SJI Sailor]

I always try to cycle them off and then back on as I make a final turn to a fairway (or approaching mooring etc). It is an annoying "feature" and something like 15 minutes seems like a better default.

 

[Wee Venture]

I always try to cycle them off and then back on as I make a final turn to a fairway (or approaching mooring etc). It is an annoying "feature" and something like 15 minutes seems like a better default.

You don’t even have to cycle them off to restart the timer. Just hit the double “on” buttons again when you are close to needing them and that resets it. I believe that activating a thruster also resets it. Ours is set for about 9-1/2 minutes. A very short interval would be annoying not to mention compromising safety.

John

 

[scross]

I think our interval varies between 4 to 6 minutes. Usually that amount of time is enough but not always. Holding your position waiting and waiting for the fuel dock in a narrow passage with a strong crosswind (I’m talking about you Friday Harbor!) can be a real pain with the thrusters timing out just as a gust hits. Don’t think our thruster timer resets just by using the thrusters.

 

[SJI Sailor]

Interesting, John -- although I agree with scross@ that I *think* they don't reset when using, I have not really tested it. Will try sometime soon to observe, time them, and see what happens. Would be really nice if just a tap of the button resets the timer as you note!

 

[Wee Venture]

Well, I just tested it. And yes, interesting. With the thruster indicator light still on, pushing both buttons refreshes the interval time back to start. It gave me a new 9-1/2 min (approximately). When I tried momentarily activating a thruster just before the time was up, that extended the time, but the control only stayed active for another 6+ minutes. That makes me want to experiment a little more. Is the time interval simply inconsistent? Does it vary a bit with how long the buttons are pushed or the thruster is engaged? Not sure how the timer works. If it is a capacitor discharging through a resistor, it could make sense that activating the buttons or the thruster only momentarily might not fully charge the capacitor. Didn’t have more time to experiment but I’ll get back to it.

John

 

[scross]

John,
Some of the newer control units have more functionality than my 12 year old thruster controller. If yours is newer than 2009 it may do things mine can’t do. Based on my experience with my controller, I still don’t think that using the thrusters resets the timer....

 

[Wee Venture]

John,
Some of the newer control units have more functionality than my 12 year old thruster controller. If yours is newer than 2009 it may do things mine can’t do. Based on my experience with my controller, I still don’t think that using the thrusters resets the timer....

That could easily be true. We took delivery of our R-31 in August, 2017. In searching for documentation on the control unit from Imtra (Sidepower) I remember seeing references to earlier equipment. Not sure of the specifics.

John