1. Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the installation, operation, and maintenance of your Sleipner Touch Control Panel for bow thrusters. This compact and intuitive control panel is designed for seamless integration into your vessel's electrical system, offering precise control over your bow thruster. It features a robust design suitable for marine environments and incorporates safety features such as automatic shutdown.
2. Safety Information
Please read all safety instructions carefully before installation and operation. Failure to do so may result in personal injury or damage to the product or vessel.
- Always disconnect power to the thruster system before performing any installation, maintenance, or troubleshooting.
- Ensure all electrical connections are secure and properly insulated to prevent short circuits and corrosion.
- This control panel is designed for 12V/24V DC systems. Verify your vessel's voltage before connecting.
- The control panel is programmed to shut down automatically after approximately 6 minutes of inactivity to prevent accidental activation. This is a safety feature, not a malfunction.
- Installation should be performed by qualified personnel if you are unsure about any steps.
3. Package Contents
Upon opening the package, please verify that all components are present and undamaged. The standard package typically includes:
- Sleipner Touch Control Panel
- Mounting hardware (screws, nuts, washers)
- Pre-fitted O-ring seal
- Connection cables/harness
- User Manual (this document)
If any items are missing or damaged, please contact your Sleipner dealer or customer support immediately.
4. Setup and Installation
The Sleipner Touch Control Panel is designed for front-side mounting into a standard instrument-sized round cut-out hole. Ensure the mounting surface is flat and clean.
4.1. Mounting the Control Panel
- Choose a suitable location on your vessel's dashboard or control console that is easily accessible and protected from direct water spray.
- Using a hole saw, create a round cut-out hole of the appropriate diameter (refer to the specifications section for exact dimensions).
- Ensure the pre-fitted O-ring seal is correctly seated around the panel's housing to provide a watertight seal.
- Insert the control panel from the front side into the cut-out hole.
- Secure the panel using the provided mounting hardware from the rear, ensuring it is firmly in place.
4.2. Electrical Connections
The control panel supports multi-voltage 12V/24V DC systems. Refer to your thruster's wiring diagram for specific connection points. The panel comes with pre-attached wiring and connectors.
- Connect the power wires (typically red for positive, black for negative) to a fused power source that matches your thruster system's voltage.
- Connect the signal wires to the corresponding inputs on your bow thruster's control unit. Ensure correct polarity and connection for left and right thrust commands.
- Verify all connections are tight and insulated to prevent corrosion and electrical hazards.
This image shows the rear side of the Sleipner touch control panel. A cylindrical housing extends from the back, designed for flush mounting into a panel. Electrical wires, including red, blue, yellow, and black, emerge from the housing and terminate in white plastic connectors, indicating the power and signal connections for the thruster system.
5. Operating Instructions
The Sleipner Touch Control Panel offers intuitive operation for your bow thruster.
This image displays the front face of the Sleipner touch control panel. It features a grey square design with rounded corners. The top center shows 'SLEIPNER' in white text. Below this, two large circular buttons with white arrows indicate left and right thruster direction. At the bottom, three smaller circular buttons are labeled 'ON', 'ON', and 'OFF', with 'THRUSTER' text centered below them. A small yellow indicator light is visible between the two 'ON' buttons.
5.1. Powering On/Off
- To activate the panel, press one of the 'ON' buttons located at the bottom of the panel. The panel will illuminate, indicating it is ready for use.
- To turn off the panel, press the 'OFF' button.
- The panel will automatically shut down after approximately 6 minutes of no activity to conserve power and prevent unintended operation.
5.2. Controlling the Thruster
- Once the panel is active, use the large circular arrow buttons to control the thruster direction.
- Press the left arrow button to engage the thruster for port (left) movement.
- Press the right arrow button to engage the thruster for starboard (right) movement.
- Release the button to stop the thruster.
6. Maintenance
The Sleipner Touch Control Panel requires minimal maintenance. Regular cleaning and inspection will ensure its longevity and reliable operation.
- Cleaning: Wipe the panel surface with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners, solvents, or high-pressure water jets, as these can damage the touch surface or seals.
- Inspection: Periodically check the mounting screws for tightness and inspect the O-ring seal for any signs of wear or damage. Ensure all electrical connections remain secure and free from corrosion.
- Storage: If the vessel is stored for an extended period, ensure the thruster system's main power is disconnected.
7. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your Sleipner Touch Control Panel, refer to the following common problems and solutions:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Panel does not power on. | No power supply; Blown fuse; Loose connection. | Check main power to the thruster system. Inspect the fuse in the power line. Verify all electrical connections are secure. |
| Thruster does not respond to commands. | Panel not active; Incorrect wiring; Thruster system fault. | Ensure the panel is powered on (press 'ON'). Check signal wire connections to the thruster control unit. Consult your thruster's manual for system-specific troubleshooting. |
| Panel shuts down unexpectedly. | Automatic shutdown feature activated. | This is normal behavior. The panel will shut down after 6 minutes of inactivity. Press 'ON' to reactivate. |
| Buttons are unresponsive. | Dirt/debris on touch surface; Internal fault. | Clean the panel surface thoroughly. If the issue persists, contact Sleipner customer support. |
If the problem persists after attempting these solutions, please contact Sleipner customer support or a certified marine technician.
8. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Sleipner |
| Model Name | Control Panel |
| Color | Grey |
| Material | Plastic |
| Voltage | 12V/24V DC (Multi-voltage) |
| Mounting | Front-side, Round Cut-out Hole (Standard Instrument Size) |
| Seal | Pre-fitted O-ring seal |
| Automatic Shutdown | Approx. 6 minutes of inactivity |
| ASIN | B0DF7GQR46 |
9. Warranty and Support
Sleipner products are manufactured to high standards and are backed by a manufacturer's warranty. Specific warranty terms and conditions are typically provided with your product documentation or can be found on the official Sleipner website.
For technical support, warranty claims, or spare parts, please contact your authorized Sleipner dealer or visit the official Sleipner website for contact information. When contacting support, please have your product model name and ASIN (B0DF7GQR46) ready.
