Sleipner Side-Power User Manual

Introduction

This manual provides comprehensive information for the Sleipner Side-Power remote control systems, including installation, operation, and technical specifications for the RCT series transmitters and RCR/RCRS series receivers.

The system allows wireless control of bow and stern thrusters, as well as windlasses.

For language-specific versions or further information, visit: www.side-power.com

Safety Considerations and Precautions

General Safety:

• Installation must comply with international and national electrical/mechanical regulations.
• Follow all health and safety laws applicable in your region.
• Read this guide thoroughly before installation to ensure familiarity with the product.
• This manual is intended to support experienced personnel; professional installation advice is recommended.
• All electrical work must be performed by a licensed professional.
• Faulty installation will void the warranty.

S-Link Product Usage:

• Only connect original Side-Power S-Link products or approved interface products to the S-Link system.
• Unauthorized control equipment or direct connection attempts will void warranties and responsibilities.
• At least one original Side-Power control panel must be installed for efficient troubleshooting, even when using an approved interface.

Radio Signal Compliance:

• Sleipner remote controls are approved for EU and US markets.
• Importers are responsible for complying with all restrictions and legislation on radio signals in the country of import.

Regulatory Information:

• FCC Statements: Modifications not expressly approved may void user authority. This device complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules, subject to conditions preventing harmful interference.
• ISED Statements: Complies with Industry Canada License-exempt RSS standard(s).

Important Thruster User Considerations:

• Ensure the main battery switch location is known for emergency shut-off.
• Always turn off the control device when the thruster is not in use.
• The maximum continuous run time is approximately 3 minutes. A thermal cut-off switch protects the motor from overheating.
• Do not rely on the thruster for extended periods in strong currents or winds; actual run time varies with temperature (approx. 10% of the time).
• Keep thrusters away from objects, persons, or animals to prevent injury and damage.
• When the boat is on land, run the thruster only for a fraction of a second to avoid damaging RPMs.
• Ensure propellers have stopped before changing direction when the thruster is in the air.
• If thrust is lost while the motor is running, stop immediately to prevent motor damage.
• Turn off the main power switch when leaving the boat.
• Keeping the main engine running while using the thruster helps maintain battery charge and thruster performance.
• Thruster performance depends on available voltage; aging batteries can reduce capacity.
• Use only one control at a time; opposite directions will prevent operation, same direction will operate as intended.
• If the thruster malfunctions, find and correct the cause promptly. Turn off the main battery switch if the problem is electrical.
• Owners/captains are responsible for assessing risks of unexpected incidents. Have a plan to avoid damage.
• The primary purpose is maneuvering/docking; forward/reverse speed should not exceed 4 knots.
• Never use a windlass near someone in the water due to the risk of serious injury from an unexpected anchor drop.

Installation Manual

Remote Control Kits

The following kits are available:

• RC-20U/E: Includes Receiver (RCR-2U/E), Transmitter (RCT-20U/E with battery), and Holding bracket (RC-HOLDER). *U for USA, *E for European configuration.
• RC-21U/E: Includes Receiver (RCR-2U/E), Transmitter (RCT-21U/E with battery), and Holding bracket (RC-HOLDER). *U for USA, *E for European configuration.
• RC-22U: Includes Receiver (RCR-2U/E), Transmitter (RCT-22U/E with battery), and Holding bracket (RC-HOLDER). *U for USA, *E for European configuration.
• RC-23U: Includes Receiver (RCR-2U/E), Transmitter (RCT-23U/E with battery), and Holding bracket (RC-HOLDER). *U for USA, *E for European configuration.
• RCS-20U/E: Includes Receiver (RCRS-2U/E), Transmitter (RCT-20U/E with battery), and Holding bracket (RC-HOLDER). *U for USA, *E for European configuration.

Receiver Installation

General Guidelines:

• Install the receiver minimum 1 meter (3ft) away from high-power cables, data communication cables, navigation instruments, radio communication devices, electric motors, and generators to avoid electrical interference.
• Install the receiver minimum 1 meter (3ft) above sea level.
• Install the receiver outside of shielded areas (e.g., metal boxes) that can block radio signals.
• Install the receiver in a dry environment; condensation can enter the unit as the assembly is not waterproof.
• Mount the receiver using the provided four holes.
• The receiver requires a separate power supply with a 5 Amp fuse in the positive lead. It should have a separate power switch or be shut off by the thruster system's main power switch. Do not power the receiver from thruster/windlass control looms.
• Connect wiring harnesses to the receiver unit as per the wiring diagram. Connect thrusters and windlasses to the appropriate connectors.
• For other windlass brands, connections depend on the installer's interpretation of the output signals diagram.
• Note: The maximum load on the windlass signal output is 4A. Use an extra control relay if the windlass requires more than 4A.
• IMPORTANT: The remote receiver power supply negative lead must be connected to the thrusters' negative lead. Ensure bow and stern thrusters share a common negative. Power to the thrusters must be switched off during installation.

S-Link Receiver Installation

Follow the same installation guidelines as the standard receiver, with the receiver being powered by the S-link cable.

Technical Wiring Diagrams

General Wiring (RCT-20/21/22/23 to Thruster/Windlass):

Diagrams illustrate the connection of the remote transmitter (RCT series) to the thruster control panels (Bow and Stern) and windlass control panels (Bow and Stern). The receiver unit connects to these panels. Power is supplied from a 12/24V battery via a 5A fuse. Key connections include:

• Transmitter to Receiver: Typically via a multi-pin connector.
• Receiver to Thruster Control Panel: Connections for Bow and Stern thruster control.
• Receiver to Windlass Control Panel: Connections for Bow and Stern windlass control.
• Power Input: Connected to a 12/24V battery through a 5A fuse. Red wire for positive (+), Black wire for negative (-).
• Important: Cables/wires must be securely tied. Power cables must be connected directly to the battery.

S-Link System Wiring Diagram:

• This diagram shows a more complex setup involving S-link remote receivers (RCRS-1E), Proportional Power Controllers (PPC), Proportional Joystick Control panels (PJC 212), and thrusters (Bow and Stern).
• Connections include S-link control system wiring, S-link on/off switch, and power supply to the PPCs and receivers.
• Important: Observe PPC battery terminal polarity.

Output Signals Diagram

This diagram details the output signals from the receiver to the thruster and windlass control boxes:

Thruster Outputs:

• RED: Thruster Positive
• BLUE: Thruster STBD (Starboard)
• GREY: Thruster PORT (Port)
• YELLOW: Automatic Main switch Enable

Windlass Outputs:

• RED: Common
• BLUE: Windlass IN
• GREY: Windlass OUT

Operation

Thruster Operation

Practice operation in open water to become familiar with the system and avoid damage.

How to use a Bow Thruster:

• Turn on the main power switch for the bow thruster (ensure it's off when not on board).
• Turn on the control panel by simultaneously pressing both "ON" buttons on the Side-Power panel. (If using other controls, use their On/Off switch).
• To move the bow, press the red button for port movement or the green button for starboard. For joystick control, move the joystick in the desired direction. Other controls like foot switches may also be used.
• Disengage the control device shortly before the bow reaches the desired position, as the boat will continue to move.

How to use a single Stern Thruster:

If the vessel has only a stern thruster, operate it the same way as a bow thruster for moving the stern.

How to use a combined Bow and Stern Thruster:

Using both thrusters allows for total maneuverability, including sideways movement and 360° rotation on the boat's axis. Note that thrusters have little effect at cruising speeds above 1-2 knots.

Windlass Operation

• Turn on the main power switch for the windlass and then turn on the receiver power.
• Activate the transmitter by pressing its two "ON" buttons. The system is active for approximately 4 minutes after the last usage.
• Consult your specific windlass manual for detailed operation and precautions.

Operation Diagrams

Visual guides illustrate the following operations:

• Activating the bow thruster: Shows two transmitters controlling a bow thruster.
• Activating the stern thruster: Shows two transmitters controlling a stern thruster.
• Activating both bow and stern thruster to push the boat sideways: Shows simultaneous operation of bow and stern thrusters for lateral movement.
• Activating both bow and stern thruster to rotate the boat on axis: Shows simultaneous operation for turning the boat in place.
• Activating lowers Anchor/Windlass: Shows transmitters controlling the lowering of the anchor/windlass.
• Activating raises Anchor/Windlass: Shows transmitters controlling the raising of the anchor/windlass.

Programming Additional Transmitters/ Remote Controls

The original transmitter and receiver are pre-coded. Additional transmitters must be paired with the receiver.

Pairing Procedure:

• Ensure the receiver has power (Green status LED blinking) and the transmitter to be paired is off.
• Press the "Pair Button" on the receiver. Both red and green LEDs should blink simultaneously.
• Within 10 seconds, set the transmitter to pairing mode by holding the "OFF" button and pressing both "ON" buttons simultaneously. All transmitter LEDs will light up.
• When a pairing signal is received, the transmitter LEDs will turn off, indicating successful pairing. If no signal is received within 10 seconds, the transmitter exits pairing mode.
• Up to 4 transmitters can be paired with one receiver.

Clearing Paired Transmitters:

• To clear all paired transmitters, press and hold the receiver's "Pair Button" for approximately 10 seconds until the red and green LEDs stop blinking. Release the button; the green LED will blink again once the reset is complete.

Transmitter Installation and Battery Replacement

Battery Replacement:

• Open the transmitter case by removing the 3 Torx screws.
• Carefully remove the old battery (Type CR2032, 3V) using a screwdriver at point A, avoiding damage to the battery grips at point B.
• Insert the new battery with the positive pole facing upwards. Ensure the battery edge is under the grips (B) and press down until secured at point A.
• Close the transmitter, ensuring the rubber seal is correctly positioned. Replace and tighten the 3 screws.
• IMPORTANT: Before working on the transmitter, deactivate the transmitter and receiver (press "OFF") and turn off the main power to the receiver and thruster.

Technical Specifications

Transmitter/Receiver Specifications:

S-Link Transmitter/Receiver Specifications:

LED Indicators and Alarm Status

Transmitter LED Operation and Alarm Indication:

Receiver LED Indicator:

S-Link Transmitter LED Operation and Alarm Indication:

S-Link Receiver LED Indicator: