Bow Thruster controller replacement

T

TimHenn

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Just five short years after it was manufactured I'm told the Volvo (QL-900 0470) Bow thruster controller is shot, there's no replacement available from Volvo and Silverton (Egg Harbor) doesn't have an answer...just two other customers with the exact same problem.

The tech guy I'm working with is trying to (1) open up the controller to see if there's a quick manual fix to buy some time and (2) determine what controller might work as a replacement. This is nuts only five years old!!

Anyone have experience with swapping parts in and out of a bow thruster system? It's a 24v system and with the new batteries the thruster only works to starboard. To port makes some noise in the controller but it doesn't relay to the motor/prop. The tech is confident it's int the controller.

I have a picture of the controller if that helps via drop box:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/k657titfh198enz/QL-BowThruster-Controller.jpeg?v=1mci

Any help appreciated -
 
Try reversing the direction #1 with #2 on the controller module in your picture. See if the problem moves to the opposite side. If so I can think of a very simple solution.
Bill
 
Excellent! Thanks to both of you for the information. I hope to work with the technician tomorrow to see what progress we can make. I don't why Volvo didn't offer the same information abut the P/N replacement.

Thanks again -
 
quote:
Originally posted by Billylll

Try reversing the direction #1 with #2 on the controller module in your picture. See if the problem moves to the opposite side. If so I can think of a very simple solution.
Bill

Click to expand...


Hi Bill, the joystick control has already been verified. Are you referring to the battery cables? What would switching them do? What is the simple solution?

Thanks,
 
I believe he is talking about the wires labeled "Direction 1 Green" and "Direction 2 White" in the upper right of your photo. Just switch them around and see what happens.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Capt. Bill1

I believe he is talking about the wires labeled "Direction 1 Green" and "Direction 2 White" in the upper right of your photo. Just switch them around and see what happens.

Click to expand...

That is exactly what I was trying to say Tim, thanks Capt. Bill.
Bill
 
Tim any resolution? Additional information?
Bill
 
Bill,
The tech I'm working with assures me the joystick on the bridge is working properly. He flt switching the cables as you suggested was repeating a test of the joystick. Was that what you were diagnosing?

I followed the link Neverending sent - thank you! That particular product is a European part but working with the sales guy we found the US part equivalent. We're now trying to confirm the controller IS a replacement compatible unit by getting pictures and hopefully a statement from Volvo. If it is, I'll likely buy it as its the best course of action all things considered.

If you think switching the control cables (knowing power has been confirmed from the joystick) is still a good diagnostic action could you elaborate on what the simple solution would be ? The tech assumed you were testing the joystick which he already did.

Thanks all for the help

I must say, at the risk of sounding like I'm bashing, don't buy a Volvo bow thruster. No support, specs, parts obsolete in five years and the only every-year-something-wrong headache I've had on this boat.
 
Tim I am surprised the tech didn't try this. It will isolate the problem by totally eliminating the joystick. Simple digital volt meters do not provide any current draw when they are used to check control voltages.
It's a basic test that would help determine or nail down the fault be it the module, the wiring or the control itself.
Bill
 
That's the thing, he had much more than a simple ohm meter that does show amperage draw t the controller so he knew the switch and wiring were all working. I appreciate the suggestions though, it's always good to have a second opinion or alternative steps that can be taken.
 
quote:
Originally posted by TimHenn

I must say, at the risk of sounding like I'm bashing, don't buy a Volvo bow thruster. No support, specs, parts obsolete in five years and the only every-year-something-wrong headache I've had on this boat.
Click to expand...


Well that does sound like bashing to me. Very few people go to the marine store and buy bow thrusters over the counter. For most of us, they came with the boat from the factory. If that's not the case, a company that specializes in bow thrusters sold and installed it.

I think you'll find that Volvo didn't manufacture the bow thruster in it's own factory. I think you'll find it was made for them by a company that manufactures bow thrusters. Search around enough and you can find who made it and buy repair parts from them.

I had a hard time finding repair parts for my Volvo bilge pump until I saw a Johnson bilge pump in Bass Pro. Same thing, different color. It slipped right into the basket.

edit: Let me add this: The controller is nothing more than a relay (often called a "contactor"). All it does is connect the cables from the battery to the thruster motor in one of two polarities or not at all, depending on the position of the joystick or buttons.

I'm not there to look at your boat and tell you which wire goes where, but a competent marine electrician should be able to substitute another manufacturer's controller as long as it will handle the same amount or more current as your present controller.
 
What a saga. The salesman at marine parts express, at my request, contacted Volvo to confirm the part number. I also asked for pictures of the unit to see if it looked like a replacement. I didn't get the pictures but Volvo told marine parts express that it was the replacement controller which I figured was good enough....not even close!! The unit arrived and the tech I'm working with said it's simply a wireless controller add-on to the bow thruster; there isn't even a battery connection. So, we're sending it back. No replacement part options at this point.

With no alternatives, the tech will open the controller box and figure out replacement parts to make it work. Now I don't care if it sounds like bashing, having a major component in a boat with no serviceable parts a few years after release is unacceptable, IMHO.

Hopefully I'll find the "parts" to rebuild the controller and make it work.

Thanks for the help,
 
Perhaps theses numbers might help.

CONTROL PANEL WITH JOYSTICK
Part no. 41100120-9, includes 8 m cable. Operates on 12V or 24V.
PANEL WITH ROCKER SWITCH
Part no. 41100216-5. Operates on 12V or 24V.
 
Mike he needs the actual contactor/ relay box not the joystick/ rocker switch assembly.
I agree with Ron it shouldn't take much for a marine electronics guy to repair the unit.
Then again if the controller circuit board has hard conformal coating then it might be above the techs pay grade.
Bill
 
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