Dockmate RED User manual

DOCKMATE®
RED
WIRELESS REMOTE CONTROL
DOCKING SYSTEM
USER MANUAL

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Congratulations on your purchase of a Dockmate® RED TWIN or Dockmate® RED SINGLE system.
Please read the following instructions carefully before getting started.
Dockmate is a wireless remote-control system that enables you to manoeuver your ship from any
place aboard. With a Dockmate® RED TWIN or Dockmate® RED SINGLE, you can control the
engine(s), horn, 1 anchor/windlass, a bow- and stern thruster with your fingertips.
IMPORTANT: Read the precautions before first use!

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1. What’s in the box? ....................................................................................................................................................... 4
2. Precautions ................................................................................................................................................................... 5
3. Installation ..................................................................................................................................................................... 9
4. Using Dockmate TWIN or SINGLE ........................................................................................................................ 12
5. Charging the batteries ............................................................................................................................................ 16
6. Turning the remote on and off ............................................................................................................................. 18
7. Error codes .................................................................................................................................................................. 19
8. LED behavior during operation ............................................................................................................................ 21
9. Maintenance .............................................................................................................................................................. 33
10. Troubleshooting......................................................................................................................................................... 23
11. Technical specifications .......................................................................................................................................... 25

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Remote .................................................................................................................................................................................. 25
Receiver ................................................................................................................................................................................ 26
FCC Warning ....................................................................................................................................................................... 28
12. Environmental Information ................................................................................................................................... 30
13. Warranty .......................................................................................................................................................................31
14. Dockmate is compliant with the following standards .................................................................................. 33
15. Declaration of Conformity ..................................................................................................................................... 35

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- This user manual
- Installation manual
- The Dockmate® RED Receiver
- The Dockmate® RED TWIN or Dockmate® RED SINGLE remote
- Dockmate wireless charging pad
- Lanyard
- All necessary wiring cut to length
- Antenna

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To avoid damage to your Dockmate® RED and hurting yourself or others, you should read the
following safety precautions before using the device. Keep these safety instructions in an area
where all users can read them.
When in doubt, contact PPA-Electronics regarding the use or operation of the unit.
PPA-Electronics is not responsible for injuries or damage caused as a result of improper use or
installation by a non-qualified technician.
2.1. Before taking command with Dockmate make sure that all levers controlling the engines
and thrusters are in neutral position.
2.2. Whether using the Dockmate wireless charging pad or another Qi certified charger, do not
put the Dockmate® RED remote that is switched on onto the wireless charger . Always
switch it off first, before charging. It is highly recommended to use a wireless charger
supplied by Dockmate.

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2.3. Do not store or place the remote for prolonged periods of time in direct sunlight (i.e. on the
dashboard); temperatures can easily rise to 65°C+ or 150°F+.
The Dockmate devices must be kept at an acceptable temperature.
The operating temperature range for the remote is 0°C to +43°C or +32°F to +110°F
The operation temperature range for the Receiver is -10°C to +60°C or +14°F to +140°F
2.4. Do not disassemble the Dockmate® RED remote or Receiver.
Touching the internal parts may lead to injuries. Repairs may only be performed by
trained technicians.
2.5. Do not use near flammable gases or liquids.
This may cause an explosion or fire.
2.6. Keep out of reach of children.
The devices contain small parts which can be swallowed by children. Beware for
suffocation by plastic packaging.
2.7. The Dockmate may only be used by persons who have the necessary skills to manoeuver a
yacht.
2.8. Be careful with the lanyard.
Keep it away from small children (choking hazard).

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2.9. Do not use the Dockmate when the remote or Receiver have been immersed in water. The
units may be damaged beyond repair. Test both devices with the boat in a safe
environment before use.
Contact your Dockmate dealer when any abnormality is detected.
2.10. Make sure you can operate the Dockmate like an expert before actually using it in a
crowded harbour.
2.11. In very exceptional circumstances, the communication between the remote and Receiver
can be disturbed by radio frequency remotes in the immediate neighborhood.
2.12. Never use the Dockmate if you are not on the ship. Remember that the use of the
Dockmate from ashore or the jetty is a criminal offense in several countries.
2.13. Batteries should be charged as soon as the stat LED on the remote lights up yellow.
2.14. Please note that when the system is in operation each involuntary push on the buttons of
the remote has an action as a result.
2.15. It’s a good habit to briefly test your Dockmate when you first turn it on, before untying your
ropes, lifting the anchor, or heading into the marina or port. Just like it’s a good habit to test
your boat’s engine and thruster controls (and other systems) before heading out on the
water.

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2.16. If you detect or experience any abnormal behaviour of your Dockmate system, do not use
it. First verify if all the controls on your fixed station(s) work correctly and then contact your
Dockmate dealer for support.
2.17. The remote, Receiver and any other Dockmate device may only be opened by an
authorised technician. Opening of a Dockmate device by an unauthorised person will void
the warranty.

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The installation must be done by a qualified technician.
Our system consists of two major components: a remote and a Receiver. These have already been
paired so they recognise each other. Detailed installation instructions can be found in the installation
manuals supplied with the Dockmate.
3.1
Dimensions Dockmate® RED Receiver: 22 x 22 x 5,4 cm or 8.66 x 8.66 x 2.12”
Install the Receiver in a dry, not too warm area.
Install the Receiver free of vibrations.
Place the Receiver behind or close to the dashboard, and as close as possible to the controls
of the required functions (engine/motor controls, horn, anchor winch or windlass, bow- and
stern thrusters).

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At the same time, you need to consider placement of the Receiver so the antenna is not too
close to cables and devices, which may reduce its range.
Please note that a technician may need access to the Receiver, so check if it is easily
accessible by screwdriver.

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The Dockmate wireless charging pad is a Qi certified charger. It comes with a micro-USB to
USB-A cable. The cable must be plugged into the charging pad’s micro-USB port on one side
and a USB-A power adapter on the other side.
Input power: DC 5V=2A 9V=2A
Output power: 10W (Max)
Charging Efficiency: > 72%
Charging Distance: < 8mm
Certifications: Qi, CE, FCC, ROHS
The Dockmate wireless charging pad is not waterproof.
The Dockmate wireless charging pad may also be used to charge other Qi enabled devices
like smartphones.

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We recommend that you always wear the lanyard around your neck while using the Dockmate RED
TWIN or Dockmate RED SINGLE.
The Dockmate RED remote has the following features:
 On/Off button
Press and hold the on/off button for 2s to turn the remote on.
Press the on/off button 3 times quickly or hold the on/off button for 3s to shut the remote
off.
NOTE: When this button is pressed (even shortly) while another button is pressed, all inputs are
inhibited for safety, so Dockmate’s outputs go to neutral, until all buttons are released again.
In case of emergency, press the On/Off button to force Dockmate’s outputs to neutral.
 Horn button
Pressing this button will sound the horn.
 “sel” button
The “sel” button’s function is Take Command.

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 Anchor winch buttons
By pressing the upper button, you lower the anchor.
By pressing the lower button, you raise the anchor.
This behaviour can be switched in the Dockmate Settings, during the installation or sea trial.
These buttons only operate an anchor winch if installed on the boat and your Dockmate
Receiver is configured for it. Otherwise, this has no effect.
 link: Radio Status LED
Shows the status of the connection with the Receiver
It also shows warnings and errors if there are any.
 stat: Battery Status LED
Shows the battery status of the remote on start-up and when the battery charge gets low.
While charging your TWIN or SINGLE, this LED will blink to indicate it is charging and how full
the battery is.
 Buzzer & Vibrator
Indicates no communication, low battery, warning, or error.

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 Bow thruster buttons
By pressing the left button (red = port), the bow thruster will push the bow to port.
By pressing the right button (green = starboard), the bow thruster will push the bow to
starboard.
These buttons only operate a bow thruster if installed on the boat and your Dockmate Receiver
is configured for it. Otherwise, this has no effect.
 Engine button(s)
By pressing the upper left button (red = port), the port engine is engaged in idle forward. By
pressing the lower left button (red = port), the port engine is engaged in idle reverse. By
pressing the upper right button (green = starboard), the starboard engine is engaged in idle
forward. By pressing the lower right button (green = starboard), the starboard engine is
engaged in idle reverse.
On the SINGLE remote there is only one set of engine buttons for a single engine or moto
 Stern thruster buttons
By pressing the left button (red = port), the stern thruster will push the stern to port.
By pressing the right button (green = starboard), the stern thruster will push the stern to
starboard.
These buttons only operate a stern thruster if installed on the boat and your Dockmate Receiver
is configured for it. Otherwise, this has no effect

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The Dockmate RED TWIN & Dockmate RED SINGLE remotes are fitted with a Li-Ion battery that must
be charged occasionally.
When the Dockmate RED TWIN or Dockmate RED SINGLE remote is turned on, both LEDs will go white.
Then the Status LED will show one of the following:
Battery fully charged 90-100%
Battery OK 26-90%
Battery Low 6-25% (charging highly recommended)
Battery Warning 1-5% (may fail at any moment)
Battery Failed 0%
Battery Failed 0%

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It is not possible to turn on the remote when the battery voltage drops below 3.40V.
It is highly recommended to charge the remote when the LED shows yellow on startup.
The Dockmate RED TWIN/SINGLE remote will start to charge when switched off and placed
on the Dockmate wireless charging pad. The LEDs on the Dockmate charging pad will light
up constant green , indicating the charging process.
Also, the Status LED on the remote will start to flash in different colours depending on the
battery percentage (6-25%: , 26-90%: , 90-100% ).
When the battery is fully charged the Dockmate remote will shut down automatically.
When the battery is fully charged, there will be no reaction from the remote when placed on the
charger. After some use, when the charge drops, it will be possible to charge the remote again.
When the Dockmate RED TWIN or SINGLE is being charged, it is not possible to switch it on using
the on/off button. It must be taken off the charger first.
When taking the remote off the charger, while it is still charging, the Dockmate RED remote will stay
in “charging mode” for about 15s. Only when the remote stops blinking, will it be possible to turn the
remote on.

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Press and hold the key for 2 seconds to turn on the remote.
If you hold the key for 3 seconds or more on startup, the remote will immediately shut off again.
The remote will be automatically switched off after 30 minutes of non-use. Alternatively, the remote
can be switched off by pressing the button 3 times quickly or holding it down for 3 seconds.
After the remote is switched on, both LEDs will go white. Then the link LED will go dark, and the stat
LED will show one of following:
Battery fully charged 90-100%
Battery OK 26-90%
Battery Low 6-25% (charging highly recommended)
Battery Warning 1-5% (may fail at any moment)