Dockmate RXDOCKG User manual

4 V30
DOCKMATE, single-handed wireless remote
control over your boat.
Installation manual

2
Dockmate is a registered trademark from PPA-Electronics B.V.
Leuvensesteenweg 177 – BE-3191 Boortmeerbeek – Belgium
VAT BE 0891.773.260 – Tel. [phone] – Mob. [phone]
[email protected] – www.dockmate.eu – [e-mail] – www.ppa-electronics.com

3
Dockmate is a registered trademark from PPA-Electronics B.V.
Leuvensesteenweg 177 – BE-3191 Boortmeerbeek – Belgium
VAT BE 0891.773.260 – Tel. [phone] – Mob. [phone]
[email protected] – www.dockmate.eu – [e-mail] – www.ppa-electronics.com
1. Safety precautions
Before installing the Dockmate, read all the manuals carefully.
Before starting any work on the installation of the Dockmate,
make sure the boat is very well moored on strong and tight
ropes.
The Dockmate should be installed by a trained and qualified engineer only.
FCC Warning
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encoura
ged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Caution: Any changes or modifications to this device not explicitly approved by the
manufacturer could void your authority to operate this equipment.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
The device has been evaluated to meet general RF exposure requirement. The device can
be used in portable exposure condition without restriction.

4
Dockmate is a registered trademark from PPA-Electronics B.V.
Leuvensesteenweg 177 – BE-3191 Boortmeerbeek – Belgium
VAT BE 0891.773.260 – Tel. [phone] – Mob. [phone]
[email protected] – www.dockmate.eu – [e-mail] – www.ppa-electronics.com
1.1. Preparing the transmitter
1.1.1. TWIN/SINGLE Transmitter
Testing the battery:
- Press and hold down the HORN button; the green LED will light up.
- After about 2,5 seconds, the LED will turn off and you have to release the HORN
button.
- The green LED will start to flash and the buzzer will start to sound (providing
that the Receiver is off), indicating that it is trying to communicate with the
Receiver.
o If the battery is still (sufficiently) charged, the red battery status LED (on
the right) will remain off.
o If the battery voltage is (critically) low, after 3 seconds the red battery
status LED will start blinking for about 30s. => This means the battery
has to be charged.
o If the battery voltage is too low, then there will be no reaction on the
transmitter at all (no LEDs or buzzer). => This means the battery has no
charge left at all and needs to be charged.
When the transmitter is switched off, only the HORN button will be able to switch it on.
Pressing any other button will have no effect.
To charge a TWIN or SINGLE transmitter place it on the charging pad. The red
battery status LED should start blinking. The charger will also indicate that it is
charging.
Troubleshooting the charger:
If after 1 minute on the charger the red battery status LED still isn’t blinking:
- Check if the charger is on; if so continue to the next step
- Check the battery status (see “test the batteries” procedure above)
o If you’re able to turn on the transmitter but the red battery status LED
remains off when testing the battery, then the battery is completely full.
o If you’re able to turn on the transmitter and the red battery status LED
blinks for 30s, then there might be something wrong with the charger
o If you’re unable to turn on the transmitter and it won’t charge either,
please contact your Dockmate dealer.

5
Dockmate is a registered trademark from PPA-Electronics B.V.
Leuvensesteenweg 177 – BE-3191 Boortmeerbeek – Belgium
VAT BE 0891.773.260 – Tel. [phone] – Mob. [phone]
[email protected] – www.dockmate.eu – [email protected]m – www.ppa-electronics.com
1.1.2. TWIST Transmitter
Press the key for 1 second to turn on the transmitter.
The transmitter will be automatically switched off after 30 minutes of non use.
Alternatively the transmitter can be switched off by pressing 3 times the
button or holding it down for 3 sec.
After the transmitter is switched on, both LEDs will go white. Then the LINK
light will go dark and the STATUS LED will show one of following:
Battery fully charged More than 3.90V
Battery OK Between 3.45V and 3.90V
Battery Warning Between 3.30V and 3.45V
Battery Failed Less than 3.30V
Then it will go dark and the LINK light will show the communication status:
Communication
OK, actively
transmitting data
When moving the joystick or pressing a button
Communication
OK, standby
mode
When not moving the joystick or pressing any
button for more than 15s
Yellow / Green
Blinking
Receiver status warning.
For example CAN bus interface not in command
Purple / Green
Blinking
Receiver status error.
For example CAN bus interface not powered on
Communication
lost
When communication could not been
established or was interrupted. The transmitter
also beeps.

6
Dockmate is a registered trademark from PPA-Electronics B.V.
Leuvensesteenweg 177 – BE-3191 Boortmeerbeek – Belgium
VAT BE 0891.773.260 – Tel. [phone] – Mob. [phone]
[email protected] – www.dockmate.eu – [email protected]m – www.ppa-electronics.com
2. Receiver rev. G overview

7
Dockmate is a registered trademark from PPA-Electronics B.V.
Leuvensesteenweg 177 – BE-3191 Boortmeerbeek – Belgium
VAT BE 0891.773.260 – Tel. [phone] – Mob. [phone]
[email protected] – www.dockmate.eu – [email protected]m – www.ppa-electronics.com
3. Installing the modules
Always disconnect the power, before installing or removing
modules !
Usually, the Dockmate comes ready with the correct modules.
When a module needs to be changed, it has to be done with care, not to damage
anything by putting too much force.
To remove the module, use a socket wrench and a
screwdriver as a lever and lift the module gently at each
mounting point.
Then carefully mount the new module. Start with a point next
to the red connector so the connector fits perfectly. Avoid
bending the mother board or the module.
4. Connecting and installing the antenna
To connect the antenna to your Dockmate, connect the antenna directly or with the
optional extension cable to the SMA connector on the front of the Dockmate
Receiver.
For steel boats we strongly recommend mounting the antenna on the dashboard by
using our antenna extension cable.
It is very important to place the antenna (either external or internal) in the right spot
on the boat. The antenna has to be mounted as far as possible from other cables and
equipment (especially radio equipment) – minimum clearance from other electrical
cables and metal objects is 30cm.
The position of the antenna is very important.
 The antenna has to be positioned vertically, that means that the main antenna
element has to point upwards or completely downwards if mounted on the
side.
 In case of use of the dome shaped external antenna; this antenna has to be
mounted horizontally, preferably on top of the dashboard, away from all metal.
After installing the antenna, make a range test with the Dockmate transmitter.
Go slowly around the boat and on the jetty with one button pressed to see if there
are no ‘blind’ spots. Look closely to the transmitters’ led. It should be lit constantly
showing operation. If it starts to blink and the transmitter starts to beep, it indicates
that it has lost the signal.
Note that, without pressing a button, the transmitter will stop sending radio
signals after a couple of seconds (green LED still on), so it is crucial to keep
pressing one of the buttons when testing the radio range.

8
Dockmate is a registered trademark from PPA-Electronics B.V.
Leuvensesteenweg 177 – BE-3191 Boortmeerbeek – Belgium
VAT BE 0891.773.260 – Tel. [phone] – Mob. [phone]
[email protected] – www.dockmate.eu – [email protected]m – www.ppa-electronics.com
5. Connecting the Dockmate receiver to the
power
The Dockmate must be powered from the ship’s 12V or 24V installation. The
maximum voltage allowed on the Dockmate receiver is 28V.
It must be connected to a switch that is marked ‘Dockmate’, and/or to
the starting key.
On the picture the power connector inside the Dockmate is shown. The wires are
connected to the connector on the front panel shown below.
The two pins with white and brown wires are used for the ship’s ground, and the two
pins with yellow and green should be connected to the ship’s +12VDC or +24VDC.
Yellow is used to power the receiver.
Green is used to power the wireless charger.

9
Dockmate is a registered trademark from PPA-Electronics B.V.
Leuvensesteenweg 177 – BE-3191 Boortmeerbeek – Belgium
VAT BE 0891.773.260 – Tel. [phone] – Mob. [phone]
[email protected] – www.dockmate.eu – [email protected]m – www.ppa-electronics.com
6. Pairing the transmitter and receiver
At delivery, the transmitter and receiver are paired already.
In some cases, e.g. when ordering an extra transmitter, the new transmitter has to be
paired with the Receiver.
To do this, turn on the power of the receiver.
Then after a few secods, press briefly the
button “LEARN”.
The status led on the receiver will change to
a blue color.
Then turn on the transmitter (Hold Horn
button for 1 second and release it).
The status LED in the receiver will flash
white.
Switch off the power of the transmitter and
the receiver, then switch on again.

10
Dockmate is a registered trademark from PPA-Electronics B.V.
Leuvensesteenweg 177 – BE-3191 Boortmeerbeek – Belgium
VAT BE 0891.773.260 – Tel. [phone] – Mob. [phone]
[email protected] – www.dockmate.eu – [email protected]m – www.ppa-electronics.com
7. Programming / Settings
Connectors used for programming and settings are marked above. Red plug needs
to be fitted, so yellow marking on the plug corresponds with yellow plus marked on
the drawing.
Note that rev.G receiver has a mini USB socket which can be used as a LiveView
cable (to read/write settings) but not to program. To change software mini
programmer is still needed.
When going to the boat for installation / fixing issue miniumu required set is
MINIPROGRAMMER and LIVEVIEW CABLE + DOCKCONTROL software
installed on the LAPTOP.

11
Dockmate is a registered trademark from PPA-Electronics B.V.
Leuvensesteenweg 177 – BE-3191 Boortmeerbeek – Belgium
VAT BE 0891.773.260 – Tel. [phone] – Mob. [phone]
[email protected] – www.dockmate.eu – [email protected]m – www.ppa-electronics.com
8. Connecting the horn module
The first step of connecting the Dockmate to the boat is by connecting the horn
module.
Please note that when depressing the ‘Horn’-button on the single and twin
transmitter, there will be a delay time of about 0,6 seconds.
The Dockmate Receiver may only be connected directly to the boat’s
horn button when the boat’s horn circuit has a built-in relay.
When the horn button is big, bulky and has very thick wire, that suggests
that no relay is used on the boat. In that case, wiring the Dockmate the
standard way can cause wires or relays to burn, since it can only switch up to 2-3A.
For boats without a built in horn relay, an additional relay must be used.
Dockmate can supply:
- “09.03.02 – External Horn Relay – 12V”
- “09.03.03 – External Horn Relay – 24V”
Alternatively, you can use a generic 12V relay (or 24V relay, depending on the boat).
You can easily check the need for an additional relay by using a multimeter.
Disconnect one wire from the horn button and set your multimeter for amps (10 or
20A range). Connect it as shown in the image below, and press the horn. When the
current is bigger than 3A, an External Horn relay has to be used.

12
Dockmate is a registered trademark from PPA-Electronics B.V.
Leuvensesteenweg 177 – BE-3191 Boortmeerbeek – Belgium
VAT BE 0891.773.260 – Tel. [phone] – Mob. [phone]
[email protected] – www.dockmate.eu – [email protected]m – www.ppa-electronics.com
9. Connecting the TAKE COMMAND option
On the scheme above the option with two separate “TAKE COMMAND” buttons is
shown. When there is only one button,
leave “Take CMD 2” unconnected.
Some analogue gear shifts require only
one push on the boat’s “take command”
button. While others require two or more
pushes.
The required push/click hold time can
also vary from system to system.
If You have correctly connected the take
command cable but Dockmate is unable
to take command, please check the
“Take Command” settings.
In DockControl’s Dockmate Settings
window, go to the “General” tab.
There you will find the “Take Command”
section, where you can set the “Number
of clicks” and the “Click hold time”. Those
values need to be the same as or higher
than when you push the boat’s “take command” button.

13
Dockmate is a registered trademark from PPA-Electronics B.V.
Leuvensesteenweg 177 – BE-3191 Boortmeerbeek – Belgium
VAT BE 0891.773.260 – Tel. [phone] – Mob. [phone]
[email protected] – www.dockmate.eu – [email protected]m – www.ppa-electronics.com
10. Connecting the anchor winch
Most anchor winches are connected as shown below.
To find out which wire is which, use a voltmeter. Turn on the power of the windlass
(but don’t press any buttons) and measure the voltage between the ship’s ground
and the 3 pins of the windlass switch. The one that has +12 or +24V is the center one
and has to be connected to the red and black wires. Then measure the voltage on
the remaining wires by pressing the windlass button on the dashboard to find out
which wire is powered when you press the up or down buttons.
Be careful: the windlass will move when you press the buttons!
Connection for both anchors are the same.
To select which anchor is active (on the remote there is only one pair of IN/OUT
buttons) press both the (IN and OUT) buttons simultaneously for 0.5s on the
transmitter. It will beep twice for the first anchor and 4 times for the second anchor.
NOTE: On the transmitter, together with the beep, also the battery LED will blink 2 or
4 times depending on which windlass is selected.
In DockControl please select if Single or Double
anchor module is installed and used.
Direction of the buttons can be reversed for each
anchor.
Note : White and yellow wires must be left
unconnected.

14
Dockmate is a registered trademark from PPA-Electronics B.V.
Leuvensesteenweg 177 – BE-3191 Boortmeerbeek – Belgium
VAT BE 0891.773.260 – Tel. [phone] – Mob. [phone]
[email protected] – www.dockmate.eu – [email protected]m – www.ppa-electronics.com
11. Connecting the Thrusters
Both Bow and Stern thruster connection is the same and shown above
NOTE1: If the thruster operates in reversed direction in the DOCKCONTROL
Settings or by swapping Green and Brown wires.
NOTE2: Cables coming out of the thruster panel may have different colors depending
on the brand of the panel.
NOTE3: On some of the panels, there may be more than 3 wires, for example black
and yellow. They are not important for this connection.
NOTE4:This schematic applies for generic thrusters. When having ready made cable
with plugs, please consult manual for this type of thruster / cable.
NOTE5: White wire is unused. Yellow wire is used only for automatic switches (ie.
Sidepower).
In DockControl please select ‘Standard relay on-off type’. Default time - delay before
switching to other direction is 0.8s.

15
Dockmate is a registered trademark from PPA-Electronics B.V.
Leuvensesteenweg 177 – BE-3191 Boortmeerbeek – Belgium
VAT BE 0891.773.260 – Tel. [phone] – Mob. [phone]
[email protected] – www.dockmate.eu – [email protected]m – www.ppa-electronics.com
12. Engine modules
There are no generic engine modules. Installation drawings and procedure is
delivered in a separate manual for specific brand of engine controls

16
Dockmate is a registered trademark from PPA-Electronics B.V.
Leuvensesteenweg 177 – BE-3191 Boortmeerbeek – Belgium
VAT BE 0891.773.260 – Tel. [phone] – Mob. [phone]
[email protected] – www.dockmate.eu – [email protected]m – www.ppa-electronics.com
Appendix A: Analog Engine Controls : Measurement sheet
For all analogue engine modules
For Speed Ctrl modules only
Conditions
Dockmate powered on
Control system powered on
Engines NOT running
MEASURED VALUES CALIBRATED VALUES
Max desired throttle FWD Max throttle FWD
Measure
points GND OUT GND OUT
PORT VDC VDC
STBD VDC VDC
Gear FWD idle Gear FWD idle
Measure
points GND OUT GND OUT
PORT VDC VDC
STBD VDC VDC
Levers neutral Neutral
Measure
points GND OUT GND MID
PORT VDC VDC
STBD VDC VDC
Gear REV idle Gear REV idle
Measure
points GND OUT GND OUT
PORT VDC VDC
STBD VDC VDC
Max desired throttle REV Max throttle REV
Measure
points GND OUT GND OUT
PORT VDC VDC
STBD VDC VDC

17
Dockmate is a registered trademark from PPA-Electronics B.V.
Leuvensesteenweg 177 – BE-3191 Boortmeerbeek – Belgium
VAT BE 0891.773.260 – Tel. [phone] – Mob. [phone]
[email protected] – www.dockmate.eu – [email protected]m – www.ppa-electronics.com
At this point your DOCKMATE system is ready to use.
From now on you can dock your ship single handed!