Dockmate Twist User manual

2.1 V14
Wireless Joystick Control
User manual

1
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

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
Congratulations on your purchase of a DOCKMATE TWIST system. Please read
the following instructions carefully before getting started.
DOCKMATE is a wireless system that enables you to maneuver your ship. With your
fingertips you can control the engines, horn, bow- and stern thruster and anchor
winch.
IMPORTANT: Read the precautions before first use!
Contents
1. What’s in the box ?
2. Precautions
3. Installation
4. Use of the DOCKMATE
5. Charging the batteries
6. Turning on the transmitter
7. Maintenance
8. Troubleshooting
9. Technical specifications
10. Environmental Information
11. Product registration
12. Warranty
13. Declaration of Conformity

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. What’s in the box ?
- This user manual
- Installation manual
- The DOCKMATE Receiver
- The DOCKMATE TWIST transmitter
- Dockmate Cradle/wireless charger
- Lanyard
- All necessary wiring cut to length
- Antenna
2. Precautions
To avoid damage to your DOCKMATE 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 thruster are in neutral position
2.2. The transmitter is sensitive to magnetic fields. Keep
it at least 1m from any devices that generate
magnetic fields like compasses. Otherwise the
operation of the joystick can be disturbed.
2.3. Your Dockmate transmitter has been designed to seamlessly interact
with a Dockmate Cradle (wireless charger) powered by the Dockmate
Receiver. If your Dockmate Cradle is not powered by the receiver but
directly by the mains or if you’re using another Qi
certified charger do not put the transmitter that is
switched on onto the wireless charger. Always
switch it off first, before charging. The charger
generates a magnetic field, that will disturb the joystick
when it is turned on.
2.4. Do not disassemble the transmitter or receiver.
Touching the internal parts may lead to injuries. Repairs may only be
performed by licensed technicians.
2.5. Do not use near flammable gases or liquids.
This may cause an explosion or fire.

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
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 of maneuvering a yacht.
2.8. Be careful with the lanyard.
Keep it away from small children (choking hazard).
2.9. Do not use the DOCKMATE when the transmitter or receiver have been
immersed in water. The units may be damaged beyond repair. Test
both devices before use with the boat in a safe environment.
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 harbor.
2.11. In very exceptional circumstances, the communication between the
transmitter and receiver can be disturbed by radio frequency
transmitters 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 orange LED signal on the
transmitter lights.
2.14. Please note that when the system is in operation each involuntary push
on the buttons of the transmitter has an action as a result.
2.15. The transmitter and receiver may only be opened by an authorized
technician.

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 – [e-mail] – www.ppa-electronics.com
3. Installation
The installation has to be done by a qualified engineer.
Our system consists of two major components: a transmitter and a Receiver. These
have already been paired so they recognize each other.
3.1. Installation of the Receiver
Dimensions rev.G : 23,8 x 20,5 x 8,6 cm or 9.4 x 7.9 x 3.2”
Install the Receiver in a dry, not too warm area.
Install the Receiver free of vibrations.
Place the Receiver close to the dashboard, as close as possible to the controls
of the parts to be controlled (throttles, horn, anchor winch, bow- and stern
thrusters).
Please note that one-time settings are needed at the Receiver.
(accessible by screwdriver?)

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 – [e-mail] – www.ppa-electronics.com
4. Use of the DOCKMATE

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 – [e-mail] – www.ppa-electronics.com
We recommend that you always wear the lanyard around your neck while using the
DOCKMATE.
The transmitter has the following features :
LINK LED
Shows the status of connection with the Receiver.
It also shows warnings and errors if there are any.
Status LED
Shows the status of the transmitter.
It also shows if any special options have been activated through Dockmate.
BUZZER & VIBRATOR
Indicates no communication, low battery, warning or error.
Keys anchor winch
By pressing the upper button you lower the anchor.
By pressing the lower button, you raise the anchor. When pressed together, you
can choose between windlass 1 and 2 (2 or 4 beeps) if the Dockmate Receiver is
fitted with AnchorX2 module.
On / Off button
Press and hold to turn the transmitter on. Press 3 times quickly or hold for 3s to
shut it off.
NOTE: When this button is pressed other signals are inhibited for safety, so the
boat controls go to neutral, regardless of the position of the joystick.
Take Command button
Pressing this button makes the Dockmate the active steering position.
NOTE: With the Gearbox driver installed it has no effect – Dockmate is always
active then.
Keys bow thruster:
By pressing the left button (port) the bow thruster gives thrust to the right so the
bow is moving to the left.
By pressing the right button (starboard) the bow thruster gives thrust
to the left so the bow is moving to the right.
Keys stern thruster :
By pressing the left button (port) the stern thruster gives thrust to the
right so the stern is moving to the left.
By pressing the right button (starboard) the stern thruster gives thrust
to the left so the stern is moving to the right.
Joystick:
By moving the joystick forwards, both engines (or one in single engine
configuration) are switched forward.

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 – [e-mail] – www.ppa-electronics.com
By moving the joystick astern both engines are switched to the rear.
Moving the joystick to the left makes both (if installed) thrusters move the boat to
port.
Moving the joystick to the right makes both thrusters move the boat to starboard.
In case the boat has 2 engines and only a bow thruster, moving the joystick
sideways will engage the bow thruster and 2 engines in order to walk the boat
sideways.
Moving the joystick forwards and right in a 45º angle causes the port engine to go
forward and makes the boat steer to the right.
The other 45º angle positions on the joystick work on the same basis.
The Dockmate Twist can be fully programmed by your dealer so that combining
engines and thrusters in any position of the joystick is possible.
Twisting the joystick knob clockwise causes the boat to rotate clockwise (port
engine switched forward, starboard engine switched astern).
Twisting the joystick knob counter clockwise will do the opposite.
Pressing the knob of the joystick will sound the horn.
When a “SpeedCtrl” Module is installed in the Dockmate Receiver you can
control the engines throttle by moving the joystick. The harder you push,
the more throttle.
When the thruster modules with SpeedCtrl are installed in the Dockmate
Receiver you can control the thrusters’ power by moving the joystick. The
harder you push, the more thrust.

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 – [e-mail] – www.ppa-electronics.com
5. Charging the batteries
The Dockmate TWIST transmitter is fitted with a Li-Ion battery that has to be charged
occasionally.
When the Dockmate TWIST transmitter is turned on, both LEDs will go white. Then
the Status LED will show one of the following:
Battery fully charged More than 3.90V
Battery OK Between 3.45V and 3.90V
Battery Warning Between 3.45V and 3.30V
Battery Failed Less than 3.30V
Battery Failed Less than 3.00V
It is not possible to turn on the transmitter when the battery voltage drops below
3.30V.
It is highly recommended to charge the transmitter when the LED shows orange on
the starting up.
The Dockmate TWIST transmitter will start to charge when switched off and placed
on the Dockmate Cradle or wireless charger. The LEDs on the charger will change in
color from solid red to solid green indicating the charging process.
When the indicator on the charger flashes red that means a foreign metal object
was placed on the charging pad or the charger is overheated.
Also the Status LED on the transmitter will start to flash in different colors depending
on the battery percentage ( 0-50%: , 50-80% : , 80-100% ).
When the battery is fully charged the Dockmate transmitter will shut down
automatically and the charger will show a red led.
When the battery is fully charged, there will be no reaction when the
transmitter is placed on the charger. After some use, when the
voltage drops, it will be possible to charge the transmitter 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 – [e-mail] – www.ppa-electronics.com
6. Turning the transmitter on and off
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 3.45V and 3.30V
Battery Failed Less than 3.30V
Joystick / Keys not in neutral When during startup the
joystick is out of neutral or the
pushbuttons are pressed, it
blinks blue/violet, beeps and
the transmitter switches off
after ~5s.
The software of the transmitter has built in safety features to check
upon start-up whether one of the keys is depressed or the joystick is
out of neutral. Until the STATUS light is off and the LINK light is on
(about 2s) the user cannot press any key or move the joystick –
otherwise the software will recognize this as a fault situation (blinking
blue/violet and beeping) and will switch off the unit.
In that case the unit needs to be restarted.

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 – [e-mail] – www.ppa-electronics.com
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 5s
Communication lost
When communication could
not been established or was
interrupted. The transmitter
also beeps.
Yellow / Green Blinking:
Feedback from the receiver :
warning
Receiver status warning.
For example ext can interface
not in command
Purple / Green Blinking
Feedback from the receiver : error
Receiver status error.
For example ext can interface
not powered on
Depending on the equipment of the boat (gear lever system) the Dockmate
can automatically take command after the transmitter is switched on.
You can also take over command by pressing the “SEL” button then.
7. Maintenance
The installation is 100 % maintenance free, except for battery charging.
Eventually the transmitter and Receiver can be cleaned with a damp cloth.

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 – [e-mail] – www.ppa-electronics.com
8. Troubleshooting
PROBLEM
POSSIBLE CAUSE
SOLUTION
The Receiver does not work. The Dockmate transmitter is
switched off.
The Dockmate Receiver
does not receive D/C Volts.
Switch on (see point 6 in this
manual).
Check : fuse blown ?
The transmitter does not
work.
The batteries are empty. Charge the batteries (see
point 5 in this manual).
The LED low battery on the
transmitter is on.
The batteries are empty.
Charge the batteries (see
point 5 in this manual).
The transmitter has fallen in
the water.
Rinse with clear water and
dry with a soft cloth.
Open the transmitter by
unscrewing the 4 screws
ono the back (behind) the
grey rubber and put the
transmitter in a well-
ventilated area for 24 hours.
Assemble and test the
transmitter before use with
the boat in a safe
environment.
Red Status LED, Receiver
beeps (100ms / 1s) – Violet /
White LED inside the
receiver is blinking
Power supply to the receiver
too low.
Check battery voltage and
connection.
Receiver beeps (100ms /
1s) – Yellow LED inside the
receiver is blinking
Internal settings memory
corrupted.
Call the technician to setup
the necessary settings.

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 – [e-mail] – www.ppa-electronics.com
9. Technical specifications
Transmitter
Joystick: 3-axis, proportional
Dimensions: 70 x 150 x 40 mm or 2.75 x 5.91 x 1.57”
Weight: ca. 150 gr or 5.29 oz
Frequency : 433.081MHz to 434.757MHz
Range: 50 metres or 165 feet
Housing: ABS & rubber - according to IP67 specifications
Battery: Lasts up to at least 15 10min docking manoeuvres
350 mAh Li-ion
Qi-certified wireless charging
Operating temperature: 0°C to +43°C or +32°F to +110°F
Receiver
Dimensions Rev.G: 23,8 x 20,5 x 8,6 cm or 9.4 x 7.9 x 3.2”
Weight Rev.G: ca. 1,95 kg or 4.3 lbs
Frequency: 433.081MHz to 434.757MHz
Range: 50 metres or 165 feet
Housing: Aluminium - according to IP67 specifications
Power: 12V or 24V
Operating temperature: -10°C to +60°C or +14°F to +140°F
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.

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 – [e-mail] – www.ppa-electronics.com
10. Environmental Information
The equipment that you have bought requires the extraction and use of natural
sources for its production. It may contain substances that are hazardous to
health and the environment.
In order to avoid the dissemination of those substances in our environment,
and to diminish the pressure on natural resources, we encourage you to use
the appropriate take-back systems. These systems will reuse or recycle most
of the materials of your end-of-life equipment in an environmentally sound
way.
The crossed-bin symbol marked on your device indicates you should use
these systems.
If you need more information on the collection, reuse, and recycling of this
product, please contact your local or regional waste administration.
You can also contact us for more information on the environmental
performance of our products.
11. Product registration
To benefit from our 3 years factory warranty, please go to
www.dockmate.eu/productregistration and fill out the form.

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 – [e-mail] – www.ppa-electronics.com
12. Warranty
Each DOCKMATE has a 3-year warranty from the date of registration by the
first owner. The warranty covers all defects and failures that are not caused by
the customer. The manufacturer will repair or replace your product free of
charge on the following conditions:
- The warranty is not valid in case of improper installation or improper use of
the device. Products must have been used strictly in accordance with
operating instructions supplied. Dockmate will have no liability for defects
caused by accident, misuse, alteration or neglect.
- The electrical components must remain complete.
They may not be disassembled, not tampered with, nor be modified in any
way. The use of non-original electronic accessories can damage the device.
This is not covered by the warranty.
- When the receiver has water damage, the warranty is not valid.
- Returns of defective equipment under this warranty :
° Before returning, please contact the vendor of the device by phone or e-mail
° Always include a brief description of the problem that occurs.
° Do not forget to include your full contact and delivery details : name,
telephone, complete address
° To avoid damage during shipment, the unit must be adequately packaged.
The manufacturer will accept no liability for units lost or damaged in transit
from the customer.
° Shipment costs are always for the buyer.
- The liability of the manufacturer is limited to replacing or repairing the unit.
The manufacturer decides whether the device will be repaired or replaced.
- The buyer agrees that the liability of the manufacturer is limited to the
purchase price of the equipment, regardless of the circumstances.
The manufacturer is not responsible for damages resulting from the use of
the device.
The manufacturer can never be held responsible for any accidents and / or
damage caused to persons and / or property.
- The repair or replacement of the equipment during the warranty period, does
not extend the original warranty period.
- Without warning the manufacturer may at any time make changes to the
specifications of the device, both to the hardware and the software.
- The manufacturer has taken all the necessary steps to ensure that the
information in this guide is accurate and complete.

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 – [e-mail] – www.ppa-electronics.com
This manual may in no way be reproduced, complete or partial, without the
written permission of PPA-Electronics.