Dometic Optimus Adaptive Trim Tab System User guide

POWER & CONTROL
ADAPTIVE TRIM TAB
SYSTEM
[REVISION E] Form No. 682229 | ©2020 Dometic Corporation
Optimus Adaptive Trim Tab System
Adaptive Trim Tab System
Installation and Setup manual
EN

© 2020 Dometic Group. The visual appearance of the contents of this manual is
protected by copyright and design law. The underlying technical design and the
products contained herein may be protected by design, patent or be patent
pending. The trademarks mentioned in this manual belong to Dometic Sweden AB
unless otherwise noted.
All rights are reserved. Blue Sea is a trademark of Blue Sea Systems.

Adaptive Trim Tab System
EN 1
Installer: Please read this manual, and any other documentation included with this
system, before attempting installation. This manual assumes you are familiar with
the Adaptive Trim Tab System components and the information presented in the
Operating Manual. All manuals included with this system must be delivered to the
boat owner when installation is complete.
Owner: store your manuals on the boat or in a safe place for future reference. If you
sell your boat, hand over the manuals along with it.
Table of contents
1 Explanation of symbols .......................................... 2
2 General safety instructions ....................................... 2
3 Tab and actuator installation ...................................... 3
4 Controller installation .......................................... 12
5 System wiring ................................................ 14
6 Setup.......................................................33
7 Testing and commissioning .....................................42
8 Installation template ...........................................47

Adaptive Trim Tab System
EN
2
1 Explanation of symbols
WARNING!
Safety instruction: Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION!
Safety instruction: Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided,
could result in minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE!
Indicates a situation that, if not avoided, can result in property damage.
NOTE
Supplementary information for operating the product.
2 General safety instructions
The manufacturer accepts no liability for damage in the following cases:
• Physical damage to the product.
• Damage due to incorrect installation or connection voltage.
• Alterations to the product.
• Use for purposes other than those described in the operating manual.
The CE declaration of conformity can be requested from the manufacturer (contact
information on the back of this manual).
2.1 General safety
• Read and understand all instructions included with the system prior to use.
• Disconnect power from the actuators (with battery switches or circuit breaker)
before working at the transom of the boat.
• Only use the trim tabs as intended.
• Do not use tabs as a boarding step.
•
When liing the boat, do not place the liing straps or forks on the tabs or actuators.
• Do not push or pull on the tabs or actuators when putting the boat on or off a trailer.
• Do not tie off or secure anything to the actuators.
• See your dealer for repairs if the trim tabs, actuators, or controller are modified,
damaged or not working correctly.
•
The controller and actuators are not user serviceable; do not attempt to disassemble.

TH
1/4"
(6 mm)
>2" (50 mm) >8"
(205 mm)
C
L
1"–4"
(25–100 mm)
CHINE
Adaptive Trim Tab System
EN 3
3 Tab and actuator installation
3.1 Planning
When deciding where to mount the tabs, there are several things to consider. Be
sure you have considered all these items and perform a test fit before drilling any
holes in the hull.
• The outboard edge of the tab should be inboard 1”-4” (25-100 mm) from the
chine. The further outboard the tab, the more effective it is for controlling the
side-to-side level of the boat.
• The edges of the tab should be at least 2” (51 mm) from a hull strake, if possible.
• To avoid interference with the engine, the tab must be at least 8” (205 mm)
from the drive centerline.
WARNING!
• Read the instructions thoroughly before beginning the installation.
• Before drilling holes in the hull, check that there is nothing in the hull
that might be damaged, such as fuel or water tanks, electrical
wiring, hydraulic steering hoses, etc.
1

TH = 13"
(330 mm)
STANDARD MOUNT
1/4" (6 mm)
TH = 13.5"
(343 mm)
12" EDGE MOUNT —
POCKET MOUNTED
1/4" (6 mm)
TH = 11"
(279 mm)
12" EDGE MOUNT — TRANSOM MOUNTED
1/4" (6 mm)
Adaptive Trim Tab System
EN
4
• There are different tab configurations available and they will have different transom
height (TH) requirements as shown in figure 2. The actual transom height will
vary with the angle of the transom, so the maximum value for TH is shown.
2
• There must be space behind the transom for the actuator harness to enter the
boat in a dry location away from sources of heat.
Dimensions shown apply to standard 11.5” actuator only.

1
2
Adaptive Trim Tab System
EN 5
3
4
3.2 Tab installation — standard and edge mount tabs
Position the tab (fig 3item 1) so that the hinge plate (fig 3item 2) is approxi-
mately 1/4” (6mm) up from the bottom of the hull and parallel to the hull. See
also figure 1.
If mounting in a pocket, center the tab in the pocket.
Mark the hinge hole pattern on the transom as shown in figure 3.
Drill holes in the transom at the marked locations with a 3/16” (4.8 mm) drill bit
to a depth of 1-1/4” (32 mm) as shown in figure 4.

1
2
Adaptive Trim Tab System
EN
6
Liberally apply marine grade adhesive caulking (fig 5item 2) at the interface
between the hinge and transom, the drilled holes, and the supplied fasteners
(fig 5item 1) to ensure a watertight seal.
Install the screws through the hinge plate and into the transom. The screws
are designed to work in both fiberglass and aluminum hulls. We recommend
tightening these screws by hand. Do not overtighten.
5
3.3 Actuator installation — standard and edge mount tabs
The first step is to mark and drill the holes for the transom mounting bracket and
the harness entry into the hull. You’ll use the transom bracket itself, installed to the
actuator, as your template.
Loosely assemble the transom bracket to the actuator as shown in figure 6.
Insert the actuator mounting clevis into the bracket and install the pivot bolt in
the bracket and loosely fasten the washer and nut. Do not route the harness
through the bracket just yet.
NOTICE! Potential damage to hull
Do not overtighten the screws, because you may strip the hull material.

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Adaptive Trim Tab System
EN 7
6
7

TAB LENGTH
TRAILING EDGE HEIGHT
(RECOMMENDED HEIGHT INCREASES
AS BLADE LENGTH GETS LONGER)
14"
(356 mm)
16"
(406 mm)
18"
(457 mm)
4"
(102 mm)
3/8"
(9.5 mm)
1/4"
(6.4 mm)
1/2"
(12.7 mm)
5/8"
(15.9 mm)
3/4"
(19.0 mm)
7/8"
(22.2 mm)
1"
(25.4 mm)
9"
(229 mm)
12"
(305 mm)
0
Adaptive Trim Tab System
EN
8
Ensure the actuator sha (fig 7item 9) is fully retracted by rotating it clockwise
until travel stops. The sha can safely be forced to continue rotating clockwise
to align the mounting holes at each end of the actuator. The actuator should
come in this position out of the box, so adjustment may not be necessary.
Insert the pivot bolt (fig 7item 8) through the foot bracket and the actuator
sha. Install the washer and nut (fig 7item 10 and item 4) and tighten to 30–40
in-lbs. Check that the actuator sha pivots freely. A small amount of resistance
to movement is acceptable, but it must not bind or require more than a few
pounds of force to move. If necessary, loosen the nut slightly.
Install the foot bracket (fig 7item 3) to the tab (fig 7item 2) using the supplied
screws (fig 7item 1) and nuts (fig 7item 5). Insert the screws from the
bottom of the tab. Torque the foot bracket fasteners (fig 7item 1 and item 5)
to 60–70 in-lbs. in place of instruction to tighten until snug.
8
NOTE
If a 10” or 12” actuator is being installed, install screws into the threaded
inserts in the foot brackets provided.

1
8
2
3
4
5
6
7
Adaptive Trim Tab System
EN 9
Li the tab into the running position as shown in figure 8. To ensure the tabs do
not drag when retracted, they must be tilted up from the hull level. The longer the
tab, the greater the height above the hull level at the trailing edge of the tab. You
will need a long straight edge, such as a carpenter’s level, and a helper for this step.
Once the tab angle is correct, position the transom bracket flush against the
hull. Ensure that it lays naturally against the hull, with no force to the side.
NOTICE! Actuator wear
Misalignment will cause accelerated wear of the actuator.
NOTICE! Potential damage
Ensure there is nothing behind the hull that could be damaged by
drilling the hole through the hull for the cable.
Trace the outline of the mounting bracket (fig 9item 2) on the hull.
Remove the bracket from the actuator, line it up with the traced outline, and
mark the mounting holes and the harness hole.
Drill the mounting holes with a 3/16” (4.8 mm) drill bit to a depth of 1-1/4” (32 mm).
Drill a 3/8” (9.5 mm) hole through the transom for the wiring harness.
Now that the holes are drilled, you’re ready to mount the actuator to the hull.
9

BRACKET ROTATED
DOWN
PULL
CABLE
SNUG
✗✓
Adaptive Trim Tab System
EN
10
Slide the mounting bracket (fig 9item 2) over the actuator harness (fig 9item 6)
until you can mate it with the actuator (fig 9item 7).
Fit pivot bolt (fig
9
item 5) through the joint without installing thewasher and nut
(fig 9 item 8 and item 1) .
Grease the sealing grommet (fig 9item 4) and slide it over the harness. Apply
marine sealant to the sealing surface, then adjust it until it contacts the bracket.
While the sealant is still pliable, adjust the slack in the harness by pulling it snug
with the bracket rotated down as shown in figure 10.
10
11
Slide the harness compression plate (fig 9item 3) over the harness until it fits
in the recess in the rear of the bracket as shown in figure 11 . Some sealant on
the mating surfaces will help keep the compression plate in place during the
following steps.
Insert the harness into the hole in the hull and feed it through until the actuator
bracket is almost at the hull.

3
2
1
Adaptive Trim Tab System
EN 11
12
Liberally apply marine grade sealant to the bracket, grommet, mounting holes
and to the harness entry.
Double check that there is a small amount of slack in the harness between the
bracket and the entry into the actuator (fig 12 item 2). Mate the bracket to the
hull, and install the 2 screws (fig 12 item 1). Do not over-tighten the screws.
This is done to ensure the center screw does not damage the actuator harness
during installation.
When the bracket is fixed to the hull, remove the pivot bolt (fig 12 item 3) and
lower the actuator to create clearance for the final screw, taking care not to pull
the actuator harness out of the hull. Install the final screw, again taking care not
to over-tighten. Reinstall pivot bolt, including the washer provided beneath the
nut. Tighten nut to 30–40 in-lbs. Take care not to over-tighten.

Adaptive Trim Tab System
EN
12
4 Controller installation
The controller can be installed in a dash that is 1/4” to 1.5” thick and at any angle
from horizontal to vertical. When determining where on the dash to place the trim
tab controller, consider:
• are the buttons and indicator lights visible while operating the boat?
• is the dial accessible without interference from other dash components?
• is there enough clear space behind the dash? You will need at least 6” (155mm)
from the surface of the dash to any obstructions behind it.
Once you’ve determined the controller location:
Tape the template (section 8) to the dash and mark the center point of the
controller and the anti-rotation notch. The notch must be at the top.
At the notch center point, drill a 1/8” diameter hole through the dash.
At the controller center, cut a circular hole through the dash with a 2.5” (64 mm)
hole saw. Take care to cut perpendicularly to the dash.
NOTICE! Potential damage
Check that there are no wires behind the dash before drilling holes.
Use a saw or file to remove any remaining material between the large hole and
the small hole to create the notch.
Remove all rough edges and burrs from both front and rear surfaces of the dash.
Remove the bezel nut (fig 13 item 7) and rear gasket (fig 13 item 6) from the
controller (fig 13 item 1).
Install the front gasket (fig 13 item 3) onto the controller with the notch (fig 13
item 4) aligned with the anti-rotation feature (fig 13 item 2) on the controller.
Install the controller in the dash opening (fig 13 item 5). Make any adjustments
necessary so that the front gasket fits flush and smooth with the dash surface.
Place the rear gasket over the controller housing until it contacts the rear of the
dash. Thread on the bezel nut and tighten securely by hand. Do not use a tool
to tighten.
NOTE
If space is limited behind the dash, you may find it easier to connect
the harness to the controller before installing it. See section 5 for
harness information.

1
2
3
4
5
.25"– 1.5"
(6 mm – 38 mm)
7
6
Adaptive Trim Tab System
EN 13
13
For installation of the controller into a location where pre-existing controller or
rocker panel holes will still be visible, see “Trim Tab Cosmetic Controller Cover
installation manual” (part # 682237).

Adaptive Trim Tab System
EN
14
5 System wiring
Planning the electrical installation is critical to a successful installation. Considering
the electrical installation as a sequence of discrete steps can help organize your plan.
Section 5.1, Step 1 – Plan the installation
Section 5.2, Step 2 – Install the private CAN network
Section 5.3, Step 3 – Install connectors on actuator harnesses
Section 5.4, Step 4 – Connect devices to the private network
Section 5.5, Step 5 – Connect actuator power
Section 5.6, Step 6 – Connect to public network (optional)
NOTICE! This system is designed for use with 12VDC only.
It is not compatible with 24VDC. Connecting to 24VDC will damage
the electrical components
WARNING!
All parts of the electrical installation must comply with relevant ABYC or
ISO standards. Harnesses and wiring must be rated for 105°C and comply
with the latest revisions of SAE J1128 or ISO 6722.
5.1 Step 1 — Plan the installation
The Adaptive Trim Tab system uses three distinct electrical sub-circuits:
1. a private CAN network to which the actuators and dial controllers are connected.
2. an individual power circuit for each actuator.
3. a public NMEA2000 network.
Each of these elements requires planning before you begin installation.
CAN network
Review section 5.2 and 5.4. Before you begin installation, you should:
• Know what the network schematic will look like. Sketch it out if there are any
differences from the generic diagrams in this manual.
• Have all the required tees, harnesses, terminators, and mounting hardware.
• Know where you will mount the network tees.
• Know how you will route and secure the network harnesses.
• Know how you are powering the network and have the required parts.

Adaptive Trim Tab System
EN 15
Actuator power
Review section 5.5. Before you begin installation, you should:
• Know what power source you’re using.
• Ensure the power source is suitable for the actuator power requirements.
• Have a plan to extend the power source to the stern of the boat if necessary.
• Have all the required circuit breakers/fuses, harnesses, and connecting wires.
Public NMEA2000 network
Connection to a public NMEA2000 network is required to get the following
features on non-Optimus systems:
• Holeshot mode
• Automatic tab retraction in reverse gear
On both Optimus and non-Optimus systems you will need a public network
connection if you want to display trim tab position on a multi-function display (MFD).
Review section 5.6. Before you begin installation, you should:
• Have the parts required to build a network or tie into an existing one.
• Know where the network power is coming from, if required.
• Have an NMEA2000 interface device for your engine (supplied by engine
manufacturer).
5.2 Step 2 — Install the private CAN network
The CAN network used by the Adaptive Trim Tab system is private, meaning that only
approved devices may be connected to it. Only components shown in this manual,
or in the Optimus EPS installation manual, may be connected to the network.
5.2.1 CAN network fundamentals
The generic network diagrams in this manual cannot represent every possible
configuration and boat layout, so the network you build may look slightly different.
It will help to understand the basics of CAN networks as you install your system.
A CAN network is a communication bus with a trunk/drop topology as illustrated
in figure 14.
WARNING!
Do not cut or splice network harnesses.

NETWORK BACKBONE
NODE
DROP
HARNESS
DEVICE
CM10060
NETWORK
TEES
NETWORK
TERMINATOR
NETWORK
TERMINATOR
✓
✕
✕
✕
✕✕
✕
Adaptive Trim Tab System
EN
16
• The trunk, or backbone, is formed by tees connected linearly, either directly to
each other or with harnesses (table 5-1). Each tee has two backbone
connectors (male and female), and a female drop connector.
• Drops are connections to devices on the network.
• Each connection point is called a node of the network. (Drop and node are
oen used interchangeably.)
• The network is powered by a fused 12V supply, connected to the drop
connector at a node. Low power devices (less than 1A) can be powered directly
from the network.
14

Adaptive Trim Tab System
EN 17
Important things to consider when building a CAN network:
• Every network must have two – and only two – terminating resistors, one at
each end of the backbone. One male and one female terminator are included
in your installation kit.
• The backbone must be connected linearly. Do not branch the backbone at a
node connector.
• Devices always connect to the drop connector. Do not connect to the
backbone connector.
• Do not cap unconnected nodes with a terminating resistor. Either remove the
node or install a sealing cap.
• Consider the length of the drop harnesses when mounting the tees. It is
preferable to build the network backbone so that the tee is within reach rather
than extending the harness.
• Do not use tools to tighten the connectors. Hand-tighten only.
All kits include harnesses for each component in your system. If you need longer
harnesses, you can order extensions from table 5-1.
Table 5-1.
Micro-C DevicNet harness
Description Length,  (m) Part No.
Micro C Extension, Male/Female 1 (0.3) CM10001
3 (0.9) CM10003
6 (1.8) CM10006
9 (2.7) CM10009
12 (3.6) CM10012
16 (4.9) CM10016
20 (6.1) CM10020
30 (9.1) CM10030
5.2.2 CAN tee installation
Install tees in a dry location.
Secure the tees and harnesses as shown in figure 14.
Mark the connections with a felt marker. This will make loose connections visible.

SCREWS IN ALL
MOUNT HOLES
EACH CABLE
APPROPRIATELY
SECURED AND
STRAIN RELIEVED
CLOSE TO TEES
NO PULLING
ON TEES
ALL NUTS DOUBLE
CHECKED FOR TIGHTNESS
AND MARKED
NOTE: TEES MAY NOT LOOK
EXACTLY AS SHOWN
Adaptive Trim Tab System
EN
18
15
5.2.3 Network installation — Adaptive Trim Tab
The CAN network is shown in figure 15 (single controller) and figure 16 (dual controller).
Installation notes:
• Your kit will include device tees, terminating resistors, and a power drop tee,
but the backbone harness(es) must be ordered separately (table 5-1).
• The combined length of the actuator and communication harness is 9’ (2.7m).
The actuator tees must be within reach of the properly routed, protected, and
secured harness. You may be able to mount the actuator drop tees together, or
it may be better to mount them closer to the sides of the boat with a backbone
harness joining them.
• The location of the actuator power source (section 5.5) may affect the reach of
the communication harness.
NOTE
If the boat is equipped with Optimus EPS, skip to section 5.2.4.