Mercury 71712 User manual

Generation II
Electronic
Remote Control
OPERATIO N
MANUAL

© 2021 Mercury Marine
8M0180922 521 eng

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1 - DTS Controls and Features
Electronic Remote Control (ERC).............................................. 2
Panel Mount ERC............................................................... 4
Single‑Handle Console ERC.............................................. 5
Dual‑Handle Console ERC................................................. 5
ERC Supplemental Display................................................ 7
Supplemental Display Menu Selection............................... 7
Settings...........................................................................7
Active Alarms..................................................................8
Alarms History................................................................ 9
About.............................................................................. 9
Electronic Remote Control (ERC) Operation ..................... 9
ERC Handle Friction and Detent Adjustment................... 10
Active Trim............................................................................... 10
Introduction to Active Trim................................................ 10
Modes of Operation...................................................... 10
Setup and Configuration............................................... 11
Active Trim ERC Controls................................................. 11
Active Trim Operation....................................................... 12
GPS.............................................................................. 12
Resume Functionality................................................... 12
Shallow Water Operation..............................................12
Trailer Position .............................................................13
Selecting the Correct Profile............................................. 13
What Trim Is................................................................. 13
How Trim Affects Boat Operation................................. 13
Boat Loading and Trim................................................. 14
Choosing an Active Trim Profile................................... 14
Active Trim Red Status Light............................................ 14
Single Flashing Red..................................................... 14
Double Flashing Red.................................................... 14
Engine Synchronization (Multiple Engines)............................. 14
Helm Transfer.......................................................................... 15
Transfer Light and Single‑Helm Boats.............................. 15
Requesting Helm Transfer................................................ 15
Helm Transfer and Autopilot............................................. 15
Quick Steer.............................................................................. 16
Throttle and Shift Operation with Three or Four Engines........ 16
Triple‑Engine Throttle and Shift Operation....................... 16
Quad‑Engine Throttle and Shift Operation....................... 17
Single‑Lever Mode (Multiple Engines)..................................... 18
Start/Stop All Engines.............................................................. 18
Engine Indicator LEDs........................................................18
No Engines Running ‑ Start Engines................................. 18
All Engines Running ‑ Stop Engines.................................. 18
Some (Not All) Engines Running ‑ Stop Engines............... 18
Interrupting the Start All Process........................................18
Throttle‑Only Mode.................................................................. 19
Section 2 - Premier ERC Display Software Update
Updating Through Wi‑Fi........................................................... 22 Updating Through USB Drive.................................................. 23
90-8M0180922 eng MAY 2021 Page i

Page ii 90-8M0180922 eng MAY 2021

Section 1 - DTS Controls and Features
Table of Contents
Electronic Remote Control (ERC)............................................ 2
Panel Mount ERC............................................................. 4
Single‑Handle Console ERC............................................ 5
Dual‑Handle Console ERC............................................... 5
ERC Supplemental Display.............................................. 7
Supplemental Display Menu Selection............................. 7
Settings .................................................................... 7
Active Alarms ........................................................... 8
Alarms History .......................................................... 9
About ........................................................................ 9
Electronic Remote Control (ERC) Operation ................... 9
ERC Handle Friction and Detent Adjustment................. 10
Active Trim............................................................................. 10
Introduction to Active Trim.............................................. 10
Modes of Operation ................................................ 10
Setup and Configuration ......................................... 11
Active Trim ERC Controls............................................... 11
Active Trim Operation..................................................... 12
GPS ........................................................................ 12
Resume Functionality ............................................. 12
Shallow Water Operation ....................................... 12
Trailer Position ...................................................... 13
Selecting the Correct Profile........................................... 13
What Trim Is ........................................................... 13
How Trim Affects Boat Operation ........................... 13
Boat Loading and Trim ........................................... 14
Choosing an Active Trim Profile ............................. 14
Active Trim Red Status Light.......................................... 14
Single Flashing Red ............................................... 14
Double Flashing Red .............................................. 14
Engine Synchronization (Multiple Engines)........................... 14
Helm Transfer........................................................................ 15
Transfer Light and Single‑Helm Boats............................ 15
Requesting Helm Transfer.............................................. 15
Helm Transfer and Autopilot........................................... 15
Quick Steer............................................................................ 16
Throttle and Shift Operation with Three or Four Engines...... 16
Triple‑Engine Throttle and Shift Operation..................... 16
Quad‑Engine Throttle and Shift Operation..................... 17
Single‑Lever Mode (Multiple Engines)................................... 18
Start/Stop All Engines............................................................ 18
Engine Indicator LEDs ................................................... 18
No Engines Running ‑ Start Engines ............................. 18
All Engines Running ‑ Stop Engines .............................. 18
Some (Not All) Engines Running ‑ Stop Engines .......... 18
Interrupting the Start All Process ................................... 18
Throttle‑Only Mode................................................................ 19
1
Section 1 - DTS Controls and Features
90-8M0180922 eng MAY 2021 Page 1

Electronic Remote Control (ERC)
Electric steering requires a Digital Throttle and Shift (DTS) electronic remote control (ERC). Because it is electronic, an ERC is
capable of several features beyond the basic remote control functions of throttle and shift.
There are several DTS ERCs that can be used with electric steering, depending on the number of engines and the desired
features. The following images show the current Mercury ERCs that will function with electric steering.
71712
Panel mount ERC - ES
71715
Single-engine console ERC - ES
71716
Dual-engine console ERC - no trim
71717
Dual-engine console ERC - with trim
71718
Dual-engine console ERC - premier
71719
Triple-engine console ERC - standard
71720
Triple-engine console ERC - premier
71721
Quad-engine console ERC - standard
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Page 2 90-8M0180922 eng MAY 2021

71722
Quad-engine console ERC - premier
71723
Five or six-engine console ERC
The basic styles of ERC are panel mount (single‑engine only), single‑handle console (single‑engine only), and dual‑handle
console (two or more engines).
Section 1 - DTS Controls and Features
90-8M0180922 eng MAY 2021 Page 3

Panel Mount ERC
Panel mount ERCs control a single engine. There are several variations, but only one of these can be used with electric
steering (ES).
71965
a
b
c
d
f
g
h
e
i
Ref Control/LED Function
aNeutral (N) LED Illuminates when the engine is in the neutral gear position.
The light flashes when the engine is in throttle‑only mode.
bBrightness (+ and –)Increases and decreases the brightness settings for the
lights on the ERC and Mercury helm components.
cTHROTTLE ONLY Allows the boat operator to increase engine RPM without
shifting into gear. Refer to Throttle‑Only Mode.
dQUICK STEER (if equipped)
Decreases the number of steering helm turns, lock‑to‑lock,
for quicker response during docking. This feature also limits
engine speed. Refer to Quick Steer.
e
ACTIVE TRIM (if equipped) The ACTIVE TRIM button turns the Active Trim feature ON
or OFF. Refer to Active Trim.
Profile ▲ and ▼Changes the selected Active Trim profile.
Active Trim LEDs (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
Indicates the currently selected Active Trim profile.
NOTE: If the LED indicators are flashing, Active Trim is in
setup mode.
fLanyard stop switch (emergency
stop)
In conjunction with the lanyard cord, shuts off the engine
when the operator moves away from the ERC.
gSTART/STOP ENGINE Starts or stops the engine.
hUP ▲ and DN ▼—trim control
Raises and lowers the engine/drive for best efficiency, or for
conditions such as shallow water or trailering. Some boats
are equipped with separately‑mounted trim controls.
i Mechanical lock bar
Pressing the mechanical lock bar allows the engine to shift.
The mechanical lock bar must always be pressed when
moving the control handle out of the neutral position.
Section 1 - DTS Controls and Features
Page 4 90-8M0180922 eng MAY 2021

Single‑Handle Console ERC
Single‑handle console ERCs control a single engine. There are several variations, but only one of these can be used with
electric steering (ES).
71966
ab
c
d
e
g
h
f
i
Ref Control/LED Function
aNeutral (N) LED Illuminates when the engine is in the neutral gear position. The light flashes when the
engine is in throttle‑only mode.
bBrightness (+ and –)Increases and decreases the brightness settings for the lights on the ERC and Mercury
helm components.
cTRANSFER Allows boat control to be transferred to a different helm. (The LED will be ON at the active
helm.) Refer to Helm Transfer.
dTHROTTLE ONLY Allows the boat operator to increase engine RPM without shifting into gear. Refer to
Throttle‑Only Mode.
eQUICK STEER (if equipped) Decreases the number of steering helm turns, lock‑to‑lock, for quicker response during
docking. This feature also limits engine speed. Refer to Quick Steer.
f
ACTIVE TRIM (if equipped) The ACTIVE TRIM button turns the Active Trim feature ON or OFF. Refer to Active Trim.
Profile ▲ and ▼Changes the selected Active Trim profile.
Active Trim LEDs (1, 2, 3, 4,
5)
Indicates the currently selected Active Trim profile.
NOTE: If the LED indicators are flashing, Active Trim is in setup mode.
gSTART/STOP ENGINE Starts or stops the engine.
hUP ▲ and DN ▼—trim
control
Raises and lowers the engine/drive for best efficiency, or for conditions such as shallow
water or trailering. Some boats are equipped with separately‑mounted trim controls.
i Mechanical lock bar Pressing the mechanical lock bar allows the engine to shift. The mechanical lock bar
must always be pressed when moving the control handle out of the neutral position.
Dual‑Handle Console ERC
Dual‑handle console ERCs control two, three, four, five, or six‑engines. Dual‑engine ERCs are available with or without integral
trim switches.
Section 1 - DTS Controls and Features
90-8M0180922 eng MAY 2021 Page 5

Premier ERCs have an integral, supplemental display, and are available for dual, triple, or quad‑engine configurations. Refer to
ERC Supplemental Display for details.
71950
ab
c
d
e
g
i
j
j
f
h
Dual-handle, quad-engine premier ERC shown, others similar
Ref Control/LED Function
aNeutral (N) LEDs (one on
each handle)
Illuminate when the engine is in the neutral gear position. The lights flash when the
engine is in throttle‑only mode.
bBrightness (+ and –)Increases and decreases the brightness settings for the lights and display (if equipped)
on the ERC and Mercury helm components.
c1 LEVER Enables the throttle and shift functions of all engines to be controlled by the port lever.
Refer to Single‑Lever Mode.
dTRANSFER Allows boat control to be transferred to a different helm. (The LED will be ON at the
active helm.) Refer to Helm Transfer.
eTHROTTLE ONLY Allows the boat operator to increase engine RPM without shifting into gear. Refer to
Throttle‑Only Mode.
f
ACTIVE TRIM (if equipped) The ACTIVE TRIM button turns the Active Trim feature ON or OFF. Refer to Active
Trim.
Profile ▲ and ▼Changes the selected Active Trim profile.
Active Trim LEDs (1, 2, 3, 4,
5)
Indicates the currently selected Active Trim profile.
NOTE: If the LED indicators are flashing, Active Trim is in setup mode.
gSTART/STOP individual
engines
Press to start or stop the indicated engine, as equipped: P (port), PC (port center), C
(center), SC (starboard center), S (starboard)
hDisplay and display buttons
(premier ERCs only) Refer to ERC Supplemental Display for details.
iSTART/STOP ‑ ALL
ENGINES
Starts or stops all engines. If some, but not all engines are running, pressing this button
will stop all running engines. Refer to Start/Stop All Engines.
jUP ▲ and DN ▼—trim
control (if equipped)
Raises and lowers the engines/drives for best efficiency, or for conditions such as
shallow water or trailering.
NOTE: Trim switches for the individual engines are located on the front (bow side) of the
ERC.
Some boats are equipped with separately‑mounted trim controls.
Section 1 - DTS Controls and Features
Page 6 90-8M0180922 eng MAY 2021

ERC Supplemental Display
The ERC supplemental display will show the faults and the status of various features. Warnings for advanced features, such as
Skyhook and Active Trim, will appear on the ERC supplemental display. Visit mercurymarine.com for additional details.
a - Active Trim status
b - Display
c - ENTER button
d - Up/down selection buttons
e - Menu button
Supplemental Display Menu Selection
IMPORTANT: All of the ERCs are factory set to English language by default and programed for either a dual, triple, or
quad‑engine, single‑helm application. Multiple‑helm vessels, the ERC helm locations must be programed for that helm location
(2, 3, 4) by the dealer.
The display menu selection is the start location for programing the ERC for the type of vessel configuration: dual‑helm,
triple‑engines, for example. There are four initial menu selections; Settings, Active Alarms, Alarms History, and Engine
Hours. Each menu selection accesses specific information such as number of engines, language, software version, for
example.
72921
Supplemental display menu
Settings
The Settings menu selection is where the ERC display information portfolio is modified, such as the number of engines, the
preferred language to be displayed on the display, and more. Select MENU>Settings. Use the up and down selection buttons
to move to the specific setting you want to modify and press ENTER to access the selection.
72923
b
c
d
e
73346
a
Section 1 - DTS Controls and Features
90-8M0180922 eng MAY 2021 Page 7

1. Number of Engines: The number of engines must be selected for important information to be displayed such as gear
position or faults that will pop up on the display. ERCs can be purchased already programed with the number of engines on
the vessel. For multiple helm vessels; each ERC display configuration must have the same number of engines selected at
each helm station.
2. Helm Selection: The helm number must be different at each helm location. This is important so that each helm has a
different address identifying the ERC and its location.
3. Active Trim Popup: Turn this feature on if you want to be notified if there is a change to the trim position.
4. Region: There are five regions available ‑ Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. Select the region where the boat
will be operated.
5. Language: There are 23 languages available. The selected language will show the primary language spelling and the local
native language spelling.
6. Wi‑Fi: The ERC is its' own wireless network and the purpose of the network is to update the ERC display through Wi‑Fi.
The Wi‑Fi area is where you will find the network name and password to access the ERC network. You must be familiar
with the Wi‑Fi address to enter the network password. You can also regenerate a password if necessary. Refer to
Updating Through Wi‑Fi.
7. Software Update: Software Update is where you go if you are updating the display through a USB flash drive. Selecting
software update will display the files present on the USB flash drive. Select the update file and the update will begin. Refer
to Updating Through USB Drive.
8. About: Listed here will be the product name and the software version currently being used. Refer to About.
Active Alarms
Active Alarms only shows alarms which are currently active. When an alarm is active, the hazard symbol will be displayed in
the menu list. A hazard symbol icon will also be displayed on all activities such as Helm Transfer, Cruise, and Active Trim.
73054
Use the selection buttons to highlight the alarm you want to review and press ENTER. The fault number and location will be
listed along with short text description of the fault. Press ENTER to see more text information about the alarm. Press Enter to
exit the alarm.
NOTE: Some faults can be reset by cycling the key OFF and then ON .
72928
Section 1 - DTS Controls and Features
Page 8 90-8M0180922 eng MAY 2021

Alarms History
Alarm History will show all alarms that have occurred on the vessel. If the fault has occurred multiple times, a number will be
shown in the upper right‑hand corner of the display. The history of a specific alarm can be cleared by selecting the alarm and
pressing ENTER to begin the sequence to clear the fault. A NOTICE will be displayed asking if you want to clear the fault:
press MENU to cancel or ENTER to clear the fault. After clearing the fault, a confirmation will be displayed. Press ENTER to
continue to the next fault.
a - Fault history with incident number
b - Press MENU to cancel or ENTER to clear the fault
c - Confirmation
About
About is your ready source for the product name, software version, and application version.
a - Product Name
b - Software version
c - Application version
Electronic Remote Control (ERC) Operation
Operation of the shift and throttle is controlled by the movement of the control handle. Push the control handle forward from
neutral to the first detent for forward gear. Continue pushing forward to increase speed. Pull the control handle from the forward
position to the neutral position to decrease speed and eventually stop. Pull the control handle back from neutral to the first
detent for reverse gear. Continue pulling back to increase speed in reverse.
NOTE: On panel mount and single‑handle console ERCs, press the mechanical lock bar when moving the control handle out of
the neutral position.
R
N
F
R
N
F
71972
R
N
F
a
b
c
73044
73051
a
b
c
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90-8M0180922 eng MAY 2021 Page 9

ERC Handle Friction and Detent Adjustment
The control handle friction adjustment screw can be used to increase or decrease the tension on the control handle. This will
help prevent unwanted motion of the handle in rough water.
The detent adjustment screw can be used to increase or decrease the effort it takes to move the control handle out of the
detent position.
NOTE: The control handle friction and detent adjustment screws may require periodic maintenance adjustment.
Remove the access cover from the front of the ERC to expose the adjustment screws. Using a hex wrench turn the desired
screw clockwise to increase tension, or counterclockwise to decrease tension. Install the access cover after the desired tension
is achieved.
Panel mount ERC (ERC shown not installed, access cover removed)
a - Handle friction adjustment screw
b - Detent adjustment screw
Single-handle console ERC
a - Access cover
b - Detent adjustment screw
c - Handle friction adjustment screw
Dual-handle console ERC
a - Access cover
b - Detent adjustment screws
c - Handle friction adjustment screws
Active Trim
Introduction to Active Trim
Active Trim is Mercury Marine’s patented GPS‑based automatic trim system. This intuitive, hands‑free system continually
adjusts engine or drive trim for changes in operating conditions to improve performance, fuel economy, and ease of operation.
It responds to boat maneuvers with precision and delivers a better overall driving experience. No knowledge of trimming an
engine or drive is needed to take advantage of Active Trim.
• As the boat accelerates, the engine or drive will trim out.
• As the boat decelerates, for example, while making a turn, the engine or drive will trim in.
• Active Trim can be overridden at anytime by using the regular, manual trim buttons.
• Active Trim allows the boat operator to compensate for changes in boat load, driver preferences, and weather conditions
while maintaining full automatic control.
Modes of Operation
The Active Trim system has four modes of operation:
71261
ab
b
c
a
71976
71978
b
a
c
b
c
Section 1 - DTS Controls and Features
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61896
1. Idle speeds
Maintains the existing trim position.
61897
2. Acceleration (hole shot)
Tucks the engine or drive under to minimize bow rise and improve time‑to‑plane.
61898
3. Planing speeds
Progressively trims the engine or drive based on GPS speed to maintain the most efficient
running attitude.
61899
4. Override
When the boat operator uses manual trim, the Active Trim system is immediately overridden,
returning full control to the operator.
Setup and Configuration
Refer to your authorized Mercury dealer for setup and configuration instructions.
Active Trim ERC Controls
IMPORTANT: Authorized Mercury dealers have the ability to disable the Active Trim feature. In this case, the Active Trim
buttons and lights on the ERC will not function.
Section 1 - DTS Controls and Features
90-8M0180922 eng MAY 2021 Page 11

Use the buttons and lights on the ERC to control the Active Trim feature.
a
b
c
b
71956
Active Trim controls on the ERC
Ref Control/LED Function
a
ACTIVE TRIM button Turns the Active Trim feature ON or OFF.
System status light
Provides Active Trim status information:
• A constant amber light indicates that the system is working normally.
• A flashing amber light indicates that the Active Trim system is not controlling trim (user
override). Press the ACTIVE TRIM button to resume Active Trim control.
•A flashing red light indicates a problem with the system. Refer to Active Trim Red
Status Light.
bPROFILE select buttons (▲
and ▼)
Up (▲) ‑ Changes the adjustable trim profile to a more aggressive trim curve (more trim
angle).
Down (▼) ‑ Changes the adjustable trim profile to a less aggressive trim curve (less trim
angle).
cSelected profile indicator
LEDs (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
Indicates the adjustable profile currently engaged. 1 is the least aggressive trim profile; 5 is
the most aggressive.
NOTE: If the LED indicators are flashing, Active Trim is in setup mode.
Active Trim Operation
• Active Trim automatically controls trim to maintain the optimum engine or drive position based on engine RPM and boat
speed.
• Active Trim progressively trims out the engine or drive to maintain an efficient running attitude.
• Active Trim will maintain the last known trim position when operating at speeds in excess of 80 km/h (50 mph).
• Operation above 80 km/h (50 mph) may require trim adjustments using the panel mounted or control handle trim position
switch.
• Active Trim will gradually return the engine or drive to the down position during deceleration.
• Active Trim will only function when the engine or drive is in the normal trim range.
GPS
Active Trim uses a GPS signal to determine vessel speed. The Active Trim system will not automatically control trim until the
GPS unit has acquired a signal.
Resume Functionality
If the boat operator overrides the Active Trim system at planing speeds using the trim button, or exceeds 80 km/h (50 mph), the
system will stop controlling the trim. Active Trim will resume automatically under the following conditions:
• Override occurred above 80 km/h (50 mph) and the boat operator then decelerates to below 80 km/h (50 mph).
• Override occurred above 80% of the rated engine RPM and the boat operator then decelerates to below 80% of the rated
engine RPM.
• Override occurred in the cruising speed range and then the boat operator decelerates to idle. Active Trim will become
active on the next acceleration.
Shallow Water Operation
Active Trim cannot detect water depth and will not trim up automatically in shallow water. The boat operator will need to
override Active Trim by trimming the engine or drive manually or pressing the Active Trim button.
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Trailer Position
Placing the engine or drive in trailer position—over 50% of the adapted trim range, will prevent Active Trim from engaging. Any
time the engine or drive is trimmed above its normal range—to navigate shallow water, launch the boat from a trailer, or load
the boat onto a trailer, for example—you must manually trim down before Active Trim will function. This safety feature is meant
to prevent the engine or drive from automatically trimming down and hitting something.
Selecting the Correct Profile
With so many available trim profiles, it can be difficult to determine which profile is the correct one. In making this
determination, it is important to understand what trim is, how it affects boat operation, and how boat loading can influence the
required trim angle. Armed with a clear understanding of these concepts, selecting the correct trim profile becomes simple.
What Trim Is
The trim angle of an outboard or sterndrive is the angle between the boat bottom and the propeller shaft formed by moving the
engine or sterndrive closer to the boat transom. This movement is called trimming in or down. Moving the engine or sterndrive
further away from the transom is called trimming out or up. When a boat is cruising on plane and the trim is adjusted so that the
propeller shaft is parallel to the surface of the water, that is said to be running at zero trim.
The term "trim" is generally used when referring to adjusting the outboard or sterndrive within the first 20° range of travel. This
is the range used while operating your boat on plane. The term "tilt" is generally used when referring to adjusting the outboard
or sterndrive further up or out of the water.
How Trim Affects Boat Operation
The trim angle of the outboard or sterndrive has a distinct effect on the planing angle of the boat, which in turn significantly
alters the top speed and handling. The engine or drive should be trimmed in for best start‑up acceleration and shortest time to
plane. The engine or drive would then be trimmed out for peak performance. Active Trim automatically handles this transition
for you.
61921
Engine or drive properly trimmed
If the engine or drive is trimmed in too far, the bow drops and the boat runs too wet. In this condition, top speed drops, fuel
economy decreases, the boat may oversteer in one direction or the other (bow steering), and steering torque will increase (to
the right with a right‑hand rotation propeller). Occasionally, extreme trim down can cause a boat to list to the left (with a
right‑hand propeller).
61922
Engine or drive trimmed in (bow too low)
If the engine or drive is trimmed out too far, the propeller may lose its hold on the water, fast V‑bottom boats may start to walk
from side to side (chine walking), steering torque will increase in the opposite direction to that when trimmed in, and getting on
plane may be difficult or labored. Porpoising of the boat may also occur.
61923
Engine or drive trimmed out (bow too high); porpoising
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90-8M0180922 eng MAY 2021 Page 13

Boat Loading and Trim
Under normal loading and operating conditions while on plane, the boat bottom is roughly parallel to the surface of the water.
Changing the loading of the boat will not change the trim angle as previously defined, but it will change the running attitude of
the boat with respect to the surface of the water. Adding weight toward the stern of the boat will cause the bow to rise. Similarly,
adding weight toward the bow of the boat will cause the bow to lower.
Changing the trim angle can compensate for a change in the running attitude of the boat. Increasing the trim angle will raise the
bow of the boat, compensating for bow heavy loading. Decreasing the trim angle will lower the bow of the boat, compensating
for stern heavy loading.
Choosing an Active Trim Profile
If Active Trim is configured properly, the normal setting for running on plane will be profile 2, 3, or 4. This allows the operator
the flexibility to change the trim angle to compensate for variations in boat loading or other operating conditions. Selecting a
higher number profile will raise the bow and selecting a lower number profile will lower the bow.
Use the preceding descriptions of trim in and trim out to help determine whether or not your boat is trimmed properly (refer to
How Trim Affects Boat Operation). In general, this means you can increase the trim profile until the bow begins to porpoise
(rise and fall), and then back off one level.
Active Trim Red Status Light
ACTIVE
TRIM
72433
A flashing red light can indicate different things, depending on if it is a single or a double flash sequence.
Single Flashing Red
a - Light (on or off)
b - Interval
Fault Condition Description Notes
GPS signal intermittent GPS signal has achieved fix, but is dropping out
intermittently. Indicates loss of GPS signal.
GPS signal unavailable GPS has not achieved fix since key ON.Indicates obstructed GPS antenna or
weak signal.
Double Flashing Red
a - Light (on or off)
b - Interval
Fault Condition Description Notes
Trim up or trim down not
achieved
The engine did not achieve its trim setpoint
while attempting to trim up or down.
Indicates a problem with hydraulic pump
operation, fuse, connection, trim sensor, or
trim down circuit.
Engine Synchronization (Multiple Engines)
Digital Throttle and Shift (DTS) engines have an automatic engine synchronization feature that engages automatically at
key‑up. Sync mode monitors the position of both ERC levers. If both levers are within 10% of one another, all engines
synchronize to the starboard engine's RPM. The SmartCraft system will automatically disengage sync at the last 10% of the
lever range to allow each engine the ability to reach the maximum available RPM. Sync mode cannot engage until its minimum
RPM is met.
ON ON
OFF
ON
OFF
ON
OFF
ON
OFF
a
b
ON
OFF OFF
61841
ON ON
OFF
ON
OFF
ON
OFF
ON
OFF
a
b
ON
OFF OFF
61842
Section 1 - DTS Controls and Features
Page 14 90-8M0180922 eng MAY 2021

Helm Transfer
Some boats are designed to allow control of the vessel from more than one location. These locations are commonly referred to
as helms or stations. Helm transfer is a term used to describe the method of transferring control from one helm (or station) to
another helm.
! WARNING
Avoid serious injury or death from loss of boat control. The boat operator should never leave the active station while engine is
in gear. Helm transfer should only be attempted while both stations are manned. One‑person helm transfer should only be
performed while engine is in neutral.
The helm transfer function allows the boat operator to select which helm is in control of the vessel. Before a transfer can be
initiated, the ERC levers at the active helm and at the helm intended for the transfer must be in the neutral position.
NOTE: If you attempt to transfer helm control when the ERC levers are not in neutral, a beep will sound and the helm transfer
will not succeed until the levers at the helms are moved to neutral and the transfer is requested again.
Some fault codes may appear on the Mercury‑approved multifunction display if other control or navigation functions are
attempted after the helm transfer procedure is started. To remove the fault codes it may be necessary to cycle the key switch
OFF and ON, and then restart the helm transfer procedure. Ensure that other control and navigation inputs are performed after
the helm transfer is complete to avoid setting fault codes.
NOTICE
The ERC levers must be in neutral to perform a helm transfer. While in neutral your vessel could drift and collide with objects
nearby resulting in damage. Keep an adequate look out while performing the helm transfer.
To avoid damage, use extra care when attempting a helm transfer while the vessel is close to docks, piers, or other fixed items
or when near other vessels.
Transfer Light and Single‑Helm Boats
IMPORTANT: On boats with a single‑helm, the TRANSFER light is constantly ON, whenever the ignition key switch is ON. This
is normal.
TRANSFER
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Requesting Helm Transfer
NOTE: Any movement of the joystick (if equipped) or ERC levers after pressing the transfer button terminates the
helm transfer request. A single beep sounds and the transfer button light turns off signaling the end of the transfer
request.
TRANSFER
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To request the transfer of vessel control from one helm to another:
1. All of the ignition keys must be in the ON position.
2. All of the vessel's ERC levers must be in the neutral position.
3. At the helm you are requesting to be made active, press the TRANSFER button once. The transfer light turns on and one
beep will sound confirming the impending transfer.
NOTE: If all ERC levers are not in neutral, the neutral lights will flash. Move all ERC levers to neutral and the neutral light
will stop flashing.
4. With the transfer light and neutral light on, press the TRANSFER button a second time to complete the helm transfer.
5. When the helm transfer is complete, another beep sounds. The transfer light stays on at the active helm location.
NOTE: If the helm transfer is not completed in 10 seconds, the request is automatically cancelled and a double beep
sounds. Control will remain at the existing active helm. Press the transfer button again to restart helm transfer.
6. The helm where the transfer request was initiated is now active and controls the vessel.
Helm Transfer and Autopilot
Transferring control from an active helm to an inactive helm (from one station to another station) affects the functionality of
autopilot modes. Some of the effects are listed.
Section 1 - DTS Controls and Features
90-8M0180922 eng MAY 2021 Page 15