Yamaha Helm Master User manual

HELM MASTER
OPERATION MANUAL
Read this manual carefully before operation. LIT-18626-10-03
6ES-2819U-E0
U.S.A.Edition
0KAW_dtp_data_US.book Page -4 Monday, December 17, 2012 3:35 PM

Read this manual carefully before operating this system. Keep this manual onboard in
a waterproof bag when boating.
0KAW_dtp_data_US.book Page -3 Monday, December 17, 2012 3:35 PM

To the operator
Thank you for selecting the Yamaha Helm Master control system. This operation manual
contains information needed for proper operation, maintenance and care. A thorough under-
standing of these simple instructions will help you obtain maximum enjoyment from your new
Yamaha.
The maneuvering performance of some boats, when operating in joystick mode, may be ad-
versely affected by high winds and currents.
Yamaha continually seeks advancements and makes changes in product design and quality
without notice. Therefore, while this manual contains the most current product information
available at the time of printing, there may be minor discrepancies between the actual system
and this manual. If you have any question about the operation or maintenance of your Helm
Master control system, please consult a Yamaha dealer.
In this operation manual particularly important information is distinguished in the following
ways.
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential personal injury hazards.
Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury or death.
WARNING
A WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in
death or serious injury.
NOTICE
A NOTICE indicates special precautions that must be taken to avoid damages to the
products or other property.
TIP:
A TIP provides key information to make procedures easier or clearer.
0KAW_dtp_data_US.book Page -2 Monday, December 17, 2012 3:35 PM

HELM MASTER
OPERATION MANUAL
©2012 by Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
1st Edition, December 2012
All rights reserved.
Any reprinting or unauthorized use without the
written permission of Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
is expressly prohibited.
Printed in Japan
P/N LIT-18626-10-03
0KAW_dtp_data_US.book Page -1 Monday, December 17, 2012 3:35 PM

Table of contents
Alert message information ..............1
Alert Notifications ............................1
Other Notifications ...........................4
General information .........................5
List of abbreviations ........................5
Read labels and related
manuals ...........................................5
Warning and caution labels .............6
Function and operation of
components ......................................9
EKS ...............................................10
EKS fob ............................................10
Ignition switch ...................................11
Start/stop switch ...............................11
All ignition switch
(for triple engine application) ............11
All start/stop switch
(for triple engine application) ............11
Engine shut-off switch ...................11
Remote control box .......................12
Remote control lever ........................13
Lever friction adjuster .......................16
Free throttle switch ...........................16
Single lever switch ............................16
Center engine switch
(for triple engine application) ............17
Speed control switch ........................17
Station selector switch
(for dual station) ...............................18
Trim assist switch .............................19
Power Trim and Tilt (PTT) switch .....19
Remote control active indicator ........20
Remote control alert indicator ..........21
Joystick control ..............................22
Joystick lever ....................................22
Joystick switch ..................................24
High mode switch .............................24
Digital Network Gauge (6Y9) ........25
Steering friction ................................26
Rudder angle ....................................26
Alert display ......................................27
Trip ...................................................27
Brightness ........................................28
Tone .................................................28
Favorites ...........................................28
Depth Alarms ....................................28
Units .................................................28
Tank Set ...........................................29
Off Timer ..........................................29
System Info ......................................30
Trim Assist ........................................30
Joystick calibration ...........................32
Current .............................................33
Trouble Codes ..................................34
Pre-operation checks .................... 35
Temporary actions in
emergency ...................................... 37
Steering malfunction ..................... 37
One engine’s steering does not
operate (locked or free) ....................37
All engine’s steering do not
operate .............................................38
Engine interference protection .........39
When the steering response
becomes slow ...................................41
Periodic maintenance .................... 42
Maintenance table ......................... 42
Recommended hydraulic fluid ....... 44
Transportation with boat
(trailering) ....................................... 45
0KAW_dtp_data_US.book Page 1 Monday, December 17, 2012 3:35 PM

1
Safety information
Alert message information
This section contains Helm Master control system alert information that will be displayed on
the Digital Network Gauge (6Y9). Refer to operation manual 6Y9-2819U-** for additional in-
formation about the Digital Network Gauge (6Y9).
The Digital Network Gauge (6Y9) will display a window and alert icons to notify the operator
when abnormalities in the Helm Master control system occur. A window will also be displayed
when specific alert conditions occur.
When events requiring multiple windows occur, the window with the highest priority (red alert)
is displayed first. Press the “SET” button to display windows in order of priority.
There are 2 types of windows, “Alert Notifications,” and “Other Notifications,” each displayed
with its own color.
Alert Notifications: Red
Other Notifications: Yellow
Alert Notifications
Observe the following instructions for responding to each specific alert.
Helm Master control system
trouble alert
Displayed when the Helm Mas-
ter control system malfunctions.
Consult a Yamaha dealer.
Lever sensor calibration alert
Displayed when the remote con-
trol lever sensor is un-calibrated
or calibration has failed. Lever
sensor calibration needed.
Consult a Yamaha dealer.
Steering sensor calibration
alert
Displayed when the steering
sensor is un-calibrated or cali-
bration has failed. Steering sen-
sor calibration needed.
Consult a Yamaha dealer.
0KAW_dtp_data_US.book Page 1 Monday, December 17, 2012 3:35 PM

2
Safety information
Auto configuration alert
Displayed the first time that the
system is turned on after the
Helm Master control system is
installed, or if any Helm Master
control system components are
replaced. Consult a Yamaha
dealer.
One engine steering malfunc-
tion alert
Displayed when an engine’s
steering system does not move
properly.
Consult a Yamaha dealer.
See page 37 for further informa-
tion.
All engine steering malfunc-
tion alert
Displayed when all engine’s
steering systems do not move
properly.
Consult a Yamaha dealer.
See page 38 for further informa-
tion.
Engine interference protec-
tion alert
Displayed if the steering control
system does not detect that an
engine has reached the target
steering angle.
Consult a Yamaha dealer.
See page 39 for further informa-
tion.
0KAW_dtp_data_US.book Page 2 Monday, December 17, 2012 3:35 PM

3
Safety information
SCU low battery voltage alert
Displayed when a battery’s volt-
age is too low.
Consult a Yamaha dealer.
SCU high battery voltage alert
Displayed when an engine’s bat-
tery voltage is too high.
Consult a Yamaha dealer.
SCU low battery voltage alert
(twin engine)
Displayed when both engine’s
battery voltage is too low. Steer-
ing response may be slow or
stop.
Consult a Yamaha dealer.
SCU high battery voltage alert
(twin engine)
Displayed when both engine’s
battery voltage is too high.
Steering response may be slow
or stop.
Consult a Yamaha dealer.
SCU low battery voltage alert
(triple engine)
Displayed when two or all
engine’s battery voltage is too
low. Steering response may be
slow or stop.
Consult a Yamaha dealer.
0KAW_dtp_data_US.book Page 3 Monday, December 17, 2012 3:35 PM

4
Safety information
Other Notifications
SCU high battery voltage alert
(triple engine)
Displayed when two or all
engine’s battery voltage is too
high. Steering response may be
slow or stop.
Consult a Yamaha dealer.
Steering derating alert
Displayed if excessive steering
use has caused one or more
steering pumps to overheat.
If this alert appears frequently,
consult a Yamaha dealer.
See page 41 for further informa-
tion.
Battery low charge alert
Displayed when running a single engine
for more than one hour. Start all engines to
recharge the batteries.
Off timer counting alert
Displayed 50 minutes after all engines
have been stopped using start/stop switch,
but the ignition switch is still ON. Turn the
ignition switch OFF.
See page 29 for further information.
Shallow water alert
Displayed when the water depth is less
than the set minimum depth (requires
optional Multisensor).
0KAW_dtp_data_US.book Page 4 Monday, December 17, 2012 3:35 PM

5
General information
General information
List of abbreviations
The following are abbreviations displayed on this meter or used in this manual.
Read labels and related manuals
Before operating or working on this system:
• Read all labels carefully on the Helm Master control system components.
• Read this manual thoroughly and see other related manuals for outboard motors, Digital
Network Gauge (6Y9) and boats for their basic operations.
If you need any additional information, contact your Yamaha dealer.
Abbreviation Description
ABYC American Boat and Yacht Council
DN Down side
EKS Electronic Key Switch
FForward
ID Identification
Mfg./Dlr. Manufacturer/Dealer
N Neutral
PORT Port side
PTT Power Trim and Tilt
R Reverse
RPM Revolutions Per Minute
STBD Starboard side
SCU Steering Control Unit
UP Up side
0KAW_dtp_data_US.book Page 5 Monday, December 17, 2012 3:35 PM

6
General information
Warning and caution labels
The following labels are attached to the Helm Master control system components as shown
below.
If these labels are damaged or missing, contact your Yamaha dealer for replacements.
TIP:
These components are installed on the boat in a location close to the stern. The installation
position differs depending on the boat. For the proper installation position on your boat, con-
tact a boat manufacturer or a Yamaha dealer.
WARNING
682036
Improper installation may cause loss of boat control.
Secure all connections. Follow Rigging Manual carefully.
Cap all unused connectors.
Secure cables to tabs with
cable ties.
WARNING
use, and maintenance instructions carefully.
accident with severe injury or death. Follow all installation,
CAN 1
12V
CAN 1
CAN 3
CAN 2
RFU 2
RFU 1
SAE J1171, Patent Pending
ISO 25197, lgnition Protected
214625
Avoid loss of steering control which could result in an
Setting Standards for Safer Boating
R
1
2
1
2
WARNING
Improper installation may cause loss of boat control.
Follow Rigging Manual carefully.
• Secure all connections.
• Cap all unused connectors.
• Secure cables to tabs with cable ties.
WARNING
Avoid loss of steering control which could result in an accident with severe
injury or death. Follow all installation, use, and maintenance instructions
carefully.
0KAW_dtp_data_US.book Page 6 Monday, December 17, 2012 3:35 PM

7
General information
in an accident with severe injury or death.
Avoid loss of steering control which could result
Check fluid level in pump reservoirs before
each use (refer to User’s Manual).
Use only Teleflex SeaStar EPS fluid or
Chevron MD-3 automatic transmission fluid.
Use of any other fluid, including power
steering, power trim and tilt, Dexron IV
automatic transmission fluid, or brake fluid
can cause permanent component damage.
requirements.
See Rigging Manual for maintenance
SAE
MEMBER
WARNING
682041
Setting Standards for Safer Boating
R
*16*16
%#7%#76+6+1010
OPEN
CLOSED
WARNING
214465
STEERING BYPASS VALVE
For emergency return-to-port
steering only. Read User’s Manual.
Improper valve use can
Close valve before
starting engine(s).
result in loss of control.
682006
HIGH POWER CABLE
To avoid steering failure,
do not extend or modify.
WARNING
6
3
4
5
3
4
5
6
CAUTION
HOT
WARNING
HIGH POWER CABLE
To avoid steering fail-
ure, do not extend or
modify.
STEERING BY-
PASS VALVE
For emergency re-
turn-to-port steer-
ing only. Read
User’s Manual.
WARNING
Improper valve use
can result in loss of
control.
Close valve before
starting engine(s).
WARNING
Avoid loss of steering control which could
result in an accident with severe injury or
death.
• Check fluid level in pump reservoirs
before each use (refer to User’s Manual).
• Use only Teleflex SeaStar EPS fluid or
Chevron MD-3 automatic transmission
fluid. Use of any other fluid, including
power steering, power trim and tilt, Dexron
IV automatic transmission fluid, or brake
fluid can cause permanent component
damage.
• See Rigging Manual for maintenance
requirements.
0KAW_dtp_data_US.book Page 7 Monday, December 17, 2012 3:35 PM

8
General information
WARNING
Avoid loss of steering control:
Read User’s Manual before operating.
Keep magnets away from cylinder.
is not in proper working condition.
Do not operate boat if any component
STEERING CYLINDER
Check steering components before each use:
Check fluid level in pump reservoirs.
Inspect all hoses, fittings, and cables for
Check for binding, looseness, wear, and
leaks, and anything obstructing steering.
Verify immediate steering response
when turning steering wheel(s).
682027
wear, kinking, and/or leaks.
Avoid steering failure: Turn
coupling clockwise to lock
(click). Do not overtighten.
WARNING
682012
7
8
7
8
WARNING
Avoid loss of steering control:
• Read User’s Manual before oper-
ating.
• Do not operate boat if any compo-
nent is not in proper working con-
dition.
• Keep magnets away from cylinder.
STEERING CYLINDER
Check steering components before
each use:
• Check fluid level in pump reservoirs.
• Inspect all hoses, fittings, and
cables for wear, kinking, and/or
leaks.
• Check for binding, looseness, wear,
and leaks, and anything obstructing
steering.
• Verify immediate steering response
when turning steering wheel(s).
WARNING
Avoid steering failure: Turn
coupling clockwise to lock
(click). Do not overtighten.
0KAW_dtp_data_US.book Page 8 Monday, December 17, 2012 3:35 PM

9
Function and operation of components
Function and operation of components
1. EKS fob (2 pcs)
2. EKS panel (twin engine application)
3. EKS panel (triple engine application)
4. Engine shut-off switch panel
5. Digital Network Gauge (6Y9)
6. Remote control box
7. Joystick control
8. Steering pump
9. Steering bypass valve
10.Steering cylinder
IGNITION IGNITION
START
STOP
START
STOP
IGNITION IGNITION
START
STOP
START
STOP
IGNITION IGNITION
CENTER STBDALL PORT
START
STOP
START
STOP SET
MENU
CANCEL
1
876
109
2345
0KAW_dtp_data_US.book Page 9 Monday, December 17, 2012 3:35 PM

10
Function and operation of components
EKS
The EKS consists of the EKS panel and the
EKS fob. EKS functions: EKS locking/un-
locking using EKS fob, ignition ON/OFF and
engine starting and stopping.
The EKS panel for triple engine installations
is equipped with an All ignition switch and an
All start/stop switch. Pressing the All ignition
switch will provide power for all engines.
Pressing the All start/stop switch will start or
stop all engines.
1. EKS fob (2 pcs)
2. Active indicator
3. Ignition switch (PORT)
4. Ignition switch (STBD)
5. Start/stop switch (PORT)
6. Start/stop switch (STBD)
7. Lock indicator
8. Ignition switch (Center)
9. Start/stop switch (Center)
10.All ignition switch
11.All start/stop switch
A. Twin engine application
B. Triple engine application
■EKS fob
Place and hold the EKS fob over the lock in-
dicator in EKS panel to lock and unlock the
EKS.
TIP:
• Be sure to lock the EKS when leaving the
boat, or when leaving the operator’s seat if
children are nearby. Also, check that the
lock indicator is blinking.
• Repeated operation of the EKS fob lock/
unlock function may result in improper
operation. Be sure to operate the EKS fob
in at least 1-second intervals.
• When locking/unlocking with the EKS fob,
do not place the key close to devices pos-
sessing a magnetic field, as this may pre-
vent the lock/unlock operation.
• The EKS will allow to register up to four
EKS fobs. Have a Yamaha dealer register
any additional EKS fobs.
• When operating or stopping the boat, be
sure to carry the EKS fob with you and
take care not to lose it.
• If any EKS fob is lost, be sure to have a
Yamaha dealer delete the registration of
the lost key number for security reasons.
• While operating the ignition switch or
engine start switch, do not turn the steer-
ing wheel or perform any system opera-
tions at the same time, otherwise
unexpected errors may occur.
IGNITION IGNITION
START
STOP
START
STOP
A
1
7
432
6
5
IGNITION IGNITION
START
STOP
START
STOP
IGNITION IGNITION
CENTER STBDALL PORT
START
STOP
START
STOP
B3
10 8
5
4
6
2
11 9 77
0KAW_dtp_data_US.book Page 10 Monday, December 17, 2012 3:35 PM

11
Function and operation of components
• Interference from other electronic devices
(radios) could affect locking and unlocking
of the system. Confirm the system has
locked before leaving the boat. Repeat the
locking/unlocking procedure if necessary.
Lock
When the EKS fob is placed over the lock in-
dicator, the beeper sounds once. This indi-
cates the lock mode is selected and the
ignition switch cannot be turned to “ON”.
When in lock mode, the EKS panel lock indi-
cator blinks. When the ignition switch is OFF,
or the ignition switch is ON and the engines
are not running, locking can be performed.
Unlock
When the EKS fob is placed over the lock in-
dicator, the beeper sounds twice. This indi-
cates the unlock mode is selected and the
ignition switch can be turned to “ON”.
■Ignition switch
Pushing the ignition switch turns the power
ON and OFF. When the power is ON, the ac-
tive indicator will be illuminated.
■Start/stop switch
Pushing the start/stop switch starts and
stops the engine. The active indicator will be
illuminated when the engine is running.
■All ignition switch (for triple engine ap-
plication)
Pushing the All ignition switch turns power to
all engines ON and OFF. The active indica-
tions will be illuminated when the power is
ON.
■All start/stop switch (for triple engine
application)
Pushing the All start/stop switch starts and
stops all engines. The active indicators will
be illuminated when the engines are running.
Engine shut-off switch
The clip must be attached to the engine shut-
off switch for the engine to run. The cord
should be attached to a secure place on the
operator’s clothing, or arm or leg. Should the
operator fall overboard or leave the helm, the
cord will pull out the clip, turning the engines
OFF. This will prevent the boat from running
away under power.
WARNING
Attach the engine shut-off cord to a se-
cure place on your clothing, or your arm
or leg while operating. Do not attach the
cord to clothing that could tear loose. Do
not route the cord where it could become
entangled, preventing it from functioning.
Avoid accidentally pulling the cord dur-
ing normal operation. Loss of engine
power means the loss of most steering
control. Also, without engine power, the
boat could slow rapidly. This could cause
people and objects in the boat to be
thrown forward.
EKS Number
of beeps
Engine
can be
started
Lock indi-
cator
Lock 1 beep No Blink
Unlock 2 beeps Yes Off
0KAW_dtp_data_US.book Page 11 Monday, December 17, 2012 3:35 PM

12
Function and operation of components
1. Engine shut-off switch
2. Clip
3. Engine shut-off cord (lanyard)
Remote control box
The remote control box provides shift and
throttle operation and the following control
system functions.
1. Remote control lever
2. Station selector switch
3. Station lock indicator
4. Trim assist switch
5. Remote control alert indicator
6. Free throttle switch
7. Center engine switch
8. Single lever switch
9. Speed control switch
10.Active indicator (station selector switch
active indicator)
11.PTT switch (All)
12.PTT switch (STBD)
13.PTT switch (Center) and Speed RPM
switch
14.PTT switch (PORT)
TIP:
The PTT (Center) control and the engine
RPM control share the same switch depend-
ing on the mode selected. See page 17 for
further information.
1
2
3
11
10
9
57
6
5
4
3
2
8
1
12 1314
0KAW_dtp_data_US.book Page 12 Monday, December 17, 2012 3:35 PM

13
Function and operation of components
■Remote control lever
Moving the remote control levers from the
neutral (N) position to the forward (F) posi-
tion (towards the bow of the boat) makes the
boat move forwards, while moving it to the
reverse (R) position (towards the stern of the
boat) makes the boat move backwards. The
boat will be moving with the engine at idle.
Moving the lever farther opens the throttle,
and the engine will begin to accelerate.
1. Shift
2. Fully closed
3. Throttle
4. Fully open
11
33
44
R
FN
2 2
0KAW_dtp_data_US.book Page 13 Monday, December 17, 2012 3:35 PM

14
Function and operation of components
Triple engine applications
The two levers provide control of gear shifting and throttle operation for all three engines. The
PORT engine is controlled by the PORT control lever. The STBD engine is controlled by the
STBD control lever.
The center engine will be controlled to obtain a throttle setting midway between the PORT
and STBD engines.
When either the PORT or STBD engine’s control lever is in the neutral (N) position the center
engine will also move into the neutral (N) position with the throttle fully closed.
Note the center engine will remain in neutral (N), with the throttle fully closed, if the levers for
the PORT and STBD engines are in different (forward/reverse) gearshift positions
0KAW_dtp_data_US.book Page 14 Monday, December 17, 2012 3:35 PM

15
Function and operation of components
By moving both remote control levers, the boat can be maneuvered as shown below.
A. Lever operation
B. Boat direction and turning force (The size of the arrow is proportional to the turning
force.)
C. Propulsion
A
B
C
0KAW_dtp_data_US.book Page 15 Monday, December 17, 2012 3:35 PM