Cummins Electronic Controls
I’m in the last days of delivering a late model Ferretti from Lauderdale to Solomons, and these controls are... goofy.
They appear to be Micro-Commanders with Cummins decals. I’m used to the slight delay in going into gear, but this thing never throttles up the same way twice. Sometimes I can ease the throttle forward (synched), and she runs up nice and smooth. Other times, I take the throttle to the stop, and it just sits there a second and takes off like a friggin rocket launch. I can partially advance the throttles, and it’ll then accelerate on its own. It’s like there’s a time delay that works part of the time. I can generally feel it about to hard launch and pull back the throttle before it does. It’s fun feeling that massive torque, but I know that can be hard on things.
Then there’s the lovely vagueness in trying to apply throttle in reverse. Lots of range in the handle before it responds, then it is too much. I’ve run a few boats with these type controls, but none have ever done this. This is the first twin engine boat for this new owner, and I don’t want him to get into trouble. I’m assuming there is some way to address this.
Re: Cummins Electronic Controls
Not the first time we ve heard of micro commanders acting goofy. Add to this the fact that they’re installed on an Italian boat and you have a recipe for disaster.
First thing I would check is power supply and voltage. Many control issues are caused by voltage issues. And again Italian boats are known for creative wiring and short cuts.
Re: Cummins Electronic Controls
I'm aware of another boat with similar controls that caused you angst.
Re: Cummins Electronic Controls
Re: Cummins Electronic Controls
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Bob Bradley
I'm aware of another boat with similar controls that caused you angst.
Are you implying that the operator may have something to do with it?
Re: Cummins Electronic Controls
There is nothing like shifting your boat into gear, getting no response, then pushing the lever a little bit further and having it over rev and jump. Not a great feeling.
Re: Cummins Electronic Controls
I had a set of Micro Commanders on my last boat. As I was entering a narrow Marina one stuck in gear and would not let me shift into neutral, luckily I was able to back out with the other engine. I was able to turn off the breaker and then turn it back on which fixed the problem, but I did have to change my underwear afterward. John
Re: Cummins Electronic Controls
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Bob Bradley
There is nothing like shifting your boat into gear, getting no response, then pushing the lever a little bit further and having it over rev and jump. Not a great feeling.
That’s exactly what this one does, sometimes. At least yours was consistent in running up to speed. I’ll take hydraulic or cable over electronic any day.
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Re: Cummins Electronic Controls
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Pascal
... And again Italian boats are known for creative wiring and short cuts.
Fortunately you're not dealing with English wiring ;-)
Attachment 51882
Re: Cummins Electronic Controls
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Sharon Jean
We have 3 Italian Alfa Romeos from the 80s and a 1972 Jaguar E-type. The electrical on the Alfas are far worst than the British Lucas.