Microcommanders have been around for a long time and are installed on thousands of boats. The also were used on many commercial vessels. It was a pretty common install back before engines and transmissions became electronic.
ZF bought up Microcommander years ago and did a complete redesign on the box. One important thing is they must have good power. I think many people installed them with crap power sources. ZF makes a "Automatic Power Selector" that allows the control system to be powered by two battery sources (it's basically a reverse diode isolator). Mercury makes one with 3banks for the Verado steering.
I spoke with a guy that specializes in them and he used to work for the original Mr. Mathers. He said the new ZF design really was an improvement. Most of the issues were/are with bad power. But he also mentioned that there MUST be an emergency engine shutoff at each control station (this is in the manual, too).
On my boat I still need to modify the wiring and install the auto power selector. I'm also working on getting engine start/stops at all 3+ stations.
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10-22-2019 06:43 PM #10Senior Member
- Join Date
- Jun 2007
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Re: O Boy, that's gonna be some fuel bill.....
FTFD... i drive a slow 1968 41c381