The EVC system
The Electronic Vessel Control (EVC) system is a so
called distributed system. The principle of a distrib-
uted system is to have many small electonic units,
called nodes, located on suitable places in the boat.
The EVC nodes are the Powertrain Control Unit
(PCU) and the Helm station Control Unit (HCU).
Nodes are located close to the components they
control. A helm node is located close to the helm. A
powertrain node is mounted in the engine room.
Each node controls a number of adjacent compo-
nents, for example sensors, controls, instruments and
actuators.
Each PCU and HCU is programmed for a specific
engine individual. On the PCU and HCU there is a
sticker with chassis no. The chassis no. shall corre-
spond to the sticker on the engine.
A data bus, a CAN bus, connects the nodes to each
other. Together they form a network and exchange
information and take advantage of each others’ serv-
ices. The principle of forming a network of nodes to
which all components are connected reduces wiring
radically.
CAN stands for Controller Area Network, an industry
standard for communication between nodes in distrib-
uted systems.
A distributed system supports a growing multiplicity
of system configurations and optional features. New
nodes can be connnected to the network with mini-
mal wiring redesign. New effective functionality can
be created by letting the nodes interact and combine
their capabilities, creating a more useful and safe
product.
Functionalities
Engine speed and gear shift
Speed and gear shift contol is handled electronically.
The reverse gear or stern drive has high speed shift-
ing protection. Dual function electronic controls works
in the EVC system as well as mechanical controls
with control adapters.
Engine synchronization
Engine synchronization results in better comfort,
good fuel ecomomy and minimized wear due to less
vibration and reduced noise level. To enable syn-
chronization the master (port) and slave (starboard)
systems must be able to communicate. Therefore a
synchronization cable has to be installed at the each
helm.
Instrumentation
The instruments use a serial communication bus. The
serial communication bus in combination with EVC
radically reduces wiring and simplifies installation.
Gauges are available with white or black dial face
and chromed or black bezel.
EVC system tachometer
The EVC system tachometer is mandatory for boats
with EVC, unless the optional EVC system display
is installed. The tachometer display shows operation
information, information massages and alarms. The
user selects what operation information to display
with the control panel.
NOTE! Only one operation in-
formation can be displayed at one and the same time.
The EVC system tachometer and control panel is
also used when calibrating EVC functions.
Power Trim
The function is considerably improved compared
to non EVC governed Power trim systems. EVC in-
troduces a new trim panel with the same design as
other EVC control panels. If you have a twin engine
installation the stern drives can be both individually
and simultaneously controlled.
Trimming in and out can be calibrated to suit the spe-
cific installation. To protect the drive it cannot be tilted
when engine is running above a certain rpm.
The Power trim control panel shall be connected to
the multilink bus and the gauge to the instrument
cable harness from the HCU. The cable harness for
stern drives has connectors for the power trim angle
sensor and the power trim pump.
Extra optional equipment
EVC system display
The EVC system display is a complement or replace-
ment for EVC system tachometer and optional in-
struments. The display shows operation information,
information massages and alarms. The user selects
what operation information to display with the buttons
on the display. The EVC system display can display
more than one operation information at one and the
same time. The display also has access to the same
display mode and calibration functions as for the EVC
system tachometer display.
Trim indicator
A trim indicator sender is included in all aquamatic
drives. The trim angle can be displayed on the EVC
system tachometer. It is also advised to install a trim
instrument. The instrument shows trim angle and trim
range. If a trim instrument is used it must be connect-
ed to the instrument serial communication bus.
Fuel level
Fuel level can be displayed on the EVC system ta-
chometer if a (3-180 ohm or 240-30 ohm) fuel level
sender is installed in the fuel tank. The sender is
connected to the PCU–engine cable harness. If a
fuel level gauge is used it must be connected to the
instrument serial communication bus.