Buddy v1 Manual

TillerBuddy V1 Installation Guide

TillerBuddy is a premium, high-quality solution from Boaty Buoy Boats to enhance your narrowboat experience. Installation requires basic tools and takes approximately 10 minutes.

Required Tools

• Spanner (likely 13mm) for battery terminals.

• Screwdriver (flat or star/Phillips) suitable for the horn button control panel.

• Wire cutters (optional, only if using quick-release connectors).

Safety First

Before commencing work, ensure the boat’s engine is switched OFF and all essential 12V DC power systems are isolated.

Connecting the Hub (Receiver Module):

Step 1: Connecting to the 12V Supply

The TillerBuddy is designed to connect to any stable 12V DC positive source on your boat. It is supplied with pre-fitted ring crimps and an inline fuse on the positive lead for maximum safety and convenience.

Option A: Direct to Battery (Recommended)

1. Locate your boat's 12V battery bank.

2. Connect the TillerBuddy's Red wire (with the inline fuse holder) to the Positive (+) terminal on the 12V battery using the ring crimp. Secure firmly with a spanner.

3. Connect the TillerBuddy's Black wire to the Negative (-) terminal on the 12V battery using the ring crimp. Secure firmly.

Option B: Splicing into a Circuit (Auxiliary)

Use the included 1-in, 2-out quick-release connectors to splice the TillerBuddy into an existing 12V circuit. These connectors use an internal lever or clamp for secure, tool-free splicing.

1. Identify the Positive (+) and Negative (-) wires of the auxiliary circuit you wish to use.

2. Strip the wire ends of the existing circuit and the TillerBuddy wires (if needed).

3. Note on Connectors: All ports on the quick-release connector are joined internally. This allows you to position the TillerBuddy wire in the port that provides the most natural flow/position for your final installation.

4. To connect: Lift the lever, insert the stripped wire fully, and firmly push the lever back down to lock the wire in place.

5. Join the TillerBuddy’s Red wire to the circuit’s Positive wire and the TillerBuddy’s Black wire to the circuit’s Negative wire.

Note: The TillerBuddy is fused for protection. Ensure the fuse holder is accessible for inspection or replacement, if ever required.

Step 2: Connecting to the Horn Button

This step must use the supplied piggyback spade connectors to retain the function of your original horn button while integrating the TillerBuddy into the switching circuit.

1. Access the wiring behind your narrowboat's existing horn button (using the appropriate screwdriver).

2. Carefully remove the two existing spade connectors from the back of the horn button.

3. Connect the two original wires you just removed onto the male spade connectors (the exposed terminal) of the two TillerBuddy wires.

4. Connect the piggyback spades (the female terminal on the TillerBuddy wires) onto the back of the original horn button terminals. Ensure the spade connectors are pushed fully home.

Step 3: Final Check & Testing

1. Ensure all connections are tight and secure.

2. Start your engine and test your original horn button—it should still function normally.

3. Use your TillerBuddy to ensure the controls engage correctly.

⚙️ TillerBuddy V1 Support & Contact

As a Boaty Buoy Boats product, the TillerBuddy is hand-crafted and tested for reliability. Should you encounter any issues, please check the points below or contact us directly.

Troubleshooting

• Symptom: Original horn does not sound.

  • Solution: Check the piggyback spade connections in Step 2; ensure they are fully pushed onto the horn button terminals. Verify the boat's horn fuse is intact.

• Symptom: TillerBuddy has no power/lights.

  • Solution: Check the inline fuse on the Red wire (Step 1). Ensure the ring crimp connections to the 12V supply are secure and free of corrosion.

• Symptom: TillerBuddy works, but the original horn is intermittent.

  • Solution: Re-check the connections on the male spades where the original wires attach. Ensure the fit is tight.

Contact & Warranty

For technical assistance, service information, or warranty claims, please contact Benjamin Donnaghue ("BoatyBuoyBen") directly.

• Email: tillerbuddy@boatybuoy.boats

• Phone: 07555252025

• Website: www.tillerbuddy.co.uk

Note: We also offer boat electrical services and PAT testing via www.boatybuoy.boats, provided in person along the canal network or through online consultancy.

Helpfull Images

Connections

Specifications

Buddy v1 Control (Custom Handle Remote)

General Features

• Integrated Controls: Single-button momentary contact switch for TillerBuddy Horn activation only.

• Handle Dimensions: Designed to be ergonomic and compatible with the most popular narrowboat tiller handle sizes, typically 1\ 1/4  inches to 1\ 1/2 inches diameter. 8 inches handle length.

• Backlight Timer: 5 minutes. The screen times out automatically after this period of no touch to conserve battery life.

• Operating Life: Approximately 6 to 12 months of standby/typical use between charges.

Power System Specifications

• Battery Type: Single Cell Li-ion / Li-Po 1S, 3.7V nominal.

• Charging Port: USB Type-C interface.

• Max Charge Current: 1A (1000mA) (TP4056 CC/CV integrated module).

• Charging Cable: USB Type-C Charger Cable is supplied with the unit.

• Protection: Integrated BMS protection against Overcharge (4.2V terminated) and Deep Discharge (2.4V cutoff).

2. TillerBuddy Receiver (Fixed Unit for Horn)

Communication & Electrical Specifications

• Wireless Technology: Single Channel 433MHz RF Receiver. Dedicated frequency for a secure and reliable connection to the horn circuit.

• Function: Horn Activation Only. This unit is designed exclusively to trigger the TillerBuddy Horn or the boat's existing horn circuit.

• Operating Range: 100metres (line of sight). Ensures reliable activation across the full length of a narrowboat.

• Input Voltage: 12V DC (Standard narrowboat system voltage).

• Signal Output: Single-channel low current Relay Output for horn activation.

• Current Draw (Standby): Extremely low power draw (typically 25mA at 12V) to minimise battery drain.

• Enclosure Rating: Robust protective enclosure for installation in a dry location (e.g., IP55).

Connectivity

• Connectors: Multi-pin Plug & Socket System (e.g., sealed automotive-grade connector) for reliable, watertight connection.

• Connection Points: Clearly labelled wiring terminals or pigtails for professional installation to:

  • 12V Positive Input (Inline fused).

  • 12VNegative (Ground).

  • Output: TillerBuddy Horn activation signal.

Made by a Boater for the Boater