TillerBuddy V3 Installation Guide (Wireless Thruster Control)

Every Tiller Should Have a Buddy by its Side (Made by a Boater for the Boater)

The TillerBuddy V3 offers wireless bow thruster and auxiliary control with the flexibility of a strap-on control unit for temporary or alternative tiller mounting.

Required Tools

• Spanner (likely 13mm) for battery terminals.

• Screwdriver (flat or star/Phillips) suitable for control panels.

• Wire cutters/strippers.

Safety First

Before commencing work, ensure the boat’s engine and the bow thruster power are switched OFF.

Part 1: TillerBuddy Receiver Installation

The TillerBuddy Receiver must be mounted near the circuits it controls (e.g., near the thruster control panel or fuse panel).

A. Power Connection (Wire Pair 5)

Wire Pair 6 provides 12V DC power to the TillerBuddy Receiver. Use the supplied ring crimps (Option A) or quick-release connectors (Option B) to connect this pair to a stable 12V DC source.

• Connect the Red wire of Pair 5 (with the inline fuse holder) to the Positive (+) 12V source.

• Connect the Black wire of Pair 5 to the Negative (-) 12V source.

B. Circuit Connections (Wire Pairs 1-4)

The remaining five grouped wire pairs connect the receiver's switching circuits to your boat's systems.

• Pair 1: Horn

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

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

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

  • 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.

• Pair 2: Thruster LEFT

  • Connect the two wires of Pair 2 across the existing control wires behind the thruster panel for LEFT movement using the supplied quick-release (snap) connectors (splicing principle).

• Pair 3: Thruster RIGHT

  • Connect the two wires of Pair 3 across the existing control wires behind the thruster panel for RIGHT movement using the supplied quick-release (snap) connectors (splicing principle).

• Pair 4: Spot Light

  • Connect the two wires of Pair 4 across the switch terminals or circuit for the spot light or auxiliary circuit 1 using the supplied quick-release (snap) connectors (splicing principle). This circuit functions as a latch (press once for ON, press again for OFF).

Part 2: Buddy Control Setup

The Buddy (control unit) is the wireless transmitter.

1. Power the Buddy: The control unit should be connected as required (e.g., USB charging or internal battery).

2. Pairing: The unit is ready paired from the factory. If pairing is lost or a new device is used: Press the Pair button on the side of the TillerBuddy Receiver unit, and then press any one button on the Buddy controller. Pairing will be complete.

Part 3: Final Check & Testing

1. Ensure all connections are tight.

2. Restore power to the thruster system.

3. Test each function (Horn, Thruster Left/Right, Light) using the Buddy controller.

⚙️ TillerBuddy V3 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 Part 1.B (Pair 1); 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 (Part 1.A). Ensure the ring crimp connections to the 12V supply are secure and free of corrosion.

• Symptom: Control does not activate circuit (e.g., thruster or lights).

  • Solution: Verify the receiver is powered (Part 1.A). Check the connections for the specific pair (2 through 5) at the control panel to ensure the splicing is secure using the quick-release connectors.

• Symptom: Buddy control does not operate receiver.

  • Solution: Follow the pairing instructions in Part 2. Ensure the Buddy controller is charged or powered.

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 v3 Control (Strap-On Remote)

Physical & Mechanical Features

• System Includes: The detachable, strap-on control unit only (no TillerBuddy custom handle included).

• Mounting: Universal Strap-On mounting system allows the control panel to be securely fastened to any tiller or convenient surface.

• Controls: Multi-function control featuring 5 physical buttons, configurable for 4-channel use (e.g., Bow Thruster, Horn, Speaker).

• Housing Material: Durable plastic.

Communication & Power System Specifications

• Wireless Technology: Bluetooth 4.0 (BLE) for secure, low energy communication.

• Operating Range: Up to 10 metres (Optimised for close-range helm control).

• Battery: Internal rechargeable battery.

• Dimensions: Compact and discreet design.

2. TillerBuddy Receiver v3 (Multi-Function Controller)

System & Electrical Specifications

• Wireless Technology: Bluetooth Receiver Core for stable communication with the Buddy v3 Control.

• Function: 4-channel signal controller for multiple outputs.

• Input Voltage: Versatile DC 5-30V input (Fully compatible with standard 12V narrowboat systems).

• Control Outputs: 4 independent, isolated relay channels for control signalling.

• Relay Rating: 10A at 30VDC per channel (Suitable for activating bow thruster solenoids and TillerBuddy accessories).

• Installation: Supplied with a Pre-Installed Wiring Harness featuring all necessary connectors for streamlined installation into the boat's electrical system.

Made by a Boater for the Boater