The World’s First Wireless Tiller-Integrated Control System
This manual covers the setup and operation of the Deckhand Bundle, including the V3 Strap-to-Tiller Remote, the Wireless Horn, and the TillerBuddy Beams.
For the Mini and Wearable simply use the attached strap to wrap arround the tiller handle at your desired position for the V3 remote users ONLY see below instructions.
Lay the remote face down on a flat surface. Feed the strap through the two mounting loops on the bottom surface of the remote.
The Rule: Feed the strap so the Velcro/soft side is resting against the bottom surface of the remote.
The Result: This leaves the rubber-textured side facing OUT, ready to wrap directly against the tiller handle for maximum grip.
Wrap the strap around your tiller handle.
Feed the end through the plastic buckle.
To avoid over-stretching the material, simply pull until snug and secure the Velcro tab to the Velcro strap firmly in place. * Check: The rubber backing should now be held securely against the tiller, providing a non-slip mount for thumb-activated control.
The V3 Remote is pre-programmed to control your entire Deckhand setup.
Button 1 (Top): The Shield / Panic Mode Triggers the Horn + Red Flashing Beams.
Buttons 2 & 3 (Middle): TillerBuddy Beams Independent control of your high-intensity Spot Lights.
Button 4 (Bottom): Instant Horn Rapid access for signaling on blind bends.
Shared Frequency Visual Alarm: The Panic Button (Top) and the Horn Button (Bottom) operate on the same frequency. This is a deliberate safety feature: whenever you blast the horn, your Beams will also flash Red. This provides a vital visual alert alongside the audible one—perfect for noisy engine setups or drawing attention in an emergency.
Panic Feature Safety (Momentary Action): The Panic feature is designed as a momentary action rather than a latched one. This ensures that if the button is pressed accidentally, the alarm cannot "lock on" and stay running. This protects your battery; the user can simply pulse the button as needed.
Remote Operation: When using the V3 Remote, the Beams will always activate on the brightest white light setting for maximum navigation visibility.
Manual Mode: The physical mode button on the light unit itself allows for manual selection of other modes (such as Warm White or SOS) should you wish to use them as a manual work light.
Power: USB-C Rechargeable (4400mAh).
Mounting: Adjustable Magnetic Bracket Your horn includes a high-strength magnetic bracket and a dedicated fastening tool. To install:
Fasten: Use the supplied tool to secure the bracket to the horn unit.
Position: Angle the bracket so the horn faces forward regardless of your mounting surface.
Horizontal (Overhang): Position the bracket so the horn hangs down from the roof overhang.
Vertical (Wall): Position the bracket so it mounts to the outer wall while maintaining a forward-facing orientation.
Power: USB-C Rechargeable. The unit stays in 24/7 standby for instant response.
Master Remote: Your horn comes with a secondary Master Remote. Keep this safe inside the cabin; it is only needed for the rare troubleshooting steps mentioned below.
Understanding Standby Power To ensure your TillerBuddy system responds instantly to your remote, the internal wireless receivers remain in "Always-On" mode. This allows for immediate activation in an emergency but creates a small, constant draw on the battery.
Standby Duration: From a full charge, the internal 4400mAh battery will typically reach a low state within 3 to 4 weeks of standby.
The Pre-Departure Check: Just as you check your grease greaser or oil levels, we recommend checking the power status of your Beams and Horn before every journey.
Charging Strategy: For the best experience, we always recommend bringing your Beams and Horn inside to charge the night before you set off. This ensures 100% reliability for your navigation and signaling.
Recommended Accessory: High-Capacity Power Bank If you prefer to keep your Beams mounted on deck, we recommend keeping a 20,000mAh+ USB-C Power Bank on board. This allows you to "top-up" all your TillerBuddy devices simultaneously while they are still in position, providing enough juice for months of cruising without needing a mains socket.
No Pairing Required: Your Deckhand Bundle is hand-configured and pre-paired by BoatyBuoyBen before shipping.
Check Battery: Ensure the Horn and Beams are charged via USB-C. If the V3 Remote signal becomes weak, replace the internal CR2032 battery.
Range: Ensure there are no massive lead-lined obstructions between the remote and the receivers.
Button 1 (Top): Panic (Horn + Red Beams)
Button 2 (2nd Down): Beam A (Auto-Disarm / Unlock)
Button 3 (3rd Down): Beam B (Auto-Wake / Wake)
Button 4 (Bottom): Horn Only
Top Left: Panic Mode (Horn + Red Beams)
Top Right: Beam A (Flood Light)
Bottom Left: Navigation Horn (Discrete Blast)
Bottom Right: Beam B (Flood Light)
Note: For full functionality, see the wearable manual.
Background: The TillerBuddy Horn utilizes a high-quality internal circuit originally designed for security applications. While we have adapted this for marine use, a motion-triggered "Lock" feature remains dormant in the background. In very rare cases—such as a stray frequency from a nearby vessel—this feature may be activated, causing the horn to pulse when it detects movement.
1. The "Self-Healing" Remote Feature: Your TillerBuddy Beam A control is now integrated with the horn’s disarm system. If your horn has been accidentally armed, simply toggling Beam A will automatically send an "Unlock" signal to reset the system to its normal navigation settings.
Where to find Beam A:
On the V3 Remote (Vertical Pad): This is the second button down from the top.
On the Wearable Remote (Watch Style): This is the Top Left button.
2. The Master Remote (Manual Backup): If your primary remote does not resolve the issue, take your Master Remote and press the Unlock (Top Right) button. This instantly disarms the motion sensor and returns the horn to its normal state.
Pro-Tip for Cruising: We recommend toggling TillerBuddy Beam A on and off as part of your pre-departure checklist. This ensures the system is Disarmed and the horn is out of "Sleep Mode" before you leave the dock.
Deckhand bundles bought after the above date have horns with no internal alarm system as our new models have had the components removed.
Beam A Relay: Learn V3 Button 2 OR Wearable Top Left. (Cloned from Master B2-Unlock).
Beam B Relay: Learn V3 Button 3 OR Wearable Bottom Left. (Cloned from Master B3-Wake).
Red Beam Relays: Learn V3 Button 1 OR Wearable Bottom Right. (Cloned from Master B4-Blast).
Every TillerBuddy is built and tested on my own narrowboat to ensure it survives the real-world canal environment.
Owner/Builder: Benjamin Donnaghue ("BoatyBuoyBen")
Email: info@tillerbuddy.co.uk
Phone: 07555 252025
