Relay Terminal Connections

Connect your 14/16 AWG wires to the following terminals:

• +V: Connect to the 12V Positive (+) supply. You must install an inline 2A fuse on this wire as close to the power source as possible.

• -V: Connect to the 12V Negative (-) supply (Ground).

• COM (Common): Connect to one side of the boat’s original horn button circuit.

• NO (Normally Open): Connect to the other side of the boat’s original horn button circuit.

• NC: Leave empty (Not Connected).

Installation Options

Option A: Direct to Battery (Recommended)

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

2. Install an inline fuse holder (2A fuse) on your positive supply wire as close to the battery terminal as possible.

3. Connect the fused wire to the +V terminal on the relay.

4. Connect a negative wire from the battery's negative terminal to the -V terminal on the relay.

Option B: Splicing into an Auxiliary Circuit

1. Identify a stable 12V auxiliary circuit. Ensure it is already protected by an appropriate fuse.

2. Using a suitable splice connector, tap into the positive and negative wires of that circuit.

3. Connect the positive wire to the +V terminal and the negative wire to the -V terminal on the relay.

4. Ensure all connections are tightened firmly into the relay terminal blocks.

Understanding the Switching Logic

The TillerBuddy acts as a parallel switch to your boat’s existing horn button. When you activate the TillerBuddy, it electronically bridges the two wires connected to your horn button, triggering the horn exactly as if you had pressed the button yourself. By using 14/16 AWG wire throughout, you ensure the system is safe regardless of whether your horn is triggered via a relay or powered directly through the 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.

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.

To pair your TillerBuddy remote or v1 horn button to the receiver:

1. Locate the Learn button on the relay board.

2. Press the Learn button once. An LED indicator light on the board will begin to flash (note: on some models, the light may remain steadily illuminated).

3. While the light is active (flashing or steady), press the desired button on your remote control or v1 horn button.

4. Once paired, the relay LED indicator will go out.

• 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.

Every TillerBuddy is tested to ensure it survives the real-world canal environment.

• Best way is to hit the Live Chat Support Button (NO annoying automation or AI its direct to a human).