The Original TillerBuddy™ v1 DNA – The DIY Classic
The V1 Kit provides the high-performance electronic core of our flagship integrated handles in a compact, "build-it-yourself" format. This guide covers the installation of the button, transmitter, and the relay receiver.
The V1 is designed to be recessed directly into your existing wooden tiller handle for a flush, professional finish.
Most traditional tiller handles taper toward the end. We recommend cutting off the very tip of the handle (the smallest diameter).
Why? Removing the tapered tip creates a flat, wide surface area.
The Result: This ensures your 30mm button sits perfectly flush against the wood without gaps.
To house the components, you will need to drill three specific holes:
Button Bore: Drill a 30mm diameter hole to a depth of 1.5 inches.
Electronics Bore: From the center of that hole, drill an 18mm diameter hole to a further depth of 3 inches to house the wireless transmitter.
The Locking Hole: Drill a small hole into the bottom surface of the tiller handle, aligned with where the button’s thread will sit. Tap this hole with an M4 thread to accept a grub screw.
The V1 kit is designed for true "Plug & Play" assembly.
Step 1: Connect the pre-wired button leads to the wireless transmitter module (they plug directly into one another).
Step 2: Slide the transmitter module into the 18mm bore first.
Step 3: Press the 30mm blue-illuminated button into the main bore until it sits flush against the face of the tiller.
Step 4: Secure the Button: Insert an M4 grub screw into the threaded hole on the bottom of the tiller. Tighten it until it meets the button thread to lock the entire unit securely in place.
The kit includes a high-performance 1-Channel Relay Receiver. This unit acts as the bridge between your wireless button and your boat’s horn.
Input Power: 6V – 32V DC.
Relay Output: 6V – 240V (Dry Contact).
IMPORTANT: All wiring should be performed by an engineer or a competent person.
Parallel Wiring: The receiver should be wired directly to the two wires at the back of your boat's original horn button.
The Backup Advantage: By wiring in parallel, your original dashboard horn button remains fully functional. This ensures you always have a manual backup option should you ever need it.
Because the V1 is built into the handle, it uses a high-capacity internal cell designed for long-term use.
Battery Replacement: If the signal becomes weak or the blue light on the button fails to illuminate, loosen the M4 grub screw and pull the button forward to access the transmitter and replace the internal battery.
Testing: Always test the wireless range from the helm to the receiver location before permanently securing any wiring.
Every TillerBuddy is tested to ensure it survives the real-world canal environment.
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