TillerBuddy V3 Installation Guide.

The TillerBuddy V3 offers 4 relay circuits to wire to your desired controls.

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 power circuits 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 the 12V DC power wire 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.

Horn Connection.

• • 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.

Spot Light Connection

• • 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.

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 relay corresponding with the command you desire in the TillerBuddy Receiver unit, and then press the corisponding button on the Buddy controller. Pairing will be complete.

Part 3: Final Check & Testing

1. Ensure all connections are tight.

2. Test each function (Horn, Light, Relay 3 etc) using the Buddy controller.

⚙️ TillerBuddy V3 Support & Contact

Every TillerBuddy is 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 & Support

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).