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Author Topic:   Yamaha Joystick Control System

jimh posted 10-21-2012 08:38 AM ET (US)
Yamaha recently announced a new joystick steering and throttle control system. Here are some details:

quote:

October 19, 2012--Yamaha Motor, in its continuing efforts to innovate and bring its customers increased boating enjoyment, announce the launch of a new Joystick Control System for their top-end outboard engines that will make docking and slow-speed manoeuvring considerably easier for the recreational boater.
The new Joystick Control System allows users to manoeuvre their outboard-equipped boats in a far more precise and controlled manner than has previously been possible using the steering wheel and throttles. Also included in the new steering package is a raft of other features designed to improve the boating experience for owners.
Based on an ergonomic joystick control at the helm, the Joystick Control System allows twin- or triple-engined boats to be manoeuvred precisely in any direction simply by moving the joystick in the desired direction of travel.
Developed in conjunction with Swedish engine manufacturer Volvo-Penta, who pioneered joystick controls for recreational boating with their IPS system for inboard engines, the Joystick Control System operates in a similar way for outboard engines. With the joystick function enabled, the engine revs adjust to a preset level. Sensors detect the movement of the joystick and the ECU adjusts the engine outputs and steering direction independently of each other in order to move the boat in any direction desired.
In addition to the joystick, a new top mount remote control box and a key switch panel will be newly featured that include an automatic trim-assist function, a theft prevention system, the ability to control engines and trim using a single lever, and speed-dependent steering friction.
Trim Assist is a system that automatically adjusts the angle of trim of the engines according to engine revs, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride without the need to trim the engines manually, although it is possible to adjust the trim manually if required. This means that the boat is always running at its optimal trim settings for any speed.
Anti-theft & One-Touch Start is a switch panel at the helm that allows the user to turn off the engine immobilisers via a RFID contactless key.
Single Lever is a means of synchronising engine revs between two or triple engines, which then allows the user to use a single throttle lever to control all engines. This is particularly useful in rough conditions when the use of a single lever is preferable to twin levers.
Speed-Dependent Steering Friction allows the user more precise control over the steering, dependent on the speed of the boat, to increase the confidence of the driver.
The Joystick Control System system will work with two- or three-engine installations of Yamaha’s highly-acclaimed V6 (4.2L) 225 to 300-HP and V8 350-HP outboards.
The Joystick Control System system will be available during boating season 2013 to a selected group of European boat builders to fit at build stage.

jimh posted 10-21-2012 08:43 AM ET (US)
Will Yamaha boat-builder partner Grady-White be offering the Joystick Control System on their larger twin- and triple-engine boats?
Mambo Minnow posted 10-21-2012 09:25 AM ET (US)
I wonder if Teleflex had patented their Optimus 360 Seastar Docking Control System? Compare at www.optimus-360.com.
jimh posted 10-21-2012 09:51 AM ET (US)
The concept of steering a boat with a joystick is not particularly new. Many very large commercial vessels are steered this way and have been for a while.
I suggest you investigate the intellectual property employed in both the Yamaha and Teleflex systems, and let us know if you find a conflict. However, I suspect that Teleflex is probably already doing this and will let Yamaha know if they feel their property has been infringed.
Note that Yamaha acknowledges it has worked with Volvo-Penta as a partner on this system, and I think it is completely reasonable to assume that Volvo-Penta may have provided Yamaha with a license to use methods that Volvo-Penta has invented and patented.
jimh posted 10-21-2012 09:54 AM ET (US)
I find two interesting features mentioned in the new Yamaha Joystick Control System:

--the automatic trim angle adjustment called Auto-Trim, and
--the automatic variation of the control friction with speed, called Speed-Dependent Steering Friction.
I look forward to hearing more details about these two features. They sound like innovations and new inventions.
jimh posted 10-21-2012 10:52 AM ET (US)
I have deleted four different sidebar topics introduced to this thread. This thread will stay focused on the new Yamaha Joystick Control System.

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Author	Topic: Yamaha Joystick Control System
jimh	posted 10-21-2012 08:38 AM ET (US) Yamaha recently announced a new joystick steering and throttle control system. Here are some details: quote: October 19, 2012--Yamaha Motor, in its continuing efforts to innovate and bring its customers increased boating enjoyment, announce the launch of a new Joystick Control System for their top-end outboard engines that will make docking and slow-speed manoeuvring considerably easier for the recreational boater. The new Joystick Control System allows users to manoeuvre their outboard-equipped boats in a far more precise and controlled manner than has previously been possible using the steering wheel and throttles. Also included in the new steering package is a raft of other features designed to improve the boating experience for owners. Based on an ergonomic joystick control at the helm, the Joystick Control System allows twin- or triple-engined boats to be manoeuvred precisely in any direction simply by moving the joystick in the desired direction of travel. Developed in conjunction with Swedish engine manufacturer Volvo-Penta, who pioneered joystick controls for recreational boating with their IPS system for inboard engines, the Joystick Control System operates in a similar way for outboard engines. With the joystick function enabled, the engine revs adjust to a preset level. Sensors detect the movement of the joystick and the ECU adjusts the engine outputs and steering direction independently of each other in order to move the boat in any direction desired. In addition to the joystick, a new top mount remote control box and a key switch panel will be newly featured that include an automatic trim-assist function, a theft prevention system, the ability to control engines and trim using a single lever, and speed-dependent steering friction. Trim Assist is a system that automatically adjusts the angle of trim of the engines according to engine revs, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride without the need to trim the engines manually, although it is possible to adjust the trim manually if required. This means that the boat is always running at its optimal trim settings for any speed. Anti-theft & One-Touch Start is a switch panel at the helm that allows the user to turn off the engine immobilisers via a RFID contactless key. Single Lever is a means of synchronising engine revs between two or triple engines, which then allows the user to use a single throttle lever to control all engines. This is particularly useful in rough conditions when the use of a single lever is preferable to twin levers. Speed-Dependent Steering Friction allows the user more precise control over the steering, dependent on the speed of the boat, to increase the confidence of the driver. The Joystick Control System system will work with two- or three-engine installations of Yamaha’s highly-acclaimed V6 (4.2L) 225 to 300-HP and V8 350-HP outboards. The Joystick Control System system will be available during boating season 2013 to a selected group of European boat builders to fit at build stage.
jimh	posted 10-21-2012 08:43 AM ET (US) Will Yamaha boat-builder partner Grady-White be offering the Joystick Control System on their larger twin- and triple-engine boats?
Mambo Minnow	posted 10-21-2012 09:25 AM ET (US) I wonder if Teleflex had patented their Optimus 360 Seastar Docking Control System? Compare at www.optimus-360.com.
jimh	posted 10-21-2012 09:51 AM ET (US) The concept of steering a boat with a joystick is not particularly new. Many very large commercial vessels are steered this way and have been for a while. I suggest you investigate the intellectual property employed in both the Yamaha and Teleflex systems, and let us know if you find a conflict. However, I suspect that Teleflex is probably already doing this and will let Yamaha know if they feel their property has been infringed. Note that Yamaha acknowledges it has worked with Volvo-Penta as a partner on this system, and I think it is completely reasonable to assume that Volvo-Penta may have provided Yamaha with a license to use methods that Volvo-Penta has invented and patented.
jimh	posted 10-21-2012 09:54 AM ET (US) I find two interesting features mentioned in the new Yamaha Joystick Control System: --the automatic trim angle adjustment called Auto-Trim, and --the automatic variation of the control friction with speed, called Speed-Dependent Steering Friction. I look forward to hearing more details about these two features. They sound like innovations and new inventions.
jimh	posted 10-21-2012 10:52 AM ET (US) I have deleted four different sidebar topics introduced to this thread. This thread will stay focused on the new Yamaha Joystick Control System.