VIP 150, Hydraulic with Electronic Controller
25/12/2005
17
6.
TESTS and CHECKS
6.1 BEFORE
LAUNCHING:
a) Check all fittings for tightness and leaks
b) Raise and lower thruster.
c) Check operation of the DCV
d) Check that the hull closing plate shuts firmly.
e) Confirm that all bolts have been sufficiently tightened, especially the base bolts.
f) Correct the adjustment of the position detectors, if needed.
If the up/down motors function the wrong way round, reverse the two wires connected to
the up/down motors.
Never test the thruster to the left or right with the boat out of the water..
6.2 AFTER
LAUNCHING:
a) Check the water tightness of the thruster installation.
b) Fill the hydraulic power circuit taking care never to let the pump run dry
c) Turn on power to both circuits (power and control).
d) Purge the system by executing a few short left and right manoeuvres, check the hydraulic
oil tank and refill if necessary.
e) Check the operation of the Directional Control Valve.
f) Thrust tests must be carried out under NORMAL conditions:
- with the batteries fully charged and in good condition.
-
with the engine running and the alternator charging the batteries.
g) Check thrust direction: Wth the joystick to the left (port) the vessel should move to the
port and conversely. If the direction is not correct then inverse the connections on the
hydraulic Directional Control Valve.
h) Check the Voltage at the electropump (if fitted) You should not read less than 21V
i) Check the hydraulic pressure on the DCV under load, the pressure should be in the order
of 130 to 140 Bars. The relief valve has been factory set and should not require
adjustment.
Close Pressure valve after checks.
7. OPERATION
LIMITATIONS
Never leave the VIP in the down position when not in use. Any calcium, or shellfish deposits
that accumulate after a long period in the down position will deteriorate the column’s water
seal.
The VIP must be in the up position during normal navigation. The VIP should only be
used under conditions with less than 5 knots forward speed.
Please note that the electropump motor of the VIP is rated S2-2min. This means the motor
can run continuously for 2 minutes, after which it should be stopped for a sufficient time to
cool down to the ambient temperature.
Please keep in mind that the supply to the up/down motors is not automatically interrupted if
the proximity switches do not detect the position detectors. Care must thus be taken to
remove ones finger from the up or down button as soon as unit blocks, before fully up or
down positions are reached.
The VIP thruster should always be used when the batteries are fully charged and the with the
engine alternator running. Discharged batteries will damage the electropump motor.
