Section 1 - Getting to Know the Axius System
CMD-4082082 / 90-8M0052072 eng FEBRUARY 2011 Page 7
Digital Throttle and Shift
Digital Throttle and Shift (DTS) operating instructions are provided in a separate manual. Refer to Cummins MerCruiser Diesel's
SmartCraft and DTS Operators Manual.
Electronic Helm Steering
The electronic helm steering operates using electrical signals. A computer‑controlled electric motor attached to the steering wheel
simulates the resistance feedback found in hydraulic steering systems.
We recommend that you drive carefully (in an open area clear of obstructions or other boat traffic) until you are familiar with the
Axius system's handling characteristics and the boat's response. The electronic steering may provide a faster steering response
than expected.
To confirm your steering range from lock to lock, ensure that the starboard engine key switch is on. The engines do not have to
be running. Turn the wheel to starboard until the wheel stops at the starboard lock or end‑stop. The end‑stop is electronically set
by the electric motor attached to the steering wheel. Begin turning the wheel to port and count the number of revolutions until the
wheel stops at the port lock. The number of wheel revolutions you counted moves the drives from the maximum starboard angle
to maximum port angle, with the center (straight‑ahead position) being 0°. The maximum steering angles are controlled within the
vessel personality developed by CMD and the OEM.
In certain situations the electronic end‑stops of the wheel are not felt. The absence of noticeable end‑stops does not affect the
steering. The drives will still stop when they reach the full turn position at each lock. The absence of end‑stops can be the result
of the starboard key switch in the off position, a low starboard battery voltage, or a steering wheel motor fault.
Your vessel's personality, as developed by the vessel manufacturer in partnership with CMD, determines the number of turns lock
to lock. Typically, this is approximately 2‑3/4 revolutions of the wheel. The OEM may request different lock to lock settings for
other boat models.
Dual‑Handle Electronic Remote Control (ERC)—Operation and Adjustment
Operation
The electronic remote control (ERC) handle controls the operation of shift and throttle. Push the control handle forward from neutral
to the first detent for forward gear. Continue pushing the handle forward to increase speed. Pull the control handle from the forward
position to the neutral position to decrease speed and eventually stop. Pull the control handle back from neutral to the first detent
for reverse gear. Continue pulling the handle back to increase speed in reverse.
NOTE: In certain modes, gear position is determined by the Electronic Shift Control (ESC), not the position of the ERC levers.
When using the joystick or while in Skyhook, the computer moves the drives in and out of gears even though the handles are in
neutral.
Typical ERC handles
a - Forward
b - Neutral
c - Reverse
d - Starboard engine handle
e - Port engine handle
The amount of force needed to move the ERC handles and to move the ERC handles through the detents is adjustable to help
prevent unwanted motion of the handle in rough water.
Adjustment
NOTE: The control handle tension and detent tension may require period maintenance using the adjustment screws.
To adjust the ERC handle detent tension:
1. Remove the side cover of the handle needing adjustment.
2. Turn the adjustment screw clockwise to increase tension on the control handle and counter‑clockwise to decrease tension.
3. Adjust to tension desired.
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