Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Minn-Kota Thrusters -- Was: teathers

A picture might help: www.submarineboat.com/sub/images/thruster_control_on_work_table.JPG

I think we have the same controllers. Mine came with the tiller handle that housed the controller as well a turned the pot. There is 1K pot that is normally mounted in the handle and that is attached to the epoxy embedded speed controller by an 8", 3 conductor ribbon cable. What I did was I cut the ribbon cable and ran those three conductors to some relays (the yellow and blue wires). The relays allow me to switch to reverse with the press of an "Oh $hit" button. From the relays the very small, (22 awg) red and orange wires continue into my control box where they are connected to new Dual 1K pots. I am using Dual pots because I turn one knob that turns 1 pot for each motor. At least that is how I plan to keep them in sync. I am waiting on a set of Dual Pots to arrive.

Anyway you could mount those speed controllers and their heat sync blocks to your hull where they will stay cool and just extend the wires to the 1K pots and in your case those little magnetic switches that stop the motors when they are between forward and reverse. So 5 conductors per controller or 20 conductors in all for you. That would be a very manageable cable and your control box would be no bigger that mine. That coil of cable laying on my table back by the thrusters has 50 - 22awg conductors in it.

If you want more details on my setup (not yet tested) you'll find it on the following page. Under "Helm"
http://www.submarineboat.com/sub/wiring.html

Doug J

Hi Doug. " between the pot and unit" ??? I'm not getting that part. The controllers I have are one piece, all sealed in an epoxy block. Wires come directly from the battery to the controller thing, and wires go directly to the motors ( through a through-hull of course.)

Are your speed pots and controller separate ?

Frank D.

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