Vessel View Link communication error when using Troll Control

[R2Tracker]

2011 Mercury 60ELPT 4S
Model: 1A60413KZ
SN: 1C160741

Vessel View Link harness directly connected to engine via blue cable with yellow heat shrinks at each end implying each end of the cable has built in terminators. Boat has no other Smart Craft gauges. VVL seems to provide engine data but each time I attempt to use Troll Control it will work for a short period of time then ultimately will throw an alarm stating "Communication Error - There is a communication problem with the SmartCraft control system (Non-Critical - Service engine soon)". Also thought that this engine supported tow and cruise control modes but they dont seem to work.

Looking for troubleshooting suggestions.

[EuropeanAM]

You can use Troll Control- but Smart Tow is not available on your MECHANICAL shift and throttle engine.

First thing I noticed is the "Center Engine" designation. Normally Starboard (Outside) is the FIRST engine location... has this engine ever been used in a MULTI-engine application?

Engine may be set to wrong location- OR there may be an updated PCM Calibration (there were a few back in that vintage that had some strange Smartcraft items occurring).

[R2Tracker]

Single motor and came rigged on the boat when new so it shouldn't have ever been part of a multi-engine installation. I have the "single engine" version of VVL so I believe "center" is the only engine designation available. I was out with it this weekend and troll control seemed to work longer than it ever had before throwing the alarm (still less than a minute or two), maybe coincidental but this time got the alarm almost immediately when I attempted to engage autopilot.

Updated PCM calibration?... in other words take it to a dealer?

[EuropeanAM]

Yes, PCM calibration check (and/or reflash) is something that would have to be done THROUGH a dealer (may or may not be done "at" the dealership).

You have Troll Control, but only within a specific range of RPM's. If the throttle position changes even slightly, that may trigger the fault you are getting.

As stated earlier, you do NOT have a "DTS" (Digital Throttle and Shift) engine, so you cannot utilize the Smart-Tow, Auto-Heading, Auto-Pilot, and other similar features as they do not pertain to your engine.

[R2Tracker]

Yep copy that... some of the advanced features not being available on my mechanical throttle and shift engine.

Also I apologize I should have clarified earlier when I had mentioned auto pilot, I have the Lowrance Outboard Pilot hydraulic system installed.

It actually requires quite a bit of movement of the control lever from in gear at idle and actually applying throttle. Next time out I will experiment and see if subtle movements of the controls within that "deadzone" trigger the alarm. Would love to get to the bottom of this issue, Troll Control was certainly a factor in my decision to purchase VVL, and the Lowrance Outboard Pilot.

[EuropeanAM]

Troll Control was certainly a factor in my decision to purchase VVL, and the Lowrance Outboard Pilot.

Just as a matter of note- keep in mind that these two systems (though both on the face of your Lowrance) do not have the ability to accurately work in concert. Certainly do not attempt to have both active at the same time as that will NOT work.

[MichaelJ3]

Just as a matter of note- keep in mind that these two systems (though both on the face of your Lowrance) do not have the ability to accurately work in concert. Certainly do not attempt to have both active at the same time as that will NOT work.

Hey Don, your post is not quite clear, can you clarify a little: Are you saying you can't use Outboard Pilot and Troll Control at the same time? Or that you can't use VVL functions at all and Outboard Pilot at the same time?

Because this video, published by Lowrance, implies that Troll Control and Outboard Pilot are working together...

[EuropeanAM]

Michael- My apologies. From what I can see, Lowrance Outboard Pilot is a STEERING ONLY system (it's outputs/controls are at the steering HELM only). That should not prove any significant problem for Troll Control (provided that system voltage doesn't drop or spike, of course).

My concern would be anything that alters the throttle position input (including, but not limited to a maladjusted cable, user input, etc).

[MichaelJ3]

Hey, no problem Don...I’m just watching this out of curiousity...VV Link is on my short list of possible adds...not trying to hijack the thread. Thanks for clearing that up.

[R2Tracker]

Well I did find out this weekend that moving the throttle lever within the "deadzone" had no effect, meaning I was not able to cause the error on demand. Moving beyond the "deadzone" and actually applying throttle VVL knew exactly what was going on and brings up a message about Troll Control must be at idle to work, paraphrasing here as I don't remember exact wording, but the main point is different behavior than the "Communication Error" as pictured in post #1.

[EuropeanAM]

That's good to know- should rule out that possibility for you.

I would be inspecting the pins/connectors on all connections between the engine and the VVL, and testing resistance between the blue and white wires of the main harness (unplugged at both ends).

[R2Tracker]

Thank you Don,
Just to clarify when you suggest checking resistance between blue and white wires of the main harness, is the main harness the blue wire that typically goes beteween the engine and a junction box... so on my install which was done this spring its part number 84-879982T20 connected to a short little male to male coupler 84-892452T01 and the other end of that is connected to the input cable that comes with the VVL.

The engine side of my 84-879982T20 appears there are only 5 contacts can you tell me which of the contacts are the blue and white wires?

[EuropeanAM]

Pull the convoluted tubing back from the connector, open the clamshell, and you will be able to clearly "see" which ones are the blue wire and the black wire.

Make sure the harness is disconnected at both ends.

[R2Tracker]

Will try to dig into it this weekend... how much resistance am I hoping to find, whats the "within spec" window?

[EuropeanAM]

60 ohms.

[R2Tracker]

Cheap Harbor Freight meter reads between 59.5 and 61 ohms usually 60 dead on when I first male contact with the pins.

[EuropeanAM]

That's what it should read...

One other question- have you tried only a 50 or 75 RPM adjustment and let it run there to see if it will hold that?

Wondering if perhaps the problem really isn't a "Smartcraft" problem as much as it is mechanical (and PCM programmed) LIMITS.

Outside of this- we've pretty well expended what can be easily checked by keyboard and mouse.

[R2Tracker]

Just to be sure I understand correctly... Troll control for my engine is allowing a range of 700-1000 rpm in 10 rpm increments. Are you suggesting I set it for say 750 or 800 perhaps and see if it still throws the error. I have done this in the past and still encounter the issue but am certainly willing to try again.

[EuropeanAM]

That is what I was suggesting. I would have to verify the actual calibration numbers to see where the real range is for your serial number.

[R2Tracker]

Tried 850 rpm and got the alarm in less than a minute.