More Smartcraft Issues

[BikerBen]

I'm trying to install a Smartcraft system. I have a cable with terminating resistors on both ends. I have a choice of two types of gauges, neither of which works. One tells me I have no starboard engine (Smartcraft tach), the other tells me I have no engine (SC1000 System Monitor). I'm pretty sure I have an engine, so what am I missing? Could this be a software mismatch?

 

[Rotorfixer]

Re: More Smartcraft Issues

I'm trying to install a Smartcraft system. I have a cable with terminating resistors on both ends. I have a choice of two types of gauges, neither of which works. One tells me I have no starboard engine (Smartcraft tach), the other tells me I have no engine (SC1000 System Monitor). I'm pretty sure I have an engine, so what am I missing? Could this be a software mismatch?

Hello there,

No starboard engine means that you need to take it to the dealer and have the engine programmed as "starboard"

Need more info, what is p/n of gauges and what is year and type of engine....

Peter.

 

[BikerBen]

Re: More Smartcraft Issues

Engine is 2001 Mercury Optimax 150 with Smartcraft harness and capability (according to Mercury Marine). PCM is 859610. Does this need to have a microcode upgrade? If so, does that get done by local Mercury dealer or do I have to send it somewhere? I don't have the gauge part numbers handy but they are new and probably have reasonably current part numbers. SF1000 Monitor comes up with a 3.04 which I guess is a version number.

 

[Rotorfixer]

Re: More Smartcraft Issues

I think the "newer" smartcraft systems are 2001 and up, so you should be fine if it was a new gauge. Bring it to the dealer and ask them to set the engine as "starboard" I would expect that would solve your problem. (That is FOR SURE at least one of your problems....)

Peter

 

[BikerBen]

Re: More Smartcraft Issues

Can they do the job with just the PCM or do I have to haul to boat to them?

 

[Rotorfixer]

Re: More Smartcraft Issues

Good question, I would suspect they need the entire boat (engine), you will have to call them and see. I would be curious to know what you find out!

Peter

 

[BikerBen]

Re: More Smartcraft Issues

I think I found the answer on another website. There is code (microcode) within SC1000 gauges that has been updated from time to time. My SC1000 monitor comes up with a "3.04" displayed initially. This, no doubt is the microcode version number, and the monitor will only talk to engine PCM's that are at a more current microcode level than my 2001, unless I get a code upgrade which can apparently be done if I send the PCM back to the factory. I'm now in the process of determining who or where to send the PCM, how long it would take, cost, etc. but I'm beginning to wish I hadn't started this whole thing. I expect there will be further complications since I think Smartcraft technology was owned by VDO which was owned by Siemens but has since been spun off, and Mercury is now owned by Brunswick. Question: Is this really a better solution than a few analog gauges (fuel, voltage, water pressure, engine temp) that one could read at a glance, even while running at WOT, instead of having to page through an LCD display?

 

[Rotorfixer]

Re: More Smartcraft Issues

I think I found the answer on another website. There is code (microcode) within SC1000 gauges that has been updated from time to time. My SC1000 monitor comes up with a "3.04" displayed initially. This, no doubt is the microcode version number, and the monitor will only talk to engine PCM's that are at a more current microcode level than my 2001, unless I get a code upgrade which can apparently be done if I send the PCM back to the factory. I'm now in the process of determining who or where to send the PCM, how long it would take, cost, etc. but I'm beginning to wish I hadn't started this whole thing. I expect there will be further complications since I think Smartcraft technology was owned by VDO which was owned by Siemens but has since been spun off, and Mercury is now owned by Brunswick. Question: Is this really a better solution than a few analog gauges (fuel, voltage, water pressure, engine temp) that one could read at a glance, even while running at WOT, instead of having to page through an LCD display?

Not sure I buy it, all 2001 later engines and gauges are supposed to be compatable regardless of software version. I really suggest starting with the simplest and most obvious problem first, set the ECM to starboard. You could also email merc from their website, they have helped me out lots.

Peter.

 

[BikerBen]

Re: More Smartcraft Issues

I saw the answer to my problem in a Mercury Smartcraft manual. All 2001 Optimax engines are not Smartcraft capable. Though mine is supposed to be, and has the appropriate cable connector, it is not fully digital, and the monitors that were built to support it were a special case. The only Smartcraft monitors that support 2001 engines are a version 1.1 or 1.2 monitor. Otherwise, a PCM upgrade is required, and I'm sure as heck not going to spend that kind of money (> $1000). For my purposes, a couple of analog gauges will suffice.