New Caterpillar Electronic Engine and Transmsion Controls in Available

Caterpillar announces an all-new electronic engine and transmission control system which is now available for worldwide distribution. The new Cat® Multi Station Control System (MSCS) is ‘the intelligent solution to engine and gear control requirements’. The system allows up to 8 primary control and 8 full redundancy back-up stations on board and enables the full control of single or synchronisation of dual engine installations. Features include control of throttle and transmission (ahead, neutral, astern), station activation, slow vessel and sync-cruise mode activation and operation, trolling mode and transmission security lockout. The system also reports critical vessel parameters via indicator lamps for each function and reports failure conditions through self diagnostics displayed on Caterpillar’s® Marine Power Display diagnostic windows or the Cat Electronic Technician system. The system is operated via a control head which can be of slim line, side mounted or integrated control type, connected to Caterpillar’s new Powertrain Control Processor. System back-up includes a protected ‘enable’ switch which ensures propulsion system operation in the event of primary system failure. All components are fully functional from –40°C to plus 85°C (-40°F - +185°F) and fully capable of robust and reliable long-term operation in the harshest of marine environments. New analogue gauges In addition to the new MSCS system, Caterpillar is also launching a new suite of electronically controlled analogue gauges. The new circular gauges, available in a choice of 2”, 3” or 5” diameter, combine the accuracy and dependability of electronics, with the simplicity and visual clarity of the traditional ‘speedometer style’ round gauge – a format that is preferred by many pleasure craft owners and builders.

Designed for simple plug and play installation with Cat electronic engines, the new Marine Analogue Power Display (MAPD) system can accommodate up to 12 gauges and multi-station installation for remote monitoring and reporting where required on board the vessel. Constructed for operation in demanding marine applications, the new gauges are automatically calibrated for accurate, trouble free set up and ease of installation. Non- analogue information such as displaying hours spent or distance travelled as well as some error codes are communicated by an LCD display within the gauge on 3” and 5” options. Flashing and audible alarms and fault reports are also available. The gauges can be specified as individual components to be fitted into an existing ‘dashboard’ style, or a complete MAPD panel can now be supplied direct by Caterpillar. The ‘plug and play’ MAPD panel features a 3” tachometer gauge and 2” engine oil pressure, coolant temperature, inlet manifold temperature and volt gauges as well as an ‘off/run/start’ switch, shut down button, slow vessel mode button, warning lamp and diagnostic lamp. The new MSCS control system from Caterpillar will be available first quarter 2003. Both have been developed in line with Caterpillar’s policy of continuous improvement to meet customer requirements using the latest technology and where necessary, more traditional values and preferences to achieve an optimum solution for the boat builder and the boat owner.