Adding trim switches to throttle or helm
 

Thinking of adding the ability to trim the drives on the throttle (or maybe the helm).

I've looked through OSO and a majority of information is pretty old. Having independent drive trim on each lever would be beneficial. Merc has a kit, 87-848926A2, but doesn't list the components. I'd need two, one for left and right. I see there are diode kits for each up/down (would these be needed if using two switches?). How do you wire it? I'd think you could just run the switches to the corresponding terminals on the dash switches and have it work without the need for diodes. Anyway, never done this before but I'd like to.

I have a CRT wheel that has switches and wiring, but don't think I have enough space between the bolster, the wheel, and me to make it work (I think I'm already using the shortest helm post).

Thoughts on doing this?

Maybe Livorsi Marine, Inc. - Throttles and Controls, Livorsi DTS Controls, Platinum Series Controls and Throttles

Here are the wiring instructions for one of Livorsi’s throttle assemblies (now discontinued):


https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...8f9eba7a5.jpeg

Anyone know of where to get the switches that can go into the handle on a Zero Effort control?

NLA anywhere as far as I know. Old thread where a guy made some, but he has not been on OSO for few years. https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/...-controls.html

I did it on my twin OB w/no diodes.

The challenge was finding a supplier of switches small enough to fit the OEM Keikhaefer lever button.

They work great but with them that small, it’s almost impossible to tell if you’re trimming both motors or not.

I’ve turned around more than once to see one motor tilted almost out of the water!

I mounted a second set of regular sized buttons on the helm in case the tiny ones act up.

You want a single button connected through diodes to individual buttons for each drive.

That way, the single button moves both drives, while you keep the ability of the individual buttons to control the drives separately.

TrimSync is a highly recommended product for keeping drives trimmed at the same height.

Marine Industries West sells diode kits. You can also find Mercury trim diode kits on eBay. You can of course also just buy suitable diodes.

Wait, no phone app for trim yet ? :)

I think the kit is still available from Merc. I didn't see it on BAM's site, but PerfPro indicated it was available. $98 for the switch kit and then $60 for the diode harness. I'm unsure if the harness comes with the switch kit. Seems expensive but if it works...

Per an old lookup for switches from Great Lakes Skipper, the insider diameter of the hole is 1.25-inch.

Trim diodes
 

I've been getting trim diodes from Marine Industries West. He is a great guy and charges half of what Mercury is asking.

https://www.marineindustrieswest.com...p_id=62&page=1

Trim switch for Kiekhafer controls
 

It does not look too different from the switch that Latham uses, but Latham's switch does not have any frame.

Latham sells individual switches at Latham prices.

Might be worth investigating.

If you want two switches (one for each drive) then you dont need diodes. Thats only if you want one switch activating both drives at the same time.
Your only issue is finding the switches that will work for your throttles. You want to find momentary ON/OFF/ON switches and wire them in parallel with existing switches on dash.

Are the components (switch and cover )for the dts zero effort lever not the same ? I dunno. Just throwing it out there

https://www.marineengine.com/parts/m...ts-1-2-3-lever

Another thing, i reconfigured a Teleflex MY control (4 lever) the other month and they look near identical to the zero efforts. Not sure if they offer trim switches and covers for the controls.

http:/www.boaterstore.com/teleflex/mycontrol.pdf

and

https://www.marineengine.com/products/technical_information/iMYi%20control.pdf

Same part number. We have a winner!!

Same part number(s). Can get the switch with wiring or the whole thing.

Probably a pain to try and use one on each side. What do you guys think?

When you say helm I'm guessing you mean on the wheel?
You're current trim switches are on the dash?
I'm a fan on the one on the throttle trimming both drives together then just using the dash switches if needed if they are out of sync.
Anything is doable and all subject to opinion but seems one of those switches opposite side of your thumb would be cumbersome.

I would use one switch for both drives and use diodes.

Yep, switches are on the dash and pretty hard to get to when things get rough at speed. Having the switch on the throttle will make things much easier/safer.

I think I’ll start with the one switch and diode combination. I may add another for the tabs, but if I do, will be down the road.

I’m going to order the Merc switch.

Ordered the switch assembly and the Marine Industries West diode kit. Let's see what the switch assembly looks like when it gets here.

Watching and learning as I too would like a set-up like this.

Although having one switch is easier to wire ...we all know the trim pumps never move at the same rates up/down.....so even after you use the switch to move them up/down you will end up going to the dash to fine tune later....if you can fit two switches i'd go that route
Or if you can find someone selling the Livorsi dual switch mount then it would save you some time as well.....im not sure if they still make it or not so it may be worth calling them and asking.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...43fb6f5084.jpg

I took that pic from an old OSO thread of someone selling that assembly :)

Yep! Saw the same thread come up during a search for solutions. Would be a pretty cool find.

And agree on the need to fine tune - mine do not move at the same speed. Cleaning of connections and a flush and fill will great really help that.

Just getting around to some more responses....

TrimSync is some big money!! If I see it becoming a big problem I might look into it.

I'll document it what I do. I also ordered from Great Lakes Skipper a couple of sets of switch and backing plates (they're made from aluminum vs plastic). I'll remove the powdercoat and polish. They'll be a little nicer than the plastic ones from Merc.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...7d258e6121.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...51aea9acca.jpg

not if you have this.

https://marinedesigncorp.com/drivesync/

I see Markus gave the answer already.they are pricey,,but moving fast,you like to have the drives moving the same.

Seems like a great solution... knowing me, I'll probably add it t some point.

Well, that was a disappointing buy.

I received the “kit” this morning. A switch and a sticker. That was it. No wiring, no switch plate, nothing else. All that for $90?! Sending it back and I’ll wire up my own. I’m glad I bought the parts from Great Lakes Skipper.

That parts fiche is confusing. You'd think a KIT would include everything.
There is two #3 but different part numbers.

I see it as you'd need one of each.
#2) 848922
#3) 848926A1
#3) 848926A2
#5) 848923
Maybe even harness #44) 888854A1
Diode harness at that link number #45) $821.00 :eek:
I'm aware you got a diode setup elsewhere.

And this link may be more relevant as it's the mechanical control parts, not DTS
Part numbers are the same.
Interesting the handle harness is listed as #8 in this fiche but says NSS.
Also there are 4 diode kits at the mechanical link below, 2 for twin engine, about 50ish bucks and 2 for triple at over $1000. :eek:
https://www.marineengine.com/parts/m...cal-components

I get needing extra parts. Just ranting about what I got for the money… A five dollar switch and a decal.

I’ll grab a pic later. It’s (not so) amusingly ridiculous.

Here’s mine.

I have $20 in it.

Started set up for a single and I modded it for what I needed.

The electrical tape is holding the harness on the back side of that lever as it wouldn’t fit through the tube that the single harness went through.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...c0e9db107.jpeg

No reach around ? Even ?
Damn !

No reach around. No kiss. Nada.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...6f557f7cc.jpeg

Oof. That's a ripoff even by Merc standards.

Sorry if this is late, but I have one of these I don’t need. I installed trim sync last season and this got replaced with two switches on the throttle.


https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...71e4a9ecc.jpeg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...8e292b56b.jpeg

What do you want for it?

$20 and I’ll pay the shipping.

I’ll take it!