Section 1. Basic System Understanding:

Helm Keypad- The Helm Keypad enables you to turn the ATC system  ON and OFF, set the Zero Point, and monitor trim tab movement by observing the arrow indicators.

Attitude Sensor- The Attitude Sensor detects your boat's deviation from the Zero Point you store in memory and sends a continuous signal to the Central Processing Unit.

Central Processing Unit- The Central Processing Unit analyzes the Attitude Sensor signals, determines how the trim tabs should be adjusted, and communicates this corrective information to the ATC Module.

ATC Module- The ATC Module translates the Central Processing Unit's commands and energizes the trim tab's Hydraulic Power Unit for corrective trim tab adjustment.

The ATC system calculates continuous readings of your boat's attitude and decides how to make the attitude correcting trim tab adjustments.  If you leave protected water, and move out on to rougher seas, experience a weight shift from passenger movement, or reset the throttle, the ATC system adapts and compensates for the conditions, adjusting the trim tabs to keep your boat running at the optimum attitude you have programmed in it's memory. Sophisticated software provides uninterrupted control, while ignoring momentary weight shifts, waves or wakes.

Section 2. BEFORE INSTALLING YOUR AUTO TAB CONTROL, YOU MUST CHECK YOUR TRIM TAB SYSTEM INSTALLATION:

The ATC system interfaces with your trim tab system, and instantly operates your trim tab Hydraulic Power Unit (HPU).  Therefore, before you install and operate your ATC system it is critical you confirm that the HPU wiring and hydraulic tubing is connected EXACTLY as described in items 1 and 2 below:

1. Hydraulic Tubing:

• Port tubing must be connected to the port trim tab fitting on one end and the fitting marked "P" (front left) on the HPU.

• Starboard tubing must be connected to the starboard trim tab fitting on one end and the fitting marked "S" (front right) on the HPU.

THE TUBING MUST NOT BE REVERSED

2. Helm Control Wiring:

Inspect the four color wire harness leading to the back of the trim tab helm control.

For Single Lever and Rocker Switch controls:

Notice the indented letters on the back of the control, make sure connections are as follows:

• Red wire connects to "R"

• Green wire connects to "G"

• Blue wire connects to "B"

• Yellow wire connects to "Y"

For Racing Type Control:

Facing the control, with the word BOW at the top, turn the control over to the right (or left) and inspect the control to insure the wiring is connected as follows:

• The blue wire is connected to the top two terminals

• The red wire is connected to the two left terminals

• The yellow wire is connected to the two bottom terminals

• The green wire is connected to the two right terminals

THE WIRING CONNECTIONS MUST NOT BE REVERSED

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH POINTS 1 AND 2 WILL CAUSE THE AUTO TAB CONTROL TO FUNCTION IMPROPERLY

If you have any questions regarding points 1 and 2 contact Bennett Marine by E-mail Trimtabs@earthlink.com or call Bennett Marine Client Services at (954) 427-1400 (8:00 am - 5:00pm Eastern time, Monday through Friday).

Section 3. HOW TO SET THE ZERO POINT - FINDING YOUR BOAT'S OPTIMUM ATTITUDE:  

Important note: The ON / OFF button will not activate the ATC system until the initial Zero Point is set.   If the Zero Point is not set the SET ZERO light slowly blinks ON and OFF.

After installation take the boat for a test run to set the Zero Point.

While underway, allow the boat to "break over" on plane and achieve what you consider to be its most desirable running attitude.  At that moment, press and hold down both "SET ZERO" buttons on the ATC Helm Keypad, until the LED flashes rapidly (hold down for about 4 seconds). Once the LED is flashing, the attitude of the boat, at the moment the SET ZERO buttons are released, is locked in the memory.  The ATC Zero Point is now set.  The system automatically reverts to the "OFF" mode at this point.

• Boats with a wide range of running speeds (ex: 20 to 40 mph) should set the Zero Point within the lower half of the running speed range.
• After setting the Zero Point, press and hold the ON / OFF button for 1 second to engage the ATC system, and begin the automatic trimming mode.
• Once the Zero Point is set, the ATC system will permanently retain this optimum attitude in it's memory. Your boat now seeks this attitude regardless of changes in speed, weight\ distribution, sea conditions or other variables.
• Should you ever want to reset the Zero Point, just follow the same procedure to replace the stored Zero Point with the new Zero Point.

Hints for finding your boat's optimum running attitude

Most boats "break over" (get on plane) at a particular speed.  This speed is determined by weight distribution, water conditions, etc.. Every boat has one particular attitude where it runs most efficiently.   This is the attitude you want to enter as your Zero Point.

A good way to reveal your boat's optimum running attitude is to conduct a test by running lightly loaded at full speed in flat water. (Of course conduct this test in an open area with no traffic)  You will know your boat's optimum running attitude by observing the bow in relation to the horizon, reduced bow spray, and diminished wake.

Section 4. ACTIVATING AND DEACTIVATING YOUR ATC SYSTEM:  

The ATC system is activated by pressing the ON / OFF button for one second. When the button is released the ON /OFF LED lights up, indicating the unit is operating.  Once activated the ATC continuously analyzes the attitude of your boat, and directs messages to the trim tabs for correction back to the Zero Point.

The ATC will continue to make corrections until deactivated.

The LED Tab direction "arrows" on the Helm Keypad flash, indicating the direction of trim tab movement.  For example when the bottom direction arrow marked PORT TAB flashes the port trim tabs is deflecting downward.  Conversely when the top arrow flashes the port trim tab is retracting.  The same is true for the starboard trim tab arrows.

Once activated the ATC system adjusts the trim tabs automatically until you deactivate it by any of the following actions:

• Pressing the ATC Helm Keypad ON / OFF button

• Pressing any position of the "manual" trim tab control

• Cutting the power source to the ATC system

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Section 4. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND INFORMATION:

• For bow high attitude, the ATC system should be deactivated and the trim tabs manually placed in the full up position when running in a following sea.
• For bow high attitude, the ATC system should be deactivated and the trim tabs manually placed in the full up position when running an inlet.
• The boat must be properly trimmed when setting the ATC Zero Point.
• The ATC system is programmed not to activate in sharp turns.
• Speed, load and trim tab size may be such that the ATC and the trim tabs will be unable to trim the boat at certain speeds.
• Occasionally check for loose or corroded wiring connections on the ATC system and trim tab system, clean and apply a corrosion inhibitor when necessary.
• To avoid component damage, when power is "on" to the Central Processing Unit or ATC Module do not connect or disconnect any plugs connected to either unit
• Take immediate ACTION to correct any malfunction or failure of your trim tab system.
• Improper use of ATC system or trim tabs can result in accident or injury.

BE PRUDENT - IF IT APPEARS THE ATC SYSTEM IS CAUSING YOUR BOAT TO REACT IN AN UNDESIRABLE MANNER, STOP THE BOAT - THEN INVESTIGATE THE PROBLEM.

The trim tabs and the ATC system have a significant effect on the operation and versatility of your boat, and nobody knows your boat better than you. The best learning method is to spend time getting familiar with your boat's reaction to the trim tabs and ATC system. Always operate your boat with safety first in mind.