smartcraft DTS wiring ad power supply connection

[vince59]

I have a smartcrafts DTS installed in my boat and I'm checking the wiring. I have two batteries and one engine. Connections are made so that smartcraft always gets power even if I set the battery switch to OFF. Mercury dealer told me that this is a requiremt in order to keep the system "alive" and not loss the memory. To me this sounds not true as I have never had this sort of wiring on my boats and when switch is set to off NOTHING is connected to power. Could anybidy help me out?
Does smartcraft reuires always power?

 

[alldodge]

Hey muc or Fun Times

 

[muc]

There are many different versions of smartcraft. Without an engine serial number I have no idea what you have.

But there are many things on a newer boat that need constant power. Just a few—- auto bilge pump, stereo memory, Mercathode, CO monitor and the engine computer.

Are you you having a problem? Batteries going dead? I have come up with a few solutions for customers that only use their boat a couple of times a year and don’t have a way to keep the batteries charged.

Just noticed this is in the outboard forum. I haven’t worked on many O/B’s since the 80’s. Only work on them for really good customers and friends and family. But if memory is right, the newer Mercury O/B’s keep the computer “awake” for 10-15 minutes so you can use the trim after turning off the batteries and exiting the boat. I think you can put the computer to “sleep” early by moving the throttle a certain way if this bothers you. Check you owners manual.

 

[vince59]

Hi, thank you for your kind answer. I am not having any problem, I am just checking the electrical system in my boat (infatable). Engine is a Verado 150 HP s/n is OP489612, I downloaded the smartcraft user manual and find out the version I have (it is in part 2 of the manual). No indication about keeping the smartcraft always connected to power supply and no warning about disconnecting.
After some search a member of another forum (I am in Italy) told me that the requirement to have the smartcraft connected to power is suggested in order to allow the smartcraft "brain" to imediately connect with other "ECUs" installed int the bot. This could be true with a boat equipped with many ECUs. In my case the elcectric system is quite easy and simple therefore I believe there is no risk to "disconnect" the smartcraft from the battery when leavin gthe boat.

 

[Fun Times]

OP489612 = 2006? MERCURY 4 STROKE VERADO L4SC BELGIUM 150 XL 4

You may have an interest in the following info regarding a BEP Battery Cluster, http://www.veradoclub.com/index.php?topic=2630.0
http://www.veradoclub.com/index.php?topic=9629.msg76022#msg76022

Also for additional thoughts, the Verado forum might be a good place to ask this question too as that engine is "all" they talk about.

One of the reasons you are hearing leave power connected to the battery are more about the wiring harnesses which Mercury calls Clean Power, DTS Command Module power harness, Power Steering Pump harness for these engines...It's recommended that the clean power / DTS power harnesses, P-S harnesses be connected to the battery directly so there is less voltage loss issues. Going through switches could cause added hidden issues with the needed power for these devices.

Some Manual Notes:

Install DTS power harness directly to the starting battery only.

NOTICE - DTS & Optimax Engines
37-895387
IMPORTANT: Battery cable size and length is critical. Refer to engine installation manual for size requirements.
DO NOT USE WING NUTS.
DO NOT USE DEEP CYCLE BATTERIES!
13.5Nm (120 lbs. in.)
DTS (Digital Throttle and Shift) applications and Optimax engines must use a marine starting battery with 1000 MCA, 800 CCA, or 180 Ah.

135/150/175/200 Verado FourStroke

You can put the computer to “sleep” early by moving the throttle a certain way

Funny you mentioned that Muc as I just read that yesterday looking something else up in an old school tech manual...It says; 'When testing ohms, the key should be in the off position and the power to the PCM shut down. To shut down power to the PCM, after key off, place the remote control in the reverse WOT position.