Abstract: A power steering system for an outdrive engine has a steering actuator, a motor for operating the steering actuator, a motor speed sensor for determining at least indirectly a speed of the motor, a steering rate sensor for determining a steering rate, and a controller communicating with the steering rate sensor and with the motor speed sensor. The controller is programmed for determining if a fault has occurred in the power steering system based on the steering rate and the motor speed, and taking at least one steering fault action in response to the fault having occurred. A method for controlling a power steering system includes determining if a fault has occurred based on the steering rate and the speed of the motor, and taking at least one steering fault action in response to the fault having occurred.

Abstract: A power steering system for an outdrive engine has a steering actuator, a motor for operating the steering actuator, a motor speed sensor for determining at least indirectly a speed of the motor, a steering rate sensor for determining a steering rate, and a controller communicating with the steering rate sensor and with the motor speed sensor. The controller is programmed for determining if a fault has occurred in the power steering system based on the steering rate and the motor speed, and taking at least one steering fault action in response to the fault having occurred. A method for controlling a power steering system includes determining if a fault has occurred based on the steering rate and the speed of the motor, and taking at least one steering fault action in response to the fault having occurred.

Abstract: A method for controlling a trim-tilt angle of a propulsion unit of a marine outboard motor. The method includes: receiving a request to increase the trim-tilt angle of the propulsion unit; determining a motor operation parameter; determining the trim-tilt angle of the propulsion unit; prior to increasing the trim-tilt angle in response to the request, determining if the propulsion unit is in a trim limit condition; increasing the trim-tilt angle of the propulsion unit in response to the request when the propulsion unit is determined not to be in the trim limit condition; and one of maintaining the trim-tilt angle of the propulsion unit and stopping increase of the trim-tilt angle of the propulsion unit when the propulsion unit is determined to be in the trim limit condition. A method for controlling the trim-tilt angle in view of an over-trim condition of the propulsion unit is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for controlling a trim-tilt angle of a propulsion unit of a marine outboard motor. The method includes: receiving a request to increase the trim-tilt angle of the propulsion unit; determining a motor operation parameter; determining the trim-tilt angle of the propulsion unit; prior to increasing the trim-tilt angle in response to the request, determining if the propulsion unit is in a trim limit condition; increasing the trim-tilt angle of the propulsion unit in response to the request when the propulsion unit is determined not to be in the trim limit condition; and one of maintaining the trim-tilt angle of the propulsion unit and stopping increase of the trim-tilt angle of the propulsion unit when the propulsion unit is determined to be in the trim limit condition. A method for controlling the trim-tilt angle in view of an over-trim condition of the propulsion unit is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for controlling a trim position of a marine propulsion unit for propelling a watercraft has the steps of: sensing an engine speed; positioning the propulsion unit at a first trim angle when the engine speed is less than or equal to a first predetermined engine speed, the first trim angle being constant; positioning the propulsion unit at a second trim angle when the engine speed is greater than the first predetermined engine speed and less than the second predetermined engine speed; and positioning the propulsion unit at a third trim angle when the engine speed is greater than or equal to the second predetermined engine speed, the third trim angle being constant. A system for controlling a trim position of a marine propulsion unit for propelling a watercraft is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hardware tracking system includes memory storage devices on tracked parts containing unique serial numbers, part numbers, revision numbers, and firmware versions. At power up and after a reset, a host computer or real-time subsystem downloads this information and compares it to the information stored in a central database. Changes in data in a central database log file indicate a replacement or update of the component, which is then used to automatically update the database. Each change causes the generation of a new record having date and time information attached thereto. These records are scanned to determine the system evolution. They are also compared to an error log and diagnostic history information to generate a cause versus effect occurring during troubleshooting. The system also tracks and records the number of times a part is removed and re-inserted, indicating shot-gunning of the system by field engineers.