Troubleshooting - MINN KOTA i-Pilot Link User Manual

T R O U b l E s H O OT I n G
General Troubleshooting
Problem: The motor is making erratic steering corrections while in autoPilot, spot-lock or Track to start/End.
solution: be sure to keep all ferrous metallic objects away from the i-Pilot link controller as they will have an impact
on the built-in compass. such objects include: anchors, metal framework, etc.
Problem: When a key on the remote is pressed the motor doesn't always respond.
solutions: Check the status of the battery charge icon on the remote. If low, connect the charger to the remote.
Check for large obstructions between the remote and the motor.
solution: If the lock icon is present on the content area of the lCD, the keypad is locked. Press and hold one of
the softkeys to unlock the keypad.
Problem: i-Pilot link won't let me turn on certain features like: advanced autoPilot, Record, Track to start/
End or spot-lock.
solution: Verify that the GPs signal strength icon on the lCD shows at least one bar. If there are no bars, i-Pilot
link will not allow these GPs-based features to be enabled.
Problem: There is a message on the remote screen showing "Motor not found". also, the keys on the remote
are not controlling the motor.
solution: This message is due to the remote not having wireless communications with the link controller. This could
be due to the motor not being powered up or the remote not being learned to the controller.
solution: Check power to the motor and learn the remote to the controller (see Remote learning on page 33).
Problem: There is a message on the remote screen showing "Motor Error". also, the keys on the remote are
not controlling the motor.
solution: This error is generated when the link controller loses communications with the Terrova (or sT) motor
controller. This error will occur any time the software on the link controller is updated. To clear the
error, cycle power to the motor.
Remote
Problem: I'm having a hard time seeing the content on the lCD screen.
solution: With the type of lCD used on the remote, it is able to utilize ambient light to enhance the visibility of the
screen content. However, when in indirect or low light conditions, the backlight may be needed. Through
the backlight settings Menu, you can adjust the intensity of the backlight along with the amount of time it
stays on after a button press.
Problem: I connected the charging cable but the charging indicator does not come on.
solution: Ensure the power (Usb) end is receiving power from the aC adapter or the alternate power source you
may be using such as the vehicle power port.
solution: look inside the charging port on the bottom end of the remote. You should clearly see two metallic
contacts. Use an appropriate tool to clean out any debris that may have accumulated in the charging port.
solution: The end of the remote that plugs into the remote includes two spring pins. Ensure the pins are clean and
that when pushed in, they spring back out.
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spot-lock
Problem: The boat doesn't seem to keep close enough to the recorded spot-lock location.
solution: Verify the trolling motor batteries are sufficiently charged
solution: Check for weeds on the prop.
solution: In more extreme wind and current conditions, the boat will tend to stabilize a little ways down wind
from the intended location. Relock the location the same distance upwind and expect that the boat will
drift some in the downwind direction.
Cruise Control
Problem: The GPs speed displayed on the remote is different than what my other GPs system shows.
solution: If you are using Cruise Control with advanced autoPilot or iTrack navigation, i-Pilot link calculates
the actual speed in the intended direction of travel which may differ from your GPs reported speed.
Problem: Cruise Control isn't holding the target speed close enough.
solution: Verify the trolling motor batteries are sufficiently charged.
autoPilot
Problem: When in advanced autoPilot in strong winds, there is quite a bit of back and forth movement in
the boat.
solution: While advanced autoPilot will keep your boat on a true heading, it may be at the expense of the boat
having to continuously move to get back on the correct course. In these extreme conditions you may
be better off using legacy autoPilot and correcting for the wind manually.
Problem: Under autoPilot Mode, I have advanced selected as the default mode. However, when I engage
autoPilot, it goes into legacy autoPilot instead of advanced.
solution: If the GPs signal strength icon shown no bars, then link will automatically engage legacy autoPilot
regardless of the Mode selected. Wait for your GPs signal strength to reach at least one bar, then
re-engage autoPilot.
Track Record and Playback
Problem: While navigating an iTrack the propeller suddenly stopped.
solution: Verify you did not accidentally enable another automatic feature such as autoPilot or spot-lock.
solution: You may have the arrival Mode set to Off.
Problem: While recording an iTrack, the recording suddenly stopped.
solution: You may have reached the two mile limit for recording an iTrack.
PowerDrive V2 /Riptide sP:
Problem: steering does not work properly or at all.
solution: Verify that the steering wires from the i-Pilot link cable are properly connected directly to the black and
white wires coming from the steering housing.
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