Trolling Motor Wireless Throttle and Steering

In this video, I install the BC-Products Trolling Motor Servo Steering Kit on a 12V 36lb thrust Newport Vessels transom mount trolling motor. I had previously replaced the 5F/3R stock speed selector switch in the trolling motor with a Hobbywing Quicrun 880 ESC speed controller in the head section. The throttle and steering functions are controlled by a wireless HOTRC DS-600 joystick and receiver.
Parts:
BC-Products Trolling Motor Servo Steering Kit.
www.amazon.com...
Hobbywing Quicrun 880 ESC.
www.amazon.com...
Wishiot DS5150SSG 60Kg RC Servo.
www.amazon.com...
HOTRC DS-600 Wireless Controller and Receiver.
www.amazon.com...
Related Video:
Wireless Electronic Speed Controller Installed in Trolling Motor Head.
• Wireless Electronic Sp...

[@jfos7741]

i watch all your videos wishing i had the time to do these mods. It's amazing to see the progress you have made over the years. Thank you so much!

[@jfos7741]

And thank you for taking the time to educate all of us!

[@Aksmaniyak]

Thank you very much! I recently looked back at where I started and would have never imagined how much I have learned.

[@10-7blue8]

I love the wireless spot lock !

[@Aksmaniyak]

Technically, the spot lock is wired!😆

[@bretshivers8352]

i did something similar, used a powerdrive motor setup, an actuator to raise and lower it two esc one for powerdrive set up left and right on that controller and a and b to raise and lower. then, a modified servo hooked to a 10k ohm pot to turn my speed control of my haswing brushelss for speed, so far so good on it

[@Aksmaniyak]

Very nice. Do you have any pics or videos? Thanks.

[@DenisHoule-w5f]

Nice. Same question any pictures or videos you're willing to share?

[@TheBeladog]

Clean. Thanks for sharing this

[@Aksmaniyak]

You are welcome.

[@Yaknmattkayakfishing]

He Aksel, I have the same remote, is there any possible way to program or modify the remote so it doesn’t automatically return to centre? And I wonder if when cruise control is set that this would also operate the servo motor? As in, one click forwards increases speed one small step, if you set cruise and one click right or left it then holds that steering angle? Hope that makes sense?

[@Aksmaniyak]

Matt, the first part can't be changed on the controller because it is spring loaded. The second part makes sense but I have never tried it. It might work.

[@ForgottenFisherman]

Always great content. Appreciate your work.

[@Aksmaniyak]

Thanks!

[@JasonSipe16]

Love your work! I just posted a 1-hour video on how to do a somewhat similar project step by step. You are one of the 2 people I referenced (and linked to) in my description. I'm planning an arduino-based spotluck project in the future.

[@Aksmaniyak]

Thanks Jason. I appreciate the mention. It looks like you followed the design of Laingej for the electronics and did some really good work. I'm just wondering why you went that route instead of the simple wireless ESC design. Looking forward to your GPS version.

[@JasonSipe16]

@@Aksmaniyak I think I did it because I had less experience with the ESCs, even if they are probably more robust.

[@Aksmaniyak]

I never had any RC experience when I started working with them. I watched HOURS of videos to learn about them.

[@JasonSipe16]

@Aksmaniyak I'll be checking out your upcoming vids.

[@Aksmaniyak]

Thanks Jason. I will be posting a new one on Thursday.

[@toddolatheks.1328]

Hey buddy, awesome video great production I really really like the spot lock function. I found on tiny boat nation a version of this that cost $750 it had GPS added to it but I like your version better because I to have a 10 pound spot lock! Thanks 🙏

[@Aksmaniyak]

😆 Thanks Todd.

[@oxyfide]

It's 650 and now they upgraded it.

[@SteveSherman-jp1dz]

@@oxyfide It's still very expensive for what it is. I am glad they are doing it. I would have liked to see the software open sourced.

[@Krautech]

Similar to mine but 3d printed and I added a thrust bearing so it's not all rubbing on the housing etc. designed mine around a 1 inch shaft

[@Aksmaniyak]

Do you have a video? I would be interested in seeing it work.

[@samerbouez]

Nice. I added a thrust bearing as well.

[@Aksmaniyak]

@@samerbouez Thank you. Do you have any photos or videos of your set up?

[@RemoteWatercraft]

Thanks for sharing.

[@WarrenPenner]

Spot lock! LOL! Love it!

[@Aksmaniyak]

Thanks Warren!

[@WillSelbyKayakFishing]

Thanks for the video it's always good picking up tips and learning from you. I'm curious how waterproof this would be?

[@WillSelbyKayakFishing]

Never mind answered my own question

[@ericpierce4510]

This is what I've been looking for. Combining the speed control with wireless steering, in a real compact set up. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I'm hoping this set up will work for a 12v 40-50lb thrust as well. looking to find out soon. Thank you again.

[@Aksmaniyak]

Glad to help. Post pics when you are done if you can.

[@xLopez210x]

First time watcher now subscriber here! I just want to share how appreciative I am for videos like this. Thank you thank you.

[@Aksmaniyak]

Thanks Nico! There are plenty of video projects that may help you.

[@felipe_enokida]

Great Regards from Brazil

[@Aksmaniyak]

Thank you Felipe!

[@DenisHoule-w5f]

Hi great job on all your videos. I noticed that on your very first video using the HB 880 you connected there two yellow togeth😮er and the two blue together but not in this set up. Am I seeing right? If so any reason why? Thank you

[@Aksmaniyak]

Thanks! Yes, they are connected together but I made a "Y" connector to do it.

[@ken9846]

I’m curious as to how the small speed controller handles the high amperage of a 55 pound thrust motor? Also is there a way to program the hand held remote so the motor will stay at a set rpm without having to hold the remote?

[@Aksmaniyak]

I have mentioned previously many times that I do not recommend using this ESC with 50lb thrust and higher trolling motors. The remote has a cruise control button.

[@ken9846]

@@Aksmaniyak sorry, I didn’t see that video. Does that motor draw too much? Is there a better ESC for a 55 pound thrust motor?

[@Aksmaniyak]

It is just that this information about the ESC isn't getting out there. I would actually go with a high power quality PWM for a TM that size. I have a video showing that set up.

[@tonyallen1953]

Great job thanks for sharing.

[@Aksmaniyak]

Thanks Tony.

[@devonperry]

Great video. Can the shaft/motor still tilt without disassembling anything?

[@Aksmaniyak]

This set up is a little more restricting in that motion. It's a trade off.

[@theoonandroid8637]

This solution seems very familiar to me ;) The gears have a few too few teeth, and the servo housing also moves when steering. That could be better!

[@Aksmaniyak]

Yes, I think the design is very similar to yours. The seller updated the design and I did another video with it. I used added a servo motor speed controller circuit and it smoothed the steering very nicely.

[@hobonickel840]

I have a 12.5' native slayer max with the center propel cavity and was hoping to pull off something like this for more speed and convenience. I am hoping I can pull this off as it makes sense in my mind so far at least. Happy to find this very helpful info ..thanks you. What size/brand trolling motor would you suggest for a kayak setup?

[@Aksmaniyak]

Glad to help. It depends what type of speed controller you will be using.

[@hobonickel840]

@@Aksmaniyak I just started researching this after seeing Autoboat's crazy $700 price tag... So I am just gathering info for options atm ...great project i luv seeing these and yours was straight to the point perfection. I guess I could use a bigger more powerful motor if I drop the use of the pedal drive center mount idea ...I need to take a hard look at motor options first ,,,thanks again for the great content

[@hobonickel840]

@@Aksmaniyak what made you decide on the Newport motor? ... i was looking at their motors earlier... nice systems but I def would rather have the wireless than all that steer rigging

[@Aksmaniyak]

Keep us posted with your progress.

[@Aksmaniyak]

NV motors have kayak series options as well as being both salt and fresh water rated.

[@quentinsv1250]

Your video has been great and very helpful! The application works perfectly! I do have one question. I used the link to purchase the servo you listed. The only problem is they sent me all plastic gears instead of the ones with the aluminum inserts. Do you the name of some aluminum or metal gears I can buy like the one you have in your video? My servo keep stripping the center of mines out since the gear is all plastic

[@Aksmaniyak]

Thank you. No, I don't know the name of the metal gear supplier but I'm sure if you check a RC car site they would know.

[@robertferrer3741]

Great video! I noticed the server would steer the kayak in the opposite direction of the joystick. Is there a way to reverse this so the joystick point would also steer the kayak in the same direction?

[@Aksmaniyak]

The joystick steers fine.

[@rileylarson8750]

will this work with my Minn Kota 55lb thrust motor??

[@Aksmaniyak]

I don't recommend using this ESC with any motor over 50lbs.

[@michaelgonzalez2263]

I'm a subscriber and have watched your videos, so informative, thank you so much! I do have a question, will this system work on a MK Endura Max 50lb trolling motor? I'll wait for your answer before purchasing, thanks again!

[@Aksmaniyak]

Thanks Michael. All of the MK Max trolling motors have a digital maximizer, or PWM, already installed.

[@MlLKMAN]

Thank you for putting these videos together. Perhaps the only suggestion I have is to turn down the sensitivity for the servo?

[@Aksmaniyak]

You are welcome. The company makes a bolt on accessory that allows you to adjust the servo speed.

[@MlLKMAN]

@@Aksmaniyak Thank you for responding. Did you use a single PWM to control the steering and motor speed?

[@Aksmaniyak]

A single ESC.

[@MlLKMAN]

@@Aksmaniyak Thank you. I am going to build this setup, turning my kayak into an RC boat LOL

[@loringneumann8191]

the little guides are actually called ferrules.

[@jzahirniak]

In the previous version you used a separate BEC that stepped down to 7.4v The 880s internal BEC steps down to 6v per the specs. Do you notice any difference?

[@Aksmaniyak]

I didn't notice any difference.

[@harold0723]

Have you had any overheating issues with it ? I'm doing the same mod but I'm a little concerned that the esc power leads are just 14 awg . Very small wire gauge for the amount of current these trolling motors draw.

[@Aksmaniyak]

I don't recommend using the 880 ESC with a TM 50lbs or above.

[@harold0723]

@@Aksmaniyak im using it on a riptide 45lbs . but the difference in wire gauge is huge between the stock battery wire and the esc wires

[@Aksmaniyak]

@@harold0723 Yes true. That is why you should mount the ESC as close to the motor as possible and reduce the length of wiring.

[@AlexDelacruzFishing]

Awesome video! I followed all the instructions, however, even when i go forward the servo turns right. When I go in reverse, the servo turns left. Any idea how to fix that? Thanks in advance.

[@Aksmaniyak]

Thanks Alex. The servo controls should be connected to receiver channel 1.

[@AlexDelacruzFishing]

@ Thanks! I appreciate

[@cyclopsfpv247]

Thanks for the great vid! How do you power the servo as I believe these max out at 8.4v? Thanks and keep it!

[@Aksmaniyak]

Thanks! The servo gets power from the ESC.

[@cyclopsfpv247]

@@Aksmaniyak Brilliant, thanks. I was curious if the esc bec could provide enough current for the servo but it looks good. Thanks a mil!

[@johnfazio7830]

Do you have to program the servo or the transmitter or the esc I’m looking to do this to my kayak.

[@Aksmaniyak]

Yes, you need to program the ESC. I have videos on that too.

[@christoffchefful]

So question the remote says it’s a six channel. I was thinking of doing the same thing, but I’m gonna build mine with a resin printer because I’m not a big fan of PLA prints, but my idea is put another servo higher torque at the base of the trolling motor mount, and tied into a third channel and use that servo with a pivot arm to lift the trolling motor out of the water and back into the water being you have that remote will it work with that remote?

[@Aksmaniyak]

Probably not. The other channels are hybrid functions...but I could be wrong.

[@charks2068]

Hello, Looking at possibly implementing this on my kayak. Curious. Will that servo turn the trolling motor all the way around if you keep turning? Hard to tell but almost seems like you have a stop somewhere in there.

[@charks2068]

Disregard, I see now you used a 270 degree servo.

[@ttttenney]

You can program the servo speed and throw to create whatever endpoints you want.

[@davidmilling5266]

i bought the BC Products Kit. How do you deal with the voltage stepdown from 24 volt or 12 volt to the 8 volt required?

[@davidmilling5266]

what is the ESC?

[@Aksmaniyak]

The ESC takes care of that.

[@levetech09]

I love the wireless concept but it’s a bit disappointing that the setup requires one to constantly hold the throttle button which would make it difficult to troll along a shoreline and fish. Are there any remotes out there that hold their position rather that springing back to off?

[@Aksmaniyak]

The remote has a cruise button to set for speeds.

[@alexdelacruz3220]

So I do I have to program the esc differently in order to use the throttle and steering together?

[@Aksmaniyak]

No, the ESC programming remains the same and uses CH2. Just plug the servo into CH1. You might be able to change some of the programming in the remote but I haven't tried that yet.

[@PedroPerdomo-gl1lj]

How did you program your remote to control your Trolling motor separate from your steering? It seems like I did something wrong and have both of them going off at the same time

[@Piratepeteoo]

Hi mate,,,,That's amazing how it works good idea could i order one from you please,,,,,,,i don't know what to buy,,,or could you send me the parts list please

[@Aksmaniyak]

Thanks, but I don't sell anything. The parts list is in the narrative section.

[@PeterNohlmans-jk2jh]

Hi mate I've tried to get one but the don't send to Australia,,,,,for some stupid reason,,,,that's why I asked you I would have paid you the money ,,,,,,,so I can't get it,,,,, not good

[@flipflopfishingAZ]

Are you able to still steer if the unit is powered off?

[@Aksmaniyak]

No, everything is run through the ESC.

[@christoffchefful]

First time viewer and subscriber got a question how did you step down the voltage for the servo from your battery or does it have a secondary battery?

[@Aksmaniyak]

You do not need a step down with the HB 880 ESC. It connects to 12V.

[@shaunsmithwick8328]

So in your experience does it make difference on battery life whether you use and PWM or an ESC?

[@Aksmaniyak]

They both save battery life better than a stock speed selector.

[@shaunoslade6942]

I've watched these videos god knows how many times, I'm at the point where everything is in the shopping cart, but I just realised, your system is 12V. Mine is 24V. Will the ESC work for a 24V system ? Max current is 45A, so I know that's good. ESC rated to 80A. But what voltage ?

[@Aksmaniyak]

Basically 12V. A LiFePO4 will operate a little higher than 12V but not at 24V for this ESC.

[@shaunoslade6942]

@@Aksmaniyak Thanks dude. Nearly wasted 100 pounds of gear, only to blow it up as soon as I connected it up. Back to the drawing board for me then !

[@kylemartin62]

So I've had a fair bit of experience with servos coming from the Rc crawling hobby. I would be more concerned with the gears inside the servo stripping..that happens A LOT on 1/10 crawlers. Couldn't imagine how easy they would strip with that much force. Curious to see how long it lasts

[@Aksmaniyak]

I'm new to servos so I will find out eventually.

[@RemoteWatercraft]

I have been using this product for 2.5 years there is no issues with the grears stripping.

[@Aksmaniyak]

Thanks for the info!

[@flipflopfishingAZ]

Another excellent build! Your controller in the video has a display on it. The controller you linked doesn't??? What's the display for? Also, does the remotes cruise control work with steering?

[@Aksmaniyak]

Thank you. This apparently is the latest model of the DS-600 remote. I wasn't expecting this one and I contacted the seller for instructions and was sent a link to the older model. The display shows V and some of the programming choices. I still don't have the updated manual so I'm learning as I go. The cruise should work with the steering but I will double check and let you know.

[@Aksmaniyak]

I tested it today and with the cruise engaged you can still turn using the servo.

[@flipflopfishingAZ]

@@Aksmaniyak That's awesome! Thanks for testing that.

[@EdgarArocho]

I bought this kit but it does not tighten down on shaft i have a motorguide r3 do i need a sleeve for it to work ?

[@Aksmaniyak]

In the listing, the company states it is for a Minn Kota C2. That has a shaft diameter of 29mm, or 1 1/8." The MG has a smaller shaft size. You can contact them and see if they have the correct size for your motor.

[@bauml1619]

Does the motor raise a lower normally with that setup?

[@Aksmaniyak]

No. The clamp at the gears needs to be loosened first when setting the depth.

[@Arjoonmoal]

now add a linear actuator to move it up and down

[@Aksmaniyak]

I really think those are more of a gimmick. You can use a very simple and inexpensive cable lift system that is actually faster.

[@vincenzoserpico5624]

ciao It is possible to buy only the mechanism? In this case can you give me moe information? thk You

[@Aksmaniyak]

Yes, there is a link in the narrative section.

[@351HOON]

Is it possible to use a separate servo board and pot to control the steering?

[@Aksmaniyak]

Why?

[@351HOON]

I tried a RC receiver and didn't like it. I much prefer a pot thottle controller, so I'm wondering if having a separate pot board to control steering would work?

[@Aksmaniyak]

I haven't tried it but I think using separate pots for speed and turning would be too complicated to use.

[@351HOON]

On the water, I usually set a speed of say %80 then only focus on steering wo where I want to be so having another centre detent pot would make it easy to steer left and right with the centre detent being straight on the servo. I dunno seems simple to me.

[@Aksmaniyak]

Yes, if you are using it primarily for trolling.

[@candidopeterle3904]

Dove si puo acquistare questo sistema ?

[@Aksmaniyak]

The parts are listed in the narrative section.

[@scottstieferman6275]

Just wondering if your into or ever plan on doing your own 3d printing???

[@scottstieferman6275]

Also, does the remote allow the servo to hold position at an angle or does it always return to center?

[@Aksmaniyak]

I just don't think I would use it enough to justify the cost and training.

[@ScottyNoo0]

@@Aksmaniyak Are you able to program the ESC's channel 1 to the servo for toggle positions? Or how about toggle with the buttons on the bottom of the remote?

[@Aksmaniyak]

Channel 1 is already set up for the servo function.

[@RemoteWatercraft]

@@scottstieferman6275 The Remote has a trim function that would allow you to go in circles

[@Novoworks]

Hrmm.... Hobbywing Quicrun 880 ESC in your link shows 6v, not 12v.

[@Aksmaniyak]

Hmmm, read a little closer.

[@Novoworks]

@@Aksmaniyak Eh?

[@cristianioanalexandru4123]

Hi, Can a 60a ESC be fine?

[@Aksmaniyak]

It depends on the motor you are running.

[@fishesfromtupperware]

But it doesn't have spot lock!😄 (JK) Great job! I'm just implementing the esc for the motor from your other vid (Thanks again for the best, most concise illustration!) I'm going a slightly different steering route with a power wheels drive I saw at this link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4bHeql3rruCbLMsi=m_yDGAU5B81kM8Tl The powerwheel drive needs its own ESC. But it looks like your 880 provides enough power for both the drive motor and your big servo. The only advantage of the second esc is I can crank down the speed with programming. In any event after I get that sussed out, I'm on a mission to stick an iNav and/or Arduboat controller in there. Till then spot lock for me will remain my stakeout pole and anchor trolley. Thanks again!

[@Aksmaniyak]

Thanks! That was a nice link. I had actually been looking at those powerwheels gears on Aliexpress and that link answered my questions. Post your project as you go along; I would like to see the progress.

[@stevemitchell8631]

Were do i get the parts

[@Aksmaniyak]

The parts are listed in the narrative.

[@gr0uch02a]

Odd, this is already "Currently unavailable" from the link.

[@Aksmaniyak]

Keep checking because he restocks the item.

[@gr0uch02a]

@@Aksmaniyak And right on cue, they're back.

[@jamesfox3784]

Steering Servo kit is showing as unavailable 😢

[@Aksmaniyak]

I just checked and I could load 1 into my cart.

[@jamesfox3784]

@@Aksmaniyak maybe it's because I'm in the UK 😩

[@Aksmaniyak]

I didn't think of that. The company is in Canada. You could try to contact him.

[@jamesfox3784]

@Aksmaniyak I've actually recently bought something else online that was from a Canadian seller so I'll give them a try. Thanks for your replies

[@jamesfox3784]

I can't see who the seller is unfortunately either ​@Aksmaniyak

[@NoteKeys]

Servo not included!

[@Aksmaniyak]

Yep.

[@LoveFishing51]

He's not showing anybody how to actually do this. It's just an ego trip.

[@flyslinger2]

Really? Looked pretty thorough to me.

[@RKkayak45]

Did you watch the a different video?

[@flyslinger2]

@@RKkayak45 Nope! In fact, as soon as I finished watching this detailed video, I forwarded it to my son, who also does major alterations to many things besides his kayak, and understood it completely and said my original comment was perfect. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

[@Petra-bc6xq]

And then you woke up right?