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Thread: The Poor Man's Copilot

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    Default The Poor Man's Copilot


    I picked up a used MK Powerdrive on facebook a couple weeks ago for my new boat. The seller told me it had pedal issues, unfortunately I didn't bother to look at prices of them before buying. The old style flat plug pedals are NLA, NOS units are very expensive, even used ones are over a hundred bucks, and these pedals are junk from the get go. Additionally, the Copilot add on for the older motors is just as expensive (200 with remote).

    I was able to find this diagram online that shows how the foot pedal works.



    From there, I used 4 5 pin relays to take place of each steer switch (r1/r2, l1/l2), and then used a wireless 4 channel relay controller from ebay to trigger the left pair and right pair relays, and the third channel to switch the ON function. Inexpensive (30 dollars) wireless control. The same can be done with two DPDT relays, which would simplify the wiring a little bit.

    A 1kohm logarithmic potentiometer is supposed to replace the slide resistor in the foot pedal, I have one on the way.

    I have also ordered 3 momentary foot switches and a project box, I will make a small pedal base, attach the foot switches, and mount all my relays inside the box. That way I can still have a working foot pedal to go along with the wireless control.

    The only function Copilot has that I will not is remote speed control, but at less than half price, I'm willing to make the sacrifice.

    So if anyone also has a V1 Powerdrive with a flaky foot pedal, the circuitry inside is really quite simple and an inexpensive replacement can be made that will last a long time.
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    I don't believe anything would work the way this is drawn. Looks like all pins to control would be grounded thru the contacts via black lead. Probable.... contacts are drawn wrong.
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    Here is V2 wiring. I know it is right as I traced it out and built my own foot pedal.

    Name:  v2 foot pedal.jpg
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    Quote Originally Posted by Cane Pole View Post
    I don't believe anything would work the way this is drawn. Looks like all pins to control would be grounded thru the contacts via black lead. Probable.... contacts are drawn wrong.
    I should have mentioned that there is an error in the diagram. The steer contacts are all normally open, not normally closed like the diagram depicts. Same goes for the motor contacts.

    It is working well, hoping to try it out on the water this week.
    Last edited by Atimm693; 09-03-2018 at 04:29 PM.

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    You can't stop a man from fishing. My wife would probably ask if I'd work that hard to fix the lawn mower.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Cane Pole View Post
    I don't believe anything would work the way this is drawn. Looks like all pins to control would be grounded thru the contacts via black lead. Probable.... contacts are drawn wrong.
    yes it does work. isnt any different than the v2. easier to control ground than it is hot wire.

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    Quote Originally Posted by acwd1950 View Post
    yes it does work. isnt any different than the v2. easier to control ground than it is hot wire.
    Based on the drawing, it would not work.
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    i have 2 foot controls for the power drive with the flat plug if interested PM me . the cir cute board went out on 2 of mine . i still have a 24 volt on my pontoon . the board is no longer available .
    retired and now i will always fish

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    Quote Originally Posted by papasage View Post
    i have 2 foot controls for the power drive with the flat plug if interested PM me . the cir cute board went out on 2 of mine . i still have a 24 volt on my pontoon . the board is no longer available .
    Papa, if you want to get those old motors up and running you can call Josh here. I went through this last week for a buddy. You can get new style board for 135.00 and new style foot pedal for 72.00. As long as your motors have black head. Just need serial number.
    Minn Kota Power Drive & Power Drive V2 Parts Diagrams (Bow Mount) | Northland Marine
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    Quote Originally Posted by Cray View Post
    Papa, if you want to get those old motors up and running you can call Josh here. I went through this last week for a buddy. You can get new style board for 135.00 and new style foot pedal for 72.00. As long as your motors have black head. Just need serial number.
    Minn Kota Power Drive & Power Drive V2 Parts Diagrams (Bow Mount) | Northland Marine
    v2 board non AP board will work in pre 2001 powerdrive trollers. just takes a little mod. i have done it to mine. its a 1999 powerdrive pd50 with a v2 board and i pilot link.

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