SmartWinch Software Upgrade - May '04

 With all SmartWinches to date, setup mode is only entered and therefore settings can only be changed when the tx is turned on at the setup mode entry time. If the tx is turned on outside this window, setup mode is not entered but normal operating mode is. The chances of accidentally getting into setup are zip if the tx is turned on before the winch and are very slim if turned on after. But, if that accident does occur, it’s not until the tx is then turned off, then on, then off again before settings can change. Even then, settings will only change if the tx stick was moved significantly after the initial tx on. That’s because the software is smart enough to ignore the new settings if there is little or no difference between the close hauled and full out tx positions. This also applies to travel adjustment. Zero travel can’t be set. Bottom line is, if you unintentionally get into setup, just turn the winch off before the tx and no harm done.

Regardless of the above, it has happened where settings are changed unintentionally. It would be rather easy for me to arrogantly say serve yourself right, but I’m just as reluctant to read a set of instructions as anyone. It would definitely be a case of the pot calling the kettle black.  

After considering options such as adding the ability to lock out setup mode, which only means more instructions to read, I’ve decided on the simpler option of disabling the winch when the tx is turned on after the winch. So from now on, all new winches and upgrades, will only work if the tx is turned on first. That is unless setup mode is to be entered. Bottom line is, to sail the boat, the tx will have to be turned on before the winch. 

Additional to that change, I have also extended the countdown time from 5 to 10 seconds. Five seconds seemed to me to be about the right time turn the boat on then pick up the tx and turn it on to get into setup mode accidentally.