The Multi Station Control System (MSCS) is available in two versions. The full version MSCS and reduced component version MSCS II. This document covers the installation of both versions with most examples being of MSCS. MSCS II has the same functionality as MSCS with these exceptions:
- No backup panel capability
- No Marine Junction Box (MJB)
- Two control station limit
- Three display station limit
- Smaller diameter cabling
- Installer must provide power, ground, and keyswitch distribution to the 70-pin customer connection and PCP
Caterpillar Marine A J1939 CAN network is required for each engine to operate the MSCS. These J1939 CAN networks must conform to the J1939-71 standard for installation and topology. Improper installation can cause intermittent or complete failure of the MSCS. See typical J1939 CAN network layouts.
The J1939 CAN networks must be installed in a trunk configuration of 40 meters or less with 120 ohm terminating resistor installed at the far ends. Drops off of this trunk must be 1 meter or less.
Cat Marine Controls The Powertrain Control Processor (PCP) is the main control processor of the Multi-Station Control System (MSCS). The PCP is responsible for the interface between the control stations, the engine Electronic Control Unit (ECU), and the transmission solenoids.
The master station and control station CAN data links are used to communicate with the control stations, either Integrated Control Head or Control Station Processor utilizing the proprietary communication data link. There may be only one control station on the master control station data link and up to seven control stations on the control station data link. MSCS II may have only one control station on the control station data link. The control stations will communicate with the PCP the throttle position (0 – 100%), gear select (ahead, neutral, astern), and button states, via the proprietary CAN data link.
There are five buttons available at the control station; Station Active, Throttle Sync, Slow Vessel Mode, Gear Lockout, and Troll. The Troll feature is an optional feature depending upon the presence of an Electronic Troll Processor (ETP). Each button has a corresponding indicator lamp; the PCP will turn on each lamp via the proprietary data link when the button function is active.
The port and starboard SAE J1939 communication links are the public data links used for serial data communications with the engine ECU, Marine Power Displays, Electronic Troll Processor, and Cat® ET or WinFlash service tools. Each data link is separate and independent from the other.
Engine speed is controlled via a PWM signal from the PCP to the ECU throttle input. Speed is controlled linearly from low idle at 0% throttle to max engine speed or Wide Open Throttle (WOT) at 100% throttle.
The “Backup System Active” is a digital signal from the backup processor that indicates throttle and gear shift control by the PCP is no longer active. When the backup system is active a diagnostic alarm will be activated. The alarm can be acknowledged and silenced by pressing the Marine Power Display (MPD) alarm silence button.
Each control station provides engine throttle control and transmission gear control through the use of a mechanical lever (this may be separate throttle and gear levers or a combined throttle/gear lever). Additional operator control/feedback is accomplished via input buttons and indicator lamps for station activation, engine throttle sync, slow vessel mode, troll activation (optional), and gear lockout. This data is transmitted to the PCP by the active station via the master control station CAN data link or the control station CAN data link.