Sleipner Windlass Control Unit (WCU) — Installation & User Manual
OWNER'S MANUAL
Specifications, functions, configuration, fault codes, troubleshooting and installation of the Sleipner Windlass Control Unit (WCU, 150800) that runs the MINI, MIDI and MAXI windlasses.
DocumentSleipner Windlass Control Unit (WCU) Installation & User Manual
FormatPDF · 16 pages · 1.1 MB
LanguageEnglish
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Technical Specifications
| Description | Value |
|---|---|
| Supply | 8-31 VDC / max 7 Watts |
| Operating temperature | –20°C to +70°C [–4°F to +158°F] |
| Storage temperature | –40°C to +85°C [–40°F to +176°F] |
| IP rating | IP20 |
| Weight | 800 g [1.8 lb] |
| Maximum motor current | 350A |
| Control / end-stop terminals | 0.2 to 1.5 mm² [16 to 24 AWG] cage clamp |
| Motor / battery terminals | M6 bolt terminals |
| Code | Measurement | mm | inch |
|---|---|---|---|
| L | WCU length | 190 | 7.48 |
| +L | Additional WCU length | 212 | 8.35 |
| H | WCU height | 167 | 6.6 |
| W | WCU width | 59 | 2.3 |
| +W | Additional WCU width | 5 | 0.2 |
| (a) | Distance of attachment holes (width) | 200 | 7.87 |
| (b) | Distance of attachment holes (height) | 95 | 3.74 |
Features
- Automatic detection of 12V or 24V systems; programmable windlass type (Mini / Midi / Maxi / Maxi Chain).
- LEDs for power, program, failure and end stop; PWM speed control and motor soft start.
- Over-current limiting and a motor-overheat algorithm (there is no physical temperature sensor in the motor).
- Reduced speed and force after the first end stop; two end stops detected by metal wire on the rope (no end stop on Maxi Chain).
- Power relays disconnect the motor when idle or after a fault; delayed start on "OUT" against unwanted operation; physically separated terminals.
- Free fall: "Down" releases the rope so the anchor drops under its own weight – anchor weight and bracket must allow it to fall out.
Operations and Functions
| Action | What happens | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Main power on | Fan runs 1 sec; previous windlass mode kept; error codes reset | The unit does not remember where the anchor is after being unpowered: a normal IN is not possible right after power-up |
| OUT pressed (or held) | Rope windlass: free fall engages, motor runs 1 sec then stops. Chain windlass: runs out as long as OUT is held | Do not press UP before the anchor is on the bottom; some bracket angles need help to release the anchor. 1 second pause before reversing |
| IN pressed briefly | Anchor pulled slightly in; rope no longer disengaged | Use to adjust or lock the rope; make the rope fast to the boat to hold the anchor |
| IN pressed and held | 0-100% speed in 3 sec until release or first end stop; pull speed 20-25 m / min depending on load | Long heavy runs or near-stalls can trip the protection |
| First end stop | Windlass stops; anchor can be dropped again or pulled in at reduced speed and limited power | Set it with the anchor approx 1 meter below the surface so you can wash it |
| Second end stop | Windlass stops; dropping is only possible after the main power is cut (reset) | Set it so the anchor sits correctly in the bracket with the rope tight |
| Double-tap with hold | Slow IN at 40% speed (approximately 8 m / min), reduced power, max. 30sec | The only way to pull in directly after power-up (firmware 1.008; normal IN from 1.007) |
Configuring Windlass Type
- Press and hold "Config" for 3 seconds until the Power and Fault LEDs blink.
- Press "Config" to cycle through the windlass types until the Mode LEDs show the right pattern: NOT SET, MINI ROPE, MIDI ROPE, MAXI ROPE, MAXI CHAIN, MHPP ROPE or MIDI COMBI.
- The controller returns to normal operation after 3 seconds of inactivity; check the pattern (also printed on the back of the terminal covers).
MHPP ROPE is for specific installations only and can damage the windlass if not required. MIDI COMBI (chain or chain-and-rope rode) needs controller firmware V1.013 or newer.
Fault Codes
- When the "Fault" LED is lit, the Mode LEDs (visible with the terminal cover removed) show the last fault: Low Voltage, Motor Overload, Controller Overtemp, Motor Overtemp, Controller Overload or Runtime Exceeded. Some faults inhibit operation, others allow continued use.
- Controller Overload after installation with the motor not turning and a relay clicking: check wiring A1, A2, D1 and D2 between motor and controller.
- Motor Overload: reduce the load; if it trips at light load suspect a mechanical failure. Controller/Motor Overtemp: let it cool down.
- Runtime Exceeded: OUT or IN continuous for more than 5 minutes (protection against faulty control signals); it can be re-activated.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Indication | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Windlass does not operate | "Power" LED not lit | Check the main switch/breaker is engaged, the battery fuses, cables and terminal tightness; measure battery voltage |
| Windlass does not operate | "Power" LED lit | Turn on the panel / remote control |
| Runs only 0,5 seconds when pressing "IN" | – | Check control panel connections: IN and OUT signals may be swapped |
| "OUT" does not engage free fall, or "IN" runs the motor but the gypsy does not turn | – | Swap motor cables D1 and D2 on the control unit |
| Poor performance | "Low voltage" (below 9V) | Measure battery voltage while operating; below 11V/22V charge the batteries. If the battery is fine, the cable voltage drop to the motor terminals should be less than 1V when running |
| Releases anchor but does not wind in | – | Check the end-stop sensor is not active (End Stop LED on the control unit or in the sensor) and its connections; the sensor LED should be off with no metal in front of it |
| Winds past the end stop | – | Check the end-stop wire/ring on the rope is intact and lights the End Stop LED; adjust the sensor closer to the rope if necessary |
| Releases anchor but stops immediately on "IN" | "Low voltage" | A weak battery can read 12/24V at rest but dip when the motor starts, falsely triggering the end-stop sensor |
| Abnormal noise | – | The windlass must be serviced |
| Rope not wound in / anchor not released | – | Rope slipping in the gypsy or anchor not leaving the bracket: check the mounting |
If the windlass still does not work normally after these checks, the fault is in the windlass itself: contact your dealer. Disconnect the main switch/breaker whenever working on the windlass mechanical parts.
Installing the Control Unit
- Mount the unit on a dry surface close to the windlass motor with the cables protruding downwards; its stand-off mounts keep condensation out and ventilate it. Not for areas with flammable fumes or gases; not protected against water ingress.
- Remove the cable terminal cover.
- Connect the cables with good-quality ring terminals (6mm bolt hole), spacers and washers in the order shown; tighten the terminals to maximum 8 Nm.
- Refit the terminal cover.
This guide gives 8 Nm for the terminals; the windlass installation guides and their wiring pages say maximum 5Nm (as printed). Wiring: panels 86-08950 / 86-08955 via the 150810 contact unit (black V−, blue IN, grey OUT, red V+); cable sizes MINI/MIDI A+B+C <10m 25mm2, >10m 35mm2; MAXI <6m 25mm2, 6-16m 35mm2, >16m 50mm2. Warranty: two years for leisure use, one year for commercial and other non-leisure use, from delivery to the end user (dealer and builder grace periods apply). Wearable/service parts are not covered, and skipping the maintenance described in the manuals voids the warranty on the affected parts.
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