More functionality: New Electronic Vessel Control system
Volvo Penta introduces EVC-D, the fourth and latest version of the company's electronic platform, which includes electronic shift and throttle all the way from the controls to the engine. EVC-D offers a complete series of new controls with a high level of styling, ergonomics and overall driver experience. New EVC functions, all easily managed through push-buttons on the control head, are also introduced.
The new controls are robust and ergonomic. Facing the driver is the push-button panel. Here the driver can easily select the cruise control, single-lever mode, low-speed mode, power trim assistant, throttle only. With multiple helm stations, the "control station" can be activated as well as locked, so that it's not possible to activate another station by mistake.
With sterndrive there is a drive trim button on the lever (port lever in twin) to control single or twin drives.
The top-mounted control is designed so the hand rests naturally on top of the control head. This gives easy access to the buttons on the back of the control head: fine tuning of speed while in cruise control and (for twin sterndrive) individual starboard and port trim buttons.
The new controls are for all Volvo Penta propulsion systems: IPS, sterndrive and inboard shaft. There are twin and single top-mounted plus single side-mounted (sterndrive only).
Single-lever mode
Handling twin engines with port and starboard lever is sometimes a tricky business. With the new single-lever mode activated, all engines are handled with one lever (the one the driver chooses). This makes it much easier to fine-tune engine speed, especially since the new controls offer a steady hand rest.
Single-lever mode also automatically synchronizes the engines' rpm. This greatly reduces both vibrations and noise. It is available at any engine speed and is easily turned on or off with the function button on the control.
Cruise control
Cruise control on a boat might seem superfluous, but there are some great benefits with this Volvo Penta option: all engines are automatically synchronized to run and hold the same rpm. The driver can then change the chosen rpm in small increments with a +/- button on the front of the new control. In practice, this means very relaxed and safe driving with the hand rested on the control and fingertip command of engine speed with the button.
The function is equally useful at low and high speeds. While driving where there is a speed limit, adjusting to the exact limit is now much easier. And at high speed, the driver can find the most relaxing rpm and fine-tune for the best fuel economy, checked on the Volvo Penta trip computer.
EVC-D for the whole range
The new EVC-D is fully classified and approved for commercial operations. Installation is very easy with the HCU integrated in the control unit, which radically reduces the amount of wiring and also enhance reliability. EVC-D is standard for the whole Volvo Penta commercial range: IPS, Inboard and sterndrive.
Pictures
Driver interface>>
Cruise control>>
Single-lever mode>>
Top mounted control for Sterndrive>>
Top mounted control for IPS and inboard>>
For further information, please contact Ã…ke Edman, AB Volvo Penta, phone: +46 (0) 31 3225190, E-mail: ake.edman@volvo.com
