$60.00

The Thruster Commander makes it easy to get started with our thrusters and speed controllers. It comes with a control unit, potentiometers, knobs, cables, and terminal blocks to get thrusting quickly!

In stock

SKU: BR-100795
HS Code: 8536.69.4040

Product Description

Have you ever wanted to put thrusters on a kayak, stand-up paddleboard, surfboard, or just wanted an easier way to get them up and running in the shop? If so, the Thruster Commander is the perfect tool to help with that.

The Thruster Commander comes with a small control unit that has inputs and outputs along with potentiometers, knobs, cables, and terminal blocks. The control unit is designed to be a flexible as possible and has the following features:

  • 2 thruster output channels (but four outputs so you can double up each channel)
  • Input channels for independent LEFT/RIGHT control
  • Input channels for mixed SPEED/STEERING control
  • Switch input for toggle switch or deadman switch (normally closed with a jumper)
  • Power through ESC’s BEC if available or 7–20v through the included cable
  • Anodized aluminum case with mounting holes

Using the independent inputs, you can control one or both of the thruster output channels separately. This is perfect for testing thrusters in the shop or running them in a permanent installation. We use this setup in our own thruster production process to quickly test thruster functionality. The mixed speed and steering inputs are perfect anytime you’re using two thrusters side-by-side on a vehicle and want control over combined speed as well as differential steering.

Please note that none of the components in the Thruster Commander are waterproof! They are meant to be integrated into a larger project. We recommend installing them in a waterproof case. The potentiometers are panel-mount style and include nuts to fasten them to a control panel.

There are a lot of neat things that you can do with the Thruster Commander, but we put together a video of one example using a stand-up paddleboard. Check it out!

For most applications, we recommend pairing the Thruster Commander with the T200 or T500 thrusters and Basic ESCs.

Product Description

Have you ever wanted to put thrusters on a kayak, stand-up paddleboard, surfboard, or just wanted an easier way to get them up and running in the shop? If so, the Thruster Commander is the perfect tool to help with that.

The Thruster Commander comes with a small control unit that has inputs and outputs along with potentiometers, knobs, cables, and terminal blocks. The control unit is designed to be a flexible as possible and has the following features:

  • 2 thruster output channels (but four outputs so you can double up each channel)
  • Input channels for independent LEFT/RIGHT control
  • Input channels for mixed SPEED/STEERING control
  • Switch input for toggle switch or deadman switch (normally closed with a jumper)
  • Power through ESC’s BEC if available or 7–20v through the included cable
  • Anodized aluminum case with mounting holes

Using the independent inputs, you can control one or both of the thruster output channels separately. This is perfect for testing thrusters in the shop or running them in a permanent installation. We use this setup in our own thruster production process to quickly test thruster functionality. The mixed speed and steering inputs are perfect anytime you’re using two thrusters side-by-side on a vehicle and want control over combined speed as well as differential steering.

Please note that none of the components in the Thruster Commander are waterproof! They are meant to be integrated into a larger project. We recommend installing them in a waterproof case. The potentiometers are panel-mount style and include nuts to fasten them to a control panel.

There are a lot of neat things that you can do with the Thruster Commander, but we put together a video of one example using a stand-up paddleboard. Check it out!

For most applications, we recommend pairing the Thruster Commander with the T200 or T500 thrusters and Basic ESCs.

  • 1 x Commander Control Unit
  • 1 x Commander Power Cable
  • 2 x Commander Potentiometers
  • 2 x Commander Knobs
  • 2 x Commander Knob Set Screws
  • 1 x 1.5mm Hex Key
  • 1 x Barrier Block for Power Wiring
  • 4 x Barrier Block Jumpers
  • 1 x XT90 to Spade Power Cable
  • 2 x Euro-style Terminal Block for Thruster Wiring
  • 1 x Quickstart Guide

Specifications

ParameterValue
Supply Voltage7–20 VDC
PWM Signal Output Voltage5 V
Potentiometer Resistance10 kΩ
Output Channels2

3D Models

CMDR-ASM-POTENTIOMETER-R1 (.zip)

CMDR-ASM-THRUSTER-COMMANDER-R1 (.zip)

Revision History

29 June 2023

  • CMDR-R1-RP SKU changed to BR-100795

29 January 2018

  • Initial Release - R1

Quick Start

CMDR-QUICK-START-DIAGRAM-R1-1
  1. Connect the power cable to the POWER connector in the top left of the board
  2. Attach the potentiometer(s) to the inputs (see Modes of Operation for input configurations)
    • Each potentiometer’s 3-pin connector can be reversed to reverse its input
  3. Attach electronic speed controllers (ESCs) to the output pins
    • The black/brown wire should be connected to the GND pin
    • These connectors should not be reversed
  4. Apply 7–20 VDC power to the POWER connector and ESCs
  5. To initialize the ESCs, either:
    • Turn the knobs to their center position, or
    • Turn the external switch to the off position
  6. That’s it! You’re ready to go.

Modes of Operation

ModeInputsOutputs
Single InputSPEEDSPEED Both OUTPUTs
Dual InputRIGHT IN and LEFT INRIGHT IN RIGHT OUTPUT
LEFT IN LEFT OUTPUT
Mixed InputSPEED and STEERINGSPEED and STEERING Both OUTPUTs

Troubleshooting

Two short blinks
Not enough potentiometers are plugged in. The Modes of Operation table shows all valid combinations of potentiometer connections.
One long blink
Switch is not pressed/connected, or is not correctly connected. The SWITCH signal (center) pin must be connected to ground (GND pin) by a switch or jumper for the motors to turn.


Guides

Guide to the Thruster Commander
Get thrusters up and running quickly or create a manned thruster project!
Turning a Thruster On and Off with a Thruster Commander
Learn how to control a thruster with an On/Off Switch!
Thruster User Guide
Learn how to operate, service, and troubleshoot your T200 or T500 thruster.

Each Thruster Commander contains two output channels (LEFT OUTPUT and RIGHT OUTPUT) with two sets of output pins each. This means that the Thruster Commander can control two pairs of thrusters independently. You'll need an ESC for each thruster.

Relevant Forum Categories

Thrusters and Motors

Featured Forum Posts