MasterCommand™ Detailed Information

Digital Technology and Self-Diagnostics Make MasterCommand™ Absolutely Reliable.

A system designed to outperform anything you've ever used before!
MasterCommand™ offers faster maneuvering - up to 20% faster than comparable pneumatic systems can provide - and greater reliability than any system you've known. It incorporates a combination of automatic fail-safe backup, self-diagnostics, and digital technology to keep the system performing under all operating conditions.

Digital, simple and safe.
The MasterCommand™ system uses a Propulsion Control Processor (PCP) for each engine. The control heads are connected to the PCP by digital wiring. Digital technology allows the use of automatic component backup so that if a single component does fail, a redundant mechanism can override it to ensure continued operation until the failed component can be repaired or replaced.

Self-diagnostics keep you up to date with the status of the system.
Through constant monitoring of various data such as clutch oil pressure and, where applicable, pitch, the PCP assesses operating readiness. If a problem is detected, MasterCommand's self-diagnostic system will alert the operator with an audio tone and a message on the liquid crystal display (LCD) located on the control head. A specific code will tell the operator what's wrong so he may refer to the error code section of his manual to assess the problem.

Everything you need to know is right there on your LCD.
The control head LCD displays station-in-command and other data depending on the menu being displayed. The available menus are: Lever Position Menu (the default display), Command Menu, Number of Active Control System Errors Menu, and two menus which allow you to adjust the LCD itself: One controls the intensity of the back lighting and the other controls the viewing angle.

Better Yet, MasterCommand™ Offers Lower Installation Costs and Virtually NO Maintenance!

Easy, inexpensive installation.
When deciding between the MasterCommand™ system and more common propulsion control systems like pneumatic and hydraulic, there's more to sway your opinion than 20% faster response and multiple backups: MasterCommand™ installation is faster and therefore less expensive.

Comparing the exact same vessel, a typical pneumatic system would take, let's say, 50 man-hours to install. A MasterCommand™ system, on the other hand, would require only 32 man-hours. That's a savings of one-third.

Virtually maintenance-free operation with no regularly scheduled overhauls.
A pneumatic propulsion control system must be overhauled every five years and involves significant outlay in time and money. MasterCommand™, however, requires no such overhauls. In fact, a thorough technical examination is all that's needed.

Ongoing maintenance costs for MasterCommand™ run from nearly nothing to perhaps half the cost of a conventional system, but only if parts are required.

MasterCommand™ is Custom Designed to Exceed Your Most Exacting Requirements!

Your MasterCommand™ system is designed to meet your exact needs.
Never off-the-shelf, Mathers MasterCommand™ propulsion control systems are custom designed for every installation. The system is so finely attuned to the particular traits of the vessel it is designed for that certain operating parameters are finalized only under sea trials.

These configurable parameters include such things as speed boost - the percentage of throttle to be applied during clutch engagement once the clutch oil pressure reaches the proper threshold - and neutral time delay which is the minimum amount of delay time, and how long it takes to reach it, in a high speed reversal.

Optimized interface for many advanced applications.
By constant sensor monitoring and feedback, MasterCommand™ ensures maneuvering response that is fast and optimized to the vessel's equipment configuration. The system is an excellent interface with such advanced technology as bow thruster controls, dynamic positioning systems, controllable pitch (C-P) propeller applications and propeller shaft brakes.

For example, to prevent overloading engines with C-P propellers, MasterCommand™ will match the engine manufacturer's load curves throughout the speed range. When used with propeller shaft brakes, such as Mathers own ShaftBrakes™, MasterCommand™ can provide the ideal interface to yield positive control, faster maneuvering and greater load reduction on the drive train.

MasterCommand's Interface Technology Makes the Previously Impossible, a Day-By-Day Matter of Course!

Dynamic Positioning.
Critical station-keeping maneuvers, such as maintaining a safe, yet compatible distance when off-loading from an offshore supply vessel to an oil rig in heavy seas, are made all the more viable with GPS inputs routed through dynamic positioning systems.

These systems control the vessel's position automatically, correcting drift as needed to keep the vessel stationary while the crew is freed to perform other duties. MasterCommand™ is the ideal interface with dynamic positioning systems, remote joystick panels and thruster panels. It's faster response time and quick, accurate transmission of command signals keep your vessel in proper position throughout your maneuver.

Electronic Engines.
The efficient use of fuel and low emission output of new electronic engines allow an operator to reach a higher level of performance at a lower cost. MasterCommand™ is the quintessential interface for electronic engines. It can even control the amount of engine smoke under all maneuvering conditions by relating feedback directly from the engine. This keeps both you and the EPA happy.

Contact Us About MasterCommand™ Controls!