 SmartCraft—Total Vessel IntelligenceMercury®-exclusive SmartCraft technology is now available on the entire MerCruiser® fuel-injected sterndrive, inboard and tow sports inboard lineup. SmartCraft provides a quantum leap in technology that makes both engines and boats easier to operate and maintain. Using the latest in computer and marine technology, SmartCraft links a boat’s power and controls, as well as internal and external sensors, to provide instant information at a glance. Precise information is constantly at the boaters’ fingertips, giving them the data they need to maximize their boating experience. By constantly monitoring the boat, engine and environmental conditions, SmartCraft provides information such as: • Air, water and engine temperatures. • Charging level/battery voltage. • Current boat speed. • Dual-power synchronization. • Engine rpm. • Fuel, water, oil, and waste tank levels. • Fuel consumption. • Fuel flow. • GPS course. • Maintenance updates/service advice. • Rudder position (sterndrives). • Throttle percentage. • Travel range. • Trim position. • Water and oil pressure. • Water depth.  At the heart of MerCruiser SmartCraft technology is the groundbreaking 555 control module. Developed exclusively for marine use with Motorola®, this high-speed onboard computer links power and propulsion controls, along with engine and boat sensors, to provide precise engine and vessel systems management. With the capability of monitoring up to 64 different inputs, the 555 control module continuously optimizes performance and economy, while providing the platform for advanced propulsion concepts like our Digital Throttle & Shift System (DTS), TrollControl™, Engine Guardian™, and the ability to employ a wide array of information display devices like the amazing SC5000 System View.The 555 control module also enables boat manufacturers to offer state-of-the-art Digital Information Displays, making it easily expandable. Relating it to the personal computer world, SmartCraft is designed to be expanded by the simple use of a daisy chain network or, in other words, “plug and play.”
Using a single, easy-to-read color display, the SC5000 System View lets you monitor your complete vessel system at the touch of a button. The System View not only monitors vessel systems, it helps control and maintain them as well. Using a single cable from engine to helm, all systems are connected to a digital unit in the engine’s 555 control module.  topEngine Guardian—The Smartest Protection on the Water Engine Guardian acts as the eyes and ears of the system by constantly monitoring the engine and helping to protect it from serious damage. Potential problems are identified before they can escalate such as:• Low oil pressure. • High engine temperature. • Low drive lube level (sterndrives). • High transmission temperatures (inboards). • Engine over-speed. • Low cooling water pressure. • Low voltage. Engine Guardian not only detects and alerts you of an engine problem, the engine control module processes the data and reduces power to a maximum, safe level that allows you to continue operation. And even if an engine problem—such as low oil pressure—appears to resolve itself, the system will keep a record of the incident for your technician to retrieve via computerized diagnostic tools. It all adds up to a powerful combination of protection and performance—one that means fewer repairs and even greater customer satisfaction. All SmartCraft models feature a highly refined multiport fuel injection system run by the Mercury®-exclusive 555 engine control module. Along with unprecedented engine control, the 555 module also drives the Engine Guardian engine protection system. top Digital Throttle & Shift (DTS) SystemIntroduced as a boatbuilder option on the 496 and 8.1 models (single- and dual-engine applications), the Digital Throttle & Shift System represents nothing less than a breakthrough in marine technology. A breakthrough which – like the entire SmartCraft System – has a parallel in the cars on the road today. Put simply, it eliminates the more abrupt, imprecise shifting so common among purely mechanical systems – and brings digital precision to the shifting process. This results in extremely smooth, precise shifting with minimal effort – and allows for uncommonly smooth and responsive throttle control. And since it doesn’t rely on the bulky mechanics of traditional systems, there’s no kinking of cables – and no cable adjustments are needed. And here’s a surprise for those who might question moving away from their tried-and-true mechanical systems. Mercury DTS is designed to be MORE reliable than the systems you’ve been accustomed to all these years. In fact, it’s been tested over 35,000 hours – which makes it more robust than any shifting system available anywhere.  DTS eliminates the “kinks” commonly found in “push and pull” mechanical systems ... which helps to eliminate the issue of cable backlash. Better yet, while the cables in mechanical systems will wear over time – causing throttle hesitation and inconsistencies – DTS ensures precise throttle reaction for the life of the boat. In fact, while boaters with mechanical systems will need to replace their cables, the DTS System is designed to last for the full life of the boat.
View the DTS/Engine Video Tour
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