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In 2003, Mercury quietly launched its Digital Throttle and Shift system (DTS) for the 225 OptiMax outboards, MerCruiser 496 MAG High Output and 496 MAG sterndrives, and MerCruiser 8.1S High Output and 8.1S Horizon inboards. Its arrival is inevitable as more consumers demand automotive technology for their boats. There’s no reason to shy away from this concept, if you own a BMW, Corvette, Mercedes, Cadillac, Lincoln or Porsche, your vehicle may have the same type of technology.
SmartCraft DTS has three primary objectives:
1. Reducing the hassle of boating through effortless throttle and shift.
2. Improving the level of integration and ease of installation at the factory.
3. Safety
With these three objectives in mind, Mercury engineers set out to develop a world-class system that would provide “designed in” technology to enhance the boating experience. Mercury has had scores of seasoned and novice boaters try this new system. The feedback has been consistent: “The smoothness is remarkable” and “When can I get it on my boat?”.
How can that be? The digital electronics package operates on a double- and sometimes triple-redundant network and uses the PCM 555+ as the backbone of the operation. Mercury also used automotive standards to validate the system. We’ve invested in excess of 30,000 on-water test hours to validate and provide the most solid system on the market. No ‘bolt-on’ system can even offer a fraction of that investment.
The DTS system also incorporates high tech cables and connectors that are triple o-ring sealed for maximum protection against corrosion. As a part of SmartCraft, DTS is also part of the plug-n-play network. The results are impressive.
What’s the difference between cable-driven and DTS systems? Smoother, faster shifting and accelerating boats. In a cable-driven system, there is significant resistance to shifting. As the system ages, even more resistance occurs. With DTS, the resistance is adjustable to the operator’s preference. So are the detents. Shifting is effortless because the system does the shifting for you. No more gear grinding and no more hard ‘clunks’ as the system shifts in 0.3 seconds. The throttle response is smooth and dialed-in to optimum performance that meets all of our stringent requirements. In fact, the electronic throttle body is the marine version of one used on over 1,000,000 vehicles in Europe. Once you’ve driven a vessel with DTS, going back to mechanical systems is less than pleasurable.
Of course, there are many more standard features with DTS. On sterndrive/inboard models, a digital steering sensor that indicates the position of the drive/rudder is standard. Additionally, all DTS systems come with “SmartStart”. Simply turn the key briefly or hit the start pushbutton and the system does the rest – it literally starts itself. No more ruined starters by turning the key when the engine is running.
All DTS systems use the Engine Guardian function to protect the engine and drive. With DTS, the drive can’t be engaged until the engine slows down enough to allow it to do so. In a panic situation at high RPM, the driver can pull the system into the opposite gear, causing the engine to slow down to a point where the drive can be engaged, thus stopping the vessel faster than conventional systems. Today if you shift a drive at a high RPM, the drive will more than likely be destroyed or the engine will suffer severe damage. The DTS system can save hardware, drives and lives.
For more information on DTS, contact your local Mercury dealer.
Key Features
The Digital Throttle and Shift (DTS) 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.
The SmartCraft Digital Throttle & Shift (DTS) System brings precision to engine throttle & shift.
The DTS system eliminates the more abrupt, imprecise shifting so common among purely mechanical systems - and brings digital precision to the shifting process resulting in extremely smooth, precise and responsive throttle control.
The DTS system does not rely on the bulky mechanics of traditional systems so there's no kinking of the cables - and no cable adjustments are needed.
Mercury DTS is designed to be MORE reliable than the systems that we've grown accustomed to all these years. In fact, it's been tested over 27,000 hours - which makes it one of the most robust shifting systems available anywhere.
Features & Benefits
SmartCraft has been put to the test. Tested over 27,000 hours.
Triple O-ring sealed connections for the ultimate in robustness.
Around the world Mercury has more than 60 years of proven performance, service and support.
With distribution locations across the globe you can get genuine Mercury precision replacement parts faster than anyone else.
No other engine manufacturer supports you with as many trained service technicians as Mercury.
A long history of expert field personnel get our products ready for proper application.
Today's Mercury engines are the products of more than 60 years of design, research and refinement done in the world's harshest environments.
We've developed the industry's highest standards, resulting in what are now considered "built-in" features applied to everything from "common" to the most "unique" applications.
Easily expandable, SmartCraft products can be added to any existing SmartCraft monitor package with its "plug and play" design.
Easy/quick assembly for the ultimate in portability and convenience.
Reduced rigging time.
Ease of system calibration.
Ease of use.