Firstmate BLR-1v1m-PRO Generation III Pro User Guide

Firstmate® User’s Guide

April 2017

Pro Model – Generation III

First Things First

1. If your Firstmate® PRO remote has been packaged with a lift purchase, your Firstmate® may not be programmed. Please contact the factory if the “Lift Monitor” button is not flashing.

2. MOST IMPORTANT: If the “Lift Monitor” button IS NOT flashing, it is not detecting your lift. Be sure the last button pushed is the “UP” button. This should activate the “Lift Monitor”

Before you begin:

– Read all warnings prior to programming or using your Firstmate® lift controller.
– Read this entire manual before programming your unit.
– Know which hoses control the Port, Starboard & Center tanks on your lift.

Port                                            Starboard

Warning

No user serviceable parts are located inside your Firstmate® unit.
Installation and service should be performed by a qualified electrician only.

Only use a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupt) outlet for powering your Firstmate® controller or the Auxiliary module.

To avoid the risk of electric shock, always disconnect power to your dock before installing the Firstmate® or any of its components.

Use only cordless tools for installation.
Failure to follow these instructions may result in injury or death.

Always tie your boat up to your dock, Firstmate, Inc assumes no liability for damages resulting from the user’s failure to securely restrain their watercraft.

Verify that the boat’s plugs have not been removed before operating the Firstmate®.

Never use your remote control without being present at the lift. If your lift is not raising or lowering in a level position, stop the lift and correct the problem.

Stay clear of the lift while it is in operation.

Caution must be used when storing your vessel in the board position as rough water conditions may lift the boat off the lift.

Power requirements: 20 Amp per blower motor.

PROGRAM FUNCTIONS:

Step 1:

LIFT OPERATION

1. Press AUTO/MANUAL for:
   Manual Light = Sensor off
   Auto Light = PRO/Sensor on

Step 2:

PROGRAM: (will show on display)

1. Press Enter to Program (“SE”)
2. Press Arrow to select (Step 3)
3. Press Enter to Save (“SA”)

Step 3: (program options)

P5 = Displays on Boot Up Only.
DN = Down
*have lift in down position
BD = Board

• have lift in boarding position
  EA = Extra Air (bubble tanks)
  EU = Extra Up (Enter to program)
  once lift is up ea. digit = add’l 10 seconds to blow air
  (e.g. Press arrow to 4 = 40 seconds add’l air)
  ED = Extra Down (factory setting)*
• if chains are tight on back of lift, it is down.
  SR = Strobe
• can turn strobe on/off at control box.
  (will always flash when using key fob)
  LS = Lift Sensor (factory setting – always on)
  AU = Optional Auxiliary Lighting Timer
• ea. digit = 1 minute (e.g. 30 = 30 minutes ambient/decorative or dock lights will stay on before shutting off automatically. (factory setting = 00 / always on/off)

➢ Using your Firstmate®

– Read all warnings prior to operating your Firstmate®.

– Always secure your boat to your dock when not in use, Firstmate, Inc assumes no liability for resulting damage.

– While the Firstmate® is in operation you can stop the lift by pressing any button on the key fob or by pressing [ STOP ] on the control panel.

– Strobe light will activate anytime the lift is in operation

– Pressing the LIGHTS switch will toggle the optional light module on/off.

– Display reads “JA”: (Jammed lift) While raising / lowering the lift, the Firstmate® detected no movement within a 15-minute period, safety switch will cease power to motor(s) and close valve(s). This prevents the blowers from running for extended periods of time in the event of a catastrophic leak.

– Firstmate® detects a leak condition, it will automatically raise the lift. The display will alternately read “AL ” and “01”. The number will increase each time air is added to your lift. To reset the Alarm indication, press the STOP button.

Note: The leak detection is operable only when the lift has been raised to the UP position and the UP button is the last button used. The lift monitor LED will flash when the Firstmate® is in the lift monitoring mode.

AUTO Mode:

➢ When in AUTO mode, after the lift reaches the desired level, it will shut off automatically.
➢ When in AUTO mode, the key fob(s) are also in AUTO mode.
➢ ‘Lift Monitor’ light (lower left) will blink when activated. Firstmate® is now monitoring the lift.
Not blinking? Not watching!

MANUAL mode:

➢ When in MANUAL mode, the controller will stay active until a second switch is pressed
i.e., if the lift is sent up or down, the valves will stay open until a second switch is pressed.
➢ When in MANUAL mode, the key fob(s) are in the manual mode.

To switch between either AUTO or MANUAL Mode:

➢ Press and hold [ AUTO / MANUAL ] on the control panel. LED will indicate which mode is active.

Using the Emergency Override Handle(s):

Caution: Do not control the valves independent of one another in opposite functions (one valve up, other valves down) as you may roll the lift.

➢ Emergency override handle(s) may be used to raise or lower the lift. This action is used to bypass the electronics.
➢ # handle(s) = # of valve(s) in your system. To operate, Turn handle(s) at the same time.
➢ Turn to the desired function [Handle(s) will be difficult turn. This is normal.]
➢ When the lift has reached the desired level, turn the handle(s) to the HOLD position.

Using the Key fob:

➢ Note that the Key fob is not capable of programming any functions. All settings are programmed using the control functions on the control panel.

➢ To prevent situations of accidental activation, to operate the lift by key fob, you must press and hold down the buttons for approximately 1-2 seconds for the Firstmate® to accept the command.

➢ The key fob buttons correspond to the following functions:

UP = UP
BD = BOARD
DN = DOWN
Both “UP” and “DN” = LIGHTS On/Off if optionally equipped.

Using Auxiliary Lighting Module:

Your Generation III Pro Remote (s/n: 30242 or after) comes standard with an auxiliary lighting feature.

o Remove outer enclosure to expose the Female cord plug. This will accommodate any rope or decorative lighting. Plug it in and use the key fob to operate lighting.

➢ Auxiliary Timer (up to 30 minutes): Turn lights on when docking with by pressing both [ UP ] & [ DN ] on the key fob. Auxiliary lights will turn off automatically. Can be programmed up to 30 minutes.

➢ Use Key Fob for dock lights: It is possible to have your auxiliary module turn your dock lights on and off with your key fob. Consult an electrician for wiring.

Lift Dynamics:

When your boat and lift combination is in a transition state (i.e. rapid movement between UP and BOARD or the BOARD and DOWN positions) it is not possible to stop the lift from continuing the upward/downward movement until it has reached a neutral buoyancy position.

The weight of your boat will affect the location of your UP and BOARD positions. A heavily laden boat with full gas tanks will stop at lower levels than the same boat with nearly empty tanks.

Programming Tips:

➢ When programming the “EA” (Extra Air), start with 30 seconds (#3 on display – factory setting), and then check the lift height. Add extra air as required to achieve the desired lift height.

➢ After launching your boat, press the board button. The lift will be raised to the up position with minimum air in the tanks and take less time to lower the lift when you return.

Programming your Firstmate® (step by step):

In order to program desired Lift Positions, unit must be in MANUAL mode

Programming DOWN:

1. Press [ DOWN ] to lower lift. The ideal down position is when the chains tighten; lift begins making choking sound; spitting water from exhaust hoses.
2. Press [ STOP ] Handle(s) will turn themselves back to the HOLD position and lift will stop
3. Press [ ENTER / SAVE ] under ‘Program.’ Display will read DN for down.
4. Press [ ENTER / SAVE ] again to select.
5. SA should appear on the display to confirm the setting has saved.

Programming BOARD:

1. Press [ UP ] to raise lift to the desired Boarding position.
2. Press [ STOP ] Handle(s) will turn themselves back to the HOLD position and lift will stop
3. Press [ ENTER / SAVE ] under “Program”.
4. Use < > to toggle over to display BD for Board.
5. Press [ ENTER / SAVE ] again to select.
6. SA should appear on the display to confirm the setting has saved.

There is no step for programming the UP position. To adjust factory setting, see Programming EXTRA AIR.

Programming EXTRA AIR : Make sure the boat is on the lift in the down or boarding position.

1. In AUTO mode, press [ UP ] a. The Firstmate® will auto shut off at factory setting and lift monitor light will start blinking

2. Switch to MANUAL mode, press [ AUTO / MANUAL ]

3. Press [ UP ]

4. Begin counting the seconds it takes to bubble the tanks
   a. (“1000-1, 1000-2, 1000-3, 1000-4”) until air bubbles up from under lift tanks.

5. Press [ STOP ]

6. Press [ ENTER / SAVE ] under ‘Program’

7. Use < > to toggle over to display EA for Extra Air.

8. Press [ ENTER / SAVE ] a. Display will now read EU for Extra Up.

9. Press [ ENTER / SAVE ] again to select. EU number is displayed.

10. Use ‘Program’< > arrows to adjust EU for Firstmate® to run once sensor is out of the water.
    a. Each time either arrow is pressed, the display will increase or decrease by one digit (increasing or decreasing the extra air to blow by 10 seconds).
    b. For example: 3 (30 seconds of extra air), Using the right < > arrow, the EU number will increase to 4 (40 seconds of extra air).

11. Press [ ENTER / SAVE ] once your EU number is displayed.

12. SA will appear on the display to confirm the setting has saved.

Programming EXTRA DOWN:

This setting can be used if the lift pops up when pulling off the lift or if the tanks aren’t letting all the air out. Typically, this problem is caused by the chain lengths on the lift being too short. If the chains are tight before the lift reaches the full down position, then the chains need adjusted. Call an authorized lift dealer.

The extra down setting is not the proper solution to short chains.

1. Press [ ENTER / SAVE ] under Program. SE will appear on the display followed by DN for Down.

2. Using < > toggle over to EA for Extra Air.

3. Press [ ENTER / SAVE ] to select.
   a. The display will read EU.

4. Using < > toggle over to ED for Extra Down.

5. Press [ ENTER / SAVE ] again to select. ED number will be displayed.

6. Use < > to adjust the desired amount of time for the lift run in the down position.
   a. Each time either arrow is pressed, the display will increase or decrease by one digit (increasing or decreasing the extra down to by 10 seconds).

7. Press [ ENTER / SAVE ] once your ED number is displayed.

8. SA will appear on the display to confirm the setting has saved.

Programming Auxiliary Lighting Timer:

1. Press [ ENTER / SAVE ] under ‘Program’ (will get SE)
2. Use < > to toggle over to display AU for Auxiliary
3. Press [ ENTER / SAVE ] to select
4. Adjust using < > to increase or decrease display # (each digit is one minute)
5. Press [ ENTER / SAVE ] to save timer

Troubleshooting

No range – remote will only work at very close range:

✓ Check if receiver is mounted to dock upright
✓ Is there an antenna attached to the receiver?
o If so, push antenna & cable into receiver to make sure there is a tight connection.
✓ Does the fob’s LED light up when using?
If no:
✓ Replace the battery.
o Remove screw from back of fob & replace with A23 or CR2023 battery
o Key fob may have water damage and will need to be replaced. Open key fob case to see if water has gotten on electronics (will show rust.)
If yes:
o Still replace the battery. A weak battery may have only enough power to light LED but not enough juice to send a signal to its receiver. Range is affected when battery is low.

Firstmate® not blowing itself back up:

✓ Be sure sensor is activated. Last button pressed must be [ UP ] o Red LED “Lift Monitor” (lower left on control panel) should be flashing.
✓ Is sensor hose attached from the lift to Firstmate®?
✓ Is sensor tube (white PVC tube on lift) out of water when the lift is in the UP position?
o May need to adjust the mounted position of sensor tube, either up or down.

Lift is down and nothing happens when the “UP” button is pushed:

CAUSE: Firstmate® was interfered by operator while in the process of completing a cycle.

1. Raise lift by either
   o turning the emergency override handle(s) to the UP position
   o by putting the Firstmate in MANUAL mode and pressing [ UP ] on the control panel.

2. Stop the lift once tanks start to bubble by either:
   o turning handle(s) back to the HOLD position
   o by pressing [ STOP ] on the control panel

3. Lastly while in AUTO mode, press [ UP ] to activate Lift Monitor.

*Remember when in AUTO mode, the Firstmate® must complete a command before another command can be executed.

Lift will not go down (no air coming from back of Firstmate®):

CAUSE: Lift may have air lock.

1. Raise lift using the emergency override handle(s) to blow out tanks & lift line.

2. Let the tank(s) bubble for a minimum of 5 minutes to clear any potential debris blocking air flow.
   This will not hurt the lift.

3. Turn handle(s) back to HOLD to stop lift.

4. Press [ DOWN ] on control panel or key fob. Should now hear air escaping from back of Firstmate®.

Blower will not shut off or seems to run way too long:

✓ Re-adjust the “Extra Air” setting. Lift may have been programmed without boat on lift.
✓ Is Firstmate® in AUTO or MANUAL Mode?

Blower will not stop at Board or doesn’t shut off automatically:

✓ Verify the Firstmate® is operating in AUTO mode.

CAUSE: There may be water in the sensor hose.

1. Turn the emergency override handle(s) to the “UP” position.
   Motor(s) will activate, raising the lift.

2. Stop lift once tank(s) are bubbling by turning handle(s) back to HOLD

3. Remove the Firstmate® enclosure

4. Locate the Quick Connect Fitting. (see image.)

5. Lift up on the underside of the Quick Connect fitting and pull down on sensor tube to disconnect.
   (DO NOT disconnect tube above the Quick Connect!)

6. Blow air through Sensor tubing ONLY to remove standing water

7. Reconnect the sensor tubing by firmly pushing it back into the quick connect fitting

8. With Firstmate® in AUTO Mode, lower lift to board position using either key fob or Control panel. If the problem has been corrected the lift should stop at your desired board position that was previously set.

If problem persists, service may be required to correct a faulty part.
Contact the Firstmate office @ 1-800-570-9707 to discuss further options or steps.

Firstmate® comes on by itself & lift is up:

1. Mother Nature:
   o There may be water in the sensor assembly. (See above.)
   o Unplug cable (running up dock post) to the receiver & check to see if contacts are clean (no green from mildew or rust from moisture). Plug back in.

2. Electrical: Voltage to dock may be low or electric surge. If problem persists, call for service.

How to test Accuracy of Lift Monitor by simulating a Leak:

1. With ‘Lift Monitor’ light flashing, turn handle(s) to the DOWN position.
   o The Firstmate® should register a leak once the lift starts dropping and the sensor tube is down in the water before boat is floating.

2. Firstmate® should auto activate, raising the lift & shutting itself off once in the UP position.
   o Display will read AL01

3. Press [ STOP ] to clear alarm.

4. Press [ UP ] to turn ‘Lift Monitor’ back on.

FIRSTMATE® OPTIONS:

Single Valve – upgradable to Dual, Three & Four-Valve

Additional Fobs – Program up to 4 Key fobs per Receiver

External Strobe Kit – Maximize viewing distance & range

myDockLink™ Virtual Key Fob – Order Today @ mydocklink.com

See web site or call for pricing

Warranty Statement:

Thank you for purchasing your Firstmate® system. Your system is covered by a two-year Parts and Labor warranty** as follows:

The warranty period starts on the date of the sale. In the case of equipment installed by an authorized commercial contractor, the warranty begins on the date of site acceptance.

This warranty is provided for the sole benefit of the original consumer and is not transferable.

This warranty is applicable for product purchased and used in the fifty states of the USA and the District of Columbia only. It is not applicable in the possessions or territories of the USA or in any other country.

This is the only express warranty, which Firstmate, Inc. makes in connection with the Firstmate® system, and its accessories. Any implied warranty applicable to this product including the warranty of merchantability is limited to the duration of the express warranty.

Firstmate, Inc. excludes and shall not be liable in any event for incidental or consequential damages. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty may last. Therefore, these limitations and exclusions may not apply to you.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may also have other rights, which vary, from state to state. In the event any of the provisions of this warranty are bound by statute or by applicable administrative or judicial entities to be unenforceable, all remaining provisions shall remain in full force.

Owner’s Responsibilities:

1. Please read the Owner’s Manual completely. The information provided in the manual covers operation, safety precautions and, where applicable, routine maintenance.
2. Should warranty service be required you will need to be able to produce reasonable proof of purchase. Please save your sales receipt or other similar document. In the case of contractor installed equipment, a photocopy of the site acceptance document would be considered acceptable.
3. Notify Firstmate, Inc. of any alleged defect promptly upon discovery.
4. Return the product to an authorized dealer, service center or to Firstmate, Inc. All shipments must be PREPAID. No Collect shipments will be accepted. Products repaired under warranty by Firstmate, Inc. or designated service center will be returned to the sender PREPAID.
5. Product returned for service (in or out of warranty) MUST have a Return Authorization that may be obtained from Firstmate, Inc.
6. At Firstmate, Inc.’s sole discretion, warranted materials may be repaired or replaced.

Exclusions:

1. Product sold by retailers or contractors NOT authorized by Firstmate, Inc. and product whose trademark, name or identification numbers have been altered or removed are not covered by this warranty.
2. Product not specifically marketed for installation in areas exposed to the elements (sun, wind, rain, etc.) is not covered for defects that are attributable to this type of installation.
3. Product failures that are the result of abnormal strain, negligence, misuse, improper installation or operation, or failure to follow instructions contained in the owner’s manual. Abuse, modification, or accidental damage is not covered by this warranty, nor is damage resulting from floods, lighting, earthquakes, hail, etc.
4. RFI/EMI (interference/noise) caused by improper grounding or the improper use of either certified or uncertified equipment is not covered by this warranty.
5. Product that has been, or has attempted to have been, repaired by anyone other than Firstmate, Inc. Or a party authorized by Firstmate, Inc.
6. This warranty only applies to the Firstmate® product. Firstmate, Inc. is not responsible for the loss, cost, or expense of any other person or item that is injured or damaged.

The General Ground Fault Interrupter (GFCI) comes standard on our product for liability purposes. It is not an integral part of the Firstmate® system. Therefore, t he GFCI only carries a 60-day warranty.**

Firstmate, Inc. | 866-570-9707 | firstmatecontrols.com

References

• Boat Lift Remote Control | Firstmate Controls Remote Boat Lift Control
• myDockLink™ - Firstmate Controls Inc

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