Joysticks have found their use in almost all industries. From aviation to electronic gaming and from hydraulic control systems to ground-air warfare mechanisms, all of them resort to the aid of joysticks in some or the other way. Joysticks revolutionized the world of electronic gaming and increased the level of user interactivity as people preferred using a joystick over the normal remote control as it provided a much better user interface. With the rapid progress in technology joysticks have been altered in several ways to suit different requirements. One of the latest applications being the VOLVO PENTA IPS system.
It is a modern alternative to the inboard shaft system. One of the greatest innovations ever in boating with car-like handling and maneuvering, joystick for easy docking plus dramatically increased efficiency. The Volvo IPS system was first introduced by Volvo in the 2005 London Boat show and since then it has taken the entire boating industry by storm.
With the Volvo Penta IPS Joystick, maneuvering is simplified, the driver just pushes or rotates the joystick in the desired direction and the boat responds: forward, reverse, sideways, or spins on its own axis. The Volvo Penta IPS Joystick uses the engine and drive units in programmed synchronization to perform any maneuver the operator desires. The secret behind the amazing moves is the Volvo Penta IPS system with it’s individually steer able drive units. Sophisticated and specially developed software in the EVC system transforms the driver’s joystick movements into steering angles, gear shifts and throttle positions. The boat moves exactly according to the driver’s intentions. Boating becomesa very easy and can be enjoyed by one and all. By simply moving the joystick even a child can navigate the boat with ease!
The following steps show how it is operated:
- Lower left button: activate or deactivate the joystick.
- Lower right button: high mode, to get more power if needed, e.g. if wind or current is strong.
- Upper left button: activate or deactivate “Dynamic Positioning System” (option).
- Push the joystick to port or starboard and your boat goes sideways. Even “impossible” berths are now accessible.
- Twist the top to rotate. Combine it with any other move to compensate for wind or current.
You can do all your slow-speed driving easier than the traditional way in any direction! Some of the advantages that the Volvo Penta IPS system offers over the traditional inboard shafts system are:
- 35% better efficiency
- 20% higher top speed
- 15% faster acceleration
- 30% reduced fuel consumption
- 50% lower perceived sound level
- Car-like handling and maneuvering and the joystick option for easy docking.
Within six years of its introduction the Volvo Penta IPS system has nearly transformed the entire boating experience. Today, more than 10,000 IPS units are installed in more than 250 different boat models worldwide and is expected to register more impressive figures very soon.