Lateral thruster joystick JX-3

for motorsfor shipsfor marinas

Overview
The Maritronix JX-3 Docking Joystick is a 3-axis CAN-Bus helm joystick engineered for precise low-speed yacht manoeuvring including docking, undocking and station-keeping. The skipper commands intuitive vessel movement by moving or rotating the joystick in the desired direction.

Integration and Use
The JX-3 can be installed as an optional joystick station for PILOT-H PRO systems or integrated into compatible Maritronix CAN-Bus control solutions. The connected control system coordinates engines and thrusters to produce forward, reverse, diagonal, sideways movement and rotation according to vessel configuration.

Two-Stage Proportional Docking Control
When paired with PILOT-H PRO or a compatible Maritronix system, the JX-3 offers a two-stage, position-based docking algorithm: a small joystick displacement triggers a first calibrated engine response for gentle movement, while further displacement activates a stronger calibrated response for higher thrust during heavier corrections. Response levels are set during system calibration and depend on vessel and engine configuration.

Joystick Dead Zone for Safer Operation
The JX-3 algorithm includes a centre dead zone of approximately 10% before commands activate. This prevents unintended engine or thruster commands from very small accidental movements, vibration or light contact with the handle.

How the JX-3 Docking Algorithm Works
The joystick direction is interpreted by the Maritronix control system as a single vessel movement command. Rather than controlling engines and thrusters individually, the skipper moves the joystick toward the desired boat movement and the control system calculates and issues coordinated engine and thruster outputs per the selected configuration.

Joystick command table
Forward — Both engines advance. Small movement = first calibrated response; further movement = stronger response. — Boat moves forward, increasing speed with further movement.
Reverse — Both engines reverse. Small movement = first calibrated response; further movement = stronger response. — Boat moves astern, increasing reverse thrust with further movement.
Forward diagonal — One engine engages first to initiate turning; further movement increases main engine response and the second engine joins. — Boat moves forward-left or forward-right depending on joystick direction.
Reverse diagonal — One engine engages first in reverse; further movement increases main engine response and the second engine joins. — Boat moves reverse-left or reverse-right depending on joystick direction.
Side movement — Engines remain in neutral; bow/stern thrusters provide sideways motion. — Boat moves sideways to port or starboard.
Joystick rotation — Engines counter-rotate. Small rotation = first response; further rotation = stronger response. — Boat rotates clockwise or counter-clockwise about its axis.
Top button + rotation — Thrusters may assist rotation in the same turning direction when supported by configuration. — Increased turning force during rotation.
Top button + joystick direction — Top button can enable thruster-only mode without engaging engines (hold top button in neutral and move joystick). — Thruster-only transverse control depending on configuration.

Forward, Reverse and Diagonal Movement
Pushing forward engages forward thrust on both engines with staged response; pulling back engages reverse similarly. In diagonal commands the system first applies thrust from the engine that produces the required turning moment, then adds the second engine as demand increases.

Side Movement and Thruster Functions
Direct lateral joystick movement keeps engines in neutral and uses bow and stern thrusters to shift the vessel sideways. If a physical stern thruster is not present, a virtual stern thruster may be used depending on configuration. The top button supports a thruster-only mode when configured.

Rotation Function
Rotating the joystick from centre commands counter-rotation of engines (one forward, one reverse) to spin the vessel on its axis. A staged response provides fine control for small rotations and increased power for larger rotations. Holding the top button can add thruster assistance where configured.

Designed for Marina Manoeuvring
The JX-3 is intended for precise low-speed operations: entering or leaving marinas, approaching berths, stern-to berthing and holding or correcting position in wind or current. It simplifies control by letting the skipper command desired vessel movement rather than managing each engine and thruster separately.

Compatibility and Important Note
The JX-3 is a CAN-Bus joystick module requiring a compatible Maritronix control interface (PILOT-H PRO, Maritronix gateway or other compatible Maritronix CAN-Bus solutions). It must not be connected directly to engines, thrusters, transmissions or third-party control systems without the correct Maritronix interface. Maritronix verifies vessel configuration and selects the appropriate integration method prior to delivery.

Technical specifications

• Product name: Maritronix JX-3 Docking Joystick
• Joystick type: 3-axis CAN-Bus helm joystick
• Application: Docking, undocking, marina manoeuvring and low-speed yacht control
• Control logic: Direction-based joystick interpretation with two-stage response when supported by connected Maritronix system
• Response stages: First calibrated response and stronger calibrated response
• Center dead zone: Approx. 10% before command activation
• Supported manoeuvres: Forward, reverse, diagonal, sideways movement and rotation
• Thruster functions: Bow/stern thruster control, thruster-assisted rotation and thruster-only mode (when supported)
• Interface: CAN-Bus
• Connection cable: 1,500 mm CAN-Bus cable included
• Protection rating: IP65
• Installation area: Protected helm station / cabin installation
• Compatibility: PILOT-H PRO and compatible Maritronix CAN-Bus yacht control solutions