Rolls-Royce 6533-M SITCON Bow Thruster Remote Control Unit

Rolls-Royce Bow Thruster Remote Control Electronics Unit 6533-M

The Rolls-Royce Bow Thruster Remote Control Electronics Unit 6533-M (Type No.: SITCON, Inst. No.: 6533-M) is a marine propulsion signal-processing and control enclosure engineered in Norway by Rolls-Royce Marine AS (formerly Ulstein Propeller AS, now part of Kongsberg Maritime). Built to manage command and feedback loops between wheelhouse/bridge wing control stations and the hydraulic pitch-actuation gear in the thruster room, this unit processes analog pitch orders, monitors feedback potentiometers, and drives proportional directional solenoid valves.

The SITCON 6533-M architecture is purpose-built for continuous-duty marine maneuvering where immediate thrust response, galvanic signal isolation, and fault-safe neutral return are mandatory during harbor docking and dynamic station-keeping.

Model Details

• Manufacturer: Rolls-Royce Marine AS (Dept. Propulsion – Ulstein, Norway)
• System Platform: SITCON Remote Control System
• Installation / Model Number (MPN): 6533-M
• Country of Origin: Norway
• Equipment Function: Bridge-to-Thruster Room Electronic Pitch & Thrust Control Unit

Technical Details

Features

1. Dedicated SITCON Analog Control Architecture: Processes continuous pitch command signals from bridge and wing levers while comparing actual blade angle feedback from the thruster’s hydraulic servo potentiometer.
2. Closed-Loop Servo Valve Actuation: Generates stabilized command outputs to actuate hydraulic solenoid directional valves, ensuring accurate controllable-pitch propeller (CPP) blade positioning.
3. Multi-Station Command Transfer Support: Integrates with wheelhouse master panels, port/starboard bridge wing panels, and local thruster room control stations with bumpless station transfer.
4. Marine-Grade Enclosure & Vibration Resilience: Housed in an industrial bulkhead-mounted steel/alloy cabinet engineered to withstand engine-room and switchboard-room mechanical vibration and ambient humidity.
5. Fail-Safe Neutral & Alarm Interfacing: Incorporates zero-pitch return logic upon command-loop open-circuit faults and provides dry-contact status/alarm outputs to the vessel’s Integrated Automation System (IAS).

Compatible Thruster & Control Systems

• Rolls-Royce / Ulstein Tunnel Thrusters: TV-Series Controllable Pitch Tunnel Thrusters (including 90TV, 150TV, 250TV, 375TV and TT-Series units equipped with SITCON analog remote control).
• Control Panels & Levers: Rolls-Royce / Ulstein SITCON Bridge Control Panels, Thruster Lever / Joystick Units (e.g., Ulstein Propeller AS Handles, U00E59 series panels).
• Pitch Indicators: Analog 1 mA / 4–20 mA / ±10 V Rudder & Pitch Angle Indicators (e.g., DEIF DLQ72-pc-PY / DLQW72-pc-PY thruster indicators).

Related System Boards & Cross-Reference Numbers

• Rolls-Royce Inst. No.: 6533-M / 6533-M-
• System Designation: ROLLS-ROYCE MARINE AS TYPE NO.: SITCON
• Associated Internal SITCON PCBs (Series Family): Ulstein SITCON Control Boards (T-5270, T-5271, IND1013-B, LF1805) — verify internal card population against your existing chassis before swapping sub-assemblies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the function of the Rolls-Royce 6533-M Electronic Unit?

The Rolls-Royce 6533-M is the central electronic signal-processing unit for the SITCON bow thruster remote control system. It converts bridge lever thrust commands into hydraulic solenoid valve signals while continuously comparing actual propeller blade pitch via a servo feedback potentiometer.

Is the Rolls-Royce 6533-M compatible with Ulstein TV-series bow thrusters?

Yes. Rolls-Royce Marine AS acquired Ulstein Propeller AS, and the SITCON 6533-M control unit is specifically designed to operate Ulstein and Rolls-Royce controllable-pitch tunnel thrusters (such as the 90TV, 150TV, 250TV, and 375TV series) that utilize analog SITCON remote control architecture.

Can I replace a 6533-M unit without reprogramming software?

Yes. The SITCON 6533-M relies on hardware-based analog signal conditioning rather than proprietary flash firmware. However, you must match internal trimmer potentiometers (zero-pitch offset, gain, and deadband) and DIP-switch configurations to your vessel’s original unit and verify wiring against your shipboard installation drawing.

What causes pitch hunting or uncommanded thrust on a SITCON bow thruster controller?

Pitch hunting is typically caused by a worn wiper track on the thruster’s hydraulic servo feedback potentiometer, AC ripple on the 24 VDC control power supply, or loose shield terminations on the analog command wiring rather than a complete failure of the 6533-M enclosure.