Original housing
The existing square instrument case and bezel are reused where serviceable.
Volvo Penta 828731
Modern electronics in the original square instrument
A working electronic replacement for the ageing Volvo Penta 828731 power-trim indicator, designed around the original instrument housing and connections.
Project status
Working on the bench
The prototype is operating with the new colour display and replacement electronics. The current concept reuses the original instrument case, front bezel, loom connector and mechanical fittings where they remain serviceable.
The intended route is an exchange/rebuild service rather than a universal replacement. An initial special-offer batch is planned at £199 per rebuild, including return postage to a UK address.
Why reuse the case and connector? The original connector is no longer readily available, and the condition of used cases varies. A rebuild allows the original installation and loom to be retained.
Introductory offer
828731 exchange rebuild
The customer's original Volvo Penta 828731 instrument is rebuilt with the new electronics and display, retaining the original housing, connector and mechanical fittings where they are serviceable.
The introductory offer is intended for the first small batch while real-world installations continue to build operating experience.
Initial special-offer price
£199
Includes return postage to a UK address.
12-month no-quibble exchange warranty.
The customer sends the original 828731 instrument to AJL Electronics for rebuild. AJL's current eBay listings can be viewed below; the 828731 exchange listing will appear there when it goes live.
Demonstration
Trim range and warning behaviour
The demonstration shows the trim reading moving through the range, the BEACH indication and the warning states.
Demo note: this recording is from an earlier software revision. The boat illustration direction has since been corrected. Camera ghosting visible in the recording is an artefact and is not present on the actual display.
What is retained
Designed around the original installation
Original connector
The original loom connector is retained to avoid modifying the boat wiring.
New electronics
The display, controller and supporting electronics are replaced with modern components.
Calibration
The design includes calibration so the sender range can be matched rather than assuming every installation is identical.
Warning outputs
Beach-range and higher trim warning behaviour are reproduced electronically.
Exchange concept
The planned service model uses the customer's original case and connector, subject to condition.
Testing and interest
Real-world evaluation
Bench testing is encouraging, but comparison with an original instrument aboard a boat is still important before the design is treated as a finished product.
If you have an original 828731 and are interested in the £199 introductory exchange rebuild, or in helping with real-world evaluation, contact AJL Electronics.