NMEA 2000 Question

[Sea Bitt]

NMEA 2000 Question?

Putting together Garmin NMEA 2000 backbone and was wondering about compatibility with other manufactures NMEA 2000 sensors? I know all the fine print say it should be compatible but I have found out with other projects that's not always the case. Also is there a third party who make sensors and a “black box" interface which can hookup say switches and analog temperature sensors and covert he the data into NMEA 2000 statement for the data bus so it could be read by the display?

I found some information on SeaGauge-Remote N2K is a multi-function digital marine gauge that replaces mechanical instruments and gauges in marine and boat electronics applications. Seems to do what I want to do such as TACHOMETER, RPM, OIL PRESSURE, ENGINE TEMPERATURE, FUEL LEVEL, VOLTMETER, MAIN and AUXILIARY BATTERY. Seems there should be a market for this kind of equipment. I saw somewhere a converter to move NMEA 2000 data from the bus to a USB port for a laptop and software on the laptop to display and interpret the data correctly.

Has anyone tried this product of any other with similar functionality product? Or is it too much cost and hassle and not worth the effort for the results?
Thanks,

 

[capt6650]

I have been an early adapter of NMEA 2000, and yes it is compatible across many manufacturers, for the most part. I have a Simrad AC28 autopilot, Sitex Medata AIS, and a Maretron GPS200, running native NMEA 2000. I also use Noland RS11's to convert old analog gauges to NMEA 2000. I have a Maretron IPG100 and an Actisense NGT-1 to interface the NMEA 2000 network to my computers. I use Maretron N2KView to view my gauges, and other sensors, and Rosepoint Coastal Explorer for charting and navigation.

It all works, but, and there is always a but. You have to be careful when selecting sensors. Maretron sensors require that you use one of their gateways in order to update the firmware on their sensors. You also have to check what PGN's the manufacturer is sending to make sure you are getting all the information you need. Additionally, use something like the free Maretron N2K Analyzer to make sure you are connecting everything correctly and have not exceeded LEN numbers.

In the future, I am planning on adding fuel, water, and waste monitoring next. I am also planning on adding battery and A/C monitoring as well as controlling lights, alarms, and switches.

While it all works, it can get expensive. Excluding the GPS, autopilot, and AIS, I have over $4,000 invested in just the wiring, software, and interfaces. I will probably spend an additional $3-4k to convert everything else to NMEA 2000. My goal is a complete "Glass Bridge" with no switches or gauges, just computer screens.

 

[Sea Bitt]

Thanks for the information. Sounds like you are well are your way to meet your goal of a glass bridge. Will a typical multi-purpose screen from Garmin work or do you need something interpret the data before the screen?

Do you have to disconnect the analog gauges when you hookup the RS11 V3 CANbus Engine Data Converter? Or can you have both running to make comparisons? Or do you need new sensors at the engine for temp and RPM?
Thanks,

 

[capt6650]

To answer your questions.

1. Most manufacturers MFD's support NMEA2000 to some extent. I found them to be expensive and with small screens for what I wanted. I just use regular computers with a 19" monitors. One computer is running Maretron N2Kview which I have customized the screens to show what I want on each screen. My second computer is running Coastal Explorer for charting and to control my Autopilot. I could run everything from one computer with a dual display card, but I wanted the redundancy.

If you use an MFD such as Garmin, or Raymarine, or Navico, make sure it displays all the PGN's you want. Also make sure you can configure the MFD display to match what is being sent.

2. With the RS11 you do not have to disconnect the existing gauges. In fact, I still have gauges on my flying bridge and have the computer monitors in my pilothouse. If you get the Noland RS11, make sure it is V4. V4 has as usb port built in, V3 did not. You need the usb connection to configure your sensors.

3. I did not have to change my engine sensors. I used what was there and they worked fine. You have to configure the RS11 to match what the gauge is seeing. It is not very difficult to do.

If you are going to proceed with building a NMEA2000 setup, I suggest you read all installation and setup manuals before buying anything. Make sure each product supports what you want to do. Not all manufacturers support all the NMEA PGNs even though they say they are NMEA 2000 compliant. A lot of them use proprietary PGN's to control their products. Raymarine is probably the worst at using proprietary PGN's, but they all do it.