NMEA 2000 - N2K

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Fri Mar 25, 2011 10:29 pm

Anybody install an N2K network device (GPS, radar, instrumentation etc) and gone the extra mile by running a backbone/trunk throughout the entire boat for future expansion?

ready123 · Post by **ready123** » Fri Mar 25, 2011 11:09 pm

Thought about it but found too many old analog items that would have to be upgraded to run on NEMA 2000 so passed on spending the money for the backbone.

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Fri Mar 25, 2011 11:58 pm

I know what you mean. I'm pretty excited about the technology though, it's just amazing what you can do with it now, and it's pretty bullet proof. You're only limited by your imagination, and your wallet of course. Actually Michael, you fall into one of those perfect candidates for some of it's capabilities, namely the ability to monitor your vessel from afar by simply connecting to it through your Iphone or other device. Nice to know as well that I can even incorporate N2K into my old 440s, all tanks, electrical, instrumentation, etc. There's so much more to it than meets the eye too, it's what you can do with it and how you can program and manipulate variables that really makes it so useful. I think the industry will soon get to a point where if techs don't start keeping up with it, they'll really fall behind in thier ability to effectively diagnose and correct vessel systems issues. It's here to stay so for those that are techno geeks, installing a backbone throughout the vessel and adding a component or two every year is a good idea IMO, especially if you're already adding one (albeit small) due to a newer nav package.

LandVF36 · Post by **LandVF36** » Sat Mar 26, 2011 12:34 am

I've started down that road. I have a Lowrance LMS-520c head unit that offers GPS/sounder/charting. Right away I added N2K Fuel Flow gauges (sort of scary to know how much fuel you are burning).
Last summer I added engine monitoring from Noland Engineering. This was great, it added tach, water temp, oil pres. I plan to add a sender for tranny fluid temp. I would like to add a 2nd LMS display and ultimately turn the current guage cluster on on the flybridge into a drink holder (old those guage holes might hold a few).
One part of me likes to keep everything orginal, but at about 40yrs, its a lot of work maintaining all those wires. Also, when you loose a guage, getting one that will balance with the lower helm guages is a PITA.

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Sat Mar 26, 2011 10:04 am

That's awsome. I'd love to start going there as well. Not quite ready to change up the old nav system yet but I can certainly get started by getting a backbone in. I really like some of Maretron's products. Thier compass looks great. It's totally electronic, not fluxgate, no moving parts. Most accurate type of compass on the market, currently used in aviation. Radar overlays on GPS are seamless. I hooked one up for testing and I was impressed. I also hooked up thier wind/weather sensor. It's an ultrasonic device so no moving parts.

LandV, which Noland unit did you get for engine monitoring? I know of two that they have but am getting conflicting info from Maretron on one of the units. They are saying that the unit is only good for electronic engines with 5 volt refference voltages to their engine sensors. I kind of had my doubts but haven't contacted Noland yet. Good to know that it's actually doable. Any info you can provide on how you done your engines would be great. Do you plan on changing out tank senders eventually?

I've been doing a lot of rewiring and clean up but really wish I could just yank it all out and run one single cable. I'm excited about this stuff, nice to know someone else on here sees it's potential, and actually going forward to take advantage of it.

Man, I can go on and on with this stuff. There's just so much you can do with it. Imagine playing with your boat when you can't be on it!!

alexander38 · Post by **alexander38** » Sat Mar 26, 2011 2:38 pm

Omg I'm not the only lowrance user on the site.

Reel Nauti · Post by **Reel Nauti** » Sat Mar 26, 2011 2:49 pm

I'm just getting started with the Lowrance set up, last year I installed a HDS-10 head unit, Broadband Radar & Satellite weather overlay, this year I will be adding the engine sensors and fuel flow to it.
At some point I will need to add a secondary head unit so I can see everything at the same time. Spendy on the front end but still less than the competitor set up's with alot more options included at a base price.

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Sat Mar 26, 2011 5:21 pm

Great to see people are on to this and adding vessel systems to the mix. Here are a couple of items from Maretron that I think are good to have since we're always talking about power management:

The DC battery monitor allows you to keep on top of all the important conditions of your DC system we so often discuss like usage and more.
http://www.maretron.com/products/dcm100.php

The AC current module is great for doing the same on the 120 volt side of both the ship and the marina supply including incoming frequency and your genny too.
http://www.maretron.com/products/acm100.php

Here is a handy FREE tool from Maretron to help set up a network. It uses Maretron accessories but is a great tool for designing any N2K network because it will raise a flag if you try to go beyond N2K recommendations such as a drop line longer than 6 meters for example. It's a great tool;
http://www.maretron.com/products/N2KBuilder.php

Not trying to push Maretron, just familiar with some of their product. Looking into other manufacturer's also.

LandVF36 · Post by **LandVF36** » Sat Mar 26, 2011 11:16 pm

I purchased a Noland RS-11 unit. I thought I'd start with one and split the use for both engines just to make sure it works. I simply connected into the wiring blocks behind the lower helm(from the access panel in the bunk room. It was a pretty quick install, followed by a little calibration work. I get some jumpy readings on the tach, but I am certain that is a ground issue.

I've also been looking for a deal on a used Panasonic ToughBook. These are devices made for field military use. They are have 11" displays and would make a great guage display at the helm. Best part, they are water-proof / submersible so I would be able to just mount and forget about it.

Mitch

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Sun Mar 27, 2011 9:37 am

Thanks Mitch, it's good to have actual field confirmation on the RS11. For what it's worth, I have used the Toughbook, can't quite pinpoint the issue, maybe the hype before using it but I'm kind of indifferent to it now, doesn't seem to be worth the extra expense either IMO. I also suspect that once you are capable of monitoring more and more systems, you'll want to see more at the same time and the small screen would shrink things too much for my liking. If they've changed it up a bit in the last few years and have a bigger screen, I may consider one but haven't looked at what they have in some time now. If you're using it out in the elements (upper helm) then ya, it's deffinately a plus. For now, I'm using a 17" laptop at the lower helm for navigation, love it. But I like piloting from the upper and use an older Raymarine RL display. I have to get another laptop though, the wife want's to use it to do stuff while under way, and the little guy wants to watch movies (must keep him busy). I agree though that I would like this set at the upper helm but not sure yet if I want to do that with this laptop. I understand that Maretron has touchscreen drivers in thier viewer software so with the right monitor you could eliminate the keyboard.

g36 · Post by **g36** » Sun Mar 27, 2011 8:19 pm

i also am using some lowrance products on a nema 2000 network
hds unit, temp sensors and also fuel flow

alexander38 · Post by **alexander38** » Sun Mar 27, 2011 8:31 pm

My add on's for the yr are going to be hd 24 radar already have it waiting on weather to change. Then up grade from global map 5200 to hds 8 and move the 5200 to the lower helm and then flow sensors.

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Sun Mar 27, 2011 8:53 pm

Hadn't really considered Lawrance before but took a quick look at thier web site and they have some goodies. How do you guys find thier prices for comperable displays? I like the fuel flow accessory. Again, the good thing about N2K is that no one manufacturer can dictate what you must use with thier product, any one's product can be mixed in to get the best system that you feel is right for you.

G36, who's temp sensors are you using?

g36 · Post by **g36** » Sun Mar 27, 2011 10:25 pm

i am using 3 lowrance temp sensors. i am using one on each engine on the exhaust manifold to monitor the temp. i have the set point set so that if i loose an impeller the increase in the exhaust temp will trigger the alarm. i see it as a early warning for engine temp. i have another sensor that i am presently using to read the lake temp. i do very much like my fuel flow sensors also. i looked very long and hard but the hds system with downscan was what i wanted. i do take my hds unit off my trojan and run it on my runabout that i have the structurescan sensor mounted on. lowrance was the only one that had all of this (especially the fuel flow sensors) that would be plug and play.
i have had my hds system for 1 1/2 years and love it.

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Sun Mar 27, 2011 11:01 pm

Good idea with using the temp sensors on the exhaust.