Differences

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--- ve.can:nmea-2000:start [2025-01-21 23:20] – [1.2 Integration with MFDs] mvader
+++ ve.can:nmea-2000:start [2025-02-06 21:54] (current) – [1.2 MFD Integration] mvader
@@ Line 5: / Line 5: @@
 ==== 1.1 Summary ====
-This document provides an overview of the features available when integrating a Victron system with a marine system. These features include:
+This guide provides an overview of integrating Victron systems with marine networks. These features include:
-  * **Monitoring the Victron system on an MFD (chart plotter)**: Compatible brands include Garmin, Raymarine, Furuno, and Navico brands such as B&G, Simrad, and Lowrance.
+  * **MFD (Chart Plotter) Monitoring**: Compatible with Garmin, Raymarine, Furuno, and the Navico brands B&G, Simrad, and Lowrance.
-  * **Tank level data integration**: Access tank level data from the NMEA2000 network through the GX device and the VRM Portal.
+  * **Tank Level Monitoring**: Seamlessly integrate tank level data between the NMEA 2000 network, Victron GX devices and the VRM Portal.
-  * **Tank level data sharing**: Share tank level data measured by the GX device with the NMEA2000 network.
+  * **NMEA2000-out feature**: Share tank data, as well as other data such as Battery, DC & AC system data from GX devices to the NMEA 2000 network.
-  * **GPS integration**: Our GX devices can read location, altitude, speed and course from the NMEA2000 network. For details, see the GX manual. Note that the other way around does not work. A GX Device which has a USB GPS installed does not emit GPS data out onto the NMEA2000 network as part of the NMEA2000-out function.
+  * **GPS Integration**: GX devices can read GPS data (e.g., location, speed) from NMEA 2000 but do not output GPS data to the network.
+  * **Advanced features powered by Signal K**: Includes wireless AIS, anchor alarms, and automatic trip logging.
-And, powered by Signal K, there are further features:
+This document serves as a high-level overview with links to relevant manuals for detailed setup instructions.
-  * **Wireless AIS and navigation data server**: Make data from the NMEA2000 network available on WiFi for use by popular apps like Navionics, iSailor, iNavX, and Aqua Map on phones and tablets.
+==== 1.2 MFD Integration ====
-  * **Anchor alarm**: Signal K provides one of the most feature rich, reliable and easy to use anchor alarms available.
-  * **Automatic logbook**: Captures trips and journeys without ever having to press a single button
-This guide serves a high-level overview and highlights relevant marine integration details found in the Victron product manuals.
+Integration with MFDs depends on customer requirements and equipment used. A GX device (e.g., Cerbo GX or Ekrano GX) is typically involved, with two main options:
-==== 1.2 Integration with MFDs ====
+  - **NMEA 2000 Integration**: Connect the GX device directly to the NMEA 2000 network.
+  - **HTML5 App Integration**: Connect the GX device and MFD via Ethernet to enable Garmin OneHelm or Raymarine LightHouse Apps.
-The best method for integrating with an MFD depends on customer requirements, the preferred MFD brand and model, and the specific Victron components being used. In most cases, integration involves a GX device, such as the Cerbo GX or Ekrano GX.
+**Comparison of Options:**
-These are two options:
+  - **NMEA 2000**: Offers customizable data pages on the MFD but requires more configuration.
+  - **HTML5 App**: Plug-and-play with an auto-configured system overview but less customizable.
-  - NMEA2000 integration: Connect the GX device directly to the NMEA2000 network.
+**Illustration**:
-  - Marine MFD HTML5 App: Enabled by connecting the GX device and the MFD to the same Ethernet network. This approach is known as //OneHelm// for Garmin and //LightHouse Apps// for Raymarine.
-To highlight the difference between these options, refer to the illustration. It features a Garmin MFD, where:
+{{ :ve.can:nmea-2000:garmin_mfd_complex_system_horisontal_split.png?direct&800 |}}
-  - The data displayed on the right-hand bar is achieved via NMEA2000 integration.
-  - The detailed energy system information at the bottom is provided through HTML5 App integration.
-{{ :ve.can:nmea-2000:garmin_-_large_system_-_split_light_mode.png?direct&800 |}}
-The advantage of the App is that it automatically configures itself, and therefor requires less time to set it up. Especially compared to setting up data fields on an MFD, which can be quite tedious.
-The advantage of NMEA2000 integration is that allows customizing the pages on the MFD in more detail. For example to show a few key parameters of the electrical system in a bar on the side of the map.
-Both types of integration are not mutually exclusive, either or both can be used.
+  * Right bar: NMEA 2000 data.
+  * Bottom: HTML5 App integration.
 === Further reading by brand ===
@@ Line 52: / Line 43: @@
 ==== 1.3 Tank monitoring ====
-Tank monitoring is an essential aspect of marine system integration, allowing users to track tank levels for fuel, water, waste, and other fluids directly from their onboard systems. When integrating tank monitoring with a Victron system, the following features and options are available:
+The Victron GX devices offer a user-friendly **Tank Level Page** to centralize and visualize data, as well as integration with MFDs and the NMEA 2000 network.
-=== Features of Tank Monitoring Integration ===
+**Key Features:**
-  * **Data visibility:** Tank levels can be monitored through the GX device, such as the Cerbo GX or Ekrano GX, and are also accessible via the Victron VRM Portal for remote monitoring.
+  * Monitor tank levels on the GX device and VRM Portal.
-  * **NMEA2000 compatibility:** Tank level data from the NMEA2000 network can be read and displayed on the GX device, providing seamless integration with existing marine networks.
+  * Access NMEA 2000 tank data or share GX tank data with NMEA 2000.
-  * **Data sharing:** Tank levels measured by the GX device can be made available on the NMEA2000 network, allowing other devices, such as chart plotters or MFDs, to display tank information.
+  * Customize tank naming, shapes, and damping for accurate readings.
-  * **Dedicated tank level page:** The GX display features a visually intuitive and user-friendly tank level page, making it easy to view and monitor all tank levels at a glance.
+  * Expand capabilities with the [[https://www.victronenergy.com/accessories/gx-tank-140|GX Tank 140]] module for voltage (0-10V) or current (4-20mA) inputs.
-  * **Configurable damping as well as custom dank shapes:** All tank level inputs on the GX as well as when using a [[https://www.victronenergy.com/accessories/gx-tank-140|GX Tank 140]] feature customisable naming, setting a type (fresh water, fuel, black water and more), configurable filtering and damping settings as well as setting up a custom tank shape for non-square tanks.
-=== Benefits of Integration ===
+**Visual Examples:**
-  * **Centralized monitoring:** Access all essential tank and system data from a single interface, reducing the need for separate monitoring devices.
-  * **Enhanced visibility:** Integrating with NMEA2000 and the VRM Portal ensures data is accessible both on board and remotely.
-  * **Improved functionality:** Combine tank monitoring with other system features, such as power management, for a comprehensive overview of your vessel’s status.
-=== How It Works ===
-  * **Resistive tank level inputs built-in to the Cerbo GX and Ekrano GX:** See [[https://www.victronenergy.com/live/venus-os:start:the GX product page]] for details on the built-in tank inputs.
-  * **GX Tank 140: Expand the type and number of tank inputs:** By adding one or more [[https://www.victronenergy.com/accessories/gx-tank-140|GX Tank 140]] modules. The GX Tank 140 features four inputs that can be configured for voltage (0-10V) as well as current (4-20mA).
-  * **Reading data from NMEA2000 Tank senders into the GX Device and VRM Portal:** The GX device can read tank level data from compatible sensors on the NMEA2000 network. This information is then displayed on the GX interface, including the dedicated tank level page, and synced with the VRM Portal. For compatibility details, see [[https://www.victronenergy.com/media/pg/Cerbo_GX/en/connecting-supported-non-victron-products.html#UUID-9f759229-3e91-5a02-891c-2206c9625753|the NMEA2000 tank sender section in a GX manual]].
-  * **Data Output:** For vessels with advanced monitoring setups, the GX device can also send tank data back to the NMEA2000 network, enabling other connected devices to access and display the information. For further information, see the [[https://www.victronenergy.com/media/pg/Cerbo_GX/en/marine-mfd-integration-by-nmea-2000.html|MFD integration by NMEA2000 chapter in the GX manual]]. Note that that includes specifics steps for Garmin, Raymarine, Furuno and Navico systems.
-The GX display's tank level page, combined with proper integration, simplifies operations and enhances safety and efficiency in marine systems. For detailed setup instructions, refer to the relevant sections of Victron product manuals.
-=== Main page visualisation on GX ===
 {{ :ve.can:nmea-2000:brief_page_tanks.png?direct |}}
-=== Tank level visualisation and grouping on GX ===
 {{ :ve.can:nmea-2000:tank_grouping.png?direct |}}
-=== Tank level visualisation on the VRM Portal ===
 {{ :ve.can:nmea-2000:vrm_tanks.png?direct&800 |}}
-==== 1.4 Anchor alarm, automatic logbooks ====
+** Video that demonstrates the tank page on the GX**
-For more details, see the [[https://www.victronenergy.com/live/venus-os:large#signal_k|Venus OS Large manual]].
+ {{youtube>lwFUtSZFEz4?large}}
-Or this easy to follow [[https://svrenaissance.com/victron-cerbo-gx-on-steroids/|Victron Cerbo GX on steroids blog post]].
-==== 1.5 Modbus-TCP, mostly for SCADA systems ====
+=== Further details ===
+  * **Resistive tank level inputs built-in to the Cerbo GX and Ekrano GX:** See [[https://www.victronenergy.com/live/venus-os:start:the GX product page]] for details on the built-in tank inputs.
+  * **Reading data from NMEA 2000 Tank senders into the GX Device and VRM Portal:** The GX device can read tank level data from compatible sensors on the NMEA 2000 network. This information is then displayed on the GX interface, including the dedicated tank level page, and synced with the VRM Portal. For compatibility details, see [[https://www.victronenergy.com/media/pg/Cerbo_GX/en/connecting-supported-non-victron-products.html#UUID-9f759229-3e91-5a02-891c-2206c9625753|the 3rd party NMEA 2000 tank sender section in a GX manual]].
+  * **Transmitting GX tank levels to the NMEA 2000 network:** For vessels with advanced monitoring setups, the GX device can also send tank data back to the NMEA 2000 network, enabling MFDs and other connected devices to access and display the information. For further information, see the [[https://www.victronenergy.com/media/pg/Cerbo_GX/en/marine-mfd-integration-by-nmea-2000.html|MFD integration by NMEA 2000 chapter in the GX manual]]. Note that the manual includes specifics steps for Garmin, Raymarine, Furuno and Navico systems.
-Typically used on larger vessels, Modbus-TCP is a protocol commonly used for (custom) designed SCADA systems. The Victron GX devices all support the Modbus-TCP protocol. More information in the [[ccgx:modbustcp_faq|]].
+==== 1.4 NMEA2000-out feature ====
-===== 2. Integration details by Victron product =====
+Victron Energy GX devices feature an NMEA 2000-out function: when enabled, the GX device acts as a bridge: it makes the data of all connected Battery monitors, Inverter/chargers, as well as other products connected to the GX device, available on the NMEA 2000 network.
-==== 2.1 Systems with a GX Device ====
+Using that feature, and having the GX device connected a NMEA 2000 network, Marine MFDs can read this data and visualise it to the user. Often in a highly configurable manner.
-For most installations and integrations, it will be best to use one of our [[venus-os:start|GX Products]]. It acts as a hub, collecting information from connected equipment, such as Inverters, Battery Monitors and Chargers; and then making them available to the MFD.
-The GX devices offer both above introduced integration options: NMEA2000 as well as the Victron HTML5 App.
+==== 1.5 Advanced features powered by Signal K ====
-The HTML5 integration is available for  [[https://www.victronenergy.com/panel-systems-remote-monitoring/marine%20mfd%20gx%20integration%20-%20raymarine|Raymarine]], [[https://www.victronenergy.com/panel-systems-remote-monitoring/marine%20mfd%20gx%20integration%20-%20garmin|Garmin]], [[https://www.victronenergy.com/panel-systems-remote-monitoring/furuno |Furuno]] and Navico brands: [[https://www.victronenergy.com/panel-systems-remote-monitoring/marine%20mfd%20gx%20integration|B&G, Lowrance and Simrad]]. Click those links to go straight to all information, videos and manuals.
+Signal K unlocks powerful features:
+  * **Wireless AIS & Navigation Data**: Share NMEA 2000 data via WiFi for apps like Navionics.
+  * **Anchor Alarm**: Reliable and easy-to-use alarm.
+  * **Automatic Logbook**: Track journeys effortlessly.
-When connected to the onboard NMEA2000 network, the GX Device can read data from the network (tank level and GPS information). Also it can make data from Victron devices connected to the GX Device available on the NMEA2000 network. That latter feature is called NMEA2000-out, more information in the [[https://www.victronenergy.com/media/pg/Cerbo_GX/en/marine-mfd-integration-by-nmea2000.html|NMEA 2000-out chapter in the Cerbo GX manual]].
+More details:
+  - [[https://www.victronenergy.com/live/venus-os:large#signal_k|Venus OS Large manual]].
+  - [[https://svrenaissance.com/victron-cerbo-gx-on-steroids/|Victron Cerbo GX on steroids blog post]].
-Both the NMEA2000 and HTML5 App/Ethernet connections can be made and used at the same time.
+==== 1.5 Modbus-TCP, mostly for SCADA systems ====
-Each has its advantages and disadvantages, and together they complement each other:
+Ideal for larger vessels, the GX built-in Modbus-TCP server enables SCADA system integration. For more details, see the [[https://www.victronenergy.com/live/ccgx:modbustcp_faq|Modbus-TCP FAQ]].
-The MFD HTML5 App is the simpler one to setup as its plug and play. It presents an easy to use system overview without requiring any configuration. The system overview shown will automatically adapt to the type of Victron system installed. The (only) available configuration is defining the batteries as well as giving them names.
+===== 2. Integration details by Victron product =====
-The NMEA 2000 integration is more complex, and allows more customisation on the MFD: the data will show up in the data-tree of the MFD, and most MFDs then allow the user to configure various pages and combinations of information.
+==== 2.1 Systems with a GX Device ====
-As mentioned above, a GX Device can also read tank level data from NMEA 2000. More information in the [[https://www.victronenergy.com/media/pg/Cerbo_GX/en/installation.html#UUID-9813aef4-8178-293b-12ef-0048b064271f|the Installation chapter of the GX manual]].
+For most installations and integrations, it will be best to use one of our [[venus-os:start|GX Products]]. It acts as a hub, collecting information from connected equipment, such as Inverters, Battery Monitors and Chargers; and then making them available to the MFD.
-==== 2.2 Products with a VE.Can port ====
+==== 2.2 Other products featuring a VE.Can port ====
-All Victron products that feature a VE.Can port can be directly connected to the NMEA 2000 network, using the [[https://nocache.victronenergy.com/accessories/ve-can-to-nmea2000-micro-c-male|VE.Can to NMEA2000 cable]].
+All Victron products that feature a VE.Can port can be directly connected to the NMEA 2000 network, using the [[https://nocache.victronenergy.com/accessories/ve-can-to-nmea2000-micro-c-male|VE.Can to NMEA 2000 cable]].
   * Skylla-i 24V Battery Chargers
@@ Line 126: / Line 106: @@
   * Lynx Smart BMS
   * SmartSolar MPPT Solar Chargers with VE.Can communications port
+  * Multi RS
+  * Inverter RS
 {{ :ve.can:nmea-2000:schema_nmea2000-vecan_mppt-skylla_nov_2016.png?nolink&500 |}}
-==== 2.3 Tank monitoring integration ====
+==== 2.3 VE.Bus and VE.Direct to NMEA 2000 interfaces  (DEPRECATED!) ====
-The GX devices can measure tank levels, and make the resulting data available on the NMEA2000 network. Also, they can read tank level data from the N2K network.
-Below sections explain the details of each integration type.
-=== Integration A) GX Device to MFD and NMEA2000 ===
-Some of Victron GX monitoring products feature built-in tank level inputs. For example the [[https://www.victronenergy.com/panel-systems-remote-monitoring/cerbo-gx|Cerbo GX]], which is the most common GX device, has four inputs that can take a resistive tank level sender.
-Also, all GX devices can also have their number and types of tank level inputs expanded by adding one or multiple [[https://www.victronenergy.com/accessories/gx-tank-140|GX Tank 140]] modules. It has four inputs, of which each can be configured to measure either voltage (0-10V) or current (4-20mA).
-All tank level inputs feature customisable naming, setting a type (fresh water, fuel, black water and more), configurable filtering and damping settings as well as setting up a custom tank shape for non-square tanks.
-The GX Device can transmit the resulting tank levels to the NMEA2000 network. See the [[https://www.victronenergy.com/media/pg/Cerbo_GX/en/marine-mfd-integration-by-nmea2000.html|NMEA2000-out chapter in the GX manual]] for information on how to set that up. Note that the MFD HTML5 App does not include showing tank levels.
-=== Integration B) NMEA2000 to GX Device and VRM Portal ===
-The other way around is possible as well: the Victron system reading tank level data from NMEA2000.
-The tank data will be shown in the GX device user interface as well as on the VRM Portal. Screenshots below.
-Compatible tank senders are listed in the [[https://www.victronenergy.com/media/pg/Cerbo_GX/en/installation.html#UUID-9813aef4-8178-293b-12ef-0048b064271f|GX manual, installation chapter]].
-{{ :ve.can:nmea-2000:gx_touch_tanks_overview.png?direct&400 |}}
-//Above picture: GX Touch 50, showing multiple tank levels. Coming from either the NMEA2000 network, directly connected resistive tank senders or via the GX Tank 140 accessory.//
-//Below screenshot shows a similar system, but then on the [[https://vrm.victronenergy.com|VRM Portal]].//
-{{ :ve.can:nmea-2000:vrm_tanks.png?direct&800 |}}
-==== 2.5 VE.Bus and VE.Direct to NMEA 2000 interfaces  (DEPRECATED!) ====
   * [[https://www.victronenergy.com/accessories/ve-bus-to-nmea2000-interface|VE.Bus to NMEA 2000 interface]]
@@ Line 170: / Line 118: @@
 Note that the use of both those interfaces is deprecated. Use a GX device instead.
-===== 3. NMEA2000 Details =====
+===== 3. NMEA 2000 Details =====
 ==== 3.1 PGN Lists ====
@@ Line 176: / Line 124: @@
 Refer to our [[https://www.victronenergy.com/upload/documents/Whitepaper-Data-communication-with-Victron-Energy-products_EN.pdf|Datacommunication whitepaper]], page 8 and beyond, for a list of Victron products and their supported PGNs.
-==== 3.2 NMEA 2000 instancing ====
+==== 3.2 NMEA 2000 instances ====
+Instances are used in an NMEA 2000 network to identify multiple similar products connected to the same network.
-NMEA 2000 Instances are used to identify multiple similar products connected on the same network.
+As an example, take a system with two battery monitors (one for the main battery bank, and another for the hydraulic-thruster bank) and also a Quattro inverter/charger. All three of those devices will send their battery voltage measurements out on the NMEA 2000 network. For the displays to show these values at the right place, they need to know which voltage belongs to what battery. That is what instances are for.
-There are several types of instances, the most important ones being the **Device instance** as well as the **Data instances**.
+There are various types of instances, and for marine systems are two that matter: the Device instance and the Data instance. The Data instance goes by various different names, like Fluid instance, Battery instance and DC instance.
-More information about instances is in [[https://www.victronenergy.com/media/pg/Cerbo_GX/en/marine-mfd-integration-by-nmea2000.html#UUID-97031b2e-6b21-dd88-56ee-31c0aaca9183|the NMEA2000 chapter in the GX manual]].
+NMEA 2000 defines three different instances:
-=== What settings need to be made? For example instances? ===
+  * Data instances (Battery instance, Fluid instance, and similar)
+  * Device instance
+  * System instance
-That is a commonly asked question. The answer depends on the used brand of MFD:
+=== When is manual configuration of instances needed? ===
-For **Garmin, Furuno, Maretron and Navico (B&G, Lowrance, Simrad) systems**: none. No instances, also not data instances such as the DC Detailed instance, need to be changed. It all works out of the box, other than configuring what field to show where on the MFD.
+  * For **Garmin, Furuno, Maretron and Navico (B&G, Lowrance, Simrad) systems**: no configuration needed. Required fields can be configured and selected on the MFD, usually by pressing and holding on a data field in the data bar until the selection pane comes up.
+  * For **Raymarine**, before selecting the data on the MFD, the Battery and DC Detailed instance typically needs to be set up to be unique. For details, see the [[https://www.victronenergy.com/media/pg/Cerbo_GX/en/marine-mfd-integration-by-app.html#UUID-906e773b-f29c-2b77-56a8-d9ade87cc418|GX manual, Raymarine section]].
-For **Raymarine**, you might need to do some configuration: for systems with a SmartShunt and a SolarCharger, or multiple SmartShunts, or a Lynx Smart BMS, the data instances need to be configured to be unique. More information about that in the [[https://www.victronenergy.com/live/venus-os:mfd-raymarine|Victron & Raymarine document]], in the last chapter.
+=== Further reading on NMEA 2000 instances ===
+  * [[https://www.victronenergy.com/media/pg/Cerbo_GX/en/marine-mfd-integration-by-nmea-2000.html|the NMEA 2000 chapter in the GX manual]].
+  * [[ve.can:changing_nmea2000_instances|How to change instances]]
 ==== 3.3 Terminators and network layout ====
-A N2K CAN-bus network needs to be laid out as in a backbone configuration, using drop cables to connect to each device. Also, there should be only two terminators in the network. Therefore:
+A NMEA 2000 CAN-bus network needs to be laid out as in a backbone configuration, using drop cables to connect to each device. Also, there should be only two terminators in the network. Therefore:
   * Use the NMEA 2000 cable as the backbone.
@@ Line 202: / Line 157: @@
 Or:
-  * Have the N2K network on one side, with one terminator. On the other end, change to the Victron network, with also one (Victron) terminator at the end.
+  * Have the NMEA 2000 network on one side, with one terminator. On the other end, change to the Victron network, with also one (Victron) terminator at the end.
-The first option is more aligned with the official N2K method. But, in case of multiple Victron products that need to be connected to the N2K network, will require more wire runs and definitively more NMEA2000 to VE.Can conversion cables.
+The first option is more aligned with the official NMEA 2000 method. But, in case of multiple Victron products that need to be connected to the NMEA 2000 network, will require more wire runs and definitively more NMEA 2000 to VE.Can conversion cables.
 ==== 3.4 DC Voltage compatibility ====
@@ Line 221: / Line 176: @@
 ==== 3.5 Galvanic isolation ====
-When connecting a GX to an NMEA2000 network, it is recommend to do so using a galvanically isolated CAN-Bus port.
+When connecting a GX to an NMEA 2000 network, it is recommend to do so using a galvanically isolated CAN-Bus port.
 This is especially the case when your NMEA backbone and GX are powered from separate power sources or do not share a common ground. These are the two most popular models that feature such galvanically isolated port:
@@ Line 236: / Line 191: @@
   * [[https://www.victronenergy.com/upload/documents/Whitepaper-Data-communication-with-Victron-Energy-products_EN.pdf|Data communication white paper]]
   * [[https://www.victronenergy.com/media/pg/Cerbo_GX/en/marine-mfd-integration-by-nmea-2000.html|Cerbo GX manual, NMEA 2000 chapter]]
-  * [[https://community.victronenergy.com/tag/nmea_2000_-_n2k |NMEA2000 related discussions on Victron Community]]
+  * [[https://community.victronenergy.com/tag/nmea_2000_-_n2k |NMEA 2000 related discussions on Victron Community]]
-===== 4 Maretron =====
+===== 4. Maretron =====
-All data sent out by Victron devices on the N2K network can be picked up by the Maretron MFDs & software. See the [[http://www.maretron.com/products/N2KView.php|Maretron N2KView® vessel monitoring and control software]].
+All data sent out by Victron devices on the NMEA 2000 network can be picked up by the Maretron MFDs & software. See the [[http://www.maretron.com/products/N2KView.php|Maretron N2KView® vessel monitoring and control software]].
 ===== 5. FAQ =====
-=== Q1: Can or must both Ethernet and and N2K connection be made between Victron GX and MFD? ===
+=== Q1: Can or must both Ethernet and and NMEA 2000 connection be made between Victron GX and MFD? ===
 Both can be made at the same time.
@@ Line 251: / Line 206: @@
 Ethernet is needed to get the MFD App, as explained above.
-And an N2K connection is needed to get data to show in other fields on the MFD.
+And an NMEA 2000 connection is needed to get data to show in other fields on the MFD.
 See annotated screenshot above for which is what.