Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- ve.can:nmea-2000:start [2025-01-22 13:33] – [2.2 Other products featuring a VE.Can port] mbosma
+++ ve.can:nmea-2000:start [2025-02-06 21:54] (current) – [1.2 MFD Integration] mvader
@@ Line 8: / Line 8: @@
   * **MFD (Chart Plotter) Monitoring**: Compatible with Garmin, Raymarine, Furuno, and the Navico brands B&G, Simrad, and Lowrance.
-  * **Tank Level Monitoring**: Seamlessly integrate tank level data into Victron GX devices and the VRM Portal.
+  * **Tank Level Monitoring**: Seamlessly integrate tank level data between the NMEA 2000 network, Victron GX devices and the VRM Portal.
-  * **NMEA2000-out feature**: Share tank data, as well as other data such as Battery, DC & AC system data from GX devices to 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**: GX devices can read GPS data (e.g., location, speed) from NMEA2000 but do not output GPS data to the network.
+  * **GPS Integration**: GX devices can read GPS data (e.g., location, speed) from NMEA 2000 but do not output GPS data to the network.
-  * **Signal K Powered Features**: Includes wireless AIS, anchor alarms, and automatic trip logging.
+  * **Advanced features powered by Signal K**: Includes wireless AIS, anchor alarms, and automatic trip logging.
 This document serves as a high-level overview with links to relevant manuals for detailed setup instructions.
@@ Line 19: / Line 19: @@
 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:
-  - **NMEA2000 Integration**: Connect the GX device directly to the NMEA2000 network.
+  - **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.
 **Comparison of Options:**
-  - **NMEA2000**: Offers customizable data pages on the MFD but requires more configuration.
+  - **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.
 **Illustration**:
-{{ :ve.can:nmea-2000:garmin_-_large_system_-_split_light_mode.png?direct&800 |}}
+{{ :ve.can:nmea-2000:garmin_mfd_complex_system_horisontal_split.png?direct&800 |}}
-  * Right bar: NMEA2000 data.
+  * Right bar: NMEA 2000 data.
   * Bottom: HTML5 App integration.
@@ Line 43: / Line 43: @@
 ==== 1.3 Tank monitoring ====
-The Victron GX devices offer a user-friendly **Tank Level Page** to centralize and visualize data, as well as integration with MFDs and the NMEA2000 network.
+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.
 **Key Features:**
   * Monitor tank levels on the GX device and VRM Portal.
-  * Access NMEA2000 tank data or share GX tank data with NMEA2000.
+  * Access NMEA 2000 tank data or share GX tank data with NMEA 2000.
   * Customize tank naming, shapes, and damping for accurate readings.
   * 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.
@@ Line 58: / Line 58: @@
 {{ :ve.can:nmea-2000:vrm_tanks.png?direct&800 |}}
+** Video that demonstrates the tank page on the GX**
+ {{youtube>lwFUtSZFEz4?large}}
 === 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 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 3rd party NMEA2000 tank sender section in a GX manual]].
+  * **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 NMEA2000 network:** For vessels with advanced monitoring setups, the GX device can also send tank data back to the NMEA2000 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 NMEA2000 chapter in the GX manual]]. Note that the manual includes specifics steps for Garmin, Raymarine, Furuno and Navico systems.
+  * **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.
 ==== 1.4 NMEA2000-out feature ====
@@ Line 71: / Line 76: @@
-==== 1.5 Signal K features ====
+==== 1.5 Advanced features powered by Signal K ====
 Signal K unlocks powerful features:
-  * **Wireless AIS & Navigation Data**: Share NMEA2000 data via WiFi for apps like Navionics.
+  * **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.
@@ Line 84: / Line 89: @@
 ==== 1.5 Modbus-TCP, mostly for SCADA systems ====
-Ideal for larger vessels, the GX built-in Modbus-TCP server enables SCADA system integration. For more details, see the [[Modbus-TCP FAQ]].
+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]].
 ===== 2. Integration details by Victron product =====
@@ Line 94: / Line 99: @@
 ==== 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 113: / 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 119: / 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 145: / 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 164: / 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 179: / 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 194: / 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.