This document provides an overview of the features available when integrating a Victron system with a marine system. 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.
• Tank level data integration: Access tank level data from the NMEA2000 network through the GX device and the VRM Portal.
• Tank level data sharing: Share tank level data measured by the GX device with the NMEA2000 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.

And, powered by Signal K, there are further features:

• 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.
• 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.

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.

These are two options:

1. NMEA2000 integration: Connect the GX device directly to the NMEA2000 network.
2. 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:

1. The data displayed on the right-hand bar is achieved via NMEA2000 integration.
2. The detailed energy system information at the bottom is provided through HTML5 App integration.

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.

• Garmin integration details
• Raymarine integration details
• Furuno integration details
• Navico integration details

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:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Configurable damping as well as custom dank shapes: All tank level inputs on the GX as well as when using a 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.

• 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.

• 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 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 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 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.

For more details, see the Venus OS Large manual.

Or this easy to follow Victron Cerbo GX on steroids blog post.

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 GX Modbus-TCP Manual.

For most installations and integrations, it will be best to use one of our 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.

The HTML5 integration is available for Raymarine, Garmin, Furuno and Navico brands: B&G, Lowrance and Simrad. Click those links to go straight to all information, videos and manuals.

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 NMEA 2000-out chapter in the Cerbo GX manual.

Both the NMEA2000 and HTML5 App/Ethernet connections can be made and used at the same time.

Each has its advantages and disadvantages, and together they complement each other:

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.

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.

As mentioned above, a GX Device can also read tank level data from NMEA 2000. More information in the the Installation chapter of the GX manual.

All Victron products that feature a VE.Can port can be directly connected to the NMEA 2000 network, using the VE.Can to NMEA2000 cable.

• Skylla-i 24V Battery Chargers
• Skylla IP65 Battery Chargers
• Lynx Shunt VE.Can Battery Monitor
• Lynx Smart BMS
• SmartSolar MPPT Solar Chargers with VE.Can communications port

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.

Some of Victron GX monitoring products feature built-in tank level inputs. For example the 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 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 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.

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 GX manual, installation chapter.

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 VRM Portal.

• VE.Bus to NMEA 2000 interface
• VE.Direct to NMEA 2000 interface, for BMV Battery Monitors (only).

Note that the use of both those interfaces is deprecated. Use a GX device instead.

Refer to our Datacommunication whitepaper, page 8 and beyond, for a list of Victron products and their supported PGNs.

NMEA 2000 Instances are used to identify multiple similar products connected on the same network.

There are several types of instances, the most important ones being the Device instance as well as the Data instances.

More information about instances is in the NMEA2000 chapter in the GX manual.

That is a commonly asked question. The answer depends on the used brand of MFD:

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 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 Victron & Raymarine document, in the last chapter.

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:

• Use the NMEA 2000 cable as the backbone.
• Run a separate drop cable separately to each Victron device VE.Can to NMEA 2000 cable
• Only terminate the NMEA 2000 backbone. Do not install a terminator in any of the VE.Can ports on the Victron products.

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.

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 Victron VE.Can network accepts 9 to 70VDC.

The NMEA-2000 network used to be 9 to 16VDC, which is, or will be, expanded to also include 24V. Which means that some NMEA-2000 devices are 9 to 16VDC, some are 9 to 30VDC, and some allow higher voltages.

Also, the Victron VE.Can network will (in most cases) be powered with battery voltage. So for a 48V system, the voltage on the VE.Can network exceeds the NMEA-2000 accepted voltage levels.

Therefore, it is important to not connect those power cables.

The Victron cable used to connect both networks together, the VE.Can to NMEA 2000 cable, has a removable fuse which is to be removed in case separation is necessary. A printed warning label is attached to the cable to warn about this.

When connecting a GX to an NMEA2000 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:

• Cerbo GX MK2 (launched in 2024 as a successor to the Cerbo GX which did not feature an isolated port)
• Ekrano GX

On both above products, VE.Can port 1 has galvanic isolation. VE.Can port 2 does not.

For a full list of which ports feature isolation, see this document.

• Data communication white paper
• Cerbo GX manual, NMEA 2000 chapter
• NMEA2000 related discussions on Victron Community

All data sent out by Victron devices on the N2K network can be picked up by the Maretron MFDs & software. See the Maretron N2KView® vessel monitoring and control software.

Both can be made at the same time.

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.

See annotated screenshot above for which is what.