Differences

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

--- ve.can:nmea-2000:start [2019-04-03 17:39] – external edit 127.0.0.1
+++ ve.can:nmea-2000:start [2021-03-15 12:02] – mvader
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 ====== NMEA 2000 & MFD integration guide ======
-The NMEA 2000 protocol is a plug-and-play communications standard used for connecting marine sensors and display units within ships and boats.
+===== 1. Introduction =====
-Many Victron Energy products can be integrated into an NMEA 2000 network. On this page, you will find an overview, as well as links to all the detailed information.
+==== 1.1 Summary ====
+This technical document explains how to integrate a Victron system onto a Marine MFD, such as those from Garmin, Raymarine, the Navico brands B&G, Simrad and Lowrance as well as Furuno other brands.
+There are multiple options, and how to best integrate depends on the customer requirements, MFD brand and model as well as used Victron components.
+Make sure to closely read this full document to find the best method for your type of system.
+==== 1.2 What is NMEA 2000? ====
+NMEA2000 is a communications standard used for connecting marine sensors and display units within ships and boats.
 Victron Energy is a member of the NMEA 2000 organisation, and we have several of our products certified by NMEA 2000.
-For brevity, this document will refer to NMEA 2000 as N2K.
+NMEA 2000 is sometimes also refered to as N2K, for brevitiy.
-===== 1. How to connect to a NMEA 2000 network =====
+==== 1.3 What is MFD HTML5 App? ====
+The MFD HTML5 App is a very simple to install and setup integration into all main brands of Marine MFDs. Truly plug-and-play: once the Victron GX Device and the MFD are connected via ethernet, a Victron logo will appear in the App menu of the MFD. Behind that button, there is a page to monitor and control the Victron Energy system.
-==== 1.1 Multis, MultiPlusses and Quattros ====
+==== 1.4 Other integrations options ====
-Use the [[https://www.victronenergy.com/accessories/ve-bus-to-nmea2000-interface|VE.Bus to NMEA 2000 interface]] to connect these devices to an N2K network.
+This document only covers integration via NMEA2000 as well as the MFD HTML5 App. There are two other alternatives, commonly used to integrate Victron equipment in a Marine applications.
-=== Combining with a Color Control GX ===
+First of all Modbus-TCP. 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|]].
-Monitoring and controlling these products from both to a N2K network and a Color Control GX is possible. In that case, do not connect the Color Control GX to the VE.Bus network. Instead, connect it also to the N2K network. Use our [[https://nocache.victronenergy.com/accessories/ve-can-to-nmea2000-micro-c-male|VE.Can to NMEA2000 cable]] for that. The CCGX will read the MultiPlus or Quattro information from the via the N2K network.
-Schematic diagram of combining a CCGX with NMEA 2000:
+The other alternative is SignalK. More information about that in the [[venus-os:large|Venus OS Large manual]]. Do take note of the chapter on Support in that document.
-{{ :ve.can:nmea-2000:schema_nmea2000-vebus-vecan_nov_2016.png?nolink&700 |}}
-In above example, there needs to be a fuse in the [[https://nocache.victronenergy.com/accessories/ve-can-to-nmea2000-micro-c-male|VE.Can to NMEA2000 cable]]. Without it, the VE.Can port in the CCGX will be left without power and therefore does not work.
+===== 2. Integration details =====
-=== Limitations ===
+==== 2.1 Systems with a GX Device ====
-When the Multis/Quattros are connected to the CCGX via a [[https://www.victronenergy.com/accessories/ve-bus-to-nmea2000-interface|VE.Bus to NMEA 2000 interface]], there are some limitations compared to the normal direct connection. These limitations are:
+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.
-  * Incompatible with Hub-4 and ESS Assistant, for Energy Storage Systems
+There are two ways to connect a GX Device to a MFD:
-  * Listing the VE.Bus installed Assistants on the CCGX / VRM Portal does not work
-  * Alarm information per phase does not work (generic alarm information still works)
-  * Forwarding charge-current information of MPPTs to the VE.Bus system does not work. Solution: always install a BMV, which is needed anyway in a Marine installation.
-Setting On/Off/Charger-only and a current limit from the CCGX does work. As does [[ccgx:ccgx_ve_power_setup|Remote VEConfigure]].
+- the (simpler) plug and play like method uses an Ethernet connection, which enables the MFD HTML5 App. 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]], as well as the [[https://www.victronenergy.com/panel-systems-remote-monitoring/marine%20mfd%20gx%20integration|Navico brands B&G, Lowrance and Simrad]]. Click those links to go straight to all information, videos and manuals.
-==== 1.2 BMV Battery Monitors ====
+- in an the NMEA2000 network. See the [[https://www.victronenergy.com/media/pg/Cerbo_GX/en/marine-mfd-integration-by-nmea2000.html |NMEA 2000 chapter in the Cerbo GX manual]] for details.
-Use the [[https://www.victronenergy.com/accessories/ve-direct-to-nmea2000-interface|VE.Direct to NMEA 2000 interface]] to connect a [[https://www.victronenergy.com/battery-monitors/bmv-700|BMV battery monitor]] to a N2K network.
-Combining this with a CCGX on the same network is possible. Connect the CCGX to the N2K network as well, use our [[https://nocache.victronenergy.com/accessories/ve-can-to-nmea2000-micro-c-male|VE.Can to NMEA2000 cable]] for that. The CCGX will then read the BMV information via the N2K network.
+Both connections can be made and used at the same time, and each has its advantages and disadvantages:
-{{ :ve.can:nmea-2000:schema_nmea2000-vedirect_nov_2016.png?nolink&700 |}}
+The MFD HTML5 App is the simplest to setup as its pure 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.
-==== 1.3 VE.Can products (Skylla-i, Skylla-IP44, Lynx Shunt, Lynx Ion+Shunt and more) ====
+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.
+Note that, besides making information available on NMEA 2000, a GX Device can also read tank level data from NMEA 2000. More information in [[https://www.victronenergy.com/live/ccgx:start#connecting_nmea-2000_tank_senders|the NMEA 2000 tank sender section in the CCGX Manual]].
+==== 2.2 Direct connection - products with a VE.Can port only ====
+Some of our products feature a VE.Can port; which can be directly connected to the NMEA 2000 network. No electronic converter is necessary. The conversion cable required is the [[https://nocache.victronenergy.com/accessories/ve-can-to-nmea2000-micro-c-male|VE.Can to NMEA2000 cable]].
+==== 2.3 Tank monitoring ====
+(DRAFT)
+Here explain that tank levels can be measured by Victron GX devices as well as GX Tank 140. And then made available to the MFDs via N2K PGNs, details in NMEA2000 out chapter in the manual.
+And the other way around: tank data available on NMEA2000, originating from non-Victron tank senders can be read into the Victron system as well as made available remotely through VRM. Details about compatibility and limitations in the GX Manual: https://www.victronenergy.com/media/pg/Cerbo_GX/en/installation.html#UUID-9813aef4-8178-293b-12ef-0048b064271f.
+==== 2.4 Using our converter interfaces (DEPRECATED!) ====
+  * [[https://www.victronenergy.com/accessories/ve-bus-to-nmea2000-interface|VE.Bus to NMEA 2000 interface]]
+  * [[https://www.victronenergy.com/accessories/ve-direct-to-nmea2000-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.
+===== 3. Varia =====
+==== 3.1 VE.Can products (Skylla-i, Skylla-IP44, Lynx Shunt, Lynx Ion+Shunt and more) ====
 Since the Victron VE.Can communication protocol is based on N2K, the following products can all be connected directly to a N2K network. The only thing necessary is a plug converter: the [[https://www.victronenergy.com/cables/ve-can-to-nmea2000-cable|VE.Can to NMEA 2000 cable]].
@@ Line 47: / Line 79: @@
   * Lynx Shunt Battery Monitors
   * Lynx Ion + Shunt all models
-  * BlueSolar MPPT Solar Chargers with VE.Can communications port
+  * SmartSolar MPPT Solar Chargers with VE.Can communications port
 {{ :ve.can:nmea-2000:schema_nmea2000-vecan_mppt-skylla_nov_2016.png?nolink&700 |}}
-===== 2. MFD integration =====
-Using the NMEA 2000 protocol, Victron equipment can be integrated in many multi function displays. Such as the ones from Maretron, Raymarine, Garmin and many other brands
-Note: working on a very large yacht featuring custom Scada and PLC networks? Consider integrating the Victron system with [[ccgx:modbustcp_faq|ModbusTCP]] instead of NMEA 2000.
+==== 3.2 Raymarine & EmpirBus ====
-==== 2.1 Raymarine & EmpirBus ====
+Besides using NMEA 2000 and/or the Lighthouse App, integration onto Raymarine MFDs can also be done with an [[http://www.trigentic.com/#nxt-mcu|Empirbus NXT MCU ]]. Though both are connected to the same N2K network, the NXT MCU translates the N2K PGNs originating from the Victron equipment into Raymarine proprietary messages.
-Integration onto Raymarine MFDs is always done with an [[http://www.trigentic.com/#nxt-mcu|Empirbus NXT MCU ]]. Though both connected to the same N2K network, the NXT MCU translates the N2K PGNs originating from the Victron equipment into Raymarine proprietary messages.
 In the [[http://www.empirbus.com/clickOnce/EmpirBusStudio-Demo/|EmpirBus Studio software]] you will find dedicated Victron building blocks than can be drawn onto the diagram.
@@ Line 65: / Line 93: @@
 The EmpirBus system requires the data instance of battery status and dc detailed status to be unique when using multiple sources. ([[ve.can:changing_nmea2000_instances#changing_a_data_instance|how to change data instances]])
-{{ :ve.can:nmea-2000:schema_nmea2000-raymarine_ccgx_nov_2016.png?nolink&900 |}}
-==== 2.2 Maretron ====
+==== 3.3 Maretron ====
 All data sent out by Victron devices 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]].
-===== 3. PGN overview =====
+===== 4. NMEA2000 PGN overview =====
 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.
-===== 4. Color Control GX & NMEA 2000 =====
+===== 5. FAQ =====
-  * The VE.Can port on the CCGX only reads information from the N2K network. It does not (yet!) send any data out on the N2K network.
+Note that there are many more generic frequently asked questions answered in the [[https://www.victronenergy.com/upload/documents/Whitepaper-Data-communication-with-Victron-Energy-products_EN.pdf|Data communication white paper]].
-===== 5. FAQ =====
-=== Q1: What about instances? Device instances, data instances? ===
+==== Q1: What about instances? Device instances, data instances? ====
 See [[ve.can:changing_nmea2000_instances|]] for details on that.
-=== Q2: Can MPPT Solar Chargers with a VE.Direct port also be connected? ===
+==== Q2: What about terminators and network layout? ====
-No, they cannot be connected. Even though the [[https://www.victronenergy.com/accessories/ve-direct-to-nmea2000-interface|VE.Direct to NMEA 2000 interface]] can be physically connected to these solar chargers, it will not work. Use our [[https://www.victronenergy.com/solar-charge-controllers/mppt-150-70|Solar Chargers with a VE.Can port]] instead.
+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:
-Note that there are many more generic frequently asked questions answered in the [[https://www.victronenergy.com/upload/documents/Whitepaper-Data-communication-with-Victron-Energy-products_EN.pdf|Data communication white paper]].
+  * Use the NMEA 2000 cable as the backbone.
-=== Q3: What about terminators and network layout? ===
-A N2K canbus network needs to be laid out as in backbone configuration, using drop cables to connect to each device. Also there should be only two terminators in the network. Therefore:
-  * Use the NMEA2000 cable as the back bone.
   * Run a separate drop cable separately to each Victron device. The drop cable will be one of these three products:
     * [[https://www.victronenergy.com/accessories/ve-bus-to-nmea2000-interface|VE.Bus to NMEA 2000 interface]]
     * [[https://www.victronenergy.com/accessories/ve-direct-to-nmea2000-interface|VE.Direct to NMEA 2000 interface]]
-    * [[https://nocache.victronenergy.com/accessories/ve-can-to-nmea2000-micro-c-male|VE.Can to NMEA2000 cable]]
+    * [[https://nocache.victronenergy.com/accessories/ve-can-to-nmea2000-micro-c-male|VE.Can to NMEA 2000 cable]]
   * Only terminate the NMEA 2000 backbone, do not terminate on the VE.Can side.
-=== Q4: What PGNs does the Color Control GX transmit on N2K? ===
+==== Q3: What PGNs does a GX Device transmit on N2K? ====
-Nothing. At the moment the CCGX only reads data from the NMEA 2000 network. The data it can read is:
-  * Victron Inverter/charger data
-  * Victron Battery monitor data
-  * Victron BMS data
-  * Victron Tank sender data as well as tank sender data from other manufacturers. See chapter 1.2.7 in the [[ccgx:start|]].
-=== Q5: Can integration onto Raymarine displays also be done without Empirbus NXT? ===
-No.
-=== Q6: What about Maretron and other brand tanksensors on the Ccgx? ===
-See chapter 1.2.7 in the [[ccgx:start|]].
+See the [[https://www.victronenergy.com/live/ccgx:start#marine_mfd_integration_by_nmea2000|NMEA 2000 chapter in the CCGX manual]] for details.
-===== DISQUS =====
+==== Q4: Can integration onto Raymarine displays also be done without Empirbus NXT? ====
-~~DISQUS~~
+Yes, see [[https://www.victronenergy.com/panel-systems-remote-monitoring/marine%20mfd%20gx%20integration%20-%20raymarine|the Raymarine integration page on our website]].