Differences

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

--- ve.can:nmea-2000:start [2019-10-05 11:36] – [1.3 VE.Can products (Skylla-i, Skylla-IP44, Lynx Shunt, Lynx Ion+Shunt and more)] guy_stewart
+++ ve.can:nmea-2000:start [2021-09-09 16:58] – [2.4 NMEA 2000 GPS integration] 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 document explains how to integrate a Victron system onto a marine MFD also known as a chart plotter. Compatible brands include Garmin, Raymarine, the Navico brands B&G, Simrad and Lowrance as well as Furuno.
+There are multiple options, and how to best integrate depends on the customer requirements, preferred 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.
+{{:ve.can:nmea-2000:image_hml5_nmea2k_arrows.png?direct&500 |}}//Picture showing the two integration options, NMEA2000 and HTML5 App. Click to see full size and see the difference between the two.//
+==== 1.2 What is NMEA 2000? ====
+NMEA 2000 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 the MFD HTML5 App? ====
+The MFD HTML5 App is a simple to install and setup integration into all main marine MFD brands, including Raymarine, Garmin, Navico and Furuno. 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. The information on screen automatically adapts to the installed Victron system.
-==== 1.1 Multis, MultiPlusses and Quattros ====
+==== 1.4 Other integration 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 contents of the Support chapter.
-{{ :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
+The GX devices offer both above introduced integration options: NMEA2000 as well as the Victron HTML5 App.
-  * 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 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.
-==== 1.2 BMV Battery Monitors ====
-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.
+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]].
-{{ :ve.can:nmea-2000:schema_nmea2000-vedirect_nov_2016.png?nolink&700 |}}
+Both the NMEA2000 and HTML5 App/Ethernet connections can be made and used at the same time.
-==== 1.3 VE.Can products (Skylla-i, Skylla-IP44, Lynx Shunt, Lynx Ion+Shunt and more) ====
+Each has its advantages and disadvantages, and together they complement each other:
-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]].
+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 [[https://www.victronenergy.com/media/pg/Cerbo_GX/en/installation.html#UUID-9813aef4-8178-293b-12ef-0048b064271f|the Installation chapter of the GX manual]].
+==== 2.2 Products with 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]].
   * Skylla-i 24V Battery Chargers
-  * Skylla IP44 Battery Chargers
+  * Skylla IP65 Battery Chargers
-  * Lynx Shunt Battery Monitors
+  * Lynx Shunt VE.Can Battery Monitor
-  * Lynx Ion + Shunt all models
+  * Lynx Smart BMS
   * 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 =====
+{{ :ve.can:nmea-2000:schema_nmea2000-vecan_mppt-skylla_nov_2016.png?nolink&500 |}}
-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
+==== 2.3 Tank monitoring integration ====
-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.
+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.
-==== 2.1 Raymarine & EmpirBus ====
+Below sections explain the details of each integration type.
-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.
+=== Integration A) GX Device to MFD and NMEA2000 ===
-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.
+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.
-Next, use the [[http://www.trigentic.com/#empirbus-graphic|EmpirBus Graphical tool]] to design the pages for on the Raymarine MFDs.
+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).
-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]])
+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.
-{{ :ve.can:nmea-2000:schema_nmea2000-raymarine_ccgx_nov_2016.png?nolink&900 |}}
-==== 2.2 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]].
+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.
-===== 3. PGN overview =====
+=== Integration B) NMEA2000 to GX Device and VRM Portal ===
-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.
+The other way around is possible as well: the Victron system reading tank level data from NMEA2000.
-===== 4. Color Control GX & NMEA 2000 =====
+The tank data will be shown in the GX device user interface as well as on the VRM Portal. Screenshots below.
-  * 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.
+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 |}}
-===== 5. FAQ =====
+//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.//
-=== Q1: What about instances? Device instances, data instances? ===
+//Below screenshot shows a similar system, but then on the [[https://vrm.victronenergy.com|VRM Portal]].//
-See [[ve.can:changing_nmea2000_instances|]] for details on that.
+{{ :ve.can:nmea-2000:vrm_tanks.png?direct&800 |}}
-=== Q2: Can MPPT Solar Chargers with a VE.Direct port also be connected? ===
+==== 2.4 NMEA 2000 GPS integration ====
-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/smartsolar%20mppt%20ve.can|Solar Chargers with a VE.Can port]] instead.
+Our GX devices can read location, altitude, speed and course from the NMEA2000 network. For details, see the GX manual.
-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]].
+Note 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.
-=== Q3: What about terminators and network layout? ===
+==== 2.5 Using our converter interfaces (DEPRECATED!) ====
-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:
+  * [[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).
-  * Use the NMEA2000 cable as the back bone.
+Note that the use of both those interfaces is deprecated. Use a GX device instead.
-  * 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]]
+===== 3. NMEA2000 Details =====
-    * [[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]]
+==== 3.1 PGN Lists ====
+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 ====
+NMEA 2000 Instances are used to identify multiple similar products connected on the same network.
+More information as well as how to configure them is explained in [[ve.can:changing_nmea2000_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:
+  * Use the NMEA 2000 cable as the backbone.
+  * Run a separate drop cable separately to each Victron device [[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? ===
+==== 3.4 Further reading on Victron and NMEA 2000 ====
-Nothing. At the moment the CCGX only reads data from the NMEA 2000 network. The data it can read is:
+  * [[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-nmea2000.html|Cerbo GX manual, NMEA 2000 chapter]]
+  * [[https://community.victronenergy.com/topics/NMEA%202000%20-%20N2K.html|NMEA2000 related discussions on Victron Community]]
+===== 4. Varia =====
+==== 4.1 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.
+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.
+Next, use the [[http://www.trigentic.com/#empirbus-graphic|EmpirBus Graphical tool]] to design the pages for on the Raymarine MFDs.
+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]])
+==== 4.2 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]].
+===== 5. FAQ =====
-  * Victron Inverter/charger data
+=== Q1: Can/must both Ethernet and and N2K connection be made between Victron GX and MFD? ===
-  * 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? ===
+Both can be made at the same time.
-No.
+Ethernet is needed to get the MFD App, as explained above.
-=== Q6: What about Maretron and other brand tanksensors on the Ccgx? ===
+And an N2K connection is needed to get data to show in other fields on the MFD.
-See chapter 1.2.7 in the [[ccgx:start|]].
+See annotated screenshot above for which is what.
-===== DISQUS =====
-~~DISQUS~~