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--- ve.can:nmea-2000:start [2020-01-07 00:09] – [1. Introduction] mvader
+++ ve.can:nmea-2000:start [2021-03-15 12:02] – mvader
@@ Line 3: / Line 3: @@
 ===== 1. Introduction =====
-This technical document explains how to integrate a Victron system onto a Marine MFD, such as from Garmin, Raymarine Navico and other brands.
+==== 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.
-This are multiple ways to integrate, make sure to closely read the complete introduction chapter to find the best method.
+There are multiple options, and how to best integrate depends on the customer requirements, MFD brand and model as well as used Victron components.
-=== Systems with a GX Device ===
+Make sure to closely read this full document to find the best method for your type of system.
-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 that available to the MFD.
+==== 1.2 What is NMEA 2000? ====
+NMEA2000 is a communications standard used for connecting marine sensors and display units within ships and boats.
-A GX Device can connected to a Marine MFD in two ways: the simple plug and play like method is using an Ethernet connection, which enables the MFD App. Available for [[https://www.victronenergy.nl/panel-systems-remote-monitoring/marine%20mfd%20gx%20integration%20-%20raymarine|Raymarine]], [[https://www.victronenergy.nl/panel-systems-remote-monitoring/marine%20mfd%20gx%20integration%20-%20garmin|Garmin]], as well as the [[https://www.victronenergy.nl/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.
+Victron Energy is a member of the NMEA 2000 organisation, and we have several of our products certified by NMEA 2000.
-The other type of integration is to connect the GX Device to the NMEA2000 network. See the [[https://www.victronenergy.com/live/ccgx:start#marine_mfd_integration_by_nmea2000|NMEA2000 chapter in the CCGX manual]] for details.
+NMEA 2000 is sometimes also refered to as N2K, for brevitiy.
-Both can be used at the same time, each has its advantages and disadvantages. The MFD App is by far the simplest method. It presents an easy to use system overview without requiring any configuration. The N2K integration on the other hand, whilst being more complex, allows more configuration 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. Which is not so with the MFD App: the only possible configuration is showing and hiding battery parameters (Voltage, SOC, Current) as well as naming the batteries.
+==== 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.
-Note that, besides making information available on NMEA2000, a GX Device can also tank level data from NMEA2000. 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]].
+==== 1.4 Other integrations options ====
+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.
-=== Direct connection - products with a VE.Can port only ===
+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|]].
-Some of our products feature a VE.Can port; and can thus be directly connected to the NMEA2000 network. No electronic converter necessary; only a plug conversion cable, the [[https://nocache.victronenergy.com/accessories/ve-can-to-nmea2000-micro-c-male|VE.Can to NMEA2000 cable]].
+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.
-=== Using our converter interfaces (deprecated) ===
+===== 2. Integration details =====
-  * [[https://www.victronenergy.com/accessories/ve-bus-to-nmea2000-interface|VE.Bus to NMEA 2000 interface]]
+==== 2.1 Systems with a GX Device ====
-  * [[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.
+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.
-=== What is NMEA 2000? ===
+There are two ways to connect a GX Device to a MFD:
-NMEA 2000 is is a plug-and-play communications standard used for connecting marine sensors and display units within ships and boats.
+- 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.
+- 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.
-Victron Energy is a member of the NMEA 2000 organisation, and we have several of our products certified by NMEA 2000.
+Both connections can be made and used at the same time, and each has its advantages and disadvantages:
-For brevity, this document will refer to NMEA 2000 as N2K.
+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.
-=== Modbus-TCP Integration ===
+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.
-For larger vessels, using custom designed SCADA systems, the recommended protocol to use is ModbusTCP. See our [[ccgx:modbustcp_faq|]].
+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. Varia =====
+==== 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]].
-==== 2.1 VE.Can products (Skylla-i, Skylla-IP44, Lynx Shunt, Lynx Ion+Shunt and more) ====
+==== 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 58: / Line 84: @@
-==== 2.1 Raymarine & EmpirBus ====
+==== 3.2 Raymarine & EmpirBus ====
-Besides using NMEA2000 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 connected to the same N2K network, the NXT MCU translates the N2K PGNs originating from the Victron equipment into Raymarine proprietary messages.
+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.
@@ Line 67: / 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. FAQ =====
+===== 5. FAQ =====
 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]].
@@ Line 85: / Line 111: @@
 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/smartsolar%20mppt%20ve.can|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:
-Similarly, also a GX Device does not (yet) transmit data from connected Solar Chargers on its NMEA2000-out port.
+  * Use the NMEA 2000 cable as the backbone.
-==== Q3: What about terminators and network layout? ====
-A N2K CAN bus 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 backbone.
   * 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 a GX Device transmit on N2K? ====
+==== Q3: What PGNs does a GX Device transmit on N2K? ====
-See the [[https://www.victronenergy.com/live/ccgx:start#marine_mfd_integration_by_nmea2000|NMEA2000 chapter in the CCGX manual]] for details.
+See the [[https://www.victronenergy.com/live/ccgx:start#marine_mfd_integration_by_nmea2000|NMEA 2000 chapter in the CCGX manual]] for details.
-==== Q5: Can integration onto Raymarine displays also be done without Empirbus NXT? ====
+==== Q4: Can integration onto Raymarine displays also be done without Empirbus NXT? ====
 Yes, see [[https://www.victronenergy.com/panel-systems-remote-monitoring/marine%20mfd%20gx%20integration%20-%20raymarine|the Raymarine integration page on our website]].
-==== Q6: What about Maretron and other brand tank sensors on the Ccgx? ====
-See chapter 1.4.7 in the [[ccgx:start|]].