ve.can:nmea-2000:start
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ve.can:nmea-2000:start [2016-11-24 16:56] – martijncoster | ve.can:nmea-2000:start [2025-07-19 07:29] (current) – [3.2 NMEA 2000 instances] mvader | ||
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- | ====== | + | ====== |
- | 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 ==== |
- | Victron | + | This guide provides an overview of integrating |
- | For brevity, this document will refer to NMEA 2000 as N2K. | + | * **MFD (Chart Plotter) Monitoring**: |
+ | * **Tank Level Monitoring**: | ||
+ | * **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**: | ||
+ | * **Advanced features powered by Signal K**: Includes wireless AIS, anchor alarms, and automatic trip logging. | ||
- | ===== 1. How to connect to a NMEA 2000 network ===== | + | This document serves as a high-level overview with links to relevant manuals for detailed setup instructions. |
- | ==== 1.1 Multis, MultiPlusses and Quattros | + | ==== 1.2 MFD Integration |
- | Use the [[https:// | + | |
- | Monitoring | + | Integration with MFDs depends on customer requirements |
- | Schematic diagram of combining a CCGX with NMEA 2000: | + | - **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. |
- | In above example, there needs to be a fuse in the [[https:// | + | **Comparison of Options:** |
- | ==== 1.2 BMV Battery Monitors ==== | + | - **NMEA 2000**: Offers customizable data pages on the MFD but requires more configuration. |
- | Use the [[https:// | + | - **HTML5 App**: Plug-and-play with an auto-configured system overview but less customizable. |
- | Combining this with a CCGX on the same network is possible. Connect the CCGX to the N2K network as well, use our [[https:// | + | **Illustration**: |
- | {{ : | + | |
+ | {{ : | ||
- | ==== 1.3 VE.Can products (Skylla-i, Skylla-IP44, | + | * Right bar: NMEA 2000 data. |
+ | * Bottom: HTML5 App integration. | ||
- | 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:// | + | === Further reading by brand === |
- | * Skylla-i 24V Battery Chargers | + | * [[https:// |
- | * Skylla IP44 Battery Chargers | + | * [[https:// |
- | * Lynx Shunt Battery Monitors | + | * [[https:// |
- | * Lynx Ion + Shunt all models | + | * [[https://www.victronenergy.com/ |
- | * BlueSolar MPPT Solar Chargers with VE.Can communications port | + | |
- | {{ :ve.can:nmea-2000: | + | |
- | ===== 2. MFD integration ===== | + | ==== 1.3 Tank monitoring |
- | 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 | + | 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. |
- | Note: working | + | **Key Features:** |
+ | * Monitor tank levels | ||
+ | * 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:// | ||
- | ==== 2.1 Raymarine & EmpirBus ==== | + | **Visual Examples:** |
- | Integration onto Raymarine MFDs is always done with an [[http://www.trigentic.com/# | + | {{ :ve.can:nmea-2000: |
- | In the [[http://www.empirbus.com/ | + | {{ :ve.can: |
- | Next, use the [[http://www.trigentic.com/# | + | {{ :ve.can:nmea-2000: |
- | The EmpirBus system requires | + | ** Video that demonstrates |
- | {{ : | + | |
- | ==== 2.2 Maretron ==== | + | |
- | All data sent out by Victron devices can be picked up by the Maretron MFDs & software. See the [[http:// | + | |
- | ===== 3. PGN overview | + | |
+ | === Further details | ||
+ | * **Resistive tank level inputs built-in to the Cerbo GX and Ekrano GX:** See [[https:// | ||
+ | * **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:// | ||
+ | * **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, | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== 1.4 NMEA2000-out feature ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Victron Energy GX devices feature an NMEA 2000-out function: when enabled, the GX device acts as a bridge: it makes the data of all connected Battery monitors, Inverter/ | ||
+ | |||
+ | Using that feature, and having the GX device connected a NMEA 2000 network, Marine MFDs can read this data and visualise it to the user. Often in a highly configurable manner. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ==== 1.5 Advanced features powered by Signal K ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Signal K unlocks powerful features: | ||
+ | * **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. | ||
+ | |||
+ | More details: | ||
+ | - [[https:// | ||
+ | - [[https:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== 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 [[https:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== 2. Integration details by Victron product ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== 2.1 Systems with a GX Device ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | For most installations and integrations, | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== 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:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | * 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 | ||
+ | * Multi RS | ||
+ | * Inverter RS | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{ : | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== 2.3 VE.Bus and VE.Direct to NMEA 2000 interfaces | ||
+ | |||
+ | * [[https:// | ||
+ | * [[https:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | Note that the use of both those interfaces is deprecated. Use a GX device instead. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== 3. NMEA 2000 Details ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== 3.1 PGN Lists ==== | ||
Refer to our [[https:// | Refer to our [[https:// | ||
- | ===== 4. Color Control GX & NMEA 2000 ===== | + | ==== 3.2 NMEA 2000 instances |
- | * 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. | + | Instances are used in an NMEA 2000 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/ | ||
- | ===== 5. FAQ ===== | + | 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. |
- | === What about instances? Device instances, data instances? === | + | NMEA 2000 defines three different |
- | See [[ve.can: | + | * Data instances (Battery instance, Fluid instance, and similar) |
+ | * Device instance | ||
+ | * System instance | ||
- | === Can MPPT Solar Chargers with a VE.Direct port also be connected? === | + | === When is manual configuration of instances needed? === |
- | No, they cannot | + | * 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**, | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Further reading on NMEA 2000 instances === | ||
+ | |||
+ | * [[https:// | ||
+ | * [[ve.can: | ||
+ | ==== 3.3 Terminators and network layout ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | A NMEA 2000 CAN-bus network needs to be laid out as in a backbone configuration, | ||
+ | |||
+ | * Use the NMEA 2000 cable as the backbone. | ||
+ | * Run a separate drop cable separately to each Victron device | ||
+ | * 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 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 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 ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | 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 [[https:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ==== 3.5 Galvanic isolation ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | 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: | ||
+ | |||
+ | * 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, | ||
+ | |||
+ | For a full list of which ports feature isolation, see [[https:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== 3.6 Further reading on Victron and NMEA 2000 ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | * [[https:// | ||
+ | * [[https:// | ||
+ | * [[https:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ===== 4. Maretron ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | All data sent out by Victron devices on the NMEA 2000 network can be picked up by the Maretron MFDs & software. See the [[http:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== 5. FAQ ===== | ||
- | Note that there are many more generic frequently asked questions answered in the [[https:// | + | === Q1: Can or must both Ethernet and and NMEA 2000 connection be made between |
- | === What about terminators and network layout? === | + | Both can be made at the same time. |
- | A N2K canbus network needs to be laid out as in backbone configuration, | + | Ethernet is needed |
- | * Use the NMEA2000 cable as the back bone. | + | And an NMEA 2000 connection is needed |
- | * Run a separate drop cable separately to each Victron device. The drop cable will be one of these three products: | + | |
- | * [[https:// | + | |
- | * [[https:// | + | |
- | * [[https:// | + | |
- | * Only terminate the NMEA 2000 backbone, do not terminate | + | |
+ | See annotated screenshot above for which is what. | ||
- | ===== DISQUS ===== | ||
- | ~~DISQUS~~ |
ve.can/nmea-2000/start.1480002972.txt.gz · Last modified: by martijncoster