Analog to NMEA Engine Data Converter

[RussL]

I have wanted to get my engine data into my Simrad system for a while, but I don't want to lose my existing dash gauges. I have twin Cummins BT6 5.9s in my 2000 Carver 396. Has anyone done this type of install? Does anyone recommend a brand of gateway? I have been leaning toward the Actisense Engine Management Unit Analog- NMEA2000. Has anyone use this?



Thanks,
Russ

[Thekaj]

I’ve just started to think about this myself, so I’m interested to see the replies too. Any particular reason you’re leaning towards the EMU-1? I was considering the AlbaCombi. It’s a bit cheaper, and with an Ethernet port, you just plug it into a laptop to configure. The only downside I was seeing is that the manual is a bit difficult to parse, making the setup and calibration a bit of a question mark.

[RussL]

Thanks Thekaj. That is another unit I am considering. The third is the NoLand RS11 V4 (https://nolandeng.com/product/rs11-canbus-engine-data-converter/) From what I can tell the AlbaCombi and the Actisense have better functionality though. I have really just started researching the install process and trying to figure out what would work best for my boat. I am also trying to decide if I want to get rid of my analog gauges all together and switch to a Simrad IS42J or an VDO OceanLink 7", but I like the idea of the gauges in case something ever went wrong with the electronics....

What do people think? Do you need to hold onto the analog gauges?

[jasontn]

I am also very interested in this - I have Crusaders in my Mariner 3697 and have been eying this as a project for two years. I've looked at all 3 of the options suggested here and it appears to me that the Actisense seems to be considered the best of the bunch from what I can find on the Internet but both Actisense and AlbaCombi have a lot of people reporting absolutely no support from the manufacturers at all - and they are over seas so if you can get them it is off hours here in the US. The NoLand is made in FL so I was considering it for that alone but have read that it is harder to setup.

I am interested if this aligns with what everyone has read about and which way anyone goes.

[Alaska 530 Voyager]

I put my 530 Voyager with 610 Volvos on the N2K as well as my new boat with D12 Volvos. I used "Yach Devices" gateways. Works awesome. Also great customer service.

[Ralphalicious]

I am also very interested in this - I have Crusaders in my Mariner 3697 and have been eying this as a project for two years. I've looked at all 3 of the options suggested here and it appears to me that the Actisense seems to be considered the best of the bunch from what I can find on the Internet but both Actisense and AlbaCombi have a lot of people reporting absolutely no support from the manufacturers at all - and they are over seas so if you can get them it is off hours here in the US. The NoLand is made in FL so I was considering it for that alone but have read that it is harder to setup.

I am interested if this aligns with what everyone has read about and which way anyone goes.

Speak to the team at Gemeco - excellent service and very helpful with knowledge about Actisense EMU-1.

[pepmyster]

I just did this. I used Yacht Devices units. Made a NMEA network on the the boat to bring data to my Garmin GPS. There products are fantastic and the tech support is second to none. They will steer you in the correct direction.

[Helmsman]

On my 2006 Crusaders I used Fox Marine units. They worked flawlessly. You will deal directly with the inventor, who was very easy to work with.

https://fox-marine.com/index.php?route= ... ry&path=81

[g36]

I've been looking at the fox marine stuff for my 405 good to have some feedback from someone here.

[Helmsman]

Source of the post I've been looking at the fox marine stuff for my 405 good to have some feedback from someone here.

He will provide help with the selection, and with the install. He knows his stuff. The feed to the instrument display was great, but what I really liked is that on the bluetooth feed to the app there were about twenty five or so data points you could look at.

One of the two I had ended up with a blue tooth failure a couple of years into owning them. He replaced the unit, and was concerned that the failure occurred. Great service.