NMEA network power

[Hoplite808]

Source of the post As of now I do not have anything to connect to a NMEA network at the helm. Maybe in the future. Seems like an extremely difficult task to run the backbone to the helm if I don’t need it there. Where’s the tunnel to get from engine compartment to the helm?

I did find an unused connector on the rear of the starboard engine that’s hot when ignition is on, also when ignition is on and engine running. It’s a three wire connector with a termination dummy plugged into it. It has Orange, Yellow, & Black wires. The Yellow is the one I’ll use.

Here’s a picture of the wire:

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Edit:

Is there a reason to NOT use that wire??

That is a diagnostic plug don't use that might be needed one day to diagnose a fault and powering things off it might cause interference with other electronics on the engine.

Even if this is just to power the fox marine units you ordered you would still have to build the very basics of a backbone in the engine bay. If you have a chart plotter that accepts N2K inputs why not run the wire and add the functionality of digital engine gauges with one more wire? A 3 or more connector T terminated at each end with a N2K wire to each Fox Marine Unit and a power lead to a 12v supply. To run the wire you'll need an electricians fish tape from the hardware store to run it easier.

[bud37]

My advice...just run the backbone cables complete now as has been suggested. I have done this and it seems more complicated than it actually is. Powered it up in two places, at the helm and the engine compartment.......the engine compartment wiring feed (just two wires) was brought down from ( key on switched) the main 12volt panel, the helm was just as easy.

I will reaffirm, those engine mefi ecus do not like any sort of interference at all however small, this is personal experience talking here.

Use the terminations and grounding as directed and when you get your giant... .. mfd displays it will be just plug/program/ play and enjoy......

[Mikwallace]

Thanks to all who responded!!

Ok guys, you’ve rightfully shamed me to do it right the first time! I’ve ordered a backbone cable to run from helm to engine compartment and gathered the needed equipment to disassemble the appropriate panels and fish the cable. Even bought fluorescent nylon chord to leave a couple strands in the tunnel, just in case I need to fish something else thru.

I’ve built NMEA 2k on previous boat and even one on my old 1996 SeaDoo. So I feel confident in the construction of the network.

Will look tonight for a switch panel to add to the helm for getting power to the network.

Thanks for all the input!!

[Viper]

Pics please! We love pics

[Mikwallace]

Source of the post Pics please! We love pics

Well, not much to see, but here’s a few pics:

Port Engine Gateway

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Starboard engine Gateway:

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N2k Double T on Backbone. As you can see one end is open, that’s where the backbone wire from the Helm will connect.

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Both Gateways have the connectors pointing down toward bilge.

I did temporarily connect the power T to the backbone and test the gateways. The Bluetooth App works fine. But you can only see one engine at a time. The APP will not show both engines Simultaneously. My backbone cable is suppose to be delivered to my house today. So I’ll drop it in tomorrow afternoon. Until I install some type of MFD I’ll just use 2 iPads to monitor the Gateways, hoping I can tune that “Sweet Spot” and optimize my fuel flow. Here’s a pic of each engine display:

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[g36]

Thanks for the pics of the data output, I've considered this for my 97 crusader xli's for awhile its good to actually see the data from fox and a mefi 1 probably be the same for my crusaders. My install would be really easy since I've already a network and displays in my dash. When get your dash displays it would nice to see that too. (Hint hint)

[Mikwallace]

Just completed the engine compartment to helm run with backbone cable. Not too difficult. Lot less trouble than I imagined. I put a fused switch on the network, a temporary switch until I figure out what type MFD I’ll use. Until then the APP will suffice. Once I figure out what MFD I’ll probably install a gang switch panel.

[Mikwallace]

An update with a few pictures.

I grabbed a Raymarine Axiom 9 MFD w/RV100 on sale and also upgraded my Helm Stereo with a Fusion RA210 stereo (NMEA 2K compatible). Both are connected to the NMEA 2k backbone and work great. I’m still learning the in’s & outs of the Axiom. The Axiom came with a RV-100 transducer. I’ve not installed the transducer yet, but it’s on the list of things to do when I pull the boat out of the water. Guess I’m too cheap to pay the $$ to pull the boat out just to install the transducer.

Here’s a pic of the Helm console:

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A closeup of the Axiom:

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The Fusion mounted next to the old Marine Stereo Cover. The Fusion, although a single DIN, will not fit inside a Universal Marine Stereo Cover. So I cut the appropriate size hole and installed the Fusion next to the old cover. I built an acrylic box for the old Marine Cover and now I have another storage compartment for keys/phone or whatever. Also put the external USB cable from the Fusion in there.

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And here’s a pic of the Raymarine Axiom controlling the Fusion stereo.

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I know the Axiom is capable of much more than I’m using it for now. But I’ll figure it out.