XX31/XX33/34/44/54 series

Interfacing to engine data
The CX Navstations, echosounders and CP31 are capable of displaying engine and other relevant data received via NMEA 2000 or SimNet. The interfacing is in principle very straightforward and can be completed with two different backbones, either as a SimNet system or a NMEA 2000 system.
Volvo EVC engines as an exampleThe new Volvo EVC engines have a dedicated CAN bus control system. An optional NMEA 2000 interface is available for distributing engine data to other instrument or systems. The NMEA 2000 interface is to be connected to the Multilink Breakout from the HCU.

Other engines and systems
The J2K100 from Maretron is an interface (gateway or bridge) for the most common engine CAN standard J1939 and NMEA 2000. An analog to NMEA 2000 engine monitoring system is expected ready mid 2006.
A number of NMEA 2000 compatible instruments, transducers and interfaces are already available and the list is constantly growing. A complete list of approved NMEA 2000 compatible products can be found at the following address: www.nmea.org/about/news.cgi?article_id=177



Example 1 shows the most basic system where a CX44/54 is connected directly to the Volvo NMEA 2000 Interface. The AT44 must be connected to 12 Volt to power the SimNet network.



Example 2 shows a standard system where the Volvo NMEA 2000 Interface is connected to a SimNet network (back bone). The network is powered and terminated according to SimNet instructions.

Example 3 shows the Volvo NMEA Interface and a Simrad NavStation connected to a NMEA 2000 network (back bone). The network is powered and terminated according to NMEA 2000 instructions.
It is strongly suggested that dealers and technicians take steps to come to terms with new technology. For years Robnet, Roblink, Navnet etc were standards to enable equipment from same manufacturer to communicate to each other such as parts of an autopilot. NMEA standards enabled communication with different manufacturers products.

Now SimNET, ETHERNET, CanBUS, NMEA2000, LowranceNET etc etc
are providing faster communication due to higher bandwidths. With the advent of new products from Simrad and others, the use of higher bandwidths are enabling a more complex system to be installed. These 'Networks' are individually quite simple 'plug and play' in most cases but when they all come together on one vessel the result is a servicing nightmare if the various networks aren't correctly identified. The 'rats nest' approach is a thing of the past when the cables where either power, control or data. I mention this because the new Simrad SimNET interfacing to engine data will undoubtedly increase the number of calls to me and our technicians. Unfortunately we can't continue to provide phone support for a system we can't see.

Our function is to distribute and provide after sales service and our qualified technicians work to component level to repair the products. We do not install the products nor do we operate them outside of the workshop.

We require you to study the Simrad Manuals which are available via our website and also the SimNET manual before you attend a vessel. The increased complexity and functionality of current Marine electronics technology makes phone support extremely difficult and we require you to take whatever steps you can to provide training to your technicians by providing them with the manuals and the time to study them.

It is hoped I can assist with the help of Simrad by providing power point presentations via our website. I will keep you all informed.

Regards Frank.