Nice makeover, looks great, nice job.
Installing Simrad NSX/SmartCraft and transducer; 2004 Sunesta 252
- Thread starter LAKETIME
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OK, my Simrad saga continues...
I used the windshield wiper switch to supply power to the Simrad; now, I can switch it on from there, independently.
I verified that there is power at the back of the unit, but it won't turn on! Is there a certain trick to starting this up, or is my unit faulty??? (I'll be contacting Simrad soon)
At the other end of this project, I'm looking for the ideal transom location to place the transducer for the sonar. I've seen several videos that provide an understanding of the critical concepts, but none of them are specific to hull of the 2004 Sunesta. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
I used the windshield wiper switch to supply power to the Simrad; now, I can switch it on from there, independently.
I verified that there is power at the back of the unit, but it won't turn on! Is there a certain trick to starting this up, or is my unit faulty??? (I'll be contacting Simrad soon)
At the other end of this project, I'm looking for the ideal transom location to place the transducer for the sonar. I've seen several videos that provide an understanding of the critical concepts, but none of them are specific to hull of the 2004 Sunesta. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
I tried so many ways to get the unit started, pressing and releasing slowly, pressing quickly, etc., but no luck.
In hindsight, using the bus bar probably would have been easier, but it is a real pain to access, being so far behind everything. :-(
I'm looking forward to getting this thing working...
That’s exactly what I did.
That’s exactly what I did.
Indeed, there was.
The unit just won’t turn on.
Iggy
Active member
Then I would use another power source. If it works after that. Then you ether have a bad connection or not enough current getting to the unit. Did you check, and not to ask a stupid question. But is the Pos and Neg wires correct?
On a personal note, for adding more things on later. I started out connecting things. VHF, stereo, and more. It was getting stupid! So I came off the the battery switch and added a small Neg buss bar and a 6 circuit fuse box.
Like this one -- https://defender.com/en_us/blue-sea-systems-st-blade-6-fuse-block-with-common-negative-bus
On a personal note, for adding more things on later. I started out connecting things. VHF, stereo, and more. It was getting stupid! So I came off the the battery switch and added a small Neg buss bar and a 6 circuit fuse box.
Like this one -- https://defender.com/en_us/blue-sea-systems-st-blade-6-fuse-block-with-common-negative-bus
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Hello, all,
Back again with the Simrad saga...
It's all connected and running. However, my goal of being able to utilize the Mercury Smart Craft functions just didn't pan out. After having the Smart Craft recommended to me from the customer support folks in Fond du Lac, I found that many of the engine indicators just don't register.
After going through hours of discussions with them, a tech at the Grapevine Bass Pro Shop, who then brought in a regional Mercury tech, it was determined that this engine (2004 Mag 350) is not compatible with Smart Craft. Seems that the techs in Fond du Lac just don't have the proper serial numbers to identify which engines are actually compatible. I'm told that the regional tech was not too happy to learn that after logging his computer into my engine, and after learning about all the documented calls that I made with the folks at Fond du Lac, they somehow figure this out. I'm working on getting a refund for the Smart Craft device that has no value to me.
Moving on...The engine computer has already been flashed and updated. Does anyone have any idea about a work around to allow digital (not analog) access to this engine, in a way that would be compatible with a Simrad NSX 3009?
Dan
Back again with the Simrad saga...
It's all connected and running. However, my goal of being able to utilize the Mercury Smart Craft functions just didn't pan out. After having the Smart Craft recommended to me from the customer support folks in Fond du Lac, I found that many of the engine indicators just don't register.
After going through hours of discussions with them, a tech at the Grapevine Bass Pro Shop, who then brought in a regional Mercury tech, it was determined that this engine (2004 Mag 350) is not compatible with Smart Craft. Seems that the techs in Fond du Lac just don't have the proper serial numbers to identify which engines are actually compatible. I'm told that the regional tech was not too happy to learn that after logging his computer into my engine, and after learning about all the documented calls that I made with the folks at Fond du Lac, they somehow figure this out. I'm working on getting a refund for the Smart Craft device that has no value to me.
Moving on...The engine computer has already been flashed and updated. Does anyone have any idea about a work around to allow digital (not analog) access to this engine, in a way that would be compatible with a Simrad NSX 3009?
Dan
Iggy
Active member
I would think, for a engine to be compatible it need to be completely computerized. I know that Volvo went that way around 2010. I bought a getaway from Yachts Devices https://www.yachtd.com/ for my 2011 Sig 290. It worked out great. I would talk to them and see what they can tell you.
One sure way to tell. If you have around 4 wires going to your helm that feed the cluster of gauges. Than a gateway should work for you.
Iggy,
Thanks for following up! I sent an email to them, describing the set-up. One would think that if an engine has a port that is read by a diagnostic computer, such as the Mercury G3, then data must be available, if the proper device exists. I just want to be able to read this data on my Simrad NSX3009. Fingers crossed!
Dan
Iggy,
Your referral to www.Yachtd.com may turn out to be fruitful. I've contacted them, and Korolev, a support engineer, has recommended a Fox Marine PCM555 gateway, after informing me that my Mercury ECM is: "an old Motorola PCM555 controller variant." Geez!!!
So...it looks like I'll be removing the cable that runs from my ECM diagnostic connection to my N2K backbone, removing the Smart Craft unit, and replacing that set-up with this one, from the engine to the N2K backbone.
I'm awaiting some clarification on the installation and application before I order the product. This looks encouraging.
Thank you so much for your guidance!
Dan
Iggy
Active member
I was not sure it could be done on your engine given the age. But glad to hear it looks good.Iggy,
Your referral to www.Yachtd.com may turn out to be fruitful. I've contacted them, and Korolev, a support engineer, has recommended a Fox Marine PCM555 gateway, after informing me that my Mercury ECM is: "an old Motorola PCM555 controller variant." Geez!!!
So...it looks like I'll be removing the cable that runs from my ECM diagnostic connection to my N2K backbone, removing the Smart Craft unit, and replacing that set-up with this one, from the engine to the N2K backbone.
I'm awaiting some clarification on the installation and application before I order the product. This looks encouraging.
Thank you so much for your guidance!
Dan
Just an FYI for others. On my Sig 290 2011, just after the warrantee rain out. The RPM gauge stopped working on both engines. Now this was a $900 replacement cost. At the time, the gateway was a cost of $175. It was basically plug and play other than make up a 4 pin connectors. That made it a 1 hour install. Now I could display very thing and more on my MFD/GPS. This data is engine only, nothing for the fuel tank. But the GPH rate is a lot better info than the fuel gauge. But thats me...
Just an update from Korolev:
When I asked: "How will it be presented in the Simrad?" He said: "Standard Engine Page. Engine Data Only."
I asked: "Similar to how the Mercury Smart Craft is found?". He said: "Negative. Deep SmartCraft integration [via dedicated OG SmartCraft gateway and special SmartCraft engine page on MFD] is not possible on your engine, too old."
I'm guessing that trim indicator will have to remain analog. Fuel tank capacity might be accessed via a separate device run between the tank and N2K network backbone, but I'll look into that later...
When I asked: "How will it be presented in the Simrad?" He said: "Standard Engine Page. Engine Data Only."
I asked: "Similar to how the Mercury Smart Craft is found?". He said: "Negative. Deep SmartCraft integration [via dedicated OG SmartCraft gateway and special SmartCraft engine page on MFD] is not possible on your engine, too old."
I'm guessing that trim indicator will have to remain analog. Fuel tank capacity might be accessed via a separate device run between the tank and N2K network backbone, but I'll look into that later...
Iggy
Active member
Yes, engine data only. But they do make NMEA2k fuel senders. Personally, I would not bother. To me, its the engine data I would want.
If your really into it. I would remove all the gauges, and go with 2 MFD as large as I could fit. One screen as a chart plotter and the other for engine. Than when needed, radar and GPS on the screens. Keep in mind, that you can split the screens too.
Most new cars and boats have gone with screens. No more conventional gauges.
If your really into it. I would remove all the gauges, and go with 2 MFD as large as I could fit. One screen as a chart plotter and the other for engine. Than when needed, radar and GPS on the screens. Keep in mind, that you can split the screens too.
Most new cars and boats have gone with screens. No more conventional gauges.