NMEA 2000, Simrad, etc. (2004 Sunesta 252)

L

LAKETIME

Member
Hello, all,

I would like to explore the possibilities of using a Simrad NXS along with the NMEA 2000 network. I really like what this system can do (depth finder, engine data, charting, etc.), but I don't fully understand how to put all of this together. What things need to be incorporated to make this a fully integrated system? Cabling, engine harness, etc?

Thanks in advance,
Dan
 
It is very easy. I would google or better still use You Tube and look up NMEA2k. Simrad makes a very good unit, its a big stem over Garmin.

Your transducer and radar should be connected to to the Simrad NXS, not the NMEA2k network. Engine data would depend on the type of engines you have. Your going to need some sort of gateway. You can connect on a NMEA2k network, GPS sensor, AIS data, VHF radio which is a must for safety, Auto pilot, some stereo head unit like Fusion and there is a lot more...

From the way you asked this question. I would see a dealer and have them do the install.

A link to the installation manual.

chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://softwaredownloads.navico.com/Simrad/SimradYachting_Software%20-%20Copy/Downloads/NSX/NSX_IM_EN_988-12613-002_w.pdf
 
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Hi, Iggy,

I did get a local shop to help me get everything put in place: Simrad, transducer, Mercury Smart Craft on the NMEA 2K network. All is well, except that the Simrad doesn't seem to recognize the Smart Craft in order to see the functions that I'd like. I will probably take it back to the shop to have the tech try to set it up, but he is more familiar with other set-ups. Do you have any videos that you'd recommend for this?

Thanks,
Dan
 
Videos, I would do a You Tube search. Just an FYI - I have no experience with Merc.

If I was having a problem, the first thing I would do is download the latest firmware to both Simrad and Smart Craft equipment. From there you'll need a Mercury VesselView Link or SmartCraft Connect module, which converts the engine data into a format compatible with your Simrad MFD via NMEA 2000. Which is J1938 protocol.

From Simrads web site:
Mercury® VesselView® Link provides key boat and engine data such as rpm, speed, fuel flow and efficiency, temperature, trim, and more. Compatible with NSS and NSO multifunction displays, unique graphics and UI deliver specific Setup Pages eliminating the need for additional gauges. With powerful feature-sets, the system allows simultaneous monitoring of multiple engines (up to six).
 
Iggy said:
It is very easy. I would google or better still use You Tube and look up NMEA2k. Simrad makes a very good unit, its a big stem over Garmin.

Your transducer and radar should be connected to to the Simrad NXS, not the NMEA2k network. Engine data would depend on the type of engines you have. Your going to need some sort of gateway. You can connect on a NMEA2k network, GPS sensor, AIS data, VHF radio which is a must for safety, Auto pilot, some stereo head unit like Fusion and there is a lot more...

From the way you asked this question. I would see a dealer and have them do the install.

A link to the installation manual.

chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://softwaredownloads.navico.com/Simrad/SimradYachting_Software%20-%20Copy/Downloads/NSX/NSX_IM_EN_988-12613-002_w.pdf
Click to expand...
For anyone reading, this is all great info. I would add: to run most modern chartplotters, you'll need to set up a power connection as well as nmea2k gateway with its own power connection.

For engines if merc, you can run smart craft gauges which interface with the engines and then can link the engine data to a chartplotter via a nmea 2k daisy chain from the smart craft gauges. I set this up for a client once and it went amazingly well and was easy once I figured it out.
 
LAKETIME said:
Hi, Iggy,

I did get a local shop to help me get everything put in place: Simrad, transducer, Mercury Smart Craft on the NMEA 2K network. All is well, except that the Simrad doesn't seem to recognize the Smart Craft in order to see the functions that I'd like. I will probably take it back to the shop to have the tech try to set it up, but he is more familiar with other set-ups. Do you have any videos that you'd recommend for this?

Thanks,
Dan
Click to expand...
I've been through this--it is a hidden setting on the chartplotter and/or smart craft gauge. You have to essentially select them to point at each other (recognize and share/receive data).
 
drewm3i said:
I've been through this--it is a hidden setting on the chartplotter and/or smart craft gauge. You have to essentially select them to point at each other (recognize and share/receive data).
Click to expand...
I don't thing you need to set the sending unit to point to a devices. Most likely, and true with Simrad. On the receiving unit. you need to pick the device you want the data from. In my case, I have 2 sonar transducers and 2 devices that give GPS locations. I had to pick which device to take the date from. OR unselect that device due to a conflict.
 
Iggy said:
I don't thing you need to set the sending unit to point to a devices. Most likely, and true with Simrad. On the receiving unit. you need to pick the device you want the data from. In my case, I have 2 sonar transducers and 2 devices that give GPS locations. I had to pick which device to take the date from. OR unselect that device due to a conflict.
Click to expand...
Yes, that sounds right. My "instructions" were non-specific because I forgot the exact way I figured it out and got everything to synchronize. Basically one has to play with it and peruse the menus for the proper settings.
 
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