Nmea network Tech question - LEN capacity

[Cutwater28GG]

I’m considering adding a yacht devices nmea to WiFi connector to my nmea network. I have some questions regarding the nmea network on the cutwater 28

My assumption is we have a single backbone, single segment network on our boats.

The device I want to Install has a Len rating of 2 which draws about 70ma.
Does anyone know whether I would have capacity to install this without adding more power to the network?

I assume we have the lightweight cable to max amps of a single segment is 3A. I’m curious how much power I have in reserve with the current devices installed.

Some reading for those that are interested. https://www.nmea.org/Assets/2012 ibex full nmea installation.pdf

 

[iggy]

If you go to one of your Garmins and do a NMEA list. That will tell you whats on the network so you can do the math. But a 70ma draw is next to nothing. You could use an amp meter too. I am taking your word on the 3amp. Three amps equal 3000ma, so adding 70ma more is going to be small. I would not worry about it, the worst thing that would happen is you blow the fuse on the NMEA power leg.

In theory, there is only one backbone. But you used the word "segment" and this could be true. Meaning, only one backbone with tees along that backbone where needed to make connections. One backbone with more than one cable in that backbone being used.

 

[BB marine]

Confirm your 12V power source for the N2K. Fluid Motion uses the NRX output from the Fusion radio on many models. I had issues with the fusion and issues with N2K 12V power supply. When I found the power loss was due to the NRX shut down. I called Garmin and was told the power from the NRX is limited and not enough to power the back bone. The Garmin technician asked for all components that were connected to the back bone, auto pilot, fusion, depth sounder, radar HD24, 7612xsv, Volvo EVC N2K interface(gateway), VHS, AIS, he then calculated the draw. He stated it was just over 700ma which is to much for the NRX to power possibly causing a fusion failure and recommended changing the supply to a designated 3 amp power supply. I installed a 3amp circuit to the back bone from the fuse panel located behind the helm. I did have a failed fusion, and have had no issues with N2K communication since changing the power source. Gavin that was a good read that you posted.

 

[iggy]

Confirm your 12V power source for the N2K. Fluid Motion uses the NRX output from the Fusion radio on many models. I had issues with the fusion and issues with N2K 12V power supply. When I found the power loss was due to the NRX shut down. I called Garmin and was told the power from the NRX is limited and not enough to power the back bone. The Garmin technician asked for all components that were connected to the back bone, auto pilot, fusion, depth sounder, radar HD24, 7612xsv, Volvo EVC N2K interface(gateway), VHS, AIS, he then calculated the draw. He stated it was just over 700ma which is to much for the NRX to power possibly causing a fusion failure and recommended changing the supply to a designated 3 amp power supply. I installed a 3amp circuit to the back bone from the fuse panel located behind the helm. I did have a failed fusion, and have had no issues with N2K communication since changing the power source. Gavin that was a good read that you posted.

Please, what is Fluid Motion? Sound like a company.

 

[ixlr8]

Please, what is Fluid Motion? Sound like a company.

Fluid Motion is the company that builds the Ranger Tug and Cutwater boats.

 

[FWTMD]

https://www.tradeonlytoday.com/manufact ... livingston

 

[notjj]

I currently have the Yacht Devices ethernet gateway on my 31... so far had no issues.

However my boat is not one of the ones that has the Fusion powering the NMEA backbone, it has a 3a supply for the NMEA backbone and the Fusion radio is its own network entirely.

When I can get back to the boat I can meter the NMEA supply and see how much it is drawing... but that may be a while with all the shutdowns.

 

[Cutwater28GG]

Thanks everyone! I’m not sure I have the fusion power situation as a 2012 boat I don’t have the fusion integrated into the plotter etc.

My new debate is whether to switch the yacht devices WiFi gateway for the ikommunicate signalk gateway.

 

[iggy]

I don't know if this helps at all. But my current boat, 3 years ago I installed Yacht Devices J1939 to N2K gateway. On the backbone, Fusion head unit, 3 Fusion remotes, two GPS units, Two fuel sensors, VHF, AIS, compass, and the gateway. No problems at all with the network.

The Ikommunicate seam like a very interesting unit. Better than there wireless gateway. Whats even more Interesting, now add a GPS receiver ether to the network or computer (black box or laptop) and now you can use a Nav software like Rose Point, go to PredictWinds right from the helm. Better still, you can add 2 or 3 screens on the helm and customize your setup. Opens a whole new door!

A little off track. I do see Ethernet in a few years replacing N2K backbone. As it is now, some of us are running Ethernet for radar and black box fish-finders.

 

[Cutwater28GG]

yeah i started out this research trying to get GPS data to my ipad navionics. (dont have the LTE ipad)
options I went through
1. bluetooth GPS puck - just seems a pain to charge and I already have GPS data on my NMEA network - $100
2. yacht devices wifi gateway: gets the NMEA GPS data to navionics but if in the future I want to add another wifi network its a waste of 2 wifi networks - $189
3. ikommunicate: opens up a whole bunch of interesting projects: moving from ipad to raspberry pi nav computer. - but will require a seperate wifi route - $499
4. AIS with built in Wifi gateway like the Vesper marine or other. $700

my first project is to solve battery usage at anchor so I feel better about more power usage gear like wifi and computers.
so im installing a 325-370W solar panel and upgrading to a 100/30 MPPT solar charger from victron. I want to stop worrying about battery state of charge and running multiple devices.

 

[TugScout]

yeah i started out this research trying to get GPS data to my ipad navionics. (dont have the LTE ipad)

I'm a huge fan of the Bad Elf products. I have the Bad Elf Pro+ on my R-27 and it provides GPS via Bluetooth to two separate iPads at the same time (I believe you can connect three devices at once in total). The battery life of the unit is incredible.

https://bad-elf.com/pages/be-gps-2300-detail

Cheers,
Mark

 

[iggy]

yeah i started out this research trying to get GPS data to my ipad navionics. (dont have the LTE ipad)
options I went through
1. bluetooth GPS puck - just seems a pain to charge and I already have GPS data on my NMEA network - $100
2. yacht devices wifi gateway: gets the NMEA GPS data to navionics but if in the future I want to add another wifi network its a waste of 2 wifi networks - $189
3. ikommunicate: opens up a whole bunch of interesting projects: moving from ipad to raspberry pi nav computer. - but will require a seperate wifi route - $499
4. AIS with built in Wifi gateway like the Vesper marine or other. $700

my first project is to solve battery usage at anchor so I feel better about more power usage gear like wifi and computers.
so im installing a 325-370W solar panel and upgrading to a 100/30 MPPT solar charger from victron. I want to stop worrying about battery state of charge and running multiple devices.

This is some good reading on on Ikommuicate and Pi3. https://www.practical-sailor.com/marine ... oes-to-sea

http://signalk.org/

 

[notjj]

Had a chance to swing by the boat and check the draw on the bus...

With everything "off" - 0.36a
With everything on - 0.51a

Off just meaning the plotter, vhf, engine, autopilot are off... the Yacht Devices gateway is on, but there is no way to turn it off short of removing it from the bus.

So plenty of overhead left on the bus unless you have some crazy additions to yours.

 

[Cutwater28GG]

excellent! thank you!