VesselView Link install questions?

[Just_Ken_In_Va]

I am thinking about adding VesselView link to my 2020 Ranger 520L, Merc 250 Pro XS 4S. I currently have a MercMonitor ECO version. I have the parts list from Rhonda and Don, but haven't pulled the trigger yet and have some install questions.

I have a cable plugged into the MercMonitor. Does that plug get connected to the Vesselview Harness now?

The VesselView Link harness appears to have 2 plugs on it. Does one go to the back of the MercMonitor and one connector to the plug originally in the MercMonitor?

Or

Do I unplug from MercMonitor, and plug everything into a junction box?

I can't seem to find a diagram that shows me everything I want.

Thanks in advance.

- Ken

[bshort]

https://www.bottomlinemarine.com/pro...0117375eng.pdf

This one has a diagram.

[EuropeanAM]

You would be installing a Junction Box in place of your current Junction "Adapter".

Then the Vessel View Module would plug into the Junction Box, and connect to a NMEA-2000 Network as a "drop" on the network.

If you do not already have a network, a simple form is found here (from the FAQ):

Simple NMEA-2K Network Layout

[Just_Ken_In_Va]

I understand the NMEA2K portion, just not sure how the mercmonitor gers connected back to the jbox. Another cable or with the vesselview link harness?

[Just_Ken_In_Va]

And does the jbox require a terminator or dust caps?

[R2Tracker]

Depends on the Smartcraft cable (engine to jbox, typically blue), if it has built in terminators or not (usually a yellow section of shrink tube near each end indicating it has terminators built in).

[EuropeanAM]

I understand the NMEA2K portion, just not sure how the mercmonitor gers connected back to the jbox. Another cable or with the vesselview link harness?

Ken- see Post# 3.

Let's clarify: Your ECO MercMonitor is currently FUNCTIONING and you can view engine data on it already, CORRECT?

[Just_Ken_In_Va]

Ken- see Post# 3.

Let's clarify: Your ECO MercMonitor is currently FUNCTIONING and you can view engine data on it already, CORRECT?

Don, The mercmonitor works fine and I want to continue to use it in addition to the VVL connected to my HDS live. The instruction set I see has "power connection for mercury multi function device" (f). Does this provide data back to the mercmonitor? or MUST i use a separate harness to get data back to the mercmonitor and terminate (f)?

VVL.jpg

Thanks in advance.

- Ken
SN 2B635878

[EuropeanAM]

Ken- you need a JUNCTION BOX. That is what your MercMonitor AND your Vessel View Link will connect to (it also connects to your Smartcraft Harness Connector, which is currently adapted/connected to your MercMonitor directly).

The drawing you referenced above is denoting the NMEA-2000 network (NOT the Smartcraft Network). The Power Node you see is required to permit data on the NMEA-2000 Network (a powered network). That power node DOES NOT POWER YOUR SMARTCRAFT DEVICES.

[Just_Ken_In_Va]

What gets data to the mercmonitor? I assume some sort of smartcraft cable connected to the j box?

[EuropeanAM]

Your MercMonitor currently has a black harness plugged into it. That harness will plug into the Junction Box.

In other words- ALL SMARTCRAFT CONNECTORS will plug into the Junction Box. The connector on the keyswitch harness (or the blue cable), the MercMonitor's harness, and the Vessel View Link's harness will all be plugged into the Junction Box, permitting Smartcraft Network Access.

[Just_Ken_In_Va]

Thanks Don. What was throwing me off is I do not have a junction box. Just a gender bender.

[EuropeanAM]

That Gender-Bender (aka: Junction Adapter) will be replaced with a Junction BOX, so that multiple devices can be plugged in (rather than just one device).

[Fish On Project]

I'm running into the same thing with the same boat. I don't have the J box and looking to add vessel view link. I'm not going to keep the monitor gauge that's in there. Is there a way to plug the smart craft harness into the link box without a j box?

[EuropeanAM]

Can't plug a female connector into a female connector.

Just a reminder: ONE engine/poster per thread (see Forum Announcements for more details). Thanks!

[MichaelJ3]

Don, The mercmonitor works fine and I want to continue to use it in addition to the VVL connected to my HDS live. The instruction set I see has "power connection for mercury multi function device" (f). Does this provide data back to the mercmonitor? or MUST i use a separate harness to get data back to the mercmonitor and terminate (f)?

VVL.jpg

Thanks in advance.

- Ken
SN 2B635878

His diagram indeed shows the J-Box and the SC network in the lower left corner, denoted by (i)...Assumption in the diagram is that there is a SmartCraft network on the other side of the J-Box, no?

[EuropeanAM]

That would be correct- the keyswitch harness or Can-P harness is not shown in this depiction.

It's been confirmed that he will not use "F".