G2 .Anyone know what the NMEA cable coming from the “brain” in the top of the console is supposed to be used for? Is it meant for a merc monitor? Power supply? Data? It’s not hooked to anything currently
G2 .Anyone know what the NMEA cable coming from the “brain” in the top of the console is supposed to be used for? Is it meant for a merc monitor? Power supply? Data? It’s not hooked to anything currently
2011 Ranger z521/2023 250ProXS
I can only speak from personal experience and I don't know how or if it applies to your situation. On my E-TECH I have a NEMA cable at my motor coming off my computer. A NEMA cable can be used various ways but all for the same reason. It's purpose is to gain access to information in the boat motos computer. When a service tech needs to hook a laptop to the computer to read data they use the NEMA cable. I have an I COMMAND smart gauge. I ran a interface cable from my NEMA port to my gauge so I can have real time data. Some GPS/sonars have the capability to display engine information in real time via the NEMA cable. If my information is correct a GPS/sonar that is capable of displaying engine information can display some of the information but not as much as a smart gauge. I don't know how true that statement is so verify if you need a concrete answer..long story short a NEMA plug is a way to access your boat motors computer information.
This is just me thinking out loud but if you already have a NEMA cable under the console and it is connected to the NEMA cable on the boat motor computer then half your wiring work is already done. You can get a smart gauge or hook it to a GPS/sonar that is capable of displaying engine information. All you need to do is complete the wiring and have the correct device to hook it to. I COMMAND is the name of the gauge that works on my particular motor. I know they have a newer version of smart gauge called I CON. The I CON comes in a 3.5" version that fits in a hole the same size as a speedometer. I removed my speedometer and put my I COMMAND gauge in the hole. The I CON also comes is a version that looks just like a mini gps/graph. It can be mounted just like a GPS/graph.
My above statements pertain to my particular E-TECH. I have no idea about a G2 but I don't see why it would be any different.
Here is a crappy picture with a lot of glare showing my smart gauge. It has multiple screens that can display multiple things. This particular screen is set to display 4 functions. Engine rpm, engine temperature, engine hours and amp output...http://www.bbcboards.net/showthread....013&highlight=
Last edited by JR19; 05-17-2019 at 07:38 PM.
My G2 has the Icon 3.5, alot of info, allows to switch between hand and foot throttle, change power steering assist, auto trim, winterizing, and a few more.
Mike
2019 Ranger 520L w/ 250HO ETEC G2
2011 Tracker 175TXW w/ 75HO ETEC
You're probably right , used for other motor setups.
Mike
2019 Ranger 520L w/ 250HO ETEC G2
2011 Tracker 175TXW w/ 75HO ETEC
I hooked it up to my Lowrance through the NMEA cable and with it I am able to control the boat throught the Locator, turn on lights, livewells, etc. anything you can do from the keypad you can do throught the lowrance