NMEA 2000 Mixing LowranceNet and BRP products, help

[misr12]

I have a timeline to get this project done before Boat Show Season hit's my dealer service department. I thought I had all my ducks in a row but after placing orders for LowranceNet Newwork bus and sensors itemes I have found the products are back ordered that will conflict my service date with my dealer. So now I am starting over in some respects for my Etec 150HO project.

This is what I have:
Two LMF-200 multi gauges, (Lowrance)
Two LMF-400 multi gauges, (Lowrance)
N2K-PWR-RD, (Lowranace) power cable for network
N2K-Kit RD, (Lowrance) Network starter kit
EP-60R, (Lowrance) Fuel Flo Kit

This is what I am ordering to replace Lowrance similar product backorders:
764181 Memory Model Kit, (BRP I-Command Sensor)
764168 Fuel Level Converter Kit, (BRP I-Command Sensor)
764164 EMM Harness Kit 15 feet, (BRP I-Command Harness)

Will there be any issues connecting these items together in my NMEA Chain?

As a follow up my dealer can get the BRP products in 2-3 days regarding my BRP NMEA items in my post.

Thanks!

misr12


Modified by misr12 at 7:39 AM 1/15/2009


Modified by misr12 at 7:39 AM 1/15/2009

[ELGIN]

I do not have I-Command or Lowrance part info here but most all of both will interchange, your dealer should be able to get info on capability.

[Marc Marcantonio]

misr12,

You should go to the Lowrance website and build your network using their online tool. This way you will be sure to order all the necessary parts, like terminators, extensions, power connection, etc.

I don't believe you will need the Lowrance Fuel Flow module you ordered. The I-Command EMM cable will read all fuel flow info from your EMM, eliminating the need for the in-line fuel flow sensor you ordered. The EMM cable is much simpler and easier and reliable. Don't forget to order the oil level sensor; that is one of my favorite items. How about temp sensors? I have a through hull one I got from Ranger, plus I have another for my livewell.

You might also consider ordering bezels for your gauges...I added the chrome bezels and they really look sharp.

[Marc Marcantonio]

BTW, do you have one or two fuel tanks? If you install the fluid level sensor in the typical fashion (wired to the sender at the tank) then you need two sensors for two tanks. One has to be labeled as "Instance 0" and the second has to be "Instance 1". This means each sensor has a different identification so your gauges can differentiate one sensor from the other so you know which tank your gas level indicator is telling you.

On my Ranger, I have a switch on my dash panel to switch from Tank 1 to Tank 2. Therefore I wired a single fluid level sensor at the dash fuel tank switch instead of wiring a fluid level sensor at each tank sender.

[Marc Marcantonio]

misr12, I almost forgot...don't forget to get the water pressure sensor; you always want to monitor your water pressure.

[misr12]

Marc, how much are the bezels? Will they work with the Lowrance LMF Gauges? Also, in my LMF-400 fuel flo kit I got more then expected..... Here is what came in the box.

EP-60R (expected that) fuel flo sensor
NK2-PWR-RD (power cable) didn't expect that
15' for bus cable (didn't expect that)
Wow to the fuel flow sensor. You are right! Don't need that now because your comment on BRP EMM Harness..... Back to the drawing board.....

I am really interested on bezels.

thanks, tom

[misr12]

Marc,

You are one awesome resource thanks! Now to some of your Q's.

I have only one tank. So I only need the one sensor.
I already have older style WPSI and Warning gauges. I am going to leave them for now. May revisit at later date. I have total six gauges on my consol and am replacing the main four. The other Two are kind of tucked away and are WPSI and Warning light gauges respectively.

Where is the Lowrance Network setup page? Thanks again!

Peace out!

Tom


Modified by misr12 at 6:14 AM 1/16/2009

[SEAHORSE]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by misr12 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Where is the Lowrance Network setup page? </TD></TR></TABLE>

Here is the Evinrude setup and simulator page for I-Command

http://www.evinrude.com/evinrudepublic/i-command/

[misr12]

Seahorse, Thanks!

misr12

[Marc Marcantonio]

Tom,

The chrome bezel for the 3" gauge (BRP part #764640) is about $13 each, and for the 2 inch gauge (BRP part #764641) it is about $11 each.

I don't know for sure if they fit the Lowrance gauges, but I suspect they do.

Sorry for the delay in posting...it has been a hectic day at work and then I am getting ready to go fishing tomorrow and play with my gauges!

[misr12]

Marc, I did checked with me dealer and the bezels do fit the Lowrance gauges too.

This coming thursday I finally get my I-Command network installed.

[Marc Marcantonio]

Great, let me know how it goes! You will find it is easier than you imagine.

Spent a great day on the lake today with mine on Lake Washington, in Seattle! Now the guy I fished with today is going to install them on his Ranger too!

[misr12]

Marc,

I have another question. I have been on BRPs I-Command simulator. After going through the "Page" menu setup can you select what pages you want to display for Dual and Quad digital displays? Man there are lots of potential for engine related information display.

Thanks,

Tom

[Marc Marcantonio]

Tom,

Yes, you can choose what to display on each page, and where it appears on each page. The hardest part of the whole job is deciding what information you want displayed, and in which format. Some items I like displayed digitally (like water pressure) and some items I like in analog display (like RPMs). You can setup some pages in the larger gauges in quad, and pick and choose what data to display, and the smaller gauges I setup in dual mode. Then you can also toggle through your pages by pressing one button to change the information you are viewing.

Works great! BTW, just as a tip, you only need one warning horn wired to one gauge (even though each gauge comes with its own horn). Since all gauges are networked together, if any one gauge needs to warn you about something, the warning horn on the one gauge will sound. Save the other horns for spares. Otherwise if you wire them all, and then get a fault signal that trips a horn, your boat will get very noisy.