What sensors do I need in a LowranceNet chain for the following:
Fuel Tank Level
Oil Tank Level
Do I need Memory modules for both?
misr12
What sensors do I need in a LowranceNet chain for the following:
Fuel Tank Level
Oil Tank Level
Do I need Memory modules for both?
misr12
You only need one memory module. You will need an oil sensor for the appropriate size oil tank, and you will need a fluid level sensor for each fuel tank.
Hope this helps,
ciao,
Marc
Marc, do you know the memory module cat#.... Is it EP85? Does it matter where in the network chain I put the memory module?
Thanks,
misr12
Memory Module is part #764181. You can mount it anywhere in the network, and it doesn't take much space at all.
ciao,
Marc
I believe you will need a EP-65R for both your oil tank and gas tank. You set the size of the tank for your sensor in the setup menu of your lowrance unit.
See the description of the sensor at
http://www.lowrance.com/en/Pro...s-EPs/
I have a fluid level sensor in my gas tank, a ranger 619, and have the memory module too. They work great.
Good Luck
Like2Fish
Yes, that is the right sensor, but you need another part also. The fluid sensor you mentioned (EP-65R) is designed for any fluid tank that already has an electronic sensor...it converts an analog signal to a digital signal so it can be displayed on a NMEA 2000 network. It works for your gas tank because it is hooked to the factory tank sending unit that is attached to the float level. It also works with an oil tank or RV Holding Tank if it has a sending unit installed. Your oil tank in your Ranger doesn't have a float level sending unit.
The part #764271 from BRP (not Lowrance) is for an oil sending unit that is added to your 1.8 gal oil tank so it can connect to your NMEA2000 network, and it includes the EP-65R. I installed one on mine. I did have to drill a hole in the top of the tank to insert the sending unit, but it was really easy.
ciao,
Marc
Marc,
Thanks for that explanation. I didn't realize you needed that extra part from BRP to make the sensor work. I've been thinking about adding a sensor to the oil tank. Opening the access door in the splash well is a bit of a pain to check the oil level and I'm not real keen on waiting for the oil alarm to go off. Now getting to the oil holding tank to do the install is another challenge.
Another problem might be with my network. My Ranger 619 is a 2007 model with the older blue network connectors. Is there a red to blue adapter to make the new sensor work with my network?
Thanks
Like2Fish
Modified by LikeToFish at 10:48 AM 1/4/2009
Marc, regardless of LowranceNet or I-Command network sensors and NMEA 2000 network parts you need to BRP oil sending unit part # 764271 if you want to display oil tank levels on your gauges? I have a BassCat and just figured it would work with the sensors. I do appreciate your input. You are eliminating alot of potential headaches! Thanks!
Two other questions:
Where did you order your i-Command network sensors and parts?
Are there any Fuel-Flo limitations not using the GPS.... I have HB's with Side Imaging and do not want to add another Lowarance style GPS Antenna if I don't have to.
Thanks, misr12
If anyone needs a EP-65 Let me know!
misr12, you can order the I-Command components from any BRP dealer. I also saw them on the internet somewhere (I think it was Barnacle Bill's), and you might check on the Etec Owners Board (http://forums.etecownersgroup.com/mb...l?forum=115574) for that information.
My fuel flow information comes from my network cable that connects my Etec's computer fuel sensor to the network. I don't believe (but I'm not sure) my gps antenna is a necessary component for the fuel flow data, but it has to be connected to get your gps speed on the fuel manager page display.
The BRP I-Command oil level sensor kit comes with all the parts you need to get your oil level reading. I love this feature. I can fill my oil reservoir while watching my I-Command gauge and stop filling before it overflows. It is also nice to see how much oil remains after fishing without having to look inside the bilge area.
ciao,
Marc
Like2Fish, you can adapt the blue and read components to allow you to mix and match NMEA 2000 red and blue connectors. LEI sells a conversion (blue to red) connector.
By the way, the hardest part of converting your oil tank to being able to read the oil level on your NMEA 2000 network is simply getting started. It really was a simple and straightforward project once you get started. Merely remove your starting battery for room, then disconnect your oil tank and remove it from your boat. Then drain the oil. Then install the oil sensor (a tube with a cork float with wires). The oil tank already had the necessary fitting installed, but I had to cut away the plastic inside the fitting for the cork float to fit in. Then attach the EP-65 to the wires coming out of the sensor, and reinstall the oil tank. Then connect the NMEA 2000 tee connector to your network. I have photo's of this process also.
ciao,
Marc
Marc, please post pics of the Oil conversion to NMEA 2000 network. I am sure many would benefit. Thanks for the offer.... Look forward to it if you find the time.
Thanks in advance!
misr12
OK, here is the picture of the kit you need to get to add a 1.8 gal oil reservoir to your NMEA 2000 network.
And here is a picture of your tank before removing it from the boat and before installing the kit. Note the black fitting on top of the tank on the left side. That is the spot you replace with the oil level sender. The screw holes match up, but you will have to cut a hole in the white plastic tank under the black cover you see in this picture for the float to fit through. Then the sender screw holes match the black cover screw holes so it is easy to install.
The below picture shows my oil tank after installing the oil level sender:
And for those who wanted to see the Memory Module, here is a picture of mine installed at the bow panel of my Ranger Z20 just before the network terminator.
Hope that helps clarify what needs to be done. BTW, my boat is up for sale if you would rather just have it all done already!
ciao,
Marc
Marc,
I want to thank you for taking the time to provide further explanation of your installation and photos. This is something I will need to further investigate in the spring. My boat is in storage now for the winter.
As I said in my earlier post getting to the oil holding tank could be a challenge. Starting with the 2007 model year Ranger put the 619 holding tank on a shelf just above the bilge area. Access to the tank is through an access door in the splash well. I've scratched my head a few times wondering how to get down in that area to replace my bilge pumps. The 619 has a 25 inch transom. It's a long way down to the holding tank.
Thanks for the offer to buy your boat. I like my boat just fine.
Like2Fish
Marc, that was great!!! Super pics.
Now how does one get trim to appear on LMF-400 gauge without buying BRP trim harness? Can this be done? If so how does it connect into the NMEA 2000 network.
misr12
Marc, where did you buy the Lowrance EP-85 memory module? I can't find it anywhere!
Tom
To use your gauge for trim, all you need is called a "trim shunt" which is BRP part #764590 for my Ranger. I simply unplug my Ranger wiring harness from the stock trim gauge, and plug this Trim Shunt into the harness. I understand it is simply a resistor. Then you must go to a dealer and they have to adjust the trim sensor on your motor to calibrate it with your I-Command or LMF gauge. The Trim Shunt has to be ordered from your BRP dealer, and runs less than $11. Make sure your dealer has been trained on setting up I-Command gauges...still fairly new for a lot of dealers.
ciao,
Marc
Should be able to order the EP-85 sensor from any BRP dealer.
ciao,
Marc
ciao,
Marc
Marc, does this Trim Shunt/sensor have a NMEA (red) plug to connect to the Network? You are a tremendous help! You put this network on your boat yourself? Wow!
For Oil tank sender did you drain your oil tank so no plastic shavings would get in the oil line when you cut your hole?
Thanks again!
Tom
No, the trim shunt does not connect to your NMEA 2000 network. The gauge gets gets the reading through your engine network connection!
Yes, I installed all of this myself, and have written two articles for magazines about installing this system, and I have several more articles planned for future issues (when I get time).
The installation is really simple once you figure out the answers to all the questions like you are doing now.
And yes, when I installed the oil reservoir sensor, I drained all the oil into a clean container to reuse it, and I wiped out all the remaining oil. After drilling the larger hole, I carefully removed all pieces of plastic out of the reservoir to prevent contaminating the oil system.
The oil sensor is one of my favorite I-Command features.
ciao,
Marc
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