Maintaining and Upgrading your NMEA 2000 network
Digital Skipper |30/10, 2024
The NMEA 2000 network is the backbone of modern marine electronics, connecting everything from GPS systems and echo sounders to engine monitoring systems and autopilots. Although NMEA 2000 is a robust system based on CAN technology, regular maintenance and sometimes equipment upgrades are required – either out of necessity or to improve functionality.
Why is NMEA 2000 maintenance important?
Regular maintenance of your NMEA 2000 network ensures reliable operation of connected devices, prevents problems with data communication and extends the life of the network components. Neglecting maintenance can lead to poor performance, communication errors, and even damage to expensive equipment.
NMEA 2000 Network Maintenance Tips
1. Regular inspection of cables and connections
One of the most common problems with NMEA 2000 networks is poor connections between cables and tees, often caused by excessive stress or improper tightening. Check cables, connectors and tees regularly for signs of damage, corrosion or loose connections. Replace them when necessary, as they are affordable components that can solve many connection problems.
2. Clean and protect connections
Marine environments are harsh, with salt water, high humidity and temperature fluctuations contributing to corrosion and degradation. Use cables and connectors designed to withstand these conditions. Metal connectors, such as those in the Actisense A2K series, offer higher reliability thanks to their robust design.
3. Check for proper termination and power supply
A NMEA 2000 network requires proper termination at both ends of the backbone and a stable power supply. Check that terminators are installed correctly, that there are only two terminators on the spine, and that the power supply stays within the required range of 9-16 VDC. Insufficient or excessive power supply can cause communication or device failure.
4. Monitor network traffic
Using a NMEA 2000 gateway, such as NGX-1, highly recommended for network monitoring and recording. With the Actisense NGX-1 and NMEA Reader, you can see all devices on the network and the data being sent, including the PGN broadcast frequency.
Upgrading your NMEA 2000 Network
Sometimes upgrades are necessary if equipment has broken down, and other times it's just a matter of desire – for example, getting a new, bigger screen or a more accurate GPS. Some things to keep in mind when performing upgrades and adding additional devices to the network are:
1. Assess network capacity
Before adding new devices, assess your current network capacity. Large networks can suffer from power problems, especially on long backbone connections with multiple devices where devices at the ends do not receive enough power.
2. Upgrade to better cables and connectors
If you plan to add more devices, consider upgrading to higher capacity cables and connectors. Choose NMEA 2000 certified cables with better shielding and durability , especially if you work in demanding environments. Switching from micro cables to medium cables can also reduce the voltage drop across the network, although it can be time-consuming for existing networks.
3. Add more power nodes
When expanding the network, make sure the power supply is sufficient. You may need to add more power nodes to distribute power evenly across the network, preventing voltage drops and ensuring stable operation.
4. Integrate new devices seamlessly
When adding new devices, make sure they are NMEA 2000 certified to avoid interference with other instruments. Always follow the manufacturer's installation instructions and thoroughly test the network after installation to ensure everything is working properly.
Conclusion
Maintaining and upgrading your NMEA 2000 network is critical to ensuring reliability and performance at the boat's electronics. Through regular inspections, thorough upgrades, and keeping up to date with the latest standards, you can keep your network in top shape.
Actisense has produced an E-book "The Ultimate Guide to NMEA 2000 Networking" which goes through the setup of a NMEA 2000 network in more detail.