Blue Sea Systems M2 OLED Bilge Monitor

Introduction

This document provides instructions for the installation and operation of the Blue Sea Systems M2 OLED Bilge Monitor (PN 1842). It monitors up to four bilge pumps and provides high/low level alarms for each channel.

Specifications

*Variable with voltage, display intensity, and sleep mode.

Regulatory

The monitor face is IP66 rated – protected against powerful water jets when installed according to instructions.

Warning and Caution Symbols

[Warning Symbol] refers to possible injury to the user or significant damage to the monitor if the user does not follow the procedures.

[Caution Symbol] refers to restrictions and rules with regard to preventing damage to the monitor.

Important Warnings

• If you are not knowledgeable about electrical systems, have an electrical professional install this unit. The diagrams in these instructions pertain to the installation of M2 Digital Meters and not to the overall wiring of the vessel.
• If an inverter is installed on the vessel, its power leads must be disconnected at the battery before the monitor is installed.
• If an AC generator is installed on the vessel, it must be stopped and rendered inoperable before the monitor is installed.
• Verify that no other DC or AC sources are connected to the vessel's wiring before installing the monitor.

[Caution Symbol] The back of the unit is not waterproof. Do not install where the back of the monitor is exposed to water.

Components Included

• M2 Head Unit
• Surface Mount Bezel and Seal
• Surface Mount Cover
• Flat Mount Bezel
• Mounting Ring
• Mounting Nut
• Connector
• Screwdriver (Retail Package Only)
• Surface Mount Gasket
• Flat Mount Clamp

360 Panel Mounting Kit (PN 1525 sold separately)

This kit includes components for a 360-degree panel mount:

• Header
• Bezel Mount
• Footer
• Carrier Mount
• Panel Frame
• #6-32 x 1/4" Flat Head Machine Screws (4X)
• #6-32 x 3/8" Flat Head Machine Screws (4X)

Installation

1. Make all connections to the monitor's terminal block before connecting the terminal block to the unit. Keep hands away from the terminal block when applying power to the monitor.
2. As the final DC connection, insert a fuse into the in-line fuse holder on the wire to the positive (+) battery terminal.

Mounting Templates

Flat Mount: Requires a cutout of 3.00" (76.2mm) diameter with an overall panel space of 3.34" (84.8mm) x 3.34" (84.8mm).

Surface Mount: Requires a circular opening of Ø2.125" (54mm) with an overall panel space of 3.46" (87.9mm) x 3.40" (86.5mm).

Mounting Considerations

M2 Digital Monitors offer three mounting methods: surface mount, flat panel mount, and 360 panel mount. The unit face is waterproof to IP66 when surface mounted as instructed. Flat panel and 360 panel mounting systems are not waterproof. Avoid flat panel or 360 panel mounting in exposed locations. For all mounting types, the back of the unit must be kept dry and is not waterproof.

Mounting Diagrams Description

Flat Mount: Illustrates the monitor head unit, flat mount bezel, clamp, mounting substrate, and mounting ring/nut. The diagram shows how the bezel and clamp secure the unit to the panel.

Surface Mount: Illustrates the monitor head unit, surface mount cover, surface mount gasket, mounting substrate, and mounting ring/nut. It notes that the surface mount cover can be used to align the bezel and gasket during installation.

360 Panel Mount PN 1525: Details a three-step process. Step 1 shows using 1/4" mounting screws to attach the panel frame and carrier. Step 2 shows snapping the header and footer into mounting clips and the bezel into place with the flat edge up. Step 3 shows the assembled unit with the monitor head, bezel, and panel frame.

Bilge Functions (1842)

Monitors up to four bilge pumps, providing High/Low level alarms for each channel.

Connections

IMPORTANT: Sensor location and configuration are critical for accurate readings and to prevent component damage. Refer to the Sensing Description section for details on AC and DC electrical systems.

1842 Connector Pin Assignment Table

*The 8-pin low voltage connector supports wire sizes from 16-26 AWG.

Monitor Power Supply Connections

Connect pins 1 (DC Negative) to ground and pin 2 (DC Supply) to a 12V to 48V power source. These pins provide power to the monitor.

Bilge Connections

The 1842 Bilge Monitor registers bilge activity when the input is greater than 5 volts. Inputs can connect directly to a float switch or the bilge motor supply. Note: This monitor is not compatible with most automatic style bilge pumps.

Detailed Wiring Diagram Description

The wiring diagram shows the 1842 Bilge Pump Monitor connected to a busbar, bilge pump, float switch, and battery. It illustrates connections for a SPDT switch, a relay (7713 12V or 7717 24V), and optional alarms or LEDs. A separate diagram shows float switch connections to a battery.

M2 Relay Connections

The M2 features an internal MOSFET relay capable of driving external DC loads up to 0.5A. It is protected by a thermally activated auto-resetting fuse and an inline 5A fuse. For typical use, connect a power source to the Relay+ pin (Pin 4) and the load to the Relay Out to Load connection (Pin 3). Pin 4 voltage connections are only required if the relay or battery monitor function is used.

External LED Connection

An external LED (e.g., 8171 Red) can be connected to the Relay Output terminal (Pin 3). For systems operating above 24V nominal, a 4K Ohm resistor should be placed in-line with the LED. The diagram shows LED supply (8-70V) connected to the monitor's LED output terminal, with red and yellow wires for the LED.

External Alarm Connection

The Relay+ terminal (Pin 4) can support an external audible alarm, such as the Floyd Bell Turbo Alarm (1070). Connect the external alarm supply (5-30V DC) to the Relay+ terminal. The diagram shows a red wire from the monitor to the alarm's positive terminal and a silver wire to ground.

External Relay Connection

For switching loads greater than 0.5A, use an external relay (e.g., PN 7713, 12V or PN 7717, 24V Remote Battery Switch). Connect the monitor's Relay+ terminal to the relay's control wire (red wire). Activating the internal relay will also activate the external relay. The diagram shows connections for a bilge pump, battery, and the monitor, with optional SPST switch connections noted.

Getting Started

Upon initial power-up, the M2 Meter displays the Blue Sea Systems logo, serial number, and software revision, followed by a high-level System Summary screen. Pressing any button brings up a temporary pop-up menu. The menu system is a two-dimensional matrix; the [Next Button] cycles through summary screens, while the [Up Arrow] and [Down Arrow] buttons display detailed information or single parameters. The [Menu Button] accesses Setup menus, navigated with [Up Arrow], [Down Arrow], and confirmed with [Select Button]. The [Back Button] returns to the previous display.

Configuring the Monitor

Monitor settings are accessed via the Setup menu ([Menu Button] > Setup). Use the [Up Arrow] and [Down Arrow] buttons to navigate and [Select Button] to choose options.

Alarm Setup & Control

The monitor tracks bilge activity duration (last 60 minutes) and cycle count (last 24 hours) to trigger alarms. Alarms can be set in the Alarm Setup menu.

Setting Alarms

Alarms trigger based on user-selected thresholds. To set a run time high alarm:

1. Navigate to the Alarm Setup menu.
2. Select the desired input channel (e.g., Bilge 1 Hi).
3. Press [Select Button]; the cursor will blink.
4. Use the [Left Arrow] and [Right Arrow] buttons to set the threshold (holding buttons increases speed).
5. Press [Enter Button] to save or [Cancel Button] to discard changes.

An alarm will activate if Bilge 1 runs for 8 minutes or longer (example shown).

Clearing Alarms

When an alarm occurs, a buzzer sounds, the red ALARM LED lights up, and the triggered alarm is displayed. Pressing any button silences the buzzer; another press returns to the previous display. The ALARM LED remains on, and the triggered channel blinks, until the cause is resolved.

Viewing Alarms Status

Active alarm parameters flash on display. View a complete list via Menu > Setup > Alarm Setup.

Relay Setup & Control

The M2 can control an external relay based on runtime or cycle count. Access settings via Menu > Setup > Relay Setup.

Relay Normally On/Off

Sets the relay's default state: ON (contacts closed) or OFF (open contacts). Navigate to 'Relay Normally', press [Select Button], then use [Left Arrow] or [Right Arrow] to change. Press [Enter Button] to save.

Notification

Controls whether notifications are displayed when a relay activates. Select ON to display notifications or OFF to suppress them. Press [Left Arrow] or [Right Arrow] to choose. Press [Enter Button] to save.

Silence Relay

Allows the relay to de-activate upon a key press on the display, without engaging other monitor functions. Useful for silencing external buzzers. Select ON or OFF using [Left Arrow] or [Right Arrow]. Press [Enter Button] to save.

Viewing Relay Status

View a list of active relays via Menu > Setup > Relay Setup. Active relays will flash.

Setting Input Thresholds

Thresholds (high and low) determine relay state changes. Activation and deactivation levels differ to prevent rapid toggling. Each channel has Hi ON/OFF and Lo ON/OFF settings.

Relay Normally On (Closed) Example: If set to Normally On, the relay opens when Bilge 1 runs longer than 10 minutes in an hour. It closes again when runtime drops below 8 minutes/hr.

Relay Normally Off (Open) Example: If set to Normally Off, the relay closes when Bilge 1 runs longer than 10 minutes in an hour. It opens again when runtime drops below 8 minutes/hr.

To change a setting: Scroll to the setting, press [Select Button], use [Left Arrow] or [Right Arrow] to adjust the value, and press [Enter Button] to save. [Cancel Button] discards changes.

Note: Thresholds are enforced; lower settings cannot exceed higher ones, and vice-versa.

Display Setup

Access display settings via Menu > Setup > Display Setup. Use [Enter Button] and [Left Arrow]/[Right Arrow] to adjust options, then [Enter Button] to save.

• Brightness: Adjusts display brightness (0% dimmest, 100% brightest).
• Sleep Timer: Sets inactivity period (0-600 minutes) before display turns off. Set to OFF to disable.
• Dim Timer: Adjusts display dimming delay (0-600 minutes). AUTO dim mode dims the display automatically in low light after two minutes.
• Demo Mode: Toggles between factory-programmed values (ON) and actual measured values (OFF). Alarms and relays still function based on actual settings.

Bilge Setup

Customize settings for each bilge input via Menu > Setup > desired Bilge channel.

Changing System Labels

Change channel labels (max 16 characters; summary screens show 11-12 characters):

1. Navigate to the desired bilge channel setup (e.g., Menu > Setup > Bilge 1 Setup).
2. Move cursor to the channel name (indicated by >>).
3. Press [Select Button] to enter name editing mode.
4. Use [Left Arrow] and [Right Arrow] to move the cursor.
5. Press [Enter Button] to edit a character (cursor blinks).
6. Use [Up Arrow] and [Down Arrow] to select a new character, then [Ok Button] to set it.
7. Press [Cancel Button] to exit editing.

Additional Bilge Settings

• Enable: Set to ON to display bilge measurements. If OFF, measurements are hidden, but alarms/relays remain active. Disable alarms/relays separately in their respective menus.
• Cycle Reset: Resets the bilge cycle counter to zero.

Version Info

Access product name, serial number, and software version via Menu > Setup > Version Info.

Factory Reset

Restore factory default settings by navigating to Menu > Setup > Factory Reset and confirming the action.

Software Upgrade

Firmware can be updated using a USB memory stick connected to the monitor's USB port (Micro USB Host OTG). Ensure the correct firmware file name (e.g., image.1842.bin) is used.

CAUTION: Do not remove power or the USB memory stick during the upgrade process, as this will render the monitor inoperable.

Upgrade via Software Upgrade Option:

1. Download new firmware from www.bluesea.com/m2firmware.
2. Copy firmware to a USB memory stick.
3. Remove the USB dust cover plug.
4. Insert the memory stick into the monitor's USB socket. An adapter dongle may be needed (http://a.co/6eHeaMK).
5. Select the Software Upgrade option.
6. Confirm the update when prompted. The red LED will flash rapidly.
7. A success message or error message will display.
8. Remove the USB memory stick and replace the dust cover.

Upgrade via Forcing Monitor into Upgrade Mode:

1. Download new firmware from www.bluesea.com/m2.
2. Copy firmware to a USB memory stick.
3. Turn off the unit's power.
4. Remove the USB dust cover plug.
5. Insert the memory stick. An adapter dongle may be needed.
6. While holding the leftmost and rightmost keys, turn the monitor power ON.
7. The red LED will flash rapidly.
8. A success message or error message will display.
9. Remove the USB memory stick and replace the dust cover.

Upgrade Messages

• Flash Successful / SW Version: Upgrade complete.
• File Not Found: Ensure the filename is correct (e.g., image.1842.bin).
• Corrupted File: Re-download the image from www.bluesea.com.
• No USB Device: Check USB connection or cable.
• Wrong Model Number: Download firmware for PN 1842 from www.bluesea.com/m2firmware.
• Wrong HW Version: Ensure the firmware supports the monitor's hardware revision.