NMEA 2000 & MFD Integration Guide

1. Introduction

This document explains how to integrate a Victron system onto a marine MFD, also known as a chart plotter. Compatible brands include Garmin, Raymarine, the Navico brands B&G, Simrad and Lowrance, as well as Furuno. The best integration method depends on customer requirements, preferred MFD brand and model, and used Victron components. Please read this document carefully to find the best method for your system.

1.1 Summary

Victron systems can be integrated with marine MFDs using NMEA 2000 or the Victron HTML5 App. This guide focuses on these two primary methods.

1.2 What is NMEA 2000?

NMEA 2000 is a communications standard used for connecting marine sensors and display units in ships and boats. Victron Energy is a member of the NMEA 2000 organisation, and several of its products are certified by NMEA 2000. NMEA 2000 is also referred to as N2K.

1.3 What is the MFD HTML5 App?

The MFD HTML5 App is a simple-to-install and setup integration for all main marine MFD brands, including Raymarine, Garmin, Navico, and Furuno. Once the Victron GX Device and the MFD are connected via Ethernet, a Victron logo appears in the MFD's App menu, providing a page to monitor and control the Victron Energy system. The on-screen information automatically adapts to the installed Victron system.

1.4 Other integration options

Two other alternatives commonly used for integrating Victron equipment in marine applications are Modbus-TCP and SignalK. Modbus-TCP is typically used on larger vessels for custom SCADA systems. Victron GX devices support the Modbus-TCP protocol. More information is available in the GX Modbus-TCP Manual. For SignalK, refer to the Venus OS Large manual, specifically the Support chapter.

2. Integration details

2.1 Systems with a GX Device

For most integrations, using a Victron GX Product is recommended. The GX Device acts as a hub, collecting information from connected equipment like Inverters, Battery Monitors, and Chargers, and making it available to the MFD. GX devices support both NMEA 2000 and the Victron HTML5 App integration.

The HTML5 integration is available for Raymarine, Garmin, Furuno, and Navico brands (B&G, Lowrance, Simrad). Links to information, videos, and manuals for these brands are provided.

When connected to the onboard NMEA 2000 network, the GX Device can read network data (e.g., tank level, GPS information) and make data from connected Victron devices available on the NMEA 2000 network via NMEA 2000-out. More information is in the NMEA 2000-out chapter in the Cerbo GX manual.

Both NMEA 2000 and HTML5 App/Ethernet connections can be used simultaneously. The HTML5 App is simpler to set up, offering plug-and-play functionality with an automatic system overview that adapts to the installed Victron system. Configuration is limited to defining batteries and naming them.

NMEA 2000 integration is more complex but allows for greater customization on the MFD. Data appears in the MFD's data-tree, enabling users to configure various pages and information combinations.

2.2 Products with a VE.Can port

Victron products with a VE.Can port can be directly connected to the NMEA 2000 network using the VE.Can to NMEA 2000 cable. Examples include:

• Skylla-i 24V Battery Chargers
• Skylla IP65 Battery Chargers
• Lynx Shunt VE.Can Battery Monitor
• Lynx Smart BMS
• SmartSolar MPPT Solar Chargers with VE.Can communications port

2.3 Tank monitoring integration

GX devices can measure tank levels and make this data available on the NMEA 2000 network. They can also read tank level data from the N2K network. The following sections detail each integration type.

Integration A) GX Device to MFD and NMEA 2000

Some Victron GX monitoring products, like the Cerbo GX, have built-in tank level inputs for resistive tank level senders. Additionally, GX devices can expand their tank level input capabilities by adding one or more GX Tank 140 modules, each offering four inputs configurable for voltage (0-10V) or current (4-20mA). All tank level inputs support customizable naming, type setting (fresh water, fuel, black water), filtering, damping, and custom tank shapes.

The GX Device can transmit tank levels to the NMEA 2000 network. Refer to the NMEA2000-out chapter in the GX manual for setup instructions. Note that the MFD HTML5 App does not display tank levels.

Integration B) NMEA 2000 to GX Device and VRM Portal

Alternatively, Victron systems can read tank level data from NMEA 2000. This data is displayed in the GX device user interface and on the VRM Portal. Compatible tank senders are listed in the GX manual's installation chapter.

A similar system is shown below, but displayed on the VRM Portal.

2.4 Using our converter interfaces (DEPRECATED!)

The VE.Bus to NMEA 2000 interface and the VE.Direct to NMEA 2000 interface (for BMV Battery Monitors) are deprecated. It is recommended to use a GX device instead.

3. NMEA 2000 Details

3.1 PGN Lists

Refer to the Datacommunication whitepaper for a list of Victron products and their supported PGNs.

3.2 NMEA 2000 instancing

NMEA 2000 Instances are used to identify multiple similar products on the same network. Configuration details are available in the guide on Changing NMEA2000 instances.

3.3 Terminators and network layout

An N2K CAN-bus network requires a backbone configuration with drop cables to each device. Only two terminators should be used in the network. Use the NMEA 2000 cable as the backbone, run a separate drop cable to each Victron device using a VE.Can to NMEA 2000 cable, and terminate only the NMEA 2000 backbone.

4. Varia

4.1 Raymarine & EmpirBus

Integration with Raymarine MFDs can be achieved using NMEA 2000 and the Lighthouse App, or via an Empirbus NXT MCU. The NXT MCU translates N2K PGNs from Victron equipment into Raymarine proprietary messages. The EmpirBus Studio software provides dedicated Victron building blocks for diagrams, and the EmpirBus Graphical tool helps design MFD pages. Unique data instances for battery and DC status are required when using multiple sources.

4.2 Maretron

Maretron MFDs and software can utilize data sent by Victron devices on the N2K network. Refer to the Maretron N2KView® vessel monitoring and control software.

5. FAQ

Q1: Can/must both Ethernet and N2K connection be made between Victron GX and MFD?

Yes, both connections can be made simultaneously. Ethernet is required for the MFD App, while the N2K connection is needed to display data in other fields on the MFD.