GARMIN NMEA 2000 GPS 24xd High Sensitivity GPS Antenna Instruction Manual

GARMIN NMEA 2000 GPS 24xd High Sensitivity GPS Antenna

Product Information

The product is an antenna designed for use with boats. The antenna can be mounted on a surface or a pole and can be used for receiving satellite signals. The product comes with a mounting bracket, screws, and a cable. The product has a large gasket that needs to be placed at the bottom of the antenna to provide protection.

Important Safety Information
To avoid personal injury, it is important to wear safety goggles, ear protection, and a dust mask when drilling, cutting, or sanding. Always check what is on the opposite side of the surface before drilling or cutting to avoid damaging the vessel.

Tools Needed
The product requires a 3.2mm drill bit, a 25mm drill bit, and a 19mm drill bit for installation. The product comes with M4 screws and an M3 set screw for securing the product.

Product Usage Instructions

Mounting the Antenna
The antenna can be mounted on a surface or a pole. Before permanently mounting the antenna, it is important to test the mounting location for correct operation.

Surface Mounting the Antenna

1. Trace the cable-hole in the center of the bracket.
2. Set the surface-mount bracket aside. Do not drill through the bracket.
3. Drill three 3.2 mm (1/8 in.) pilot holes.
4. Drill the 25 mm (1 in.) cable hole in the center.
5. Use the included M4 screws to secure the surface-mount bracket to the mounting surface.
6. Route the cable through the center hole and connect it to the antenna.
7. Verify the large gasket is in place on the bottom of the antenna, place the antenna on the surface-mount bracket, and twist it clockwise to lock it in place.
8. Secure the antenna to the mounting bracket with the included M3 screw.
9. Route the cable away from sources of electronic interference.

Mounting the Antenna on a Pole Mounting the Antenna with the Cable Routed Outside the Pole

1. Before permanently mounting the antenna, test the mounting location for correct operation.
2. Route the cable through the pole-mount adapter and place the cable in the vertical slot along the base of the pole-mount adapter.
3. Screw the pole-mount adapter onto a standard 1 in. OD, 14 threads per inch, pipe-threaded pole (not included). Do not overtighten the adapter on the pole.
4. Connect the cable to the antenna.
5. Place the antenna on the pole-mount adapter and twist it clockwise to lock it in place.
6. Secure the antenna to the adapter with the included M3 set screw.
7. With the antenna installed on the pole mount, fill the remaining gap in the vertical cable slot with a marine sealant (optional).
8. Attach the pole to the boat if it is not already attached.
9. Route the cable away from sources of electronic interference.

Mounting the Antenna with the Cable Routed Through the Pole

1. Before permanently mounting the antenna, test the mounting location for correct operation.
2. Position a standard 1 in. OD, 14 threads per inch, pipe-threaded pole (not included) in the selected location and mark the approximate center of the pole.
3. Drill a hole using a 19 mm (3/4 in.) drill bit for the cable to pass through.
4. Fasten the pole to the boat.
5. Thread the pole-mount adapter onto the pole. Do not overtighten the adapter.
6. Route the cable through the pole and connect it to the antenna.
7. Place the antenna on the pole-mount adapter and twist it clockwise to lock it in place.
8. Secure the antenna to the adapter with the included M3 set screw.

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Important Safety Information

CAUTION: To avoid possible personal injury, always wear safety goggles, ear protection, and a dust mask when drilling, cutting, or sanding.
NOTICE: When drilling or cutting, always check what is on the opposite side of the surface to avoid damaging the vessel.

For the best performance and to avoid damage to your boat, read all installation instructions before proceeding. Install the device per these instructions. Use the appropriate fasteners, tools, and mounts listed, which are available at most marine dealers.
The Garmin® GPS 24xd NMEA 2000 high-sensitivity GPS antenna provides position information to your existing NMEA 2000 network. If your boat does not have a NMEA 2000 network, you will need to install one.
For more information, go to garmin.com.

Tools Needed

• Drill
• 3.2 mm (1/8 in.) drill bit
• 19 mm (3/4 in.) drill bit for a pole-mount cable-hole
• 25 mm (1 in.) hole saw for a surface-mount cable-hole
• Countersink bit for mounting on fiberglass
• Screws for under-deck mounting
• Screwdriver, appropriate for the screw type
• Marine sealant (optional)
• Additional NMEA 2000 network components as needed

Mounting the Antenna

Antenna Mounting Considerations

CAUTION Do not install or store the antenna near strong magnets, including speakers. A strong magnetic field can damage the antenna.

You can mount the antenna on a flat surface or attach it to a standard 1 in. OD, 14 threads per inch, pipe-threaded pole (not included). You can route the cable outside of the pole or through the pole. For best performance, consider these guidelines when selecting the antenna mounting location.

1. To ensure the best reception, the antenna should be mounted in a location that has a clear, unobstructed view of the sky in all directions

2. The antenna should not be mounted where it is shaded by the superstructure of the boat antenna, or the mast.

3. The antenna should not be mounted near the engine or other sources of Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)

4. The antenna should not be mounted near known ferrous metal objects such as a toolbox or compass.

5. A handheld compass should be used to test for magnetic interference in the area where the antenna is to be mounted. Your boat, motors, and devices must be on during the test.

6. If the needle on the handheld compass moves when you hold it where you intend to mount the antenna, magnetic interference is present. You must choose another location and test again.

7. Mounting screws are provided with the antenna. If you use mounting hardware other than the provided screws, the hardware must be made of quality stainless steel or brass material to avoid magnetic interference with the antenna.
   NOTE: Test all mounting hardware with a handheld compass to make sure no magnetic fields are present in the hardware.

8. If a radar is present, the antenna should be mounted above the path of the radar . If necessary, the antenna may be mounted below the path of the radar .

9. The antenna should not be mounted within 1 m (3 ft.) of a VHF radio antenna or the path of a radar

10. The antenna should not be mounted within 1 m (3 ft.) of a VHF radio antenna or the path of a radar.

Testing the Mounting Location

1. Temporarily secure the antenna in the preferred mounting location and test it for correct operation.
2. If you experience interference with other electronics, move the antenna to a different location, and test it again.
3. Repeat steps 1–2 until you observe full or acceptable signal strength.
4. Permanently mount the antenna.

Surface Mounting the Antenna

NOTICE: If you are mounting the bracket on fiberglass with screws, it is recommended to use a countersink bit to drill a clearance counterbore through only the top gel-coat layer. This will help to avoid cracking in the gel-coat layer when the screws are tightened.

Before you permanently mount the antenna, you must test the mounting location for correct operation (Testing the Mounting Location, page 3).

1. Using the surface-mount bracket as your mounting template, mark the three pilot-hole locations and trace the cable-hole in the center of the bracket.

2. Set the surface-mount bracket aside.
   Do not drill through the bracket.

3. Drill the three 3.2 mm (1/8 in.) pilot holes.

4. Drill the 25 mm (1 in.) cable hole in the center.

5. Use the included M4 screws to secure the surface-mount bracket to the mounting surface.

6. Route the cable through the center hole, and connect it to the antenna.

7. Verify the large gasket is in place on the bottom of the antenna, place the antenna on the surface-mount  bracket, and twist it clockwise to lock it in place.

8. Secure the antenna to the mounting bracket with the included M3 screw

9. Route the cable away from sources of electronic interference.

Mounting the Antenna on a Pole

Mounting the Antenna with the Cable Routed Outside the Pole
Before you permanently mount the antenna, you must test the mounting location for correct operation (Testing the Mounting Location, page 3).

1. Route the cable through the pole-mount adapter , and place the cable in the vertical slot  along the  base of the pole-mount adapter.

2. Screw the pole-mount adapter onto a standard 1 in. OD, 14 threads per inch, pipe-threaded pole (not included).
   Do not overtighten the adapter on the pole.

3. Connect the cable to the antenna.

4. Place the antenna on the pole-mount adapter and twist it clockwise to lock it in place.

5. Secure the antenna to the adapter with the included M3 set screw .

6. With the antenna installed on the pole mount, fill the remaining gap in the vertical cable slot with a marine sealant (optional).

7. Attach the pole to the boat if it is not already attached.

8. Route the cable away from sources of electronic interference.

Mounting the Antenna with the Cable Routed Through the Pole
Before you permanently mount the antenna, you must test the mounting location for correct operation (Testing the Mounting Location, page 3).

1. Position a standard 1 in. OD, 14 threads per inch, pipe-threaded pole (not included) in the selected location, and mark the approximate center of the pole.

2. Drill a hole using a 19 mm (3/4 in.) drill bit for the cable to pass through.

3. Fasten the pole to the boat.

4. Thread the pole-mount adapter onto the pole.
   Do not overtighten the adapter.

5. Route the cable through the pole and connect it to the antenna.

6. Place the antenna on the pole-mount adapter and twist it clockwise to lock it in place.

7. Secure the antenna to the adapter with the included M3 set screw .

8. With the antenna installed on the pole mount, fill the vertical cable slot with a marine sealant (optional).

9. Route the cable away from sources of electronic interference.

Mounting the Antenna Under a Surface

NOTICE: Verify that the supplied screws will not penetrate the surface before you install the under-deck mounting bracket. If the supplied screws are too long, use surface-appropriate screws instead.

Because the antenna cannot acquire signals through metal, it must be mounted under a fiberglass surface only.

1. Determine and test the location under a fiberglass surface where you want to mount the antenna (Testing the Mounting Location, page 3).
2. Place the adhesive pads on the under-deck mounting bracket .
3. Place the antenna in the under-deck mounting bracket.
4. Adhere the under-deck mounting bracket to the mounting surface.
5. Secure the under-deck mounting bracket to the mounting surface with screws.
6. Connect the cable to the antenna .
7. Route the cable away from sources of electronic interference.

Connecting the Antenna

NMEA 2000 Network Connection
If you do not have an existing NMEA 2000 network, you must install a NMEA 2000 network on your boat. For more information on NMEA 2000, go to garmin.com/manuals/nmea_2000.
The antenna is packaged with a NMEA 2000 T-connector and a NMEA 2000 drop cable. You will use these two components to connect the antenna to your existing NMEA 2000 network.
A 6 m (20 ft.) drop cable is included. If more cable is needed, add an extension to your NMEA 2000 backbone, based on the NMEA 2000 guidelines. A shorter drop cable can be installed if desired.

Heading Calibration

• After installation is complete, you must calibrate the heading and perform the auto heading alignment to receive magnetic heading data.
• Depending on the types of devices connected to the NMEA 2000 network, you can calibrate the antenna using either a menu-based method or a basic method.
• If you connect the antenna to a NMEA 2000 network with a compatible Garmin chartplotter, you can perform either the basic calibration or the menu-based calibration (Performing Menu-Based Calibration, page 9).
• If you connect the antenna to a NMEA 2000 network without a compatible Garmin chartplotter or with a third-party device, you must perform basic calibration instead of menu-based calibration.

Performing Menu-Based Calibration
Before you can perform menu-based calibration, you must connect the antenna to the same NMEA 2000 network as a compatible Garmin chartplotter.

1. Select Menu > Settings > Communications > NMEA 2000 Setup > Device List.

2. Select the GPS 24xd NMEA 2000 from the device list.

3. Select Review > Compass Cal. > Begin.

4. Follow the on-screen instructions until the compass calibration is complete, taking care to keep the boat as steady and level as possible.
   The boat should not list during calibration.
   When the compass calibration is complete, a value appears near the Compass Cal. setting. A value near 100 indicates the antenna was installed in a perfect magnetic environment and calibrated correctly. If the heading performance is unacceptable, and the value is closer to 0 than it is to 100, you might need to relocate the antenna and calibrate the compass again.
   NOTE: The antenna compass must be calibrated successfully and maintain a valid GPS position, which requires the antenna to have a clear, unobstructed view of the sky in all directions, before you proceed to Auto Heading Alignment.

5. Select Auto Heading Alignment.

6. Select Begin.

7. Follow the on-screen instructions until the magnetic heading alignment is complete.

Disabling the Magnetic Heading Data
If you cannot mount the antenna in an ideal location for magnetic heading and GPS performance, you can disable the magnetic heading data.

• Perform a factory reset (Antenna Configuration, page 11).
• The device still outputs GPS Course over Ground.

Adjusting the Fine Heading Alignment
You can adjust the Fine Heading Alignment in conjunction with Auto Heading Alignment to fine-tune the heading output (optional).

NOTE: Fine heading alignment must be completed under open skies to ensure proper calibration.

1. Select Settings > Communications > NMEA 2000 Setup > Device List.
2. Select the GPS 24xd device.
3. Select Review > Fine Heading Alignment.
4. Using a landmark or a known good compass, determine the heading of your boat.
5. Adjust the heading until it matches your measurement.
6. Select Done.

Performing Basic Calibration
If you connect the antenna to a NMEA 2000 network without a compatible Garmin chartplotter or with a third-party device, you must perform basic calibration instead of menu-based calibration.
Before you can perform basic calibration, you must be able to view heading data from the NMEA 2000 network on a connected device. To perform basic calibration, you must remove from the network all sources of heading data other than the antenna.
When performing basic calibration, you first calibrate the compass and then align the heading in one continuous procedure.
NOTE : The boat must be able to reach a cruising speed of at least 6.4 km/h (4 mph) to perform the heading alignment.

1. Drive the boat to a location with calm, open water.

2. Set the display to view heading data from the connected antenna.
   NOTE: You must not use GPS Course Over Ground (COG) to perform basic calibration.

3. Disconnect the antenna from the NMEA 2000 network or turn off the power to the NMEA 2000 network.

4. Wait while the boat becomes level and stationary.

5. Turn on power to the antenna, and wait until the heading data appears on the display .
   NOTE: If you are performing the first basic calibration after a factory reset, the heading is blank.

6. Within three minutes, complete two full, slow, tight circles 2 , taking care to keep the boat as steady and  level as possible.
   The boat should not list during calibration.
   When the antenna is prepared to calibrate the compass, the heading data disappears from the display You may receive an error message that the heading was lost. You can ignore this message.

7. Continue turning in the same direction at the same speed 4 for approximately 1 1/2 rotations until the  heading data appears .5 When the heading data appears, the compass has been calibrated successfully, and you can align the heading (optional).

8. Select an option.

9. If you want to align the heading to match the front of the boat, proceed to the next step.

10. If you do not want to align the heading, stop turning and wait, keeping the boat stationary. Over the next two minutes the heading data should disappear and then reappear. When the heading data reappears, the compass should be calibrated and no heading offset should be applied.

11. Continue turning in the same direction at the same speed for approximately ten seconds, until the heading data disappears from the display .

12. When it is safe, straighten the boat and drive in a straight line at cruising speed (must be at least 6.4 km/h (4 mph)) until the heading data appears . When the heading appears, the compass has been calibrated, and the heading has been aligned on the antenna.

13. Test the results of the calibration, and repeat this procedure if necessary.

Disabling the Magnetic Heading Data
If you cannot mount the antenna in an ideal location for magnetic heading and GPS performance, you can disable the magnetic heading data.

1. Drive the boat to a location with calm, open water.

2. Set the display to view heading data from the antenna.

3. Disconnect the antenna from the NMEA 2000 network or turn off the power to the NMEA 2000 network.

4. Wait while the boat becomes level and stationary.

5. Turn on power to the antenna, and wait until the heading data appears on the display .

6. Within three minutes, complete two full, slow, tight circles , taking care to keep the boat as steady and level as possible.
   Heading data disappears to indicate that the antenna has detected the start of the procedure .
   You may receive an error message that the heading was lost. You can ignore this message.

7. Bring the boat to a complete stop , and remain stationary for two minutes.
   After two minutes, the heading data reappears with a fixed value of 123 degrees to indicate heading will be disabled on the next power cycle.
   NOTE: If the magnetic heading is displayed, the fixed value is 123 degrees. If the true heading is displayed,
   the fixed value may deviate because of corrections from magnetic variation.

8. Disconnect the antenna from the NMEA 2000 network or turn off the power to the NMEA 2000 network.

9. Turn on power to the antenna, and verify that heading has been disabled .

Antenna Configuration
Your antenna is pre-configured, but you may customize your antenna configuration as needed. From the NMEA 2000 device list, select the GPS 24xd, and select Review.

• Auto Locate: Allows you to clear existing satellite data and force the device to acquire new data.
• Factory Defaults: Allows you to reset the antenna settings to the factory default value. You will lose all custom configuration settings.

Cleaning the Outer Casing

NOTICE: Avoid chemical cleaners and solvents that can damage plastic components.

1. Clean the outer casing of the device using a cloth dampened with a mild detergent solution.
2. Wipe the device dry.

Appendix

Software Update
You must update the Garmin chartplotter software when you install this device. For instructions on updating the software, see your chartplotter owner’s manual at support.garmin.com.

Specifications

NMEA 2000 PGN Information
Transmit

Receive

Declaration of Conformity
Hereby, Garmin declares that this product is in compliance with the Directive 2014/53/EU. The full text of the EU declaration of conformity is available at the following internet address: garmin.com/compliance.

UK Declaration of Conformity
Hereby, Garmin declares that this product is in compliance with the relevant statutory requirements. The full text of the declaration of conformity is available at the following internet address: garmin.com/compliance.

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada Compliance
This device contains licence-exempt transmitter(s)/receiver(s) that comply with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s licence-exempt RSS(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

FCC Compliance

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and may cause harmful interference to radio communications if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

This product does not contain any user-serviceable parts. Repairs should only be made by an authorized Garmin service center. Unauthorized repairs or modifications could result in permanent damage to the equipment, and void your warranty and your authority to operate this device under Part 15 regulations.

Limited Warranty

The Garmin standard limited warranty applies to this accessory. For more information, go to www.garmin.com /support/warranty.

© 2020 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries
Garmin® and the Garmin logo are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries, registered in the USA and other countries. These trademarks may not be used without the express permission of Garmin.
NMEA 2000® and the NMEA 2000 logo are registered trademarks of the National Marine Electronics Association.
Garmin Corporation

TECHNICAL REFERENCE FOR GARMIN® NMEA 2000® PRODUCTS

NMEA 2000 Network Fundamentals

• This technical reference provides basic NMEA 2000 component identification (NMEA 2000 Components, page 2), basic NMEA 2000 network-building instructions (NMEA 2000 Network Planning and Construction, page 4), and a list of
• NMEA 2000 data that may be used by some Garmin NMEA 2000 certified devices (General NMEA 2000 Data Types, page 12).

What is NMEA 2000?

• NMEA 2000 is a plug-and-play communications standard used for connecting marine sensors and display devices within ships and boats, and is considered the successor to the NMEA® 0183 serial data bus standard. You can learn more about NMEA 2000 and purchase the NMEA 2000 standard documentation at nmea.org /content/STANDARDS/NMEA_2000.
• Garmin uses NMEA 2000 micro connectors on devices, sensors, and T-connectors that are compatible with other NMEA 2000 micro connectors, cables, and NMEA 2000 compatible devices.

NMEA 2000 Components

| ****

T-connector

| ****

010-11078-00

| Connects devices to the backbone.

You must use T-connectors properly when connecting devices to your NMEA 2000 network ( Linear Backbone Construction , page 6).

|

In-line terminator

| ****

010-11096-00

| You can use this instead of a T-connector and separate male terminator ( Network Termination , page 11).
| Power isolator| 010-11580-00| Prevents a device from providing power to the NMEA 2000 ( Power Isolation , page 10).
| Male terminator| 010-11080-00| You must install terminators on both ends of the backbone ( Network Termination , page 11).
****| Female termi­ nator| 010-11081-00| You must install terminators on both ends of the backbone.

| ****

Power cable

| ****

010-11079-00

| Connects the NMEA 2000 network to a 12 Vdc power source ( Power Connection Considerations , page 7).

2 m (6.5 ft.)

3 A fuse included

| ****

Backbone or drop cable

| 010-11076-03: 0.3 m

(1 ft.)

010-11076-00: 2 m

(6.5 ft.)

010-11076-04: 4 m

(13 ft.)

010-11076-01: 6 m

(20 ft.)

010-11076-02: 10 m

(33 ft.)

010-11171-01: 30 m

(98 ft.) (spool)

| ****

A cable up to 6 m (20 ft) can be used as a backbone cable or a drop cable.

A cable longer than 6m (20 ft) can be used as a backbone cable only.

| ****

Right-angle drop cable

| 010-11089-01: 0.3 m

(1 ft.)

010-11089-00: 2 m

(6.5 ft.)

| ****

Can be used when connecting to a device with minimal clearance for the rear connectors.

Not pictured

| ****

Field-installable connector

| ****

010-11094-00: male

010-11095-00: female

| Can be used to create a backbone or drop cable for a custom length.

Can be used to shorten any Garmin NMEA 2000 backbone or drop cable

NMEA 2000 Glossary

• Backbone: This is the main communication path of the NMEA 2000 network. The backbone can be as simple as three T-connectors connected side to side with terminators on both ends, or can expand to include many T-connectors separated by backbone cables. The backbone must always be constructed in a linear manner for the network to function properly (Linear Backbone Construction, page 6).
• Backbone Cable: Backbone cables extend the NMEA 2000 backbone to connect NMEA 2000 devices located in different places on the boat. The maximum length of a single backbone cable is 100 m (328 ft.). Backbone cables must connect to the sides of two T-connectors to maintain linear backbone construction, and must never connect to the top of a T-connector (Linear Backbone Construction, page 6).
• Device: Electronic hardware that connects to the NMEA 2000 network. A device may only transmit data to the network, receive data transmitted by other devices on the network, or may both transmit and receive data on the network.
• Drop Cable: A cable connecting an NMEA 2000 device to the NMEA 2000 backbone. Drop cables are limited to 6 m (20 ft.) maximum length. Drop cables must connect to the top of a T-connector or to the side of an in-line terminator (Linear Backbone Construction, page 6).
• In-line Terminator: A special terminator that can be used in place of a male terminator (not available as a female connector), that allows direct connection to the a device at the end of the NMEA 2000 backbone. The inline terminator simplifies installation by not requiring a T-connector, male terminator, and drop cable for the device at the end of the backbone (Network Termination, page 11).
• LEN (Load Equivalency Number): A simplified value that represents the amount of current a device draws from the NMEA 2000 network. A LEN of 1 = 50 mA. Each device should have an LEN specified on the product or in the product documentation that you should use when calculating the power needs and balance of your NMEA 2000 network (Power Distribution and Balance, page 8).
• Network Power: 12 Vdc power supplied to the NMEA 2000 network. Power to the NMEA 2000 network should be connected through a switch (instead of directly connected to the battery) because some NMEA 2000 devices are always on when power is present, and this may drain the battery. NMEA 2000 devices must operate from 9 to 16 Vdc, with a nominal voltage of 12 Vdc (Linear Backbone Construction, page 6).
• Terminator: A 120 ohm resistor located at each end of the NMEA 2000 backbone. Proper termination is required to ensure signal integrity across the entire length of the backbone (Linear Backbone Construction, page 6).
• T-connector: A three-way connector with one male and two female micro connectors. A T-connector is used to connect an NMEA 2000 device to the NMEA 2000 backbone.

NMEA 2000 Network Planning and Construction
The backbone is the main communication channel of an NMEA 2000 network to which your NMEA 2000 devices connect. You must connect each NMEA 2000 device to the backbone using a T-connector. You must connect the NMEA 2000 backbone to a power source, and you must install terminators at both ends of the network for proper functionality.

When you design an NMEA 2000 network, you should start by creating a diagram of the network. When creating the diagram, be as detailed as possible, observing these considerations.

• You should include all of the devices you intend to connect to the network.
• You should note the approximate location on the boat for the backbone and each of the connected devices.
• You should measure the distances between the location of each device and the backbone, and you should measure the overall length of the backbone.
• You should note the power consumption (LEN) of each connected device.

After you create a diagram of your network, you should apply the principles of proper NMEA 2000 network construction and adjust your plan as needed. You must understand and apply these concepts.

• Linear backbone construction (Linear Backbone Construction, page 6)
• Power connection and distribution (Power Connection Considerations, page 7)
• Proper network termination (Network Termination, page 11)
• Cable length and device limits (NMEA 2000 Cable Length and Device Limitations, page 12)

Sample NMEA 2000 Network

NOTE: This diagram illustrates only the NMEA 2000 data connections to each device or sensor on the network. Some devices or sensors can be powered by the NMEA 2000 network, and others may require a separate power connection. Consult the installation instructions for each device you connect to your NMEA 2000 network to make sure you supply power to the device appropriately.

Wind sensor

1| Chartplotter or multifunction device (MFD)
2| Antenna (GPS or satellite)
3| Marine instrument
4| Ignition or in-line switch and fuse
5| 12 Vdc power source
6| Drop cable
7| Female terminator
8| Backbone extension cable
9| T-connector
10| Male terminator

Linear Backbone Construction
The backbone is the main communication path of the NMEA 2000 network, so it is extremely important to construct the backbone properly. An improperly constructed backbone may prevent the network from functioning, or you may experience unexpected performance.

The backbone consists of a combination of T-connectors and cables, terminated on both ends. All T-connectors must connect to the sides of one another either directly or through a backbone cable extension. The top of a T-connector is used to connect a device or power to the network only, and the backbone cannot route through the top of a T-connector.

Female terminator installed correctly

The terminator must connect to the side of the last T-connector in the backbone.

1| NMEA 2000 devices and power

NMEA 2000 drop cables and network power cables must connect to the top of a T-connector, and never to the sides.

2| Backbone cable

If needed, the backbone can be extended using a cable connected to the sides of a T-connector. The maximum length of a single backbone cable is 100 m (328 ft.)

3| Male terminator

The terminator must connect to the side of the last T-connector in the backbone.

NMEA 2000 devices and power

NMEA 2000 drop cables and network power cables must connect to the top of a T-connector, and never to the sides.

1| Male terminator installed incorrectly

The terminator must connect to the side of the last T-connector in the backbone, and cannot connect to the top of a T-connector.

2| Female terminator installed correctly
3| Backbone cable installed correctly
4| T-connector installed incorrectly

T-connectors must connect to one another using the sides only, never the top.

Power Connection Considerations

NOTICE

• Connecting the NMEA 2000 network to a power source greater than 12 Vdc may damage devices connected to the network.
• You must connect the NMEA 2000 network to power through the ignition or other external switch, or it will drain the boat battery when not in use.
• You should not connect an NMEA 2000 network to power in more than one place without using a power isolator in between the two network power connections.

An NMEA 2000 network must connect to a 12 Vdc power source using a dedicated NMEA 2000 power cable. When connecting the NMEA 2000 network to power, you must observe these considerations:

• The dedicated NMEA 2000 power cable must connect to a 12 Vdc. Connecting to a 24 Vdc or any power source greater than 12 Vdc may damage the NMEA 2000 network components or devices.
• The dedicated NMEA 2000 power cable should connect to the power source through the auxiliary power switch on the boat. If there is not an auxiliary power switch, or if connecting to the auxiliary power switch causes electrical interference, you must connect the power cable to the power source through an in-line switch.
• The dedicated NMEA 2000 power cable must connect to the top of a T-connector, not the side.
• The power cable can connect to the top of a T-connector located in the backbone of your NMEA 2000 network on either end or in the middle, depending on the length of the backbone and the power needs of the devices on the network (Power Distribution and Balance, page 8).
• Some NMEA 2000 devices provide power to the NMEA 2000 network, and this may not be ideal for every NMEA 2000 design. To avoid having two power connections to the network, you can install these devices using a power isolator (Power Isolation, page 10).

Power Distribution and Balance
Selecting the proper location of the power connection to the NMEA 2000 network depends on the length of the backbone and the power needs of the devices on the network.
For the NMEA 2000 network to work properly there must not be more than a 1.67 Vdc drop in the supply voltage between the T-connector with the power cable and the NMEA 2000 device located farthest from this T-connector.
To determine the voltage drop in your NMEA 2000 network, use this equation:

Voltage drop

|

=

| Cable resistance (ohms/m)

Garmin cable resistance value = 0.053

|

×

| Distance from the power connection to the furthest device (in meters)|

×

| Network load

Sum of the LEN numbers from the power connection to the end of the network

|

×

|

0.1

Voltage drop = resistance × distance × load × 0.1

• Resistance : Refers to cable resistance (ohms/m). The Garmin cable resistance value is 0.053.
• Distance: Refers to the distance from the power connection to the device located furthest away on the network (in meters).
• Load: Refers to the network load. The network load is the sum of the LEN numbers of all devices from the power connection to the end of the network.

When evaluating the results of your calculation, consider the following:

• If you calculate a voltage drop of 1.67 Vdc or less, you can connect power to either the end or the middle of the NMEA 2000, and it will function correctly.
• If you calculate a voltage drop of more than 1.67 Vdc, you must connect power to the middle of the NMEA 2000 network. The location of the power connection in the network depends on the network load and distance from the battery. You should try to balance the voltage drop equally on both sides of the power connection.
• If a voltage drop of under 1.67 Vdc is not possible on the NMEA 2000 network, contact a professional installer for assistance.

Power cable Length = 2 m

1| Drop cable Length = 2 m
2| Drop cable Length = 6 m
3| Drop cable Length = 4 m
Backbone cable Length = 10 m

4| Backbone cable Length = 6 m

When the voltage-drop formula is applied to this example, the voltage drop is less than 1.67 Vdc. This NMEA 2000 network will function correctly when powered at the end:

(2 + 10 + 6 + 4)

| ×| 14

(4 + 5 + 5)

| ×| 0.1| =| 1.63 Vdc

Power cable Length = 2 m

1| Drop cable Length = 2 m
2| Drop cable Length = 4 m
3| Drop cable Length = 6 m
4| Backbone cable Length = 10 m
5| Backbone cable Length = 6 m

When the voltage-drop formula is applied to this example, the voltage drop is greater than 1.67 Vdc. This NMEA 2000 network will not function correctly when powered at the end. to function correctly, this NMEA 2000 network must be redesigned with the power connected to the center of the network.

(2 + 10 + 6 + 6)

| ×| 16

(4 + 5 + 7)

| ×| 0.1| =| 2.04 Vdc

Drop cable Length = 2 m

1| Power cable Length = 2 m
2| Drop cable Length = 4 m
3| Drop cable Length = 6 m
4| Backbone cable Length = 10 m
5| Backbone cable Length = 6 m

When the NMEA 2000 network is redesigned with the power source in the center, calculate the voltage drop in both directions. If the T-connector to which you connect the power source is connected directly to another T-connector (as shown in this example), use the LEN from the device connected to that T-connector as part of the calculation for both directions.

Voltage Drop to the Left of the Power Connection

0.053

| ****

×

| 14

(2 + 10 + 2)

| ****

×

| ****

4

| ****

×

| ****

0.1

| ****

=

| ****

0.30 Vdc

Voltage Drop to the Right of the Power Connection

0.053

| ****

×

| 12

(2 + 6 + 4)

| ****

×

| 12

(5 + 7)

| ****

×

| ****

0.1

| ****

=

| ****

0.80 Vdc

Power Isolation
Some NMEA 2000 devices, such as a boat engine, provide power to the NMEA 2000 network. In some cases, this may be sufficient to provide the appropriate power to the network, but in other cases this may result in providing power to the network in two places, and could result in unexpected behavior or may damage other connected devices.

To accommodate two power connections to the network, you can install a power isolator (010-11580-00) in the backbone to when connecting devices to the network that also provide power. The power isolator allows data communication, but does not allow power to pass through.

Network Termination
You must install terminators at the ends of an NMEA 2000 backbone for it to function correctly. You can install either two standard terminators or one female terminator and an in-line terminator on an NMEA 2000 network.

NOTE: You must not install more than two terminators on an NMEA 2000 network.
If the NMEA 2000 network is built using correct linear backbone construction, you should install one female terminator and one male terminator on the sides of the final T-connectors on opposite ends of the backbone.

      To power and NMEA 2000 devices

1| Female terminator
2| Backbone extension cable
3| Male terminator

If the final NMEA 2000 device on the NMEA 2000 network is separated from the backbone by a long length of backbone extension cable, and the typical T-connector/drop cable/terminator combination is not feasible or is too bulky for the area, you can use an in-line terminator instead of the final T-connector on the backbone. You can connect the final device to the in-line terminator using the appropriate length of drop cable, or connect the final device directly to the in-line terminator without using a drop cable.
An in-line terminator may be useful when connecting a wind sensor or other device at the top of a mast, for example.

NOTE: An in-line terminator connects to the NMEA 2000 backbone using a male connector, and to the final NMEA 2000 device using a female connector. Because of this, you can only use one in-line terminator on an NMEA 2000 network, in place of a male terminator.

This end of the backbone uses a standard female terminator connected to T-connector for the last device.

1| This end of the backbone uses an in-line terminator to connect to the last device. Note how using the in- line terminator is used in place of the final T-connector and terminator.
   Female terminator

1| To the final NMEA 2000 device on this side of the backbone
   NMEA 2000 power

| Backbone extension cable
| In-line terminator
****| To the final NMEA 2000 device on this side of the backbone

NMEA 2000 Cable Length and Device Limitations
When building your NMEA 2000 network, consider these limitations:

• The distance between any two points on an NMEA 2000 network must not exceed 100 m (328 ft). To estimate this distance, measure between the terminators on your backbone and add the length of the drop cable for the devices connected to the T-connectors at the ends of the network.

• The total length of all drop cables cannot exceed 78 m (256 ft).

• The maximum length of a single drop cable from the top of a T-connector to NMEA 2000 device is 6 m
  (20 ft).

• No more than 50 NMEA 2000 devices can be connected to an NMEA 2000 network.

Considerations for Existing NMEA 2000 Networks
If a boat has an existing NMEA 2000 installation, and you would like to add Garmin NMEA 2000 equipment, you should observe these considerations.

Cable and Connector Type: Garmin uses NMEA 2000 micro connectors for all cables and connectors. An existing NMEA 2000 network may use NMEA 2000 mini connectors and cables in the backbone. Mini connectors are larger than micro connectors, so you must use a converter or adapter to connect a Garmin NMEA 2000 device to a backbone with mini connectors.

Power: You must determine whether the existing NMEA 2000 network is connected to a power source, because an NMEA 2000 network must connect to power to function correctly (Power Connection Considerations, page 7). If you must connect power to the NMEA 2000 network at more than one location, you must install a power isolator in the backbone between the two power connections (Power Isolation, page 10).

Termination: You must determine whether terminators are installed on the ends of the existing NMEA 2000 backbone, because anNMEA 2000 network must be properly terminated to function correctly. You must not add more terminators to an NMEA 2000 network if it is already properly terminated.

If you are unsure of any of these considerations, you should contact your boat manufacturer or a certified NMEA 2000 technician for assistance.

General NMEA 2000 Data Types

Every NMEA 2000 certified sensor provides unique information to NMEA 2000 certified display devices on the NMEA 2000 network. The data you can view on your display device depends on the sensors you have installed and configured. Refer to the following table for a list of data types that you can view on a display device; specific NMEA 2000 PGN information required to view or calculate that data type; and the NMEA 2000 sensor that typically provides required PGN information. In some cases, more than one sensor is necessary or a specific combination of sensors may provide more precise information.

NMEA 2000 Engine Data

engine
Fuel flow rate| 127489: Dynamic engine parameters| Fuel flow sensor
Hours| 127489: Dynamic engine parameters| NMEA 2000 compatible engine
Oil pressure| 127489: Dynamic engine parameters| NMEA 2000 compatible engine
Engine RPM| 127489: Dynamic engine parameters| NMEA 2000 compatible engine
Temperature| 127489: Dynamic engine parameters| NMEA 2000 compatible engine
Coolant pressure| 127489: Dynamic engine parameters| NMEA 2000 compatible engine
Fuel pressure| 127489: Dynamic engine parameters| NMEA 2000 compatible engine
Oil temperature| 127489: Dynamic engine parameters| NMEA 2000 compatible engine
Boost pressure| 127489: Dynamic engine parameters| NMEA 2000 compatible engine
Trim| 127489: Dynamic engine parameters| NMEA 2000 compatible engine
Rudder angle| 127245: Rudder| Rudder angle sensor
Bow tabs| 130576: Small craft status| Trim tab sensor
Trim tabs| 130576: Small craft status| Trim tab sensor

NMEA 2000 Fuel Information

Fuel economy

NOTE: The fuel economy data type is configurable, based on the speed source.

| ****

127489: Dynamic engine parameters (GPS speed or water speed)

| ****

Fuel flow sensor and speed sensor

Cruising range| 127489: Dynamic engine parameters (GPS Speed or Water Speed)| Fuel flow sensor and speed sensor
Fuel level| 127505: Fluid level| Fuel level sensor
Tank 1| 127505: Fluid level| Fuel level sensor
Tank 2| 127505: Fluid level| Fuel level sensor

NMEA 2000 Navigation Information

Course made good

| 129026: COG and SOG

129029: GNSS position data 129284: Nav data

129285: Navigation (route and waypoint) 129283: Cross track error

| ****

Garmin chartplotter and GPS antenna

Distance made good

| 129026: COG/SOG

129029: GNSS position

129284: Nav data

129285: Route

| ****

Garmin chartplotter and GPS antenna

Waypoint name

| 129284:Nav data or

129285: Route

| ****

Garmin chartplotter

Bearing to waypoint| 129284: Nav data| Garmin chartplotter and GPS antenna
Distance to waypoint| 129284: Nav data| Garmin chartplotter and GPS antenna
Off course| 129283: XTE| Garmin chartplotter and GPS antenna
Desired COG| 129284: Nav data| Garmin chartplotter and GPS antenna
Heading| 127250: Vessel heading| Heading sensor

Course over ground

| 129026: COG/SOG

129029: GNSS position

| ****

GPS antenna

GPS speed| 129026: COG/SOG

129029: GNSS position

| GPS antenna

Position

| 129026: COG/SOG

129029: GNSS position

| ****

GPS antenna

Turn

| 129026: COG/SOG

129029: GNSS position

129284: Nav data

| ****

Garmin chartplotter and GPS antenna

NMEA 2000 Trip Data

129029: GNSS position data

| GPS antenna
Trip odometer| 129026: COG and SOG

129029: GNSS position data

| GPS antenna

Average GPS speed

| 129026: COG and SOG

129029: GNSS position data

| ****

GPS antenna

Maximum GPS speed| 129026: COG and SOG

129029: GNSS position data

| GPS antenna
Water odometer| 128259: Water speed| Water speed sensor
Water trip odometer| 128259: Water speed| Water speed sensor
Average water speed| 128259: Water speed| Water speed sensor
Maximum water speed| 128259: Water speed| Water speed sensor

NMEA 2000 Weather Data

Barometer

| 130310 and 130311: Environmental parame­ ters (old)

or

130314: Actual pressure

| ****

Barometric pressure sensor

Air temperature

| 130310 and 130311: Environmental parame­ ters (old)

130312: Temperature (old) or

130316: Temperature, extended range

| ****

Air temperature sensor

Humidity

| 130311: Environmental parameters or

130313: Humidity

| ****

Humidity sensor

Wind speed

| 127250: Vessel heading

128259: Water speed

129026: COG/SOG

129029: GNSS position

130306: Wind data

| ****

A wind sensor, a water speed sensor, a heading sensor, and a GPS antenna

Wind speed (less- accurate1)

| 129026: COG/SOG

129029: GNSS position

130306: Wind data

| ****

A wind sensor and a GPS Antenna

Wind speed (less- accurate2)

| 127250: Vessel heading

128259: Water speed

130306: Wind data

| ****

A wind sensor, a water speed sensor, and a heading sensor

Wind direction

| 127250: Vessel heading

128259: Water speed

129026: COG/SOG

129029: GNSS position

130306: Wind data

| ****

A wind sensor, a water speed sensor, a heading sensor, and a GPS antenna

Wind direction (less- accurate1)

| 129026: COG/SOG

129029: GNSS position

130306: Wind data

| ****

A wind sensor and a GPS Antenna

Wind direction (less- accurate2)

| 127250: Vessel heading

128259: Water speed

130306: Wind data

| ****

A wind sensor, a water speed sensor, and a heading sensor

Cardinal wind direction

| 127250: Vessel heading

128259: Water speed

129026: COG/SOG

129029: GNSS position

130306: Wind data

| ****

A wind sensor, a water speed sensor, a heading sensor, and a GPS antenna

Cardinal wind direction (less-accurate1)| 129026: COG/SOG

129029: GNSS position

| ****

A wind sensor and a GPS Antenna

128259: Water speed

130306: Wind data

|

A wind sensor, a water speed sensor, and a heading sensor

Beaufort scale

| 127250: Vessel heading

128259: Water speed

129026: COG/SOG

129029: GNSS position

130306: Wind data

|

A wind sensor, a water speed sensor, a heading sensor, and a GPS antenna

Beaufort scale (less- accurate2)| 129026: COG/SOG

129029: GNSS position

130306: Wind data

|

A wind sensor and a GPS Antenna

Beaufort scale (less- accurate1)

| 127250: Vessel heading

128259: Water speed

130306: Wind data

|

A wind sensor, a water speed sensor, and a heading sensor

Sunrise/sunset| 129026: COG/SOG

29029: GNSS position

| GPS antenna

NMEA 2000 Sailing Data

True wind speed

| 128259: Water speed

130306: Wind data

| ****

Wind sensor and a water speed sensor

True wind speed (less-accurate1)

| 129026: COG/SOG

129029: GNSS position

130306: Wind data

| ****

Wind sensor and a GPS antenna

True wind angle

| 128259: Water speed

130306: Wind data

| ****

Wind sensor and a water speed sensor

True wind angle (less-accurate1)

| 129026: COG/SOG

129029: GNSS position

130306: Wind data

| ****

Wind sensor and a GPS antenna

Wind Velocity Made Good (VMG)

| 128259: Water speed

130306: Wind data

| ****

Wind sensor and a water speed sensor

Wind VMG (less-accurate1)

| 129026: COG/SOG

129029: GNSS position

130306: Wind data

| ****

Wind sensor and a GPS antenna

Waypoint VMG| 129284: Nav data| Garmin chartplotter and a GPS antenna
Maximum apparent wind speed| 130306: Wind data| Wind sensor

Maximum true wind speed

| 128259: Water speed

130306: Wind data

| ****

Wind sensor and a water speed sensor

Maximum true wind speed (less- accurate1)| 129026: COG/SOG

129029: GNSS position

130306: Wind data

| ****

Wind sensor and a GPS antenna

Opposite tack heading

| 127250: Vessel heading

128259: Water speed

130306: Wind data

| ****

A wind sensor, a heading sensor, and a water speed sensor

Opposite tack heading (less- accurate1)

| 129026: COG/SOG

129029: GNSS Position

127250: Vessel heading

130306: Wind data

| ****

A wind sensor, a heading sensor, and a GPS antenna

NMEA 2000 Water Data

Temperature

| 130310: Environmental parameters (old) 130311: Environmental parameters

130312: Temperature

| ****

Water temperature sensor

Speed| 128259 – Water speed| Water speed sensor

Set

| 127250: Vessel heading

128259: Water speed 129026: COG and SOG

129029: GNSS position data

| ****

A GPS antenna, a water speed sensor, and a heading sensor

Drift

| 127250 – Vessel heading 128259 – Water speed 129026 – COG/SOG

129029 – GNSS position

| ****

A GPS antenna, a water speed sensor, and a heading sensor

NMEA 2000 System Data

129029: GNSS position data

| GPS antenna
Date| 129026 – COG/SOG

129029 – GNSS position data

| GPS antenna

References

• Garmin International | Home
• Garmin | Compliance
• Technical Reference for Garmin NMEA 2000 Products - Technical Reference for Garmin NMEA 2000 Products
• National Marine Electronics Association - National Marine Electronics Association
• Garmin Customer Support
• Garmin International | Home
• Garmin | Compliance
• Technical Reference for Garmin NMEA 2000 Products - Technical Reference for Garmin NMEA 2000 Products
• Consumer Limited Warranty | Garmin
• Water Rating Definitions | Garmin

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