veratron 797-B00043501 VL FLEX 52 Marine Instrument Gauge Black Instruction Manual

June 6, 2024
veratron

veratron 797-B00043501 VL FLEX 52 Marine Instrument Gauge Black Instruction Manual

INTRODUCTION

PACKAGING CONTENT

  • 1x VL Flex 52 gauge
    B00043501

  • 1x 52 mm Mounting Spinlock
    A2C5205947101

  • 1x Wire Harness
    A2C9582260001

  • 1x Safety Instructions
    B000100

THE ALL-IN-ONE GAUGE

The VL Flex device can easily be configured to be the instrument you need – thanks to its sun-readable 1.44” TFT display embedded into a standard 52 mm instrument housing.

The supported analog inputs allow you to directly read from your engine sensors, and the NMEA 2000® interface expands this possibility by allowing the device to read from the digital network.
The simple but effective graphic design can be set up in a single or dual layout, presenting the data in a clear and intuitive form, while the colored bar graph and the alarm display allow you to visually understand your data.

CONTACTLESS CONFIGURATION (Patent Pending)

Thanks to the contactless configuration you can setup your all-in-one instrument with a simple tap!
Launch the companion App and define your settings through the user-friendly interface, then simply hold your mobile device in proximity of the VL Flex device to transfer the configuration.
Thanks to the embedded passive antenna the configuration can be done powerless!

SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING

No smoking! No open fire or heat sources!

  • The product was developed, manufactured and inspected according to the basic safety requirements of EC Guidelines and state-of-the-art technology.
  • The instrument is designed for use in grounded vehicles and machines as well as in pleasure boats, including non-classified commercial shipping.
  • Use our product only as intended. Use of the product for reasons other than its intended use may lead to personal injury, property damage or environmental damage. Before installation, check the vehicle documentation for vehicle type and any possible special features!
  • Use the assembly plan to learn the location of the fuel/ hydraulic/ compressed air and electrical lines!
  • Note possible modifications to the vehicle, which must be considered during installation!
  • To prevent personal injury, property damage or environmental damage, basic knowledge of motor vehicle/shipbuilding electronics and mechanics is required.
  • Make sure that the engine cannot start unintentionally during installation!
  • Modifications or manipulations to VDO products can affect safety. Consequently, you may not modify or manipulate the product!
  • When removing/installing seats, covers, etc., ensure that lines are not damaged and plug-in connections are not loosened!
  • Note all data from other installed instruments with volatile electronic memories.

SAFETY DURING INSTALLATION

  • During installation, ensure that the product’s components do not affect or limit vehicle functions. Avoid damaging these components!
  • Only install undamaged parts in a vehicle!
  • During installation, ensure that the product does not impair the field of vision and that it cannot impact the driver’s or passenger’s head!
  • A specialized technician should install the product. If you install the product yourself, wear appropriate work clothing. Do not wear loose clothing, as it may get caught in moving parts. Protect long hair with a hair net.
  • When working on the on-board electronics, do not wear metallic or conductive jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets, rings, etc.
  • If work on a running engine is required, exercise extreme caution. Wear only appropriate work clothing as you are at risk of personal injury, resulting from being crushed or burned.
  • Before beginning, disconnect the negative terminal on the battery, otherwise you risk a short circuit. If the vehicle is supplied by auxiliary batteries, you must also disconnect the negative terminals on these batteries! Short circuits can cause fires, battery explosions and damages to other electronic systems. Please note that when you disconnect the battery, all volatile electronic memories lose their input values and must be reprogrammed.
  • If working on gasoline boat motors, let the motor compartment fan run before beginning work.
  • Pay attention to how lines and cable harnesses are laid so that you do not drill or saw through them!
  • Do not install the product in the mechanical and electrical airbag area!
  • Do not drill holes or ports in load-bearing or stabilizing stays or tie bars!
  • When working underneath the vehicle, secure it according to the specifications from the vehicle manufacturer.
  • Note the necessary clearance behind the drill hole or port at the installation location. Required mounting depth: 65 mm.
  • Drill small ports; enlarge and complete them, if necessary, using taper milling tools, saber saws, keyhole saws or files. Deburr edges. Follow the safety instructions of the tool manufacturer.
  • Use only insulated tools, if work is necessary on live parts.
  • Use only the multimeter or diode test lamps provided, to measure voltages and currents in the vehicle/machine or boat. Use of conventional test lamps can cause damage to control units or other electronic systems.
  • The electrical indicator outputs and cables connected to them must be protected from direct contact and damage. The cables in use must have enough insulation and electric strength and the contact points must be safe from touch.
  • Use appropriate measures to also protect the electrically conductive parts on the connected consumer from direct contact. Laying metallic, uninsulated cables and contacts is prohibited.

SAFETY AFTER INSTALLATION

  • Connect the ground cable tightly to the negative terminal of the battery.
  • Reenter/reprogram the volatile electronic memory values.
  • Check all functions.
  • Use only clean water to clean the components. Note the Ingress Protection (IP) ratings (IEC 60529).

ELECTRICAL CONNECTION

  • Note cable cross-sectional area!
  • Reducing the cable cross-sectional area leads to higher current density, which can cause the cable cross sectional area in question to heat up!
  • When installing electrical cables, use the provided cable ducts and harnesses; however, do not run cables parallel to ignition cables or to cables that lead to large electricity consumers.
  • Fasten cables with cable ties or adhesive tape. Do not run cables over moving parts. Do not attach cables to the steering column!
  • Ensure that cables are not subject to tensile, compressive or shearing forces.
  • If cables are run through drill holes, protect them using rubber sleeves or the like.
  • Use only one cable stripper to strip the cable. Adjust the stripper so that stranded wires are not damaged or separated.
  • Use only a soft soldering process or commercially available crimp connector to solder new cable connections!
  • Make crimp connections with cable crimping pliers only. Follow the safety instructions of the tool manufacturer.
  • Insulate exposed stranded wires to prevent short circuits.
  • Caution: Risk of short circuit if junctions are faulty or cables are damaged.
  • Short circuits in the vehicle network can cause fires, battery explosions and damages to other electronic systems. Consequently, all power supply cable connections must be provided with weldable connectors and be sufficiently insulated.
  • Ensure ground connections are sound.
  • Faulty connections can cause short circuits. Only connect cables according to the electrical wiring diagram.
  • If operating the instrument on power supply units, note that the power supply unit must be stabilized and it must comply with the following standard: DIN EN 61000, Parts 6-1 to 6-4.

INSTALLATION

WARNING

Before beginning, disconnect the negative terminal on the battery, otherwise you risk a short circuit.
If the vehicle is supplied by auxiliary batteries, you must also disconnect the negative terminals on these batteries! Short circuits can cause fires, battery explosions and damages to other electronic systems. Please note that when you disconnect the battery, all volatile electronic memories lose their input values and must be reprogrammed.

BEFORE THE ASSEMBLY

  1. Before beginning, turn off the ignition and remove the ignition key. If necessary, remove the main circuit switch
    Main circuit switch

  2. Disconnect the negative terminal on the battery. Make sure the battery cannot unintentionally restart.

  3. Place the device at least 300 mm away from any magnetic compass.
    Magnetic compass

INSTALLATION WITH SPINLOCK

Conventional assembly. (Instrument is put into the drill hole from the front).
The panel width may be within a range of 0.5 to 20 mm. The drill hole must have a diameter of 53 mm [B]

WARNING

  • Do not drill holes or ports in load-bearing or stabilizing stays or tie bars!
  • Note the necessary clearance behind the drill hole or port at the installation location. Required mounting depth: 65 mm.
  • Drill small ports; enlarge and complete them, if necessary, using taper milling

Deburr edges. Follow the safety instructions of the tool manufacturer.

  1. Different bezels may be installed as alternatives to the supplied front ring. In this case, gently remove the bezel using a screwdriver [A] and install the new bezel on the instrument and press it on until it is flush with the instrument glass.
    Note: the bezel cannot be used after removal since it can be damaged. IMPORTANT: if installing a chrome bezel, make sure to configure the device BEFORE installing it, as the metallic particles contained in the chrome material might affect the NFC performance!

  2. Create a circular hole in the panel considering the device dimensions. [B]

  3. Remove the spinlock and insert the device from the front. [C]

  4. Adjust the spinlock ad shown in picture [D] according to the panel thickness

  5. Carefully screw in the spinlock by hand at least two turns.

  6. Insert the connector.

Installation with spinlock

FLUSH MOUNTING

The recommended panel thickness is 1.5 to 3 mm. The drill hole must have a diameter of 48.1 mm. [A] Ensure that the installation location is level and has no sharp edges.

WARNING

  • Do not drill holes or ports in load-bearing or stabilizing stays or tie bars!
  • Note the necessary clearance behind the drill hole or port at the installation location. Required mounting depth: 65 mm.
  • Drill small ports; enlarge and complete them, if necessary, using taper milling tools, saber saws, keyhole saws or files.
    Deburr edges. Follow the safety instructions of the tool manufacturer.
  1. Create a circular hole in the panel considering the device dimensions. [A]
  2. Remove the spinlock.
  3. Gently remove the bezel using a screwdriver. [B] Note: the bezel cannot be used after removal since damaged.
  4. Place the flush mount seal A2C53215640 (not included) on the instrument glass.
  5. Put the instrument into the drill hole from the back [C].
  6. Adjust the instrument so that the gauge is level and fasten it to the stud bolts on the rear side of the panel, using the flush mount fixing bracket A2C59510864 (not included) [D].
  7. Insert the connector.

Flush mounting

DEVICE CONNECTION

DEVICE

Pin No. Wire color Description
1 Red KL. 15 – Battery Power 12 / 24 V
2 Black KL. 31 – Ground
3 Green / Red Frequency sensor input
4 Yellow / Red Resistive sensor input
5 Blue / White LIN bus
6 Red / White Illumination Day/Night
7 NMEA 2000 Hi (on M12 connector)
8 NMEA 2000 Lo (on M12 connector)

Gauge rear view
Tyco / Hirschmann 8-poles MQS plug

Gauge rear view

WIRE HARNESS

Wire harness

A. NMEA 2000® DeviceNet M12 connector 5 pins
B. Sensors and power wires (see colors above)
C. VL Flex 52 connector – Tyco / Hirschmann MQS plug 8 pins

NMEA 2000® CONNECTOR PINOUT

Pin No. Description
1 Shield
2 NET-S (V+)
3 NET-C (V-)
4 NET-H (CAN H)
5 NET-L (CAN L)

Micro-C M12 5 poles plug
Male, cable side view

NMEA 2000® NETWORK CONNECTION

Once the installation is complete it is possible to interface the device to the NMEA 2000® backbone through the dedicated plug on the harness.

Please ensure to tighten the M12 connector by screwing ii onto its counterpart, so to preserve the water tightness.

A drop cable is not needed unless the total length of the wire pigtail is not enough to reach the NMEA 2000® backbone. In this case it is possible to extend the total length by using one of the accessory drop cables.

Please note that NMEA 2000® does not allow drop cables longer than 6 meters.

Refer to the NMEA 2000® standard for a proper network design.

FREQUENCY SENSOR CONNECTION

Sensor connection

Designations in the wiring diagram:
15 – KL. 15 – Ignition 12 / 24 V
31 – KL. 31 – GND
F1 – 3A Fuse (not included)
S1 – Day/Night Switch (not included)

RESISTIVE SENSOR CONNECTION

Sensor connection

Designations in the wiring diagram:
15 – KL. 15 – Ignition 12 / 24 V
31 – KL. 31 – GND
F1 – 3A Fuse (not included)
S1 – Day/Night Switch (not included)

CONFIGURATION

VL FLEX CONFIGURATOR APP

To configure the VL Flex, some parameters must be calibrated, like the gauge type, the sensor and its calibration or the warning threshold.
This is possible through the “VL Flex Configurator” smartphone App, which can be downloaded free of charge from the stores of both Android and iOS devices.

A simple and detailed explanation of the configuration process is also available as in-app instructions. Thanks to the passive embedded NFC receiver, the VL Flex 52 can be configured, as described below, without the need of power supply

VL flex app


VL Flex Configurator App is available for both iOS and Android devices

The setup of the VL Flex device is an intuitive three-step process.
Setup of the VL Flex device

Please remember that you must READ from the device before being able to manipulate and download the configuration to the instrument.

VL FLEX CONFIGURATION

  1. READ THE VL FLEX CONFIGURATION
    Launch the “VL Flex Configurator” App and read the actual configuration of the device by “tapping” the smartphone onto the front lens. The READ operation is mandatory before the WRITE operation is allowed.
    After the readout, the App will be set with the current VL Flex configuration.
    NOTE: The antenna position on the smartphone depends on the model.
    Please refer to the smartphone manufacturer manual.
    VL Flex configuration

  2. CHOOSE DISPLAY LAYOUT
    Use the “Layout” section to choose between the Single and the Dual screen layouts.
    The “preview” picture on the top of the App screen will update accordingly.
    If the Dual layout is selected, the App will extend the gauge settings to configure both the screen fields.
    VL Flex configuration

  3. SELECT GAUGE TYPE
    Tap the “Gauge Type” item in the “Data Selection” section to choose the data you want to display on the VL Flex.
    If the Dual screen layout was selected, you will be able to select the value to display for both the top and the bottom sections of the dual screen.
    Note: See the complete list of supported gauge types in the “Supported Configurations” table of this document.

  4. SET UNITS AND INSTANCE
    Define the unit for the displayed value if more than one is available (see “Supported Configurations” table). Set the instance for the displayed value (e.g.
    Engine No. or Tank No.) so that the VL Flex will also show it on display.
    Note: the instance defined is also used by the VL Flex in case the data is received from NMEA 2000®.

  5. CONFIGURE THE ALARM
    For some gauge types it is possible to set an alarm (see “Supported Configurations” table).
    You can activate or deactivate the alarm by using the App switch.
    Once active, it is possible to set a threshold for it in the dedicated field. The threshold unit is the same unit defined in the step before.
    Note: the alarm threshold direction (active above or active below) is statically defined (see “Supported Configurations” table).

  6. CALIBRATE THE SENSOR
    By default, the VL Flex device will assume the data is received via NMEA 2000®, so the analogue inputs are switched off.
    If the sensor is connected via analog port (resistive or frequency) you can configure it by activating the input through the App switch.
    Note: based on the gauge type(s) defined, the App only allows to activate the related analogue input (see “Supported Configurations” table). In case a dual screen layout is selected (two values), it is possible to choose which data to configure as analog input.
    The other data will be considered as received from NMEA 2000®.

  7. MODIFY BACKLIGHT AND CLOCK SETTINGS
    You can complete the VL Flex configuration with the “Settings” tab.
    In this section it is possible to adjust the Day and
    Night backlight intensity through the dedicated App slider.
    The Clock settings (format and offset) can also be adjusted in this App screen.
    Note: the clock is only received via NMEA 2000® from – for example – an external GPS receiver. It is not internally maintained by the VL Flex.

  8. DOWNLOAD THE CONFIGURATION TO THE VL FLEX
    Once the configuration is completed, you can download it to the VL Flex.
    Press the “APPLY” button on the top/right corner of the App and near the smartphone to the VL Flex lens as shown in picture.

**SUPPORTED CONFIGURATIONS***

Gauge Type| Unit| Resistive input| Frequency input| Calibrations| Alarm available| NMEA 2000® PGN
---|---|---|---|---|---|---
Engine Speed| rpm| –| ✔| Pulses per revolution| No| 127488
Boat Speed| kn kmh mph| –| ✔| Pulses per unit| No| 128259
Ammeter| A| ✔| –| | No| 127508
Voltmeter| V| –| –| | No| 127508
Battery SOC| %| –| –| | Yes (below)| 127506
Battery SOH| %| –| –| | Yes (below)| 127506
Battery Temperature| °C

°F

| –| –| | Yes (Above)| 127508
Battery Autonomy| h days| –| –| | No| 127506
Engine Hours| h| –| ✔| Internally calculated| No| 127489
Speed Over Ground (SOG)| kn kmh mph| –| –| | No| 129026
Course Over Ground (COG)| deg| –|  | | No| 129026
Depth| m ft| –| –| | Yes (below)| 128267
Clock| –| –| –| | No| 126992
Gauge Type| Unit| Resistive input| Frequency input| Calibrations| Alarm available| NMEA 2000® PGN
---|---|---|---|---|---|---
Fuel Level| %| ✔| –| 0 – 90 Ω
3 – 180 Ω
240 – 33 Ω
90 – 4 Ω
105 – 4 Ω| Yes| 127505
Fresh Water Level| %| ✔| –| 3 – 180 Ω

240 – 33 Ω

90 – 4 Ω

| No| 127505
Waste Water Level| %| ✔| –| 3 – 180 Ω
240 – 33 Ω
90 – 4 Ω| No| 127505
Trim Position| %| ✔| –| 167 – 10 Ω (Single station)
84 – 5 Ω (Dual station)| No| 127488
Rudder Angle| deg| ✔| –| 10 – 180 Ω (Single station) 5 – 90 Ω (Dual station)| No| 127245
Coolant Temperature| °C

°F

| ✔| –| 291 – 22 Ω (120 °C)

322 – 19 Ω (150 °C)

| Yes| 127489
Boost Pressure| bar PSI| ✔| –| 10 – 184 Ω (2 bar)

10 – 184 Ω (5 bar)

| No| 127488
Oil Pressure| bar PSI| ✔| –| 10 – 184 Ω (5 bar)

10 – 184 Ω (10 bar)

| Yes| 127489
Oil Temperature| °C

°F

| ✔| –| 322 – 19 Ω (150 °C)| Yes| 127489
Gear Oil Pressure| bar PSI| ✔| –| 10 – 184 Ω (10 bar)
10 – 184 Ω (25 bar)
10 – 211 Ω (30 bar)| Yes| 127493
Gear Oil Temperature| °C
°F| ✔| –| 322 – 19 Ω (150 °C)| Yes| 127493

*the supported configurations may be updated at any time. Please make sure to always use the latest App version.

TECHNICAL DATA

DATASHEET

Display 1.44” sun-readable color TFT display, transmissive
Resolution 125 x 125 pixels
Nominal Voltage 12 V / 24 V
Operating Voltage 8 – 32 V with overvoltage and reverse polarity protection
Current consumption Typ. 50 mA with maximum backlight intensity
Analogue ports Resistive (0 – 400 Ω)

Frequency (W, Ind, Hall, Generator)

Digital ports| NMEA 2000®, LIN bus
Wireless interface| NFC (Near Field Communication)
Protection class| IP 67 front side acc. IEC60529
Lens| PMMA with anti-glare and anti-fog treatments
Housing| Ø52 mm – Polycarbonate (PC), flame retardant acc. UL94-V0
Bezels| PC (black, white) or ABS (chrome) – several color and shapes
Operating temperature| -20°C to +70°C
Storage temperature| -30°C to +80°C
Connector| Tyco / Hirschmann MQS connector 8 pin
Mounting| Spinlock Nut – locking height 0.5 – 20 mm

Optional Studs and Brackets – locking height 2 – 15 mm

Certifications| CE, Reach, RoHS

SUPPORTED NMEA 2000® PGNs

Description PGN (Rx)
ISO Address Claim 60928
ISO Request 59904
ISO Transport Protocol, Data Transfer 60160
ISO Transport Protocol, Connection Management 60416
ISO Acknowledgment 59392
NMEA – Request group function 126208
System Time 126992
Heartbeat 126993
Configuration Information 126998
Product Information 126996
PGN List – Received PGNs group function 126464
Rudder 127245
Fluid Level 127505
DC Detailed Status 127506
Battery Status 127508
Engine Parameters, Rapid Update 127488
Engine Parameters, Dynamic 127489
Transmission Parameters, Dynamic 127493
Speed, Water Referenced 128259
Water Depth 128267
COG & SOG, Rapid Update 129026

ACCESSORIES

Accessory Part Number
Pigtail cable with M12 connector A2C9582260001
Spinlock Nut 52 mm A2C5205947101
Flush mount mounting kit A2C59510864
Flush mount seal A2C53215640
Bezel – Round Black A2C5318602701
Bezel – Round White A2C5318602801
Bezel – Round Chrome* A2C5318602901
Bezel – Triangular Black A2C5318602401
Bezel – Triangular White A2C5318602501
Bezel – Triangular Chrome* A2C5318602601
Bezel – Flat Black A2C5318604001
Bezel – Flat White A2C5318602201
Bezel – Flat Chrome* A2C5318602301

Visit http://www.veratron.com for the complete list of accessories.

  • the chrome bezel might interfere with the NFC programming due to the metallic particles contained in the chrome material. Make sure to configure the VL Flex device BEFORE installing the chrome bezel!

veratron AG
Industriestrasse 18
9464 Rüthi, Switzerland
T +41 71 7679 111
Email: info@veratron.com
Website: veratron.com

Any distribution, translation or reproduction, partial or total, of the document is strictly prohibited unless with prior authorization in writing from veratron AG, except for the following actions:

  • Printing the document in its original format, totally or partially.
  • Copying contents without any modifications and stating Veratron AG as copyright owner.

Veratron AG reserves the right to make modifications or improvements to the relative documentation without notice.

Requests for authorization, additional copies of this manual or technical information on the latter, must be addressed to veratron AG.

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