veratron VL FLEX 52 Marine Instrument Gauge User Manual

veratron VL FLEX 52 Marine Instrument Gauge

Product Information

Specifications:

• Product Name: VL FLEX 52MM SERIES
• Model: VL FLEX 52
• Communication Protocol: NMEA 2000
• Language Support: EN DE IT FR ES PT
• Display: 1.44″ TFT display
• Display Housing Diameter: 52 mm

INTRODUCTION

PACKAGE CONTENTS

THE ALL-IN-ONE DEVICE
The VL Flex 52 can be easily configured as the display device you need thanks to its 1.44″ TFT display, readable even in strong sunlight, embedded in a standard 52 mm diameter housing. Supported analog inputs allow direct reading from motor sensors, and the NMEA 2000® interface extends this function by allowing the VL Flex to read from the digital network. Thanks to the integrated gateway functionality, the values measured through the analog inputs can be shared on the NMEA 2000® network, so the data is available for all devices. The simple but effective display design can be set up in a single or dual layout, presenting the data in a clear and intuitive way, while the colored bar graph and alarm display allow you to interpret the data more quickly.

CONTACTLESS CONFIGURATION
Thanks to contactless configuration, you can configure your all-in-one instrument with a simple “tap”! Start the smartphone app and define your settings via the user-friendly interface. Then simply hold your smartphone on the front lens of the VL Flex to transfer the configuration immediately. Thanks to the built-in passive antenna, the configuration can be done without a power supply!

ARCHITECTURE

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-ofthe- 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 veratron 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 damage 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
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.

Mounting Options:

• Mounting with Spinlock Nut: Follow the instructions provided to securely mount the device using the spinlock nut.
• Flush Mounting: Detailed instructions for flush mounting are available for a clean installation.

Display Layout:

• Single Layout: Learn how to set up the display in a single layout for efficient data presentation.
• Dual Layout: Instructions on configuring the display in a dual layout for customized data viewing.
• Alarm Display: Understand how to interpret and respond to alarm displays effectively.

MOUNTING WITH SPINLOCK NUT
Conventional mounting. (Device is inserted into the hole from the front). The panel thickness can be in the range of 0.5 to 20 mm. The hole must have a diameter of 53 mm [B].

WARNING

• Do not drill holes and installation openings in load-bearing or stabilizing struts or spars!
• For the installation location, ensure the necessary clearance behind the holes or the installation opening. Required installation depth 65 mm.
• Pre-drill small installation openings, enlarge with cone cutter, hole saw, jigsaw or file if necessary and finish. Deburr edges. Refer to the safety instructions of the hand tool manufacturer.

1. Different covers can be mounted as an alternative to the supplied cover. In this case, carefully remove it with a screwdriver [A], attach the new bezel to the instrument and press it until it is flush with the cover glass.
   Note: When removing, the front ring damaged and can no longer be used be
   IMPORTANT: If you install a chrome bezel, you must set up the device before installation. The metal particles contained in the chrome trim may affect the performance of the wireless interface!

2. Make a round hole, taking into account the external dimensions of the device. [B]

3. Remove the spinlock nut and insert the device frontally. [C]

4. Align the spinlock nut as shown in [D], according to the thickness of the plate.

5. Feed the cables through the spinlock nut and carefully screw it in at least two turns.

6. Connect the plugs.

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

WARNING

• Do not drill holes and installation openings in load-bearing or stabilizing struts or spars!
• For the installation location, ensure the necessary clearance behind the holes or the installation opening. Required installation depth 65 mm.
• Pre-drill small installation openings, enlarge with cone cutter, hole saw, jigsaw or file if necessary and finish. Deburr edges. Refer to the safety instructions of the hand tool manufacturer.

1. Make a round hole, considering the external dimensions of the device. [A]
2. Remove the spinlock nut
3. Remove the front ring using a screwdriver. [B] Note: When removing, the orifice plate will be damaged and can no longer be used.
4. Place the flush mount gasket A2C53215640 (not included) on the cover glass.
5. Insert the device into the hole [C] from behind.
6. Align the unit so that the reading is straight and fix it to the studs [D] attached to the back of the panel using the flush mount mounting bracket A2C59510864 (not included).
7. Connect the plugs.

CONNECTIONS

PINOUT

connector)

8| –| NMEA 2000 Low (on M12

connector)

WIRING HARNESS

• A: NMEA 2000® DeviceNet M12 5-pin connector
• B: Cables for sensor connection and power supply (see colors in the table)
• C: VL Flex connector – Tyco / Hirschmann MQS 8-pin

NMEA 2000® PINOUT

CONNECTIONS

CONNECTION TO THE NMEA 2000® NETWORK
Once mounting is complete, the device can be connected to the NMEA 2000® network via the designated socket on the cabling. Ensure to tighten the M12 connector by screwing it onto its counterpart, so to preserve water tightness. A drop cable is only required if the total length of the supplied cabling is not sufficient to reach the NMEA 2000® backbone. Note that NMEA 2000® does not allow drop cables longer than 6 meters. Stick to the NMEA 2000® standard for proper network setup.

CONNECTION TO THE IBS

Remove the whole system from the negative pole of the battery and install the IBS on the pole instead. Reattach the system’s main ground connection on the IBS’ pole adapter. Do not connect anything directly to the negative battery pole, as any current not going through the sensor will not be measured and will corrupt the calculations of the SOC and SOH. Mind the pinouts stated above, to connect the LIN bus.

FREQUENCY INPUT CONNECTION

Designations within the connection diagram:

• 15 – Term. 15 – switched positive 12/24 V (ignition)
• 31 – Term. 31 – Mass
• F1 – Fuse 3A (not included)
• S1 – Illumination switch day/night (not included)

RESISTIVE SENSOR CONNECTION

Designations within the connection diagram:

• 15 – Term. 15 – switched positive
• 12/24 V (Ignition)
• 31 – Term. 31 – Mass
• F1 – Fuse 3A (not included)
• S1 – Illumination switch day/night (not included)

CONFIGURATION

VL FLEX CONFIGURATOR APP
To configure the VL Flex, some parameters must be configured, e.g., the display type, the connected sensor and its calibration or the alarm threshold. This is possible via the smartphone app “VL Flex Configurator”, which can be downloaded free of charge from the stores of both – Android and iOS devices. You can also find a simple explanation of the setup process as in-app instructions. Thanks to the passive NFC receiver, the VL Flex device can be configured as described below without the need for a power supply.

CONFIGURE DEVICE
Setting up the VL Flex device is a three-step process. Remember that the configuration of the instrument must be read before it can be changed and written to the instrument.

1. READ
2. CONFIGURE
3. WRITE

SELECTING DATA TO DISPLAY
After the initial readout, it is required to define which values should be displayed on the VL Flex.

• Layout: Choose between the single or dual layout by pressing the according preview.
• Gauge Type: Select the desired value, that should be visible through the dropdown menu “Gauge Type”. Depending on the selected gauge type, it is possible to define some more parameters. Not all of them are available for every type.
• Number: Select the according instance. The instance describes which of the engines, tanks or sensors is meant if there is more than one in the system (e.g.: Tank1/Tank2 …). (Note that the numerating starts at 1. Some manufacturers will call the first device “instance 0”)
• Unit: Selection between metric, imperial or nautical measurement units.
• Alarm: For some gauge types, the VL Flex can trigger an alarm when a certain threshold is reached. If the alarm option is enabled through the switch, the level of this threshold can be defined here.

When the dual layout is selected, all these settings are doubled for the second data as well.

CONFIGURE AN ANALOG SENSOR
The VL Flex 52 – NMEA 2000 includes a gateway function. Therefore, the values measured on the analog inputs will be shared on the NMEA 2000 network. The gateway function can also be used on sensors without their values being shown on the VL Flex display. The settings for the data inputs can be found in the tab “Inputs” in the VL Flex Configurator App. The switches enable or disable the different data inputs. When an input is enabled, the according menus will be expanded.

• Sensor: Defines which sensor is connected to the input.
• Number: Selection of the sensor’s instance. The instance describes which of the engines, tanks or sensors is meant if there are more than one available in the system (e.g.: Tank1/Tank2 …).
• Configuration: The sensor’s calibration must be entered in the table. For Veratron sensors the curves are predefined and can be imported to the table by selecting the according calibration from the dropdown menu “Characteristics”.
• Pulses: When using the frequency input, the specification of the number of pulses per engine revolution (for rpm) or the number of pulses per km or mile (for boat speed) depending on the connected signal source must be entered.

CONFIGURE THE IBS INPUT
When an Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) is connected to the LIN-Bus (Pin 5 – Blue/White), the Input “IBS Sensor” must be enabled in the “Inputs” tab. For the sensor to work, these parameters must be defined:

• Sensor: Selection of the exact type of Intelligent Battery Sensor.
• Battery Type: Selection of the fitting battery type. (Gel, AGM or Flooded)
• Capacity: Type in the capacity of the battery. The number can be found written on the battery. On a battery pack, add up these numbers of the different batteries.

BRIGHTNESS AND CLOCK
To change these parameters, open the tab “Settings”.

• Illumination: Use the sliders to define the brightness levels for the day and night mode. The day or night mode depends on the applied signal on the illumination input (Pin 6 – Red/White).
• Clock Offset: The time is not counted internally but can only be received via NMEA 2000. On NMEA 2000 only the UTC+00:00 time is sent. This means, the device must be configured to match the time in your current time zone. To do so select the according offset in this menu.
• Clock Format: Select whether the time should be displayed in a 12h or 24h format.

SUPPORTED CONFIGURATIONS

Display type| Unit| Resistive Sensor| Frequency Sensor| Calibrations| Alarm available| PGN
---|---|---|---|---|---|---

Tachometer

| ****

rpm

| ****

–

| ****

| Pulses per revolution| ****

No

| ****

127488

Boat speed

| kn km/h mph| ****

–

| ****

| ****

Pulses per unit

| ****

No

| ****

128259

Ammeter

| ****

A

| ****

–

| ****

–

| ****

–

| ****

No

| ****

127508

Voltmeter

| ****

V

| ****

–

| ****

–

| Measures supply voltage| ****

No

| ****

127508

Battery charge

| ****

%

| ****

–

| ****

–

| ****

–

| Yes (below)| ****

127506

Battery status

| ****

%

| ****

–

| ****

–

| ****

–

| Yes (below)| ****

127506

Battery temperature

| °C

°F

| ****

–

| ****

–

| ****

–

| Yes (above)| ****

127508

Battery autonomy

| h days| ****

–

| ****

–

| ****

–

| ****

No

| ****

127506

Operating hours

| ****

h

| ****

–

| ****

| Calculated internally| ****

No

| ****

127489

Display type| Unit| Resistive Sensor| Frequency Sensor| Calibrations| Alarm available| PGN
---|---|---|---|---|---|---

Speed Over Ground

| kn km/h mph| ****

–

| ****

–

| ****

–

| ****

No

| ****

129026

Course Over Ground

| ****

deg

| ****

–

| ****

–

| ****

–

| ****

No

| ****

129026

Depth

| m ft| ****

–

| ****

–

| ****

–

| Yes (below)| ****

128267

Fuel level

| ****

%

| ****

| ****

–

| 0 – 90 Ω

3 – 180 Ω

240 – 33 Ω

90 – 4 Ω

105 – 4 Ω

| ****

Yes (below)

| ****

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

| ****

%

| ****

| ****

–

| 167 – 10 Ω (Single )

84 – 5 Ω (Dual)

| ****

No

| ****

127488

Rudder position

| ****

deg

| ****

| ****

–

| 10 – 180 Ω (Single)

5 – 90 Ω (Dual)

| ****

No

| ****

127245

Cooling water temp.

| °C

°F

| ****

| ****

–

| 291 – 22 Ω (120 °C)

322 – 19Ω (150 °C)

| Yes (above)| ****

127489

Boost pressure

| bar PSI| ****

| ****

–

| 10 – 184 Ω (2 bar)

10 – 184 Ω (5 bar)

| ****

No

| ****

127488

Engine oil pressure

| bar PSI| ****

| ****

–

| 10 – 184 Ω (5 bar)

10 – 184 Ω (10 bar)

| Yes (below)| ****

127489

Engine oil temp.

| °C

°F

| ****

| ****

–

| 322 – 19 Ω

(150 °C)

| Yes (above)| ****

127489

Transmission oil pressure| bar PSI| ****

| ****

–

| 10 – 184 Ω (10 bar)

10 – 184 Ω (25 bar)

10 – 211 Ω (30 bar)

| Yes (below)| ****

127493

Transmission oil temp.| °C

°F

| ****

| ****

–

| 322 – 19 Ω

(150 °C)

| Yes (above)| ****

127493

Exhaust Gas Temperature| °C

°F

| ****

–

| ****

–

| ****

–

| Yes (above)| ****

130316

Clock

| ****

–

| ****

–

| ****

–

| ****

–

| ****

No

| ****

126992

Supported configurations can be updated at any time. Make sure you always use the latest version of the app.

DISPLAY LAYOUT

SINGLE LAYOUT

A.| Symbol

Indicates, which data type is displayed right now.

For the data types, which support this function, there is also the instance indicated here.

---|---
B.| Unit

Shows the unit of the currently displayed data.

For some data types it’s possible to change the unit in the settings. (See table “Supported Configurations”)

C.| Measured value

This shows the numeric value of the dedicated measured data. If there aren’t any values received for this data type or they are out of range, the display will show “—“.

Colored Graph

The colored graphic in the background is a bar diagram that puts the measured value in perspective. This function isn’t supported for all data types.

The white lines on the left side show the scalation.

DUAL LAYOUT

A.| Symbol

Indicates, which data type is displayed right now.

For the data types, which support this function, there is also the instance indicated here.

---|---
B.| Unit

Shows the unit of the currently displayed data.

For some data types it’s possible to change the unit in the settings. (See table “Supported Configurations”)

C.| Measured Value

This shows the numeric value of the dedicated measured data. If there aren’t any data received for this data type or the values are out of range, the display will show “—“.

The bar graph can’t be displayed in the dual layout for any value.

ALARM DISPLAY

Single data layout
When an alarm occurs the bar-graph turns red, and a red alarm symbol is displayed in the top part of the display between the data symbol and the unit. The display returns to normal operation mode once the alarm is not detected anymore.

DISPLAY LAYOUT

Dual data layout
W hen an alarm occurs on any of the two displayed data, the numeric digits of the affected data become red. In the example above, the data at the bottom ofthe screen (Exhaust Gas Temperature) has an alarm active. The display returns to normal operation mode once the alarm is not detected anymore.

TECHNICAL DATA

DATASHEET

protection
Current consumption| 50 mA with maximum illumination intensity
Analog inputs| Resistive (0 – 400 Ω)

Frequency (W, Ind. , Hall, Generator)

Digital inputs| NMEA 2000®, LIN bus
Wireless interface| NFC (Near Field Communication)
Protection class| IP 67 front side (IEC60529)
Cover glass| PMMA with anti-fog and anti-glare coating
Housing| Ø52 mm – Polycarbonate (PC), flame retardant (UL94-V0)
Front ring| PC (black, white) or ABS (chrome); different colors and shapes
Operating temperature| -20°C to +70°C
Storage temperature| -30°C to +80°C
Connection| Tyco / Hirschmann MQS 8-pole
Mounting| Spinlock groove; clamping height 0.5mm – 20mm, Optional bracket and stud bolt, clamping height 2 – 15mm
Compliance| CE, UKCA, Reach, RoHS

SUPPORTED NMEA 2000® PGNS

Accessories

The package includes a 52 mm Spinlock nut, Wiring harness, and Safety instructions for convenient setup.

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

The chrome front ring may interfere with NFC programming due to the metal particles contained in the chrome. Make sure that you configure the VL Flex before installing the chrome front ring!

Partial or complete distribution, translation or reproduction of this document is strictly prohibited without the prior written consent of veratron AG, with the exception of the following measures:

• Print all or part of the document in its original size.
• Reproduction of the content without modification and explanation by Veratron AG as copyright holder.

Veratron AG reserves the right to make changes or improvements to the related documentation without prior notice. Requests for approval, additional copies of this manual, or technical information concerning it should be addressed to veratron AG.

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q: Can the VL Flex 52 be configured using a smartphone?
A: Yes, the VL Flex 52 supports contactless configuration via a smartphone app. Simply define settings on the app and transfer them by holding the smartphone to the device’s front lens.

Q: What is the display size of the VL Flex 52?
A: The VL Flex 52 features a 1.44″ TFT display housed in a standard 52 mm diameter housing for clear visibility.

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