The Ultimate Guide to

NMEA 2000 Networking

®

actisense.com
Contents
1. What is NMEA 2000? 8. Field Fit Connectors
Who are the NMEA? Field Fit Connectors
What is NMEA 2000?
The Network That CAN
9. Steps to Field Fit Connector Success
DeviceNet
Certification
10. The Quick Network Block
2. Why use NMEA 2000? At a Glance
What is the difference between NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183? Detailed Overview
What are the advantages of NMEA 2000? Raymarine SeaTalkNG Solution
Glanded option

3. Minimum Network Requirements 11. Basics of Diagnosing a Network

Minimum Network Requirements Adequate Power Supply & Termination Resistance
Common Phrases Digging Deeper
Checking availibility and accuracy of data on the network
4. NMEA 2000 Cable Limitations
12. Other Useful Products
NMEA 2000 4-Way Drop
Lite Gender Changer Cables
5. Network Power NMEA 2000 Smart Starter Kit 4
Power T-Piece
Micro Power Cable
Small Boat Network 13. Actisense Starter Kits
Quick Network Block A2K Starter Kits
Self-contained Boat Network 1 / 2

6. T-Pieces and Terminators 14. Useful NMEA Resources

Micro T-Pieces
Micro 4-Way T-Pieces
Terminating Resistors
Smart Universal Micro Terminator

7. Drop Cables and Backbone Extension

Trunk and Drop Cable
Bulk Cable
1. What is NMEA 2000?

Who are the NMEA?

The NMEA stands for National Marine Electronics Association. In a nutshell, they’re a not for profit organisation whose mission is to improve data
communications between marine electronics manufacturers. Read more at www.nmea.org

What is NMEA 2000?

NMEA 2000 is an open standard designed by the NMEA to help them achieve their mission by standardising the messages and connector system
used for devices in the marine industry. There is a common misconception that the term ‘open standard’ means freely available when in fact it
means that the standard is available to buy at a reasonable cost from their website. It is important to remember that the NMEA is not for profit
(NFP) and the standards create an important source of income so that they can continue to exist.

The Network That CAN

NMEA 2000 is based on a system known as CAN which stands for ‘Controller Area Network’. One of the reasons the NMEA chose this system over
something like Ethernet (for example) which has a much wider bandwidth, and can support RADAR and video, is because CAN has the ability to
guarantee message delivery even when the network is 100% loaded. An important feature when you consider that the network is likely to contain
important GPS information.

DeviceNet
The NMEA adopted the ‘DeviceNet’ standard for the hardware (cables and connectors) that is used to create an NMEA 2000 network. The DeviceNet
standard was already in use by the automotive and agricultural industries (to name a few) so it is a proven robust system and can withstand the
harsh conditions of the marine environment.

Certification
There is a certification process in place for NMEA 2000. This helps the user to understand that if a device carries the
NMEA 2000 logo they can rest assured that it is compatible with an NMEA 2000 network and any other ‘NMEA 2000
Certified’ device. Some common terms for the user to be aware of are ‘CANbus approved’ or ‘NMEA 2000 Compatible’
as these are unlikely to have gone through the NMEA 2000 certification process.

‘NMEA 2000 Approved’ is a term used for cables and connectors that meet the requirements for NMEA 2000 as they
do not require the same certification process. ®
2. Why use NMEA 2000?

What is the difference between NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183?

NMEA 2000 simplifies the connection - The NMEA 2000 backbone is a single trunk cable to which the appropriate T-pieces, network cables and
terminators can simply screw onto. Unlike connecting NMEA 0183 open cable ends.

What are the advantages of NMEA 2000?

• It’s simple connection makes an NMEA 2000 network easy to install.
• NMEA 2000 networks are reliable. They are self-configuring and no setup is required, meaning you can easily add or remove any compatible
equipment without needing to restart the network.
• Unlike NMEA 0183, having different baud rates is not an issue with NMEA 2000 networks.
• NMEA 2000 network’s can allow up to 50 different compatible devices to connect to each other.
• You do not have to replace your entire NMEA 0183 network when converting to NMEA 2000. You can easily hook up to the new network whilst
keeping currently installed NMEA 0183 devices using an NMEA 2000 Gateway like the NGW-1.
3. Minimum Network Requirements

Minimum Network Requirements

The following are the essential components of any NMEA 2000 network:
• Power insertion point - fused.
• 2 x NMEA 2000 certified devices (at least 1x TX and 1x RX) and a means to connect them to the network. This can be via T-pieces or other
products which will be discussed later.
• Termination resistors - Precisely 2, no more, no less.

Common Phrases
You will hear some common phrases used when discussing NMEA 2000 networks. Here’s what they mean:
Backbone: The main trunk of cable that runs through the boat to form the network. T-pieces are connected along the network for devices to plug
in to.
Instrument drop: The length of cable that connects an NMEA 20000 device to the backbone
PGN: Stands for ‘Parameter Group Number’. The messages used by NMEA 2000 devices for sharing information.

The diagram below illustrates how an NMEA 2000 network is put together:

12v
4. NMEA Cable Limitations

In order to achieve a compliant NMEA 2000 network, the following table indicates the technical specifications required for your NMEA cables:

Cable Type Max Length Max Amp Power Pair Data Pair

Per drop cable 6m

Sum of all drop cables 78m

Micro/Lite Backbone
100m 3 22 AWG 24 AWG
(Terminator to terminator)

Mid backbone
250m 4 18 AWG 20 AWG
(Terminator to terminator)

Mini/Heavy Backbone
250m 8 15 AWG 18 AWG
(Terminator to terminator)

*AWG = American Wire Gauge

5. Network Power

As mentioned, power is a key imperative element of any NMEA 2000 compliant network. Our team at Actisense have created a series of different
power options to suit your vessel:
Power Insertion using A2K-MPT-2
The Actisense Micro power T-piece has a twin pair of power wires, one for each side of the T-piece. Both pairs must be connected to a 12/24 Volt
power supply (via fuse panel) so that the electrical load can be distributed evenly.

When using 24V systems, a warning must be installed on the network to ensure anyone installing new devices is aware. This is because the NMEA
2000 specification doesn’t officially support 24V but this level of power supply can be used if installed devices are capable of supporting it.
All Actisense devices support 24V power supplies.
The illustration below details the internal wiring of the Actisense power T-piece. Note the pair of positive and negative pins on each side.

Power using A2K-MPC-1

This micro power cable is designed for small installations that will be used with the A2K-KIT-3 so it only has a single pair of power wires.
The MPC has a Micro DeviceNet connector so that it can be easily plugged in to the most suitable port on the 4-way T-piece provided.
The MPC should never be used on larger installations.

Power using A2K-SBN-1 / SBN-2

The power cord for the Small Boat Network is over moulded to the case of a 4-way / 8-way T-piece to prevent water ingress.
Power is available to all 4 / 8 ports once the pair of bare wires is connected to a 12V or 24V power supply.
Network Power Continued...

Power Insertion using Quick Network Block (QNB-1)

The Actisense Quick Network Block (QNB-1) provides a versatile and easy to install solution for any NMEA 2000 network, utilising high quality
NMEA 2000 barrier strip connections. With glands fitted to the QNB-1, it allows for custom lengths of cable and cable mixing, meaning that the QNB
can be implemented with Raymarine STNG cables for example.

The QNB-1 splits the power feed with separate fusing on either side, enabling longer networks with isolation due to the ATO fuses.

The other version (QNB-1-PMW), comes with 6 x M12 Standard Female (Micro) Connectors, allowing for ‘plug and play’ with drop cables.

Presence of data LED

Fuse 1 status LED

Fuses Polarity LED

Fuse 2 status LED

Power Insertion Power LED

6. T-Pieces & Terminators

Micro T-Pieces: A2K-T-MFF

T-pieces can be connected directly to the Power T or you can use a length of NMEA
2000 approved cabling to extend the backbone and join the T-piece to the end of
the cable. The instrument drop must connected at right angles to the backbone to keep
the Network topology consistent.

4-Way T-Piece: A2K-4WT

The 4-Way T-Piece can be used where multiple drops are required in close proximity or where
space is limited. The A2K-4WT takes up the same amount of space as 2 individual T-Pieces
connected together, and costs less than 4 individual T-Pieces.

Terminating Resistors: A2K-TER

Each end of the NMEA 2000 Backbone must have a terminator installed. The terminators are
120 ohms each, which when connected, join across the data wires in parallel, providing 60
ohms resitance to the network. Terminators are essential to maintaining data integrity on an
NMEA 2000 network.

Smart Universal Micro Terminator: A2K-TER-U

The A2K-TER-U is the world’s first intelligent universal inline terminator. It can be placed either
as an inline terminator, or as a M / F Terminator at the end of the network. The intelligence in the terminator can act as an instant diagnostic tool,
indicating the voltage levels on the bus.
Above 9V = GREEN
Below 9V = RED
7. Drop Cables and Backbone Extension

Trunk & Drop Cable: A2K-TDC

If the length of cable required between T-pieces/devices is known, pre-assembled cables can be used for extending the backbone or plugging
in devices to the network. This option saves a lot of time not having to cut the cable and wire a connector to it yourself. Actisense NMEA 2000
approved cabling is available in the following sizes:

• 0.25m
• 0.5m
• 1m
• 2m
• 3m
• 4m
• 5m
• 6m (maximum length that can be used for an instrument drop as defined by the NMEA 2000 specification)
• 8m
• 10m

Bulk Cable: A2K-BULK-100M

If customised lengths of cable are needed, or lengths of cable greater than 10 metres, bulk cable is available
in 100 metre reels. This can be used together with Actisense field fit connectors.
8. Field Fit Connectors

Field Fit Connectors: A2K-FFC

When bulk cable is used a connector will need to be wired to the ends so that the cable can be plugged in to the network or a device. Follow our
five steps to field fit installation success on the next page that illustrates the best method for installing field fit connectors, including which colour
wires connect to which pins.

The NMEA 2000 wiring colour system is standardised so the colours and pin numbers will be the same for any wire and connector combination
that uses the same DeviceNet standard.

Actisense Field Fit Connectors are available as straight or right angled options and in male and female variants to suit any installation requirement.

Note the plastic sleeve that covers

the centre pin. This is to prevent the
bare wires that extrude from the other
4 pins making contact with the copper
and creating a short. Not all field fit
connectors have this plastic sleeve.
9. Steps to Field Fit Connector Success

In order to successfully connect your Field Fit Connector please follow the below guide:
10. Quick Network Block In-Depth (QNB-1)

Detailed Overview
The Actisense Quick Network Block (QNB) provides a simple ‘network in a box’ solution. It can be used in areas of high instrument density when
devices are up to 12 metres apart from each other (6 metre drop from device to QNB per device). Another popular use for the QNB is with
engineers that have a need to create a small NMEA 2000 test environment on a workbench (for example).

This page provides a brief explanation of the QNB-1, and how Panel Mounts connectors and blanking plugs connectors can be used with the device.

Instrument drops Backbone connections

Wire Colour Connects to
Red NET-S Labels are the same for both
Black NET-C sides and for both variants of
White NET-H QNB-1.
Blue NET-L
Bare/green Shield See the next page for more
information on the different
variants available.

Panel mounted wire connectors (A2K-PMW) are

available as a stand alone product for creating Blanking plugs are also available to
through bulkhead connections. They can also protect any unused panel mounted wire
be used to replace the connectors in the QNB if connectors from water splashes.
needed.
Panel Mounted Connectors (Bulkhead): A2K-PMW Blanking Plugs: Purchasable via Dealer / Distributor.
QNB-1 Continued...

Raymarine SeaTalkNG integration of cables

The QNB also offers the ability to mix and match DeviceNet standard connectors with Raymarine SeaTalkNG (STNG) connectors.

As STNG uses exactly the same data as NMEA 2000 but chooses not to use the DeviceNet standard for it’s connector system, adapter cables are
needed to change the connector type when installing STNG devices on NMEA 2000 networks, or vice versa.

STNG cables can be stripped back and wired directly to the terminals inside either variant of the QNB-1, which means that you can mix and match
STNG with DeviceNet. The wiring colours inside STNG cables are the same as DeviceNet cables.

Removing the connectors from the PMW variant is not advised as the QNB-1 will lose its watertight integrity. Instead, we recommend simply
connecting an STNG backbone cable through one or both of the backbone glands to enable the mix & matching options described above.

Panel Mounted Wire connector option (PMW) Glanded option

The PMW option is the simplest to install as all the connectors are A glanded option of the QNB is available for more customised
pre-wired and provide plug & play connectivity. The backbone should installations using Actisense bulk cable. A rubber, self-tightening seal
always be installed through the glands provided that are furthest from inside each gland clamps around the cable when it is installed and the
the power insertion point. screw is tightened.
11. Basics of Diagnosing a Network

NMEA 2000 Networks and the devices on them do not always work, and issues can arise when implementing more instruments into a complex
network. The following pages will detail steps that can be taken to help fault finding on the network.

Testing Power Supply and Termination Resistors

Ideally, the power supplied to the network should be tested at 2 points; the insertion point, and the extremities of the network.

Power insertion point should be tested to determine how much power is actually being supplied to the network. Any device which does not have an
external power supply is powered from the backbone, thus there needs to be sufficient power to run all of the connected instruments. The power
should never exceed 14V, and be below 9V.

With network devices using up some of the supplied power and impedance from cabling also dropping the voltage, it is important to know that the
voltage at the end of each backbone leg is adequate. Temporarily remove a termination resistor from the end of the network and use a voltmeter
to measure across the NET-S and NET-C pins. The measured value should be at least 9V. The diagrams below will help you find these pins when
using Actisense connectors.

An Actisense Panel Mounted Wire (PMW) connector is a great tool for plugging in to a spare T-piece to quickly identify the correct pins via the
wiring colours. It is recommended that each wire from the PMW is terminated inside a terminal block prior to plugging it in to the network as
voltage may be present across the NET-S and NET-C pins NET-S
NET-C
NET-L
NET-H
SHIELD
Diagnostics Continued...

When testing the resistance on the network, the value expected is 60 ohms. This test can be performed by powering down the network and placing
a DMM across the NET-H and NET-L pins.

If 120 Ohms is measured, only one termination resistor is installed. A second resistor will need to be installed at the opposite end of the network
to the one that is already present.

If 40 Ohms is observed, there are 3 termination resistors installed on the network so 1 will need to be removed. If it’s not obvious where the third
resistor is, check for any devices on the network with installed termination resistors and ensure they are switched off.

Network devices with termination resistors installed do not achieve NMEA 2000 certification as this practice can cause confusion on the network.

Further Testing
If the issue is still present after verifying that both the power supply and termination resistance are good, then further testing is required:
A common technique used for investigating a network is to split the network into sections by moving the terminator:

Disconnect one half of the backbone and move the termination resistor to the new, temporary end of the network. If the issue remains you have
narrowed it down to the half of the network that is still powered and active.
If the issue does not remain it is in the half of the network that has been disconnected. Keep performing this half split method until you are able to
narrow it down to a single device, if possible. Don’t forget to move the termination resistor each time to ensure the network is correctly terminated.

Once the issue has been narrowed down, try swapping out t-pieces or cabling with ones that are known to be good. If Field Fit Connectors have
been used, check the wiring connections inside to ensure that they are correct and firmly secured in place.

If possible, check the wiring inside the device is properly and securely terminated, ensuring to observe anti-static precautions if exposing internal
electronics. It is always best to check that this is ok with the device manufacturer before performing this step to ensure you do not void any warranty.

If an issue still remains you now know there is a problem with the device and it’s time to contact the manufacturer of that device.
Diagnostics Continued...

Checking availibility and accuracy of data on the network

The easiest way to check for NMEA 2000 PGNs on a Network is to use the Actisense NGT-1 NMEA 2000 to PC Interface device, in combination with
Actisense NMEA Reader. Our NGT-1 is capable of understanding every PGN currently available in the NMEA 2000 specification, meaning there is
no PGN present on the bus that the NGT-1 cannot read and transfer to NMEA Reader.

NMEA Reader can be used to display the data currently on the network in a user friendly format, where each field within a PGN is decoded and
displayed in a human readable character format, allowing for easy identification of problems and invalid values.

Download the NMEA Reader for free, click here:

Download
NMEA Reader
12. Other Useful Products

Other useful products for a robust and reliable NMEA 2000 network that you can rely on:

NMEA 2000 4-Way Drop (A2K-4WD)

Reach up to four devices with a single cable. The 4-way drop makes it possible to shorten the length of each cable needed before reaching a
T-piece. Reducing your NMEA 2000 cabling requirements.

Lite Gender Changer Cables (A2K-GCF-0M25 / A2K-GCM-0M25)

In the scenario where there are two connectors of the same gender on a network, the Gender Changer cable can placed between the two, allowing
them to be connected together. These are available in both Male and Female versions.

NMEA 2000 Smart Starter Kit 4 (A2K-KIT-4a)

• A2K-MPT-2: Micro Power T-piece - Contains a twin pair of power cables for even power distribution across the NMEA 2000 network.
• A2K-T-MFF: 2 x T-pieces - for extending the network from the power T-piece and connecting NMEA 2000 devices to the network.
• A2K-TER-U: 2 x Smart Universal Micro Terminators - To terminate your NMEA 2000 network and easily diagnose any power or volatge issues.
• A2K-TDC-4M: 1 x 4 metre cable - for extending the length of the backbone if needed or to connect an NMEA 2000 device to a T-piece.
The NMEA 2000 Starter Kits from Actisense provides everything that is required to start an NMEA 2000
installation. View the rest of our starter kits on the next page.
13. Actisense Starter Kits

A2K-KIT-1a NMEA 2000 Starter Kit

• A2K-MPT-2: Micro Power T-piece - Contains a twin pair of power cables for even power distribution across
the NMEA 2000 network.
• A2K-T-MFF: 2 x T-pieces - for extending the network from the power T-piece and connecting NMEA 2000
devices to the network.
• A2K-TER-M / F: 2 x termination resistors - To maintain signal integrity.
• A2K-TDC-2M: 1 x 2 metre cable - for extending the length of the backbone if needed or to connect an
NMEA 2000 device to a T-piece.

A2K-KIT-2a NMEA 2000 Starter Kit

• A2K-MPT-2: Power T-piece - Contains a twin pair of power cables for even power distribution across the NMEA 2000 network.
• A2K-T-MFF: 2 x T-pieces - for extending the network from the power T-piece and connecting NMEA 2000 devices to the network.
• A2K-TER-M / F: 2 x termination resistors - To maintain signal integrity.
• A2K-TDC-6M: 1x 6 metre cable - for extending the length of the backbone if needed or to connect an NMEA 2000 device to a
T-piece.

A2K-KIT-3 NMEA 2000 Starter Kit

• A2K-4WT: 1 x 4-way T-piece - providing instrument drops for up to 3 devices (one port is used for power).
• A2K-MPC-1: 1 x Micro power cord - can be plugged straight in to any available port on the 4-way T-piece to
provide network power.
• A2K-TER-M / F: 2 x Termination resistors - To maintain signal integrity.

A2K-SBN-1 / A2K-SBN-2 (Self-contained Boat Network)

• Space for 4 (SBN-1) or 8 (SBN-2) instrument drops.
• Over moulded power cord attached.
• 2x Termination resistors built in.
14. Useful NMEA Resources

Need further support with your NMEA 2000 Network? Here is a directory of useful contacts:

National Marine Electronics Association

Email: [email protected]
Tel: 410-975-9425
Website: www.nmea.org

Actisense (Active Research Ltd)

Technical Support: [email protected]
Stock availability & distributor enquries: [email protected]
Tel: +44 (0) 1202 746682
Website: www.actisense.com
Visit our extensive Knowledge Base for frequently asked question - www.actisense.com/knowledge-base

NMEA Certified
View the complete directory of NMEA 2000 certified products:
Products