How To Replace and Improve the Sea Ray Systems Monitor

Chief Ed said:
FYI - Maretron can be programmed through the DSM and/or with a computer. If you get their USB100 gateway and download N2K Analyzer (free), all of the programming can be done on a laptop. Plus, you can save the config files as a back-up in case you have to swap components down the road...
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I'm not so sure "all" of the programming can be done. Dave @dtfeld wasn't so enamored with the capability. And, per my discussions with Maretron you only get all of the programming features with their purchased software which is a bit on the pricey side.
 
I'll be sending my DSM410 back to Maretron at the end of the season for a bubble in the screen. Hopefully they can fix it vs replace so I don't have to reprogram it again....that's painful.
 
quality time said:
I'll be sending my DSM410 back to Maretron at the end of the season for a bubble in the screen. Hopefully they can fix it vs replace so I don't have to reprogram it again....that's painful.
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Interesting - I have a "bubble" in my new one. Are they making good on the issue?
 
ttmott said:
Interesting - I have a "bubble" in my new one. Are they making good on the issue?
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I had two screens fail. Bubble in the center that looked like water intrusion, and the edges looked like delamination.

I called a Maretron, and they replaced both under warranty. I also inquired what the issue was and the response was (I’ll paraphrase) there was some kind of incorrect/incompatible adhesive applied between the screen and the outer glass lens that was failing.

I just installed the 2 new screens about 2 weeks ago and have only had a couple full sun exposures, but all looks well.

Here’s what it looked like.

9787B041-38E1-4642-95E1-186794870DA1.jpeg
 
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ttmott said:
I'm not so sure "all" of the programming can be done. Dave @dtfeld wasn't so enamored with the capability. And, per my discussions with Maretron you only get all of the programming features with their purchased software which is a bit on the pricey side.
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I have a USB100 that I purchased hoping to be able to program and backup several Maretron devices. I was only using their free N2K Analyzer. It’s ok, but not everything can be programmed with this setup. It allows some programming, but also allow firmware updates to be installed ( I’m not sure how often or necessary this is).

I can do basic programming on sensor devices like the TLM100 and TMP100. Things like instances, fluid types, capacities and various other settings (I have not tried to backup any of this). This can also easily be accomplished from the DSM410.

I have not found a way to program or backup/ restore screens on the displays ie the DSM410 or DSM570, so I had to reprogram multiple screens on dual displays. Was a couple hours to complete the job. I need to go and take pictures of the screens in case I have to ever redo them.

IMHO, a USB100 Is not required or necessary unless you are going to try pulling data into a PC or other system. It doesn’t get you that much functionality.

I will add that as your N2K network grows and if your mixing devices from various manufacturers, the USB100/N2K Analyzer is a pretty good diagnostic tool. You can see all the devices snd the network traffic, which would be invaluable if you are having network issues.

Maretron N2K Builder software is free and allows you to diagram out you system and see all of the electrical loads and trunk/branch lengths are in spec. You can spit out a parts list from it as well. Great planning tool for initial install and future expansion.

Dave
 
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Sounds like screen bubbles are a common theme. Ron @ Maretron said they are warranted for 2 years and to send it back, it could be an issue with extra spacing between the screen and front panel.
 
ttmott said:
The only systems monitor element I didn't pick up (on my 52DB) was the utility sump that drains the sinks and showers. I couldn't see buying another RIM100 just to have that system that nominally runs anyway instrumented.
Primary movers?? Do you mean the engines? All of the engines' instrumentation and alarms are on the Vessel View 7 and that is integrated into the NMEA 2000 network; consequently, I get the engine data and alarms on not only the Vessel View but the Maretron displays and the Garmin MFD's. This is my systems wiring (note since this thread started I've completely updated the boat's electronics):
View attachment 81764 View attachment 81765 View attachment 81766 View attachment 81767 View attachment 81768 View attachment 81769 View attachment 81770
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how can i get similar diagrams for my 2014 SLX 350?
 
Tamer Al Rayes said:
how can i get similar diagrams for my 2014 SLX 350?
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Your owners manual should have the schematic for your particular boat. I think there was one set of components, but different models only used a subset of the inputs. You will have to map the wire/color to a Channel and program the alarms/alarm conditions. The RIM module has 10 channels

Not very difficult, but there isn’t a drop in replacement either
 
ttmott said:
Try a test cable but more times than not it's terminal; I hope it's that simple however.
See the sketch below; the power comes from the main circuit breaker panel. The power for the display at the helm is fed from the module in the engine room as shown. So if the display is showing power then the module in the engine room has power.
In my conversion I repurposed the "Systems Monitor" circuit breaker (6 Amp, if I remember) to power the engine room section of the NMEA 2000 backbone and then the Maretron replacement for the SR systems monitor Interface module is powered by that NMEA 2000 network.
View attachment 88338
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Tom, getting ready to update per your solution and have a power question. Currently I have a very short (3 connector) N2K network where the previous owner installed a new Garmin chartplotter. The chartplotter, GPS and depth sensor are the three connections thus far, all under the helm. They wired the N2K power tap to a switch on the helm. I downloaded the Maretron N2K Builder to ensure planned and (potential) future upgrades will work. It flagged that the power drop, by extending the network to the ER, would exceed spec. I can solve this by moving the power tap to the middle of the network but your post above has me wondering if it is possible/permissible to put a power tap on both ends of the same network? Re-purposing the systems monitor breaker as you have done would be the easiest approach ... if it makes sense!

Would you know if a N2K network can have two power taps, one at each end?

Thanks,
Tom
 
Tomco said:
Tom, getting ready to update per your solution and have a power question. Currently I have a very short (3 connector) N2K network where the previous owner installed a new Garmin chartplotter. The chartplotter, GPS and depth sensor are the three connections thus far, all under the helm. They wired the N2K power tap to a switch on the helm. I downloaded the Maretron N2K Builder to ensure planned and (potential) future upgrades will work. It flagged that the power drop, by extending the network to the ER, would exceed spec. I can solve this by moving the power tap to the middle of the network but your post above has me wondering if it is possible/permissible to put a power tap on both ends of the same network? Re-purposing the systems monitor breaker as you have done would be the easiest approach ... if it makes sense!

Would you know if a N2K network can have two power taps, one at each end?

Thanks,
Tom
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Tom
If you look at my drawings I have three power taps on my NMEA 2000 network for two reasons. One to isolate for lightning surges, and two to make sure enough voltage/current is available for all of the devices I have on the network.
So, yes you can have more than one power tap but each power leg must be isolated by using a NMEA 2000 isolation tee / junction or install Maretron NBE100 extenders/isolators.
Tom
 
Thanks Tom. I was not aware of the isolation tee and will look into them. Don't think I need the NBE100 given the size of the network.
 
An inexpensive solution - would have power at each end of the network and no worries about voltage drop. Thanks.
 
Tomco said:
An inexpensive solution - would have power at each end of the network and no worries about voltage drop. Thanks.
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It's not so much the voltage drop as to shutting down sections of the network that do not need to stay powered as most N2K devices are not powered separately but from the network. I have a section of my network that is always on for remote monitoring. But don't need the to monitor the engines that are off.

https://www.thehulltruth.com/11382347-post40.html
 
Tom, great dedicated thread on this subject.

We should collaborate on digital switching, that is going to be my winter project. Just received a DCM100 for that purpose. Haven't started testing yet.
 
If you going to install a NEMA2000 network, I would suggest downloading/learning/using Maretron’s N2K Builder software. It’s free and you can try different configurations before buying anything.

Learning curve is pretty short, but easier to make/correct mistakes on the computer than with multiple trips to the boat/West Marine. It will tell you if you have the correct configuration (trunk and drop length), voltage drops, current consumption etc.

I have several sections powered separately. Always on, engine/genny on, and my screen are connected to the start switches at the helm. I made several iterations before settling on this configuration. I also did a master plan including every conceivable device I thought I might want to have on the network, the broke it down into phases, so I would have plenty of expansion capability.

https://www.maretron.com/products/N2KBuilder.php
 
Having different sections of the N2K network powered separately is not an aspect I've given much thought to thus far (so greatly appreciate the input/guidance!). I have downloaded the Maretron N2K Builder and have, as you say David, a network design with just about anything we think might get added. It was thru this that the voltage drop from the helm (where power tap currently is) to the ER was too great. Hence the question of powering different segments.

When powering the different segments, do you run it back to a switch on the helm? In my case, two segments make sense - one at the helm and one for the ER components. While I can get power from the System Monitor breaker, would this run to a switch on the helm?

Thanks!
 
Tomco said:
Having different sections of the N2K network powered separately is not an aspect I've given much thought to thus far (so greatly appreciate the input/guidance!). I have downloaded the Maretron N2K Builder and have, as you say David, a network design with just about anything we think might get added. It was thru this that the voltage drop from the helm (where power tap currently is) to the ER was too great. Hence the question of powering different segments.

When powering the different segments, do you run it back to a switch on the helm? In my case, two segments make sense - one at the helm and one for the ER components. While I can get power from the System Monitor breaker, would this run to a switch on the helm?

Thanks!
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Well, mine is not switched for the segment below the bridge and remains active all of the time however both the helm and bridge roof sections are switched at the helm; but, I rarely turn any of them off; actually I don't think I've ever turned the network off. The SR systems monitor modification is always on and it will alarm audibly any time both in the Solon and on the Bridge as well display the problem on the DSM in the Solon. So, I wouldn't run separate wiring to the bridge just to switch the engine room network.
One thing to think about however, plan ahead, way ahead because as your boat's equipment begins to age and retire the new equipment will most likely communicate on the network. You can see how extensive my system is and that is simply the evolution to new equipment.
 
Just a comment on the USB100, as mentioned, it is too expensive for what it delivers (MHO). Maretron has another product, their IPG100 - twice what the USB100 cost's but gives you something in return. Remote connectivity and the ability to use there N2KView software and design screens that can be used by the N2K app on your phone/tablet for local/remote monitoring if you have a network on the boat. It also lets you connect to the network like the USB100.
 
ttmott - What did you do about the engine alarms? I forget which you went with G2 or the Albacombi, something else? But do you use that for SW alarms or did you hard wire the over temp/low oil etc to something else?
 
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