Navman recently replaced my model 5500 (because it broke and couldn't be repaired :smt009 ) with a newer 5505 model. (They don't make the 5500 any longer.) The 5505 is Smartcraft compatible whereas the 5500 wasn't. So I ordered the necessary cables and connectors for the interface and completed the istallation today. I didn't take any pictures of the Navman screen but I will next time I go to the boat. The advantage of using the Navman for Smartcraft functions is you can have multiple functions displayed on a single screen whereas you have to toggle thru the functions on your tach on the instrument panel to find what you are looking for. You can also easily display any faults that have been set by Smartcraft. Right now I am just beginning to learn all the functionality but I think I am going to like it. If anyone is considering doing an interface like this, drop me an email and I will be glad to give you some pointers so you can order the correct cables and connectors.
Interfaced my Navman with Smartcraft
- Thread starter Dave S
- Start date
I still haven't explored all the options for the information that can be displayed but here is what it looks like at the moment. Notice there are digital readouts under each guage as well.
It will also display diagnostic information and it looks like I already have a problem that needs fixing. :grin:
It will also display diagnostic information and it looks like I already have a problem that needs fixing. :grin:
lorenbennett
New Member
anyone know how to add smartcraft to an older searay. Mine is an 2003 6.2L 260 sundancer. I have checked and it does not have the correct ecm module. thanks :huh:
CJ Martin
Member
Dave - that is wicked cool!
Loren - Are you sure about that? My 2002 320DA (5.7L Horizons) are Smartcraft enabled but the boat has analog gauges. I was under the impression that everything 2002 and up was Smartcrart enabled. My engines have the Smartcraft logos, and just to be sure I had my Merc parts guy double check the engine serial numbers - his computer says I am good to go.
Now I have to figure out which I want more - the Smartcraft SC5000 display or a Sturdy Accusync engine synchronizer. :smt017
-CJ
Loren - Are you sure about that? My 2002 320DA (5.7L Horizons) are Smartcraft enabled but the boat has analog gauges. I was under the impression that everything 2002 and up was Smartcrart enabled. My engines have the Smartcraft logos, and just to be sure I had my Merc parts guy double check the engine serial numbers - his computer says I am good to go.
Now I have to figure out which I want more - the Smartcraft SC5000 display or a Sturdy Accusync engine synchronizer. :smt017
-CJ
Dave S.
That is pretty impressive! Nice and shiny too. Makes me want to go out and work on my boat, but it is freezing cold outside. Maybe I will just stay in here and cause trouble. :smt014
That is pretty impressive! Nice and shiny too. Makes me want to go out and work on my boat, but it is freezing cold outside. Maybe I will just stay in here and cause trouble. :smt014
lorenbennett
New Member
cj martin
I have looked and not seen any decals. Tried the local dealer but I am out in the boondocks and folks around here are, well you get the picture. If you know of a good outfit to call let me know please. My engine serial number OM602025. Thanks. :huh:
I have looked and not seen any decals. Tried the local dealer but I am out in the boondocks and folks around here are, well you get the picture. If you know of a good outfit to call let me know please. My engine serial number OM602025. Thanks. :huh:
Dave - Cool :thumbsup:
CJ Martin
Member
lorenbennett said:
Loren,
I will likely get down to the yard next week sometime as I have to burn some leave before the end of the year. I need to find out when they plan to do my riser inspection and also talk to them about some other work I am considering. I can then. If you don't want to wait, Washburn's Boat yard is 410-326-6701, ask for Dave (parts counter guy) he really knows his stuff. They are not a Searay dealer but are Merc certified.
-CJ
Well it seems I am continually discovering new things that my Navman can do with the Smartcraft Interface. (Navman still does not have the smartcraft manual published yet for the 5505 ....if they did that would help so I don't have to discover things by "accident" :wink: )
The other day my outdrive reservoir ran low on fluid and sure enough the alarm goes off. :smt017 But right there on my Navman is the reason flashing right in front of my eyes. They actually tell you that the fluid is low! So I guess the Navman will tell you in plain old english what any alarms mean when they go off.
And yesterday I found a screen that also converts your fuel flow to gallons per mile :grin: Think about that one for a minute..........while it's nice to know fuel flow, what you really want to know or optimize is how much fuel per mile you are actually using and the Navman will tell you that in real time. I found that pretty interesting and actually found I can be turning a faster speed than I thought possible and still optimizing my fuel usage. :thumbsup:
I'll try and get a picture of that screen and post it sometime in the future.
The other day my outdrive reservoir ran low on fluid and sure enough the alarm goes off. :smt017 But right there on my Navman is the reason flashing right in front of my eyes. They actually tell you that the fluid is low! So I guess the Navman will tell you in plain old english what any alarms mean when they go off.
And yesterday I found a screen that also converts your fuel flow to gallons per mile :grin: Think about that one for a minute..........while it's nice to know fuel flow, what you really want to know or optimize is how much fuel per mile you are actually using and the Navman will tell you that in real time. I found that pretty interesting and actually found I can be turning a faster speed than I thought possible and still optimizing my fuel usage. :thumbsup:
I'll try and get a picture of that screen and post it sometime in the future.
- Nov 26, 2006
- 7,628
- Boat Info
- 2008 44 Sedan Bridge
- Engines
- Cummins QSC-500's
Straight Drives
That is a very nice system!
DougsMDX
New Member
That is TOO COOl!!!!
Nehalennia II
New Member
Dave that is very cool. The visual warnings, alarms or info sure lessens any anxiety vs. figuring out "What is that alarm!"
papogator24
New Member
- Feb 20, 2007
- 639
- Boat Info
- 2007 240DA - Stolen
5.0L Bravo III
3Kw Westerbeke
- Engines
- 5.0L Bravo III
What connectors do I have to purchase for the smartcraft? I have only found the gateway cable for my northstar? What else do I need?
- Feb 4, 2007
- 7,251
- Boat Info
- 1996 450DA, TNT, Caribe dink w/15hp OB.
- Engines
- 3126 427HP TD transmissions
Great.... Something else I have to buy. :smt021
I'm looking at a 2003 without smartcraft gauges, but being able to add it to my GPS is nice. Now I just have to figure out how to run the cables.
I'm looking at a 2003 without smartcraft gauges, but being able to add it to my GPS is nice. Now I just have to figure out how to run the cables.
osd9
New Member
Dave:
Very nice setup... :thumbsup:
Do you happen to know if the Navman 5505 will display dual engine setups simultaneaously?
Neighbor of mine is ineterested in the same setup.
thanks,
Very nice setup... :thumbsup:
Do you happen to know if the Navman 5505 will display dual engine setups simultaneaously?
Neighbor of mine is ineterested in the same setup.
thanks,
osd9 said:
Yes it will. It just requires a different gateway cable for dual engines.
papogator24
New Member
- Feb 20, 2007
- 639
- Boat Info
- 2007 240DA - Stolen
5.0L Bravo III
3Kw Westerbeke
- Engines
- 5.0L Bravo III
TurtleTone said:
:lol: Dont you just love forking over some moola for toys :grin:
I thought I would update this post since I have had some recent issues come up with my Navman. My unit started dropping the mileage it normally holds in memory. In trying to resolve that problem I upgraded to a newer release of the Navman Software and right after that I started having intermitent problems with the Smartcraft displays on the Navman. So Navman replaced my unit.................but they replaced it with a Northstar 550. :smt017
Right now you are probably scratching your head and wondering how a new vendor got into the picture. Both Navman and Northstar are part of Brunswick New Technologies and I guess there is some "badge engineering" going on here where you have virtually the same devices being sold under two different brand names. And apparently the Navman 5505 has been "superceded" by the Northstar 550 and that's why they sent me that unit. Here is the Northstar.
And here is the Navman 5505
All operational functions are identical on the Northstar and everything is now working fine again. My only concern now is reliability but at least the company has stepped up to the plate each time I have had an issue and that's good to know. And I still love the functionality and versatility of this Chartplotter and wouldn't want to be without it. So I still give it a big thumbs up on functionality.
Right now you are probably scratching your head and wondering how a new vendor got into the picture. Both Navman and Northstar are part of Brunswick New Technologies and I guess there is some "badge engineering" going on here where you have virtually the same devices being sold under two different brand names. And apparently the Navman 5505 has been "superceded" by the Northstar 550 and that's why they sent me that unit. Here is the Northstar.
And here is the Navman 5505
All operational functions are identical on the Northstar and everything is now working fine again. My only concern now is reliability but at least the company has stepped up to the plate each time I have had an issue and that's good to know. And I still love the functionality and versatility of this Chartplotter and wouldn't want to be without it. So I still give it a big thumbs up on functionality.
papogator24
New Member
- Feb 20, 2007
- 639
- Boat Info
- 2007 240DA - Stolen
5.0L Bravo III
3Kw Westerbeke
- Engines
- 5.0L Bravo III
I got the Northstar 550 as well, I will post about it tomorrow when I pick up my boat, However, I have not done the Smartcraft yet.
papogator24 said:
Did you get a c-map chip for it yet? The units have limited use without the proper mapping chip installed. If you don't have one and your dealer doesn't stock them, then order one for your area directly from c-map. http://www.c-map.com/default.asp
I personally find their web site difficult to use so you may be better off calling them directly if you need to order one.
