SmartCraft juncion box

[highslice]

I finally decided to connect SmartCraft to my plotter. I knew I had a junction box, so I ordered the gateway. I went to install it on Sunday only to find that all of the ports on the junction box are used. :huh:

Does anybody know if you can run a junction box off of another junction box?

 

[Dave S]

I assume you have a Northstar Chartplotter correct?

You need to purchase a four port connector first. Then, depending on which model Northstar chartplotter you have, you will need at least one or possibly two other Mercury Smartcraft cables as well. The 550 requires one cable and the 556 requires two. If you are unsure of the exact hook, up my advice is to call Northstar tech support or contact your Sea Ray dealer. I bought my cable and connector thru my local SR dealer to hook up my 550 Chartplotter.

Dave

 

[highslice]

Thanks, Dave. The four port connector was factory installed on the boat, but all four ports are being used, so I can't connect the SmartCraft gateway (which I have for the Navman 550) in there. My question was can I connect another four port connector to the factory installed one.

 

[skolbe]

No you can't - I tried connecting a junction box to a junction box - it creates a loop in the system and I couldn't shut down my engines independently. Get the larger junction box.

 

[Dave S]

My set up was nothing like you describe. The original Smartcraft cable coming from the engine was plugged into my tachometer. (There was no existing four port connector like you are describing). I first disconnected the cable going into the back of the tach and plugged it into a new four port connector I purchased. I then used another smartcrft cable extension and plugged that into the connector and the tachometer so all my regular gauges would work. That leaves two open ports and I used one of them to plug in the gateway which then goes to the 550.

I am sure there is something you can do to hook it up but not without an existing cable and another 2 or 4 port connector. Why not ask your dealer for some help? Even if they never did an install like this they can get you the answers you need from Mercury so you can order the right parts to complete the installation.

I am going to be gone for a week starting tomorrow and I will only have limited internet access so I doubt I can help you much more on this one. Sorry.

Dave

 

[Dave S]

No you can't - I tried connecting a junction box to a junction box - it creates a loop in the system and I couldn't shut down my engines independently. Get the larger junction box.

A six port connector? Even so he will still need an extension cable as well.

Dave

 

[skolbe]

I did what Dave - suggested - I had the MM guy come to my boat and show me what I had done wrong and it was 30 minutes and he didn't even charge me.

 

[highslice]

My tach died yesterday anyway, so I will be talking to the MM service guy tomorrow. I'll ask about the 6 port box.

Dave,
my 240 was set up like you describe, SmartCraft to tach and tach fed the other guages.

On my boat, it is SmartCraft to 4 port connector. 4 port connector to tach. Tach feeds speedo, trim guage and coolant temp. The other two ports feed the rest of the guages. So when the SmartCraft monitor (tach) goes out (I am on my 4th tach in 2 years), I lose the speedo, trim and coolant temp readings, but everyting else works fine.

It's wierd.


Thanks guys!

 

[Matt240]

My set up was nothing like you describe. The original Smartcraft cable coming from the engine was plugged into my tachometer. (There was no existing four port connector like you are describing). I first disconnected the cable going into the back of the tach and plugged it into a new four port connector I purchased. I then used another smartcrft cable extension and plugged that into the connector and the tachometer so all my regular gauges would work. That leaves two open ports and I used one of them to plug in the gateway which then goes to the 550.

My installation looks like this too, and now I "need" to add an Eco-Monitor into my system.
The four-port junction box is simple, but then I need a cable to hook up the tach again and wonder if someone has a part# to share?
Another thing that confuse me is the thing about terminators, do I need to put one in the unused port on the junction box or who do I ensure proper termination (or don't I even need to worry)?

yeah.. I'm a smartcraft newbie.

 

[Matt240]

My installation looks like this too, and now I "need" to add an Eco-Monitor into my system.
The four-port junction box is simple, but then I need a cable to hook up the tach again and wonder if someone has a part# to share?
Another thing that confuse me is the thing about terminators, do I need to put one in the unused port on the junction box or who do I ensure proper termination (or don't I even need to worry)?

yeah.. I'm a smartcraft newbie.

I'm stuck on this so advice is more than welcome... Please?

 

[Alex F]

I'm stuck on this so advice is more than welcome... Please?

Why don't you call or email Merc describing your situation? I'm sure they'll give you a good direction.

 

[Matt240]

Why don't you call or email Merc describing your situation? I'm sure they'll give you a good direction.

Merc in Sweden directed me to their resellers. I've been in touch with a few and most didn't even reply and those who did seemed to know less about smartcraft then I do, that's why I'm seeking advise elsewhere.
I was under the impression this was a good place to ask.. correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[Alex F]

Matt,

No question that this site is one of the best sources for SR owners. However, it doesn't mean that every single question will be answered. I'm sure we have number of members that have the answer but they might be not online or just miss the threads since the other threads bump them down the pages. So, either keep bumping your thread up or contact the vendor. I think that you should try contacting Merc in US. If this is something that can be solved over the phone or email obviously you don't need to restrict yourself with local dealers.

contact by phone:
http://www.mercurymarine.com/contact-us/

Contact by email:
http://www.mercurymarine.com/contact-us-online-merc/

 

[skolbe]

As someone who has been through this and had issues. Look up the product documentation. It is pretty thorough. I bought some of the stuff here from BOE Marine that he had and an online Mercury parts site. But I couldn't install junction box to junction box. What ended up happening is I couldn't shut down my motors independently. It had created a loop in the system. But the documentation covers what items you need to cap and not cap. I did my installation 4 years ago and I had to get a Mercury mechanic involved - who was Smartcraft certified. It took him 2 minutes to fix my mistake. But the cable connections are straight forward once you get in there. I bought too many cables and now have extras. Download the Smartcraft installation manuals, they cover everything. The challenge is, you have to look at the eco monitor to see what type of cable you need. The dealer selling you to the eco monitor should be able to sell you the right cable. I assume it would just be a extension cable and not the tach cable.

 

[Matt240]

Thanks, I didn't mean to sound like I demanded an answer, just seeking advice.. English is obviously not my native tongue, so please excuse me if I sounded harsh - the Swedish Chef probably had the same issues

I Google'ed my way trough documentation, and found the "Wiring for Smartcraft Gauges" helpful, but what still eludes me is the stuff about terminators.
From what I gathered my current harness is the 84-879982-AXX with termination resistors in both end, and it's connected straight into the tach (big connector) and other gauges (small connector).

The Eco-Monitor came with harness, GPS and instructions so it "just" need to be hooked into the junction box, power and have the GPS installed.

For sure I'll need the Junction Box (878492K14) and the Tachometer Wiring Harness (84-879979A1).
So, basically my question boils down to whether I need to replace the 84-879982-AXX harness with a 84-879981-TXX + a termination resistance (859318T-2)?

 

[Henry Boyd]

Thanks, I didn't mean to sound like I demanded an answer, just seeking advice.. English is obviously not my native tongue, so please excuse me if I sounded harsh - the Swedish Chef probably had the same issues

I Google'ed my way trough documentation, and found the "Wiring for Smartcraft Gauges" helpful, but what still eludes me is the stuff about terminators.
From what I gathered my current harness is the 84-879982-AXX with termination resistors in both end, and it's connected straight into the tach (big connector) and other gauges (small connector).

The Eco-Monitor came with harness, GPS and instructions so it "just" need to be hooked into the junction box, power and have the GPS installed.

For sure I'll need the Junction Box (878492K14) and the Tachometer Wiring Harness (84-879979A1).
So, basically my question boils down to whether I need to replace the 84-879982-AXX harness with a 84-879981-TXX + a termination resistance (859318T-2)?

The terminator resistors need to be at the ends of main cable trunk run(s). The resistor can be located at the end of the cable, or it can be located in a junction box port at the end if the trunk line. The lines going out to devices are branches and don't need resistors.

Since you are not extending the network, only replacing a junction box, the resistor in the existing cable is fine.

The reason for the cables with (and without resistors) and separate resistors is to allow multi junction box trees to be created. For example, a boat with multiple helms. The main trunk would run from the engine room to a box at the lower helm. That box would feed the lower helm gauges. From the lower helm box, a trunk line would run up to the bridge helm. That box would feed the bridge helm gauges.

The resistors would be located at the junction boxes in the engine room and the bridge. The junction box (and/or cable ends) for the lower helm would then be resistor free.

Henry

 

[Matt240]

Thank you Henry!
I'll report back to the thread when I got it up an running.

 

[Fun Times]

Matt, Page 5 & 6 of 10 in your link will tell you a lot of what you need to know on how to hook it up using the terminators.
Your system will need two terminators in any way you want to us them, The key is to use two terminators in the system. I found that in the tech manual I recommended getting below, in section 4, And also on page 1 of your link.

Also FYI, Some of the part numbers you posted are either invalid or wrong wording, For example 859318T2 is a weather cap.

You should consider getting merc tech manual part number 90-891965, It should help you out a lot with the install.

In the link below, Type all your merc part numbers in, It may help you see what your trying to order.
http://www.mercruiserparts.com/partsByNumber.asp

I Google'ed my way trough documentation, and found the "Wiring for Smartcraft Gauges" helpful, but what still eludes me is the stuff about terminators.

 

[Matt240]

Matt, Page 5 & 6 of 10 in your link will tell you a lot of what you need to know on how to hook it up using the terminators.
Your system will need two terminators in any way you want to us them, The key is to use two terminators in the system. I found that in the tech manual I recommended getting below, in section 4, And also on page 1 of your link.

Also FYI, Some of the part numbers you posted are either invalid or wrong wording, For example 859318T2 is a weather cap.

You should consider getting merc tech manual part number 90-891965, It should help you out a lot with the install.

In the link below, Type all your merc part numbers in, It may help you see what your trying to order.
http://www.mercruiserparts.com/partsByNumber.asp

I Google'ed my way trough documentation, and found the "Wiring for Smartcraft Gauges" helpful, but what still eludes me is the stuff about terminators.

Thanks, I figured I needed two termination resistors in the system and from Henry's post I understand I can use the existing cable as it have a termination built-in.
I'll just disconnect it from the tach and jack it into the junction box instead. I buy a tach harness and connect it to the junction same goes for the Eco Monitor.
The forth connection on the junction will be capped.

The part# link was extremely useful :smt038
From a webshop 859318T2 seems to be both weather cap and termination - however, I won't need it anyway.

Me like Club Sea Ray and all the helpful contributors - hope to be able to give back in some form.

 

[Henry Boyd]

Matt,

If the junction box does not come with weather caps (Non resistor type), make sure you buy enough to cover any unused ports.

Henry