System Monitor to replace idiot lights ...

[Skybolt]

I currently have the panel of leds at my helm for mostly bilge pumps and temps etc. I am looking to upgrade this panel with something more modern and I can't seem to find anything that is either for a Sea Ray or is not specific to another boat type.

I am updating the boat to NMEA 2000, but what is on my SM panel is not fully supported by NMEA 2000 sensors.

Any suggestions as to what to look for?

Thanks.

 

[Gofirstclass]

Skybolt, I just had to replace my idiot lights due to an electrical issue that started with a runaway starter motor. We put in a Sea Ray "Systems Monitor" panel that replaced all of the old system. We had to do that because they don't make the old system, or parts, any longer. The upside is we now have a panel that has a digital readout of what is happening. The downside to having to do that is all of the sending units for the old idiot light panel were analog sending units and the new ones are all digital, so all the sending units had to be replaced.

If you want I can take a pic of the new unit and if you want part numbers and sources I can get that from the boat mechanic that did the work.

 

[Skybolt]

... If you want I can take a pic of the new unit and if you want part numbers and sources I can get that from the boat mechanic that did the work.

That would be great, I would really appreciate that. That is the way I want to go as well. Thank you.

I am also considering a Maretron sensor to NMEA 2000 unit, but that would be in addition to that system. I really don't like having idiot lights as a diesel engine alarm system.

 

[Gofirstclass]

Skybolt, I'll be down on the boat this afternoon and will snap a photo of the panel.

 

[Skybolt]

No Rush, but thank you.

 

[Gofirstclass]

Here are two pics for you. The first one is just a cropped version of the second photo and I included the second photo so you'd be able to tell the size of the monitor.

 

[Skybolt]

Thanks! I just need to locate one of these now and I'm good. Thanks for posting this!

 

[Gofirstclass]

Sky, do you want me to get the part number and source for you? I can call my mechanic on Monday and see where he got them and get the part number.

 

[tdschafer]

Mike,
I know that you guys run diesels but, do you know if that system can be used on gas motors as well? Thanks

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[Gofirstclass]

C'mon Todd, do I look like a mekanyk? Heck, I can't even spell it! Just kidding....sort of. I would guess that it doesn't matter what engine you have (gas or diesel) as long as the sending units are digital, not analog as Sea Ray used in boats of my vintage. (That is to say, old, like me!).

 

[tdschafer]

Haha! Thanks Mike. I'll try calling Sea Ray & see if they have specifics, unless you have a link or someone you recommend calling.

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[Skybolt]

Sky, do you want me to get the part number and source for you? I can call my mechanic on Monday and see where he got them and get the part number.

Thank you, that would be great. It's not an easy system to locate.

 

[Skybolt]

... I would guess that it doesn't matter what engine you have (gas or diesel) as long as the sending units are digital, not analog as Sea Ray used in boats of my vintage. ...

100% correct - The only issue is that you may need to keep your analog sending units as well as add the new digital ones. Most gauges are still analog, not digital readouts, but the older needle style gauges mostly still use the analog senders.

 

[tdschafer]

100% correct - The only issue is that you may need to keep your analog sending units as well as add the new digital ones. Most gauges are still analog, not digital readouts, but the older needle style gauges mostly still use the analog senders.

So, if I was to replace the sending units with digital to accommodate the system monitor, would I have to switch the gauges to digital as well? I do need to replace one of my tachs anyway & was waiting to replace the panel as well.

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[Skybolt]

So, if I was to replace the sending units with digital to accommodate the system monitor, would I have to switch the gauges to digital as well? I do need to replace one of my tachs anyway & was waiting to replace the panel as well.

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I would have to see what senders they are, but I was thinking that there is more then one spot to place sending units. The ones for the system monitor that are for fault detection can just be replaced. Some of the system monitors also display current temp and pressures as well. Those sending units can't be swapped out and still be attached for the analog gauges. But yes if you switched out to all digital that would be an option.

I am in the process of doing just that, switching everything over to NMEA 2000 gauges and displays.

 

[Fly'n Family]

Subscribed.....will enjoy the education of going from older stuff to current tech...

 

[Gofirstclass]

skybolt and tdschaefer,

I just got off the phone with my mechanic and he suggested that you call SR direct at 865-971-6250 He said the info he got from then and he said it sounded like the electronic equipment was somewhat year specific. He had all that information on my boat when he called them and was able to provide it to them.

Good luck!

 

[Blkbird]

+1 lurking

 

[tdschafer]

skybolt and tdschaefer,

I just got off the phone with my mechanic and he suggested that you call SR direct at 865-971-6250 He said the info he got from then and he said it sounded like the electronic equipment was somewhat year specific. He had all that information on my boat when he called them and was able to provide it to them.

Good luck!

Thanks Mike! Will do!

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[Skybolt]

skybolt and tdschaefer,

I just got off the phone with my mechanic and he suggested that you call SR direct at 865-971-6250 He said the info he got from then and he said it sounded like the electronic equipment was somewhat year specific. He had all that information on my boat when he called them and was able to provide it to them.

Good luck!

Awesome! Thank you!