NMEA/CAN network on boats

[doctordre]

Quite a lot of people asked me about the CAN/NMEA network.

Because of this, i am thinking of redesigning the network for people who would like such system and build it themselves.

 

At this point I have a module that can covert analogue signals to CAN/NMEA and vice-versa. and there are 4 outputs and a pulse input

the device can measure voltage, pressure, temperature trim position and RPM.

The device is expandable with additional input and outputs.

 

My question is :

What should the module do more? and what should be the reasonable price to be interesting?

Because to make a network you need at least 2 modules.

 

if there is enough interest I will ask a electronic manufacturer if they can produce some for a reasonable price.

 

greetings

andre

[BjornLie]

I assume it would support NMEA2000. The more inputs, the better. Have you compared your solution to what Maretron has in their portefolio?

[JRK]

Hi

There are already many vendors for converters like that. it will probably be cheaper to by from noe of these.

[alidal]

Or this one?

[doctordre]

I assume it would support NMEA2000. The more inputs, the better. Have you compared your solution to what Maretron has in their portefolio?

Sure, NMEA2000 is a CAN protocol.

Maratron has a large portfolio. However it it what you want. In my opinion it is too large for the average recreational boat. (and maybe expensive)

And it does not provide simple things like switching/dimming lights. that is in the larger portfolio.

There is a demo on their website which indeed has everything you would wish for.

 

 

Hi

There are already many vendors for converters like that. it will probably be cheaper to by from noe of these.

At this moment a single unit costs about 250€ and the size HxWxD 100x22x120 mm. (same module for 12v or 24V)

It can be used to transfer NMEA2000 to another point in the boat.

it has 8 analogue inputs which can also be used as a switch input.

4 outputs (switched to minus) so you can switch or dimming lights or switch relays.

And one of them can be used as an analogue throttle command. and the can bus has a CAN throttle command (works on many diesel engines (scania, volvo, caterpillar...)

 

But one module does not make a network.

 

The one advantage is that you can integrate the display in your dash and you can connect the existing switches to the network.

As you can understand is that the Display is the most expensive product because it has a lot of intelligence and it has capacitive touch (through glass of 8mm maximum). the four I made cost me 480€ each.

 

 

 

Since this is just a hobby of mine, I investigate if it would be profitable to purchase my own tools. Because the display can be cheaper and better quality, however it takes a large investment.