MANUAL Simrad SimNet Installation
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Installation Manual SimNet Installation Manual This manual is intended as a reference guide for correctly installing the Simrad Intelligent Marine Network - SimNet. Please take time to read this manual to get a thorough understanding of SimNet, how data is exchanged data between the products, the automatic interface setup and the selection of data sources. 20222006 / Rev.
Simrad SimNet About this document Rev Date Written by Checked by Approved by A 11.11.04 NG ThH JL First edition © 2004 Simrad AS. All rights reserved. No part of this work covered by the copyright hereon may be reproduced or otherwise copied without prior permission from Simrad AS. The information contained in this document is subject to change without prior notice.
Installation Manual Contents 1 Description.................................................................................................... 5 1.1 SimNet - Simrad Intelligent Marine Network ...................................... 5 1.2 Integration of SimNet and NMEA2000 products ................................. 6 SimNet products on a NMEA2000 network (backbone)...................... 6 Connection of NMEA2000 products to SimNet................................... 7 1.3 Technical description ...............
Simrad SimNet SimNet class 1 products...................................................................... 25 SimNet class 2 products...................................................................... 26 Simrad group or stand alone configuration......................................... 26 Using Plug & Play to set up a SimNet Class 1 system ....................... 28 Using Plug & Play to set up a Class 2 SimNet system ....................... 28 3.6 Identification of Data Sources .........................
Installation Manual 1 DESCRIPTION 1.1 SimNet - Simrad Intelligent Marine Network `lj_f `lj_f pfjo^a=fpNO ifdeq ^i^oj qfjbo rmmbo fkcl pfjo^a=fpNO iltbo fkcl ifdeq ^i^oj qfjbo rmmbo fkcl a^q^ `lj_f pfjo^a=fpNO pfjo^a=fpNO iltbo fkcl ifdeq ^i^oj qfjbo rmmbo fkcl iltbo fkcl ifdeq m^db rmmbo fkcl iltbo fkcl STBY PWR AUTO NAV WIND DODGE INFO Figure 1-1 SimNet network SimNet is a data network that makes interconnection and integration of Simrad products simple.
Simrad SimNet SimNet accepts multiple sources of equivalent data and automatically selects the preferred sources for a group of integrated Simrad products. Alternative sources can be selected manually. The SimNet accessory program offers a wide selection of parts necessary to complete a professional installation. The cable system, designed with small plugs at both ends is easy to run, requiring only 10 mm (3/8”) holes through bulkheads and panels (page 44). 1.
Installation Manual Note ! Whenever SimNet products are connected to a NMEA2000 network, the NMEA2000 specified cable system shall be used and the NMEA2000 installation guidelines must be followed. Connection of NMEA2000 products to SimNet The physical layer (backbone cabling) of SimNet is different from that of NMEA2000. Whilst NMEA2000 only permits drop cabling, SimNet also offers daisy chaining of products which significantly simplifies the installation and save costs on both labour and materials.
Simrad SimNet 1.3 Technical description SimNet (and NMEA2000) are based on the proven CAN bus that is widely accepted in automotive, agriculture and process control applications. The physical data network consist of the standard SimNet cable, where one twisted pair of wires will distribute data, and a second set of slightly heavier twisted pair will supply power for the data bus.
Installation Manual T - joiner Insert a T-joiner to keep the SimNet intact Drop cable When using a T-joiner and a drop cable you can easily disconnect the drop cable from the product without breaking the backbone of the network. This method is recommended for products that are bracket mounted. Products suitable for daisy chaining can also be connected via a drop cable. In that case only one of the SimNet connectors needs to be used.
Simrad SimNet Termination At both ends of the network backbone there must be a plug that contains a built in termination resistor. A variety of accessories with built in termination are available (page 44). A plug with a termination resistor is easy to recognize by the red disc on the plug face. Red disc Note ! 10 The IS12 Wind Transducer (MHU) has a built in terminator. The two plugs on the thin mast cable have both a yellow face; however, the mating connector on the transducer wand is red.
Installation Manual 2 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS The following specifications are for a standard SimNet system 1: Maximum number of products connected in a network: ..................................... 50 Maximum total cable length: ........................................................120 meter (400’) Bit rate on the bus: (50 times faster than NMEA0183)................250 Kbit / second Maximum DC current through a single SimNet plug / connector joint:.............
Simrad SimNet 3 INSTALLATION SimNet is very easy to install but to get the best and most reliable result you should use the following guidelines and plan a little ahead of starting to route and connect the cables. Simrad can provide you with a range of SimNet accessories that will make your installation easy and professional looking (page 44). 3.
Installation Manual can later be replaced by a new product, or the new product can be connected via a drop cable – quick and easy! 3. Note the product(s) that will need a NMEA0183 to SimNet converter (AT10 and/or AT15). 4. Use the SimNet cable gland for an attractive and protected bulkhead or panel feed through. 5. Use the SimNet Bulkhead Tee connector to make a solid and protected SimNet outlet, e.g. for remote controls. 6.
Simrad SimNet For reliable network performance use the following guidelines: • Connect the battery to the network power wires at one single point to avoid interfering noise loops. • Use good quality and saltwater resistant accessories (circuit breaker, fuse holder, power cable terminals) • Use at least 2x1.0 mm2 (16 AWG) cable if you need to extend the standard SimNet power cable (2m / 6.
Installation Manual Small system – A system consisting of up to 5 SimNet products and up to 7 meters (23’) total length (L) of SimNet cable including the SimNet power cable. In a small system you need the SimNet power cable with built in termination (red disc on cable plug). Connect the products in a daisy chain or use drop cables as recommended in the introduction. A second termination is not required.
Simrad SimNet In the table on page 38 you will find the Network Load (NL) value for each SimNet product, if not look in the technical specifications for that product. This is how you determine the System Size Factor (SF): 1. Add all the NL’s to get the total network load = NLtot 2. Add up the total cable length excluding the 30 meter (99’) wind sensor cable but including the effect of an extended power cable as explained on page 14. Resulting cable length = Ltot 3.
Installation Manual Example: `lj_f a^q^ `lj_f pfjo^a=fpNO pfjo^a=fpNO pfjo^a=fpNO STBY PWR ifdeq ^i^oj qfjbo rmmbo fkcl iltbo fkcl ifdeq ^i^oj qfjbo rmmbo fkcl iltbo fkcl Red plug Power Cable (with termination !!) to 12 V battery ifdeq m^db rmmbo fkcl iltbo fkcl INFO SETUP 10 10 AUTO NAV WIND 1 1 TURN DODGE End point termination plug, or wind sensor with build in termination (2 NL) Figure 3-3 Medium size system 20222006 / Rev.
Simrad SimNet The drawing shows a SimNet system consisting of: Cable length (L) Network Load (NL) Power cable 2m (6,5’) IS12 (3x2NL) instruments 6NL Cable between instruments 2x2m (6,5’) 4m (13’) CP34 Chartplotter 1NL IS12 – T-joiner 10m (33’) Autopilot 1NL Drop cable 2m (6,5’) IS12 Wind sensor 2NL T-joiner - autopilot 5m (16’) Total cable length (Ltot) 23m (75’) Total network load NLtot 10NL This adds up to a system with SF = Ltot • NLtot (meter) = 230, alternatively SF = Ltot • NLt
Installation Manual Example: Figure 3-4 Large system 16 products interconnected via 92 meter (306’) network cable The best place to feed the network power is the point where the SF (L ● NL) value in each of the branches is most equal. However, it will work without problems as long as the SF value in each branch is below 600. • Determine the total NL values separately for both the left and right branches.
Simrad SimNet Left branch Right branch Network loads (NL’s) Total Maximum 13 18 31 80 35 (114’) 27 (88’) 62 (202’) 120 (400’) System Size Factor SF = L x NL (x 0.3 if feet) 455 486 1922 Maximum System Size Factor(SF) 600 600 2000 SimNet cable Length (L) meter (ft.) Remember: 1. The 30 m (99’) wind sensor cable should not be included in the SimNet cable length (L) calculation. 2. The length of the power cable should be accounted for in each branch calculation.
Installation Manual The below figure shows the difference from Figure 3-2 if the CP34 is replaced by an NMEA2000 certified chart plotter from another manufacturer (not SimNet product).
Simrad SimNet NMEA2000 Heavy Cable installation or combined heavy and light cables If the network complexity (large system) requires the use of heavy NMEA2000 cables, we recommend that you consult a skilled technician for advice on how to get a proper network layout and installation. 3.4 Performing the installation Finding the SimNet connector(s) on the product The SimNet connector is easily recognizable on a product by its yellow color. Connect the yellow face cable plug to a yellow connector.
Installation Manual NMEA0183 interface Precautions Observe the following when interfacing NMEA0183 devices to SimNet: 1. NMEA0183 products that retransmit incoming NMEA0183 data may cause a data loop back, resulting in erratic readout and poor performance of the interfaced products. – The SimNet AT10 and AT15 converters (see below) are protected against loop back. 2.
Simrad SimNet Data from the A, B, and C products are present on SimNet and distributed to and from the individual products as indicated by the arrows. The next two drawings are examples of wrong interconnection. 24 20222006 / Rev.
Installation Manual STBY PWR AUTO NAV WIND SETUP 3.5 DODGE Plug and Play interface setup One of the SimNet features, the automatic interface setup system – Auto Source Selection –, makes the remaining part of the installation safe and easy. A total of 5 sources for each DataType can be handled by Auto Source Selection. SimNet class 1 products These are advanced SimNet products with good display capability that will, at first-time startup, take you through the automatic data source selection process.
Simrad SimNet The way the source selection is processed and presented varies on the different SimNet Class 1 products. The individual product manuals will explain this in detail. A network containing at least one SimNet Class 1 product is referred to as a SimNet Class 1 system. SimNet class 2 products These are SimNet products with limited or no display capability. They will automatically select the first available data source on the network, lock onto that source and store it for future use.
Installation Manual If you, on a Class 1 product in the group, select a different compass for the group, the IS12 will continue to present the gyro compass heading irrespective of the group selection. Some SimNet products are restricted to use internal data sources only. Hence, they can only be recognized as part of the “Simrad group” if they are selected as source for the Simrad group on a Class 1 product.
Simrad SimNet Using Plug & Play to set up a SimNet Class 1 system Verify that there is power on all SimNet products and any other products interfaced to the system via NMEA0183 format. Class 1 products will detect data activity on SimNet and NMEA0183 input ports, and will prompt you on the display to activate the automatic interface setup. Note ! The display will vary depending on the type of product. Study the manual for the individual SimNet products to get detailed information.
Installation Manual 1. Power up all the units on the SimNet bus and all connected NMEA0183 products. 2. Make an NMEA0183 setup if required on the relevant products as per the individual product manuals. 3. Verify that all data are present and displayed on all connected products as expected. Multiple sources The system contains more than one data source for one or more DataTypes: 1. Power up all the products except the ones that shall not be used as data sources, i.e.
Simrad SimNet Simrad products Simrad products that are also SimNet products, are identified by their product name (e.g. CP34) and a SimNet number. Products with a startup display will present the name and the SimNet number. On other products, the SimNet number is the same as the last 6 digits of the product serial number. If you have 2 equal products in the system they may be appointed a device instance number. This number will be presented after the product name, e.g. CP34-1 and CP34-2.
Installation Manual 3.7 Adding a SimNet product to an existing SimNet system Adding a transducer (data source) to the existing network 1. If it is a source for a DataType that is not available on SimNet, it will be automatically detected and selected. 2. If it is an additional source for a DataType already available on SimNet it will be detected but not automatically selected. You have to make a manual selection if you want it to be a source.
Simrad SimNet Class 2 product to Class 1 system 1. It will adapt to the Simrad group source selections that are already made and use and present appropriate data. 2. If the added product is source for a DataType that has not been available on SimNet, it will automatically be selected by the Class 1 product(s) and added to the Simrad group as a source 3. If it is a second source for a DataType already available on SimNet it will not be automatically selected.
Installation Manual Replacing a SimNet Class 1 product with a similar product The interface and source settings on the replacement product must be cleared by a Source Reset or a Master Reset (like a new product) prior to connecting it to SimNet. When connected to the active SimNet the product will ask you to “Start” the automatic Source selection. If there are other Class 1 products on the network it will automatically adapt to the existing Simrad group setup and join in as a data source.
Simrad SimNet 4 4.1 TROUBLE SHOOTING Class 1 system No Symptom 1 AutoSourceSelec t does not start automatically 2 Not all DataTypes has automatically got a data source appointed. 34 Possible Cause Suggested solution • There is no external source connected to the product (SimNet or NMEA). • Product has already been setup once. • There is no external data source supplying the required DataType connected to the product (SimNet or NMEA). • The source may not send out the DataType on SimNet or NMEA.
Installation Manual 4.2 Class 2 system No Symptom Possible Cause Suggested solution 1 No data from SimNet are displayed. • SimNet cable not connected • No power on SimNet • No termination plug in the network • Check installation • Check switch and fuse for SimNet power 2 Some data from SimNet are displayed but not all • Data source selection may be locked on wrong or old source. • Source may be turned off or not connected correctly to power or network.
Simrad SimNet 5 GLOSSARY Active transducer – A self-contained sensor or transducer that outputs data on a format that is accepted by SimNet, e.g. SimNet or NMEA2000. NMEA0183 - A format (language) designed to permit communication between various types of marine electronic equipment. In essence this is a two-wire shielded, serial data link, permitting one device to talk while other devices listen. Numerous different sentences are available, permitting communication between various different devices.
Installation Manual Simrad Class 1 products – Simrad products that are SimNet controllers, i.e. they have an appropriate display and software that can set up and control the SimNet. Simrad Class 2 products – Simrad products that do not contain a SimNet controller. When connected to SimNet they will automatically pick the first available source on SimNet and lock on to that.
Simrad SimNet APPENDIX 1: SIMNET PRODUCTS OVERVIEW 2004 Product Type of product SimNet Net load Class NL’s AP16 Autopilot 1 1 AP25 AP26 AT10 Autopilot Autopilot Universal NMEA183 converter Chart plotter 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 1 CX34 CX44 Combi Nav System NavStation NavStation CX54 EQ33 EQ44 EQ54 IS12 IS12 CP33 CX33 IS12 IS12 IS12 IS12 IS15 RS8x TP22 TP32 WP32 HR22 NMEA2000 certified Note Yes See Notes 1&2 “ “ Yes Yes Robnet2 See Notes 1&2 “ “ Yes Yes Pending Pending 1 Yes See Note 1 “
Installation Manual − CA, CR, CE and other CP designated products can be upgrated to SimNet but will not be NMEA2000 certified − Tr. = Transducer (pure data source) − Pending means that the product is in the process of being NMEA2000 certified. Notes! 1. NMEA0183 and Robnet2 data will be available on SimNet only if the NMEA0183 or Robnet2 input is selected as source on the Autopilot or the EQ and Cdesignated products listed above.
Simrad SimNet APPENDIX 2: DEFINITION OF DATATYPES DataTypes is a group of related data that shall normally be selected from the same data source. DataType DataType Name (long max. 20 ch) Abbreviated name (short max. 6 ch.
Installation Manual APPENDIX 3: IDENTIFICATION OF NMEA2000 PRODUCTS ON SIMNET SimNet DeviceName based on NMEA2000 Device Class and Function Code NMEA 2000 Device Class Dev.Cl Device Class Name 00 10 20 25 30 Reserved for 2000 use System tools Safety systems Gateway Power management and lighting systems 40 Steering systems NMEA 2000 Function code F.
Simrad SimNet NMEA 2000 Device Class NMEA 2000 Function code Dev.Cl Device Class Name F.Code 60 Navigation systems 130 145 150 155 160 170 200 205 210 70 Communications systems 220 unknown 130 140 150 160 170 180 190 unknown 42 Function Name Sounder, depth Global Nav Sat System (GNSS) Loran C Speed Sensors Turn Rate Indicator Integrated Navigation Radar and/or Radar Plotting ECDIS Elect. Chart & Info Sys ECS Electronic Chart System Direction Finder n.a.
Installation Manual NMEA 2000 Device Class Dev.Cl 80 Device Class Name Instrumentation/ general systems NMEA 2000 Function code F.Code 130 140 150 160 170 180 190 200 Unknown unknown unknown Function Name Time/Date systems Voyage Data Recorder Integrated Instrumentation General Purpose Displays General Sensor Box Weather Instruments Transducer/ general NMEA 0183 Converter n.a.
Simrad SimNet APPENDIX 4: SIMNET CABLES AND ACCESSORIES Art. no. 44 Description 24005829 0,3 m (1') SimNet cable 24005837 2 m (6.6') SimNet cable 24005845 5 m (16.6') SimNet cable 24005852 10 m (33') SimNet cable 24005860 SimNet T-joiner 24005878 SimNet cable gland 24005886 SimNet protection plug 24005894 SimNet termination plug 24005902 2 m (6.6') SimNet power w/termination 24005910 2 m (6.6') SimNet power w/o termination 24005936 AT10 Universal NMEA0183 converter 20222006 / Rev.
Installation Manual Art. no. 20222006 / Rev. A Description 24005944 AT15 Active Tee connector, IS15 24005928 SimNet cable protection cap 24005729 SimNet Cable to Micro-C. Adapter (drop) cable for SimNet products in a NMEA2000 network.
Simrad SimNet APPENDIX 5: NMEA DATA CONVERSION AT10 data converted from SimNet/NMEA2000 to NMEA0183 (TX) and vice versa (RX) NMEA0183 sentence TX (max rate [Hz]) APB 0.5 BWC 0.5 BWR DBT DPT 1 GGA GLL HDG 4 HDT 4 HSC 0.1 MTW 0.2 MWV Relative Wind 1 MWV True Wind 1 RMA RMB 0.5 RMC 0.5 RSA 3.33 VHW 0.5 VTG 0.5 VLW 0.5 VWR WPL XTE ZDA 0.5 ZTG RX x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Open cells indicates no transmission or reception. 46 20222006 / Rev.
Installation Manual AT15 data converted from SimNet to IS15 (TX) and vice versa (RX) NMEA0183 sentence BWC BWW BWR DPT HDG HDT HSC MTW MWV Relative wind MWV True wind RMB RMC RSA VHW VTG VLW XTE ZDA TX (max rate [Hz]) 0.5 0.2 RX 1 4 4 0.5 0.2 4 X 0.5 0.5 5 1 0.5 X X X X X 0.5 0.5 Open cells indicates no transmission or reception. 20222006 / Rev.
AP16-26 Autopilots, NMEA and SimNet messages NMEA0183 sentence APB BOD BWC BWR BWW DBT DPT GGA GLL HDG HDM HDT HSC MTW MWV RMA RMB RMC RSA VBW VHW VLW VPW VTG XTE To-wp ident.; XTE Bearing wp-wp, T Bearing wp-wp, M Bearing pos-wp, T Bearing pos-wp, M Magnetic variation To wp ident. Bearing wp-wp, T Bearing wp-wp, M To-wp position To-wp ident. Bearing pos-wp, T Bearing pos-wp, M Distance pos-wp To-wp position To-wp ident.
