Cerbo GX Installation

11. Marine MFD integration by NMEA2000
11.1. NMEA2000 Introduction
Our GX Devices feature an NMEA 2000-out function: when enabled, the GX Device acts as a bridge: it makes all Battery
monitors, Inverter/chargers and other products connected to the GX device available on the NMEA2000 network.
Using that feature, and having the GX Device connected a NMEA2000 network, Marine MFDs can read this data and visualise it
to the user. Often in a highly configurable manner.
Use our VE.Can to NMEA2000 micro-C male cable to connect the GX Device to the NMEA 2000 network.
Comparison to the App integration
Compared to MFD integration using the App, as explained in the previous chapter, integration via N2K offers a more customisable
configuration. The downside of integration via N2K is that there is more work in making such configuration, as well as making
sure all PGNs and fields therein are supported and compatible between the Victron system and the MFD.
More information
Besides this chapter, make sure to also read the introduction blogpost, as well as our main Marine MFD Integration document.
Besides this chapter, make sure to also read (1) the introduction blogpost, (2) our main Marine MFD Integration document and (3)
the NMEA2000 chapter in the Victron manual for the MFD you are using (Navico/Simrad/Lowrance/B&G, or Raymarine,
or Garmin, or Furuno)
Yes that is a lot of reading, but that is basically inherent to NMEA2000: for example some of those MFDs support displaying AC
data received over the NMEA2000 wiring, others do not. Some require changing Data instances, others do not, and so forth.
11.2. Supported Devices / PGNs
NMEA 2000 defines several messages. Messages are identified by their parameter group number (PGN). A textual description of
the message is publicly available on the NMEA 2000 website (http://www.nmea.org/).
Detailed specification of the protocol and message definition or part thereof can be ordered online on the NMEA 2000 website.
NMEA 2000 is based on and compatible with SAE J1939. All AC information messages are in the AC status message format as
defined in J1939-75. The specification of these messages can be bought on the SAE website (http://www.sae.org/).
For a detailed list of PGNs, please refer to our data communication whitepaper.
Inverter/chargers
All inverter/chargers that connect using a VE.Bus port are supported. This includes Multis, Quattros, MultiPlus-IIs, and other
(similar) Victron inverter/chargers.
Data is transmitted out; and its possible to set shore current as well as switch the inverter charger on, off, inverter only and
charger only.
The interface has two functions:
• The function, “153 Inverter”, represents the AC-output
• The function “154 AC Input” monitor represents the AC-input
Charger Status messages will be sent by the Inverter function. Both functions have their own network address.
Since both functions transmit the same PGNs, for example an AC Status PGN containing voltage, current and more information,
NMEA 2000 data consumers like generic displays will need to be able to make a distinction based on the network address.
Depending on the function belonging to that network address the need to interpret it as either Inverter Input or Inverter Output.
Cerbo GX Manual
Page 55 Marine MFD integration by NMEA2000