NMEA 2000 in Engine Room

[Riptide III]

I want to start adding devices in the engine room. My plan is to extend the backbone from the helm but I have a few questions. Can I just:
disconnect the terminator and Replace it with a drop cable that leads to a new backbone in the engine room where the new “T” fittings will be located?
if so, will I need to add a second power to the second backbone even though it’s an extension of the helm?
I have purchased the maretron screen and fuel senders for starters. It will be the new system monitor.
Any advice is certainly appreciated.
I am also looking at the new Veratron Viewline Flex Gauge TFT Display

to go in the spot the old fuel gauges were in. Has anyone looked at these.

 

[dtfeld]

To answer your question, no you can not connect 2 networks with a drop cable, at least as you describe it.

I think the easiest way to do it is to just extend the backbone into the engine room, and move your existing terminator to the new end.

I've done this with a long section that runs from the dash back into the engine room, and a shorter section that goes between a couple 4 way T’s in the engine compartment, one on each side. I think the long section was 15’-20’ long and the shorter one 5-10’. I used Ancor products purchased off Amazon. I bought various and extra lengths of backbone and drop cables, and returned what I didn’t use.

If you want to have 2 separate networks powered and connected together, they do make power blocking T’s that pass data, but separates the power.

 

[ttmott]

Yes - remove the terminator on one end and add the backbone then install the terminator on the end of the backbone extension. I doubt you will need a second power source for the network; however, with that said, you need to lay out where you want to be in the end game and calculate the LEN for all of the devices. That is the only way you will know if the existing power and where it is in the network will be OK.

 

[dtfeld]

If using Maretron, they have a a free software download that will allow you to model your network, and will check that it meets all the power and backbone/drop cable length specifications. I designed mine so I have room to add future devices.

scroll down, you’re looking for N2KBuilder.

https://www.maretron.com/support/downloads.php

 

[ttmott]

If using Maretron, they have a a free software download that will allow you to model your network, and will check that it meets all the power and backbone/drop cable length specifications. I designed mine so I have room to add future devices.

https://www.maretron.com/support/downloads.php

And it is easy to use. Even if not using Maretron you can input any device LEN / cable lengths and the model will calculate the network. Here is my model from the software program -

 

[ttmott]

A typical page from the Maretron analysis -

 

[Riptide III]

Thank you guys. Just what I was looking for. You have given me enough info to be dangerous!
Do you have any input on the veratron gauges?

 

[dtfeld]

Thank you guys. Just what I was looking for. You have given me enough info to be dangerous!
Do you have any input on the veratron gauges?

I do not, but this looks like you have to connect up the analog at the dash, and then the data can be put on the N2K network.

I'd prefer a strait up N2K display...

 

[Skybolt]

... Do you have any input on the veratron gauges?

Looks like they can be programmed to read NMEA 2000 only. Meaning there is a phone app that configures them to read back what ever that gauge supports.

https://productimageserver.com/literature/ownersManual/87544OM.pdf

They also have a number of bezels for them as well: https://www.walleyetacklestore.com/veratron-2-1-16-52mm-viewline-flex-gauge-black/