I think I have this figured out, but if anybody can confirm I’m not about to fry something I would appreciate it!
I have an HDS-8, and am adding an EP-60R fuel flow probe. Didn’t have an existing network, so I also got the Lowrance network starter kit. This will be a “red” (actually black now… sheesh) network, and since the HDS doesn’t supply NMEA 2K power I will use the power node included w/ the kit. So maintaining the “linear architecture” it will go something like this:
(sorry about the "."s, couldn’t figure out how to keep the right spacing)
In my installation, the T’s and terminators will be connected directly together and mounted inside console, with short power node cable wired to my electronics fuse block (w/3A fuse), long cable coming into console through chase tube from fuel flow sensor mounted in transom, long cable (with some coiled excess) running up to display.
Sound right? with all the different flavors of Lowrance networks out there it’s kind of a pain to figure this stuff out. And I haven’t even started studying the programming once the hardware is installed… Thanks for taking a look!
looks like you got it, just make sure you can kill the power to the network when not in use. I’m sure the fuse block is on the battery switch but it’s not a bad ideal to have a switch for the node.
I would use the long cable to extend the network to the rear of the boat and terminate there. In the future if you add additional sensors aft you don’t have to pull a cable through the chase, just add a T and the device.
I would use the long cable to extend the network to the rear of the boat and terminate there. In the future if you add additional sensors aft you don’t have to pull a cable through the chase, just add a T and the device.
and would then have the flexibility to “T” in new components in the console or aft without running wires. one of those smart ideas I would have never known I was missing - thanks!
Make sure you motor doesnt have a constant flo fuel punp with a flo back systym or the unit wont work! I tried to use them on my FI inboards in my Bertam and they only read the fuel going in to the pump, called Lowrance and they said TS!
one of the few times im gonna have to disagree with dernflatlander
i personally wouldnt put any connections i didnt have to in the back of the boat
thats just asking for corrosion issues. lots of water back there.
Its a great idea for ease of rigging, im just not liking the durability
Chris, I’m going to have to stand my ground on this one. If you assemble the connections with a dab of dielectric grease as the instructions state and the fact that the Lowrance net pins are gold plated, I don’t see intrusion / corrosion as an issue. I certainly wouldn’t let the connections lie in the bilge, but properly assembled and mounted as high as possible should not create a problem. I installed an HDS10 system in an Everglades 26 a while back and you would not believe the amount of cables in the chase from the stern to the console. Having to pull an additional network cable for every sensor was not feasible.