LMS330c to suzuki engine via EP20 interface

Justribing · 24 June 2008, 21:00

Hello people. I am after some information regarding the connection of a suzuki engine to lowrance LMS330c unit via EP20 engine interface. Seems trying to get info out of lowrance or suzuki is a little difficult. I have a blue plug system and the head unit is running on firmware 1.9.0. I know that the system required is NMEA2000. but could do with a bit of help on exactly what parts i need to buy.

Many thanks

Texel Tom · 25 June 2008, 00:38

Can you tell us what network components you have already. The early units had a 'Y' cable which came from the network connector on the back of the unit and then split into two one going to the GPS module and the other terminated with a 60 Ohm resistor.

The later units had a short 12" drop cable, 2 'T' connectors and 2 120 Ohm terminators.

Depending on which system you have will determine what else you need.

Have you bought the EP-20 yet?

TT

Justribing · 25 June 2008, 13:06

Firstly thanks for your reply.

I have the orginal (old system) with the y cable and 60 Ohm resistors and connected to the gps as you said.

No not bought unit yet.

My orginal choice was to use EP-10 (but Now EP-60) and connect to LMF200 but found out you can get more info by using the Suzuki ECU. also been told may have to use the red plug and change my GPs unit to the 3000 find this a bit hard to believe.

Can also tell you that the year of manufacture is probably 2004 for the engine registered in april 2005

Erin · 25 June 2008, 13:27

You can buy converter cables/adaptors to convert blue connector components into red connector components. I know this bit first hand!!. The data /nmea2000 info is identical, it is just the style/colour of connector they use on the ends of the wires that is different. The newer red connectors will conenct to the industry standard NMEA2000 connectors found on most other manufacturer's NMEA units such as Garmin.

I have the EP-20 which was bought from Brownspoint in USA and came with a blue connector. It also came with the wrong plug for connecting to the engine because they had changed the type on my 08 model. All you need is a backbone cable runnign the length of the boat with a t-peice on each end. On the aft t-piece you will connect one resistor and the ep-20, and at the other end (console) you will conenct the other resistor and the lowrance head unit. That's all you need as the backbone will be powered by the lowrance head unit that you have.

Justribing · 25 June 2008, 17:51

Hi Erin.

At last information is beginning to come my way i had just about given up with lowrance and suzuki people as they either dont known or cant be bothered, or perhaps im not getting through tpo the right people. Anyway.

Can i confirm what i think i now know.

I need a back bone cable that replaces the y cable?

I connect the suzuki unit to one end and then a 120 ohm resistor the other to the head unit with another 120 ohm resister as you stated. can i connect the gps 2000 unit to the tee at the transome or do i require another Tee piece and short cable.

I also have a Icom IC-M421 Radio which is connected to the head unit for gps pstion for my DSC signal. dont think this will be a problem but guess i may need another tee at this end as well to get it all on the MNEA2000 system and be able to see it on the head unit.

Do you find the data from the EP-20 useful?

Cheers

Erin · 25 June 2008, 18:49

I've done a quick sketch which is mainly from memory. The upper layout would be the preferred option. You may need a further T-piece in this connected to the battery to power the backbone cable and any sensors attached to it, though I think the power connection to the head unit should do it. If I remember correctly most head units have two power connections, one for the network cable and one for the display itself. The lower option should work from my understanding, but I can't guarantee it as I haven't tried it. MAybe try it first as it would obviously be cheaper to do.

Your Icom can only take NEMA 0183 so you won't be able to change this over to the new network wiring. Just leave that bit alone.

The EP-20 is relatively useful IMHO. It gives me fuel economy which is good, and once I set it up properly I should get oil pressure and engine load as well. I'm not sure what NMEA2000 the earlier Suzukis send out. I know the 04 engines were the first to have the data output.

Good luck

Justribing · 25 June 2008, 19:34

Thanks Erin I had thought about the bottom option but my thoughts were that it would be as you have drawn. Gives me confidence as this is how i thought it should be may thanks i let you know if it works when i do it.

Texel Tom · 25 June 2008, 19:49

To comply with the NMEA2K standard Erin's first drawing is the way to go. You must create a linear structure of a backbone with two 120 ohm terminators and each device connected to drop cables off each T.

Things are slightly complicated by the change from blue to red network.

You need to remove the Y cable and create a backbone as per the first sketch. If the engine interface cable is long enough to reach the console you can do away with the backbone 'cable' and connect all three Ts together which in essence is the same thing.

Youe LMS and LGC2000 are blue network and depending on what's available you may get either a blue or red Suzuki interface cable.

The best way to tackle this is to buy a red network expansion kit which includes a short drop cable (for LMS) two T connectors (LMS&LGC2000) and two 120 ohm terminators. All in one kit. You will get the third T connector with the Suzuki cable however if this is a blue T you will need to buy an additional red one. This will give you a red backbone and then you will need a blue to red adapter for both the LMS and LGC2000. If you get a red Suzuki cable no problem if it's blue then you'll need another adapter.

Finally you will need an extension cable for the LGC2000 in either red or blue as you cn fit the adapter at either end.

The information you were given about changing the antenna is incorrect. It will be fine although you would be advised to update the software for both the LMS and LGC which are available free on the Lowrance website.

Easy!

TT

Justribing · 25 June 2008, 19:53

HI TT

I have upgrade the firm ware in both the LCG2000 unit and the head unit they are both now on firmware 1.9.0.

Cant find an updated manual for this though!

Cheers

Texel Tom · 25 June 2008, 20:01

Download the manual for the current LMS520 and have a look at that.

One small correction to my earlier post. You only get one T in the network expansion kit so you will need to add another to your shopping list.

Of course if you can find stock of the blue components you will not need the adapters.

TT

Justribing · 25 June 2008, 20:19

Just downloaded the manual. seems to show me what i want thanks.

Any ideals for cheapest place to buy these parts

Texel Tom · 25 June 2008, 20:28

Have a word with Steve at JK Max Navigation.

Justribing · 25 June 2008, 20:38

Is his name steve walker as i have spoken to him before

Texel Tom · 25 June 2008, 20:40

Yes, he's good on networking.

Justribing · 25 June 2008, 20:42

Ok thanks i will speak to him again. Thanks for your help

Rooster21 · 28 June 2008, 19:46

@ Justribing.. Ive got a new EP20 interface in you interested. Maybe some other bits.

Will take a look on monday if you interested ??

Justribing · 28 June 2008, 20:47

Hi Rooster21

Yes definitely interseted is it blue or red plug?

Rooster21 · 30 June 2008, 19:01

@ justribing. Its the blue plug version.

Justribing · 30 June 2008, 19:05

Even better, can you tell me what you have?

Ezgoing · 30 June 2008, 20:50

Justribin

Congrats on all the free consultancy and well done to all who contributed. Thank god for consumerism!

I echo the comment about some manufacturers not being up to speed on the whole area!!!!!!!!

Having said that the genius division in Redbay sorted it out for me and eventually got Raymarine C120 talking to Suzuki DF 300 and the Digital Fuel Gauge with the fuel used data. This last item is not for sale in the UK.!!!!!!

Many thanks also to George in Brownspoint(very helpful and knows his stuff) and Offshore Systems (clever dudes)for their input.