Advertisement
Quick Links
Model RS11 v3.0
CANbus Engine Data Converter
NoLand Engineering, Inc.
TABLE of CONTENTS
1. Introduction
2. General Description
3. Installation
4. Operation
5. Technical Specifications
6. Warranty
Appendix A - CANbus Messages
Appendix B - Programming Instructions
Appendix C - Gauge/sensor calibration examples
Appendix D - RS11 Setup Utility
1. Introduction
The RS11 Engine Data Converter converts tachometer signals and analog gauge voltages from virtually any engine into
CANbus digital messages compatible with J-1939 and NMEA 2000 protocols. It is configurable for either single or dual en-
gine installations. The user must configure the RS11 for the desired data and calibration parameters such as pulses/rev, ana-
log scale factors, etc. Configuration is performed via a Serial (RS-232) PC interface which also serves as an output data
monitor, if desired. Output messages are applied to the CANbus, which can then be viewed by any compatible display.
Power for the RS11 is supplied by the CANbus.
2. General
The RS11 is designed for versatile interfacing to almost any type of analog engine sensor or gauge commonly used on marine
or automotive engines. It has two RPM (tach) inputs, four analog (gauge) inputs and supports both 12 and 24 volt systems.
The analog inputs can be assigned all to one engine or be split between two engines. Multiple RS11's can be installed on the
same CANbus.
The RS11 should generally be used in conjunction with existing analog gauges rather than as a replacement for them. This is
because most sensors are "energized" by the existing engine gauges. The RS11 is designed to "piggyback" onto these gauges
rather than replace them. The RS11 inputs are 'passive' in that they read sensor/gauge voltages but do not power them.
The RS11 supports messages most commonly used by marine and industrial CANbus engines. The user must perform an
initial configuration of the unit to suit the particular engine(s). This consists of selecting the specific information to be sent
and entering proper calibration factors. Configuration is done through a PC Serial interface and Setup Utility (see Appendix
D) provided with the unit.
Typical installations for a single and dual engine are shown in Figure 1. For the single engine case, one RPM input is not
used, and all analog inputs are available for that engine. In the dual engine case, the analog inputs must be divided between
the two engines. This usually means each engine only gets two analog inputs. To get four analog inputs to each of two en-
gines, you can use two RS11's, one for Port Instance and the other for Starboard Instance.
Advertisement
Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel
Summary of Contents for Noland Engineering RS11 v3.0
- Page 1 Model RS11 v3.0 CANbus Engine Data Converter NoLand Engineering, Inc. TABLE of CONTENTS 1. Introduction 2. General Description 3. Installation 4. Operation 5. Technical Specifications 6. Warranty Appendix A - CANbus Messages Appendix B - Programming Instructions Appendix C - Gauge/sensor calibration examples Appendix D - RS11 Setup Utility 1.
- Page 2 a) Single Engine example b) Dual Engine example Figure 1. RS11 Installation Examples Interfaces All engine sensor and/or gauge connections are made to a terminal strip on the RS11. CANbus connection is via the 5-pin “Micro-C” connector. A 9-pin PC cable is supplied for configuring the RS11, but may be left in place for data monitoring (via PC) if desired.
- Page 3 RPM (Tach) Connection The RS11 is designed to support the most commonly used tachometer sensors. Some sensors, such as inductive pickups, produce low level differential signals which the RS11 detects directly with its sensitive differential inputs. For other signals, such as ignition pulses or alter- nator tach outputs, the RS11 has a 2.5V reference ('ref') which is used as a stable threshold for detecting these often noisy signals.
- Page 4 Avoid assembling long buses with lots of multi-branching nodes. Instead, try to assemble a single backbone with each device directly connected to it with a Tee. Put a 120 ohm termination some- where along the backbone, or if very long, use two termina- tions, one at each end.
- Page 5 Engines using an inductive pickup require the connection in Figure 3b. The “ref” connection to rpm1(2)+ terminal may not be needed unless there is no tach gauge present. Try connecting “rpm_+” to “ref” only if erratic readings exist without it be- ing connected.
- Page 6 4. Operation Once configured and calibrated, the RS11 operates autonomously with no intervention required. Appendix B and Appendix C contain details regarding configuration and calibration. A green flashing LED indicates the unit is sending data, while a red flash indicates received messages or errors. Output Data Monitoring CANbus data is virtually impossible to view without special display units.
- Page 7 If proof of pur- chase is not provided by the customer, NoLand Engineering will use its own records to determine the date of pur- chase.
- Page 8 APPENDIX A CANbus Messages CANbus networks such as J-1939 and NMEA 2000 send data in frames called 'messages'. Each message frame, or packet, transmits a maximum of 8 data bytes, so longer messages require multiple packets. The message packets contain the message ID along with the source and sometimes a destination addresses.
- Page 9 Oil Pressure Oil Temperature Engine (Coolant) Temperature Alternator volts Fuel Rate Engine Hours Coolant Pressure Fuel Pressure Status1 Status2 %Load %Torque any of the items above in bold can be assigned to any available Analog Input (A1-A4) of the RS11. For example, if the RS11 is monitoring a single engine and all 4 analog inputs are available, they could be assigned to the top 4 items in the above list.
- Page 10 APPENDIX B Programming Instructions Introduction : The RS11 is capable of accepting certain commands and taking appropriate action such as a device reset. The commands are also used to configure various options, such as message selection. All programming is done through a Serial PC (RS-232) interface.
- Page 11 Programming Example An example will demonstrate how to configure the RS11. Connect the Unit to a powered CANbus or power injection adapter. Also connect the device to a PC using the supplied 9-pin Serial Cable. If necessary, a USB-Serial Adapter (not included) may be used.
- Page 12 Message Selection To select which message(s) the RS11 sends, use the command: @N#+ or @n#+ where # is the number of the message desired. This version has 4 different messages, but they can be enabled for both en- gines (port, stbd) giving a maximum of 4 messages. The message # for each message and its on/off state can be seen near the top of the list when an "@?"...
- Page 13 To remove any of the above assignments, send the command @D# - or @d# - where '#' is the number of the Analog Input (1-4) to be removed from the message. Use of most of the above commands is not recommended. The RS11 includes a PC Setup Utility which makes configuration much easier than using these commands.
- Page 14 APPENDIX C Analog Gauge (sensor) Calibration Examples This Section describes the relatively simple and straightforward method for calibrating analog gauges and sensors so that the RS11 can output the correct data. To use this method most effectively requires that you have the RS11 installed in the vessel, CANbus power available, and the engine gauges or sensors operational and connected to RS11 analog inputs (A1-A4).
- Page 15 APPENDIX D RS11 Setup Utility The RS11 Engine Data Converter converts tachometer pulses and analog gauge voltages from virtually any engine into CAN- bus digital messages compatible with J-1939 and NMEA 2000 protocols. This utility will assist you in configuring the RS11 for the particular message(s) required and calibration parameters such as pulses/rev, analog scale factors, etc.
Need help?
Do you have a question about the RS11 v3.0 and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers