Seakeeper ConnectBox User Manual page 6

SEAKEEPER CONNECTBOX USER'S MANUAL
PRODUCT CONNECTBOX
NMEA 2000 INTERFACE
The Seakeeper ConnectBox requires a connection to the vessel's NMEA 2000 network backbone
via a 5-pin NMEA Lite drop cable to access the GPS signal. The Seakeeper will monitor GPS
information on the NMEA 2000 network to support and optimize performance. A warning (Code
131) will appear on the Seakeeper display if no GPS signal is detected. Without a GPS signal, the
unit can still spool up and coast down but will not precess to provide roll reduction.
DC-powered Seakeepers have used battery voltage depletion to initiate power ramp-downs to
extend battery life. With Lithium batteries, battery voltage is no longer an accurate indicator for
this function; the state of charge (SoC) NMEA 2000 signal is more accurate when available. In
response, Seakeeper released software for gyro control modules (GCMs) and user interfaces
(ConnectBox and 5" Touch Displays). The software allows the user to select how the Seakeeper's
battery manager logic determines when to initiate a power ramp-down when an NMEA 2000 SoC
signal is available on the network.
provides detailed information on the state of charge-based low-power protection.
The NMEA 2000 backbone connection is made via a drop cable, which cannot exceed 20 ft (6 m)
in length. If the backbone is located more than 6 m from the Seakeeper the NMEA backbone
must be extended closer to the Seakeeper installation location, or the ConnectBox must be
remotely mounted near the NMEA 2000 backbone. An optional
(P/N 90558) is available for remote mounting.
The NMEA 0183 network operates differently than the NMEA 2000 network; a Seakeeper cannot
communicate with an NMEA 0183 network.
Page 6 of 27
Document # 90769-1
TB-90621, Seakeeper Battery Sizing Recommendations,
ConnectBox Helm Mounting Kit
www.seakeeper.com