LEI EP-65R User Manual

Pub. 988-0154-372

EP-65R Fluid Level

Electronic Sensor

Installation, Configuration and Calibration Instructions

This document shows how to install an EP-65R Fluid Level sensor and how to connect it to a NMEA 2000 instructions on how to configure and calibrate your fluid level sensor with Lowrance digital gauges (LMF-200 & LMF-400) and display units.

NMEA 2000 is the communication bus standard developed by the National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) for use in boats. Lowrance has introduced the LowranceNet™, a line of products that can communicate over a NMEA 2000 network.

All Lowrance NMEA 2000 capable devices are either NMEA 2000 certified or certification is pending.

Caution:

Installing LowranceNET NMEA 2000 devices is significantly different from installing earlier Lowrance components without

NMEA 2000 features. You should read all of the installation instructions before proceeding. Decide where to install all components before drilling any holes in your vessel.

Some sonar or GPS display units may require a software upgrade to display NMEA 2000 data correctly. For free software upgrades or additional information on the LowranceNet NMEA 2000 system, visit our web site, www.lowrance.com.

network. It also provides

network

Smart module

NMEA 2000 red cable connector

Sending unit connections red lead and black lead.

The EP-65R Fluid Level sensor.

The EP-65R consists of a smart module with a red cable connector on one end and two bare wires on the other. The cable length from the connector to the smart module is 18 inches (46 cm). The cable length from the smart module to the bare wires is 10 feet (3 meters).

The smart module converts fluid level information received from the sending unit (fluid level float) to the NMEA 2000 data format. This allows any digital gauge, sonar or GPS unit connected to the NMEA 2000 network to display fluid level information.

The EP-65R fluid level sensor is designed to monitor fuel, live well, oil, fresh water, waste water (gray water), and black water tanks.

The EP-65R Fluid Level, like the other LowranceNet Electronic Probe (EP) sensors, is designed for use with a NMEA 2000 network. Your sensor, however, is also compatible with LowranceNet blue connector networks. It can be added to a blue connector network by using a red female to blue female adapter cable. Your sensor MUST be connected to a NMEA 2000 network or it WILL NOT function.

The NMEA 2000 red female to blue female adapter cable allows users

to add red connector devices to a blue connector network.

Tools and Supplies

Your EP sensor packs with a T connector needed to attach it to a LowranceNET NMEA 2000 network. If you are connecting to an existing LowranceNET network, those are all the electronic components you need. If this is the first sensor you are connecting, you will need to purchase a LowranceNET Node Kit.

For complete instructions on setting up a new NMEA 2000 network or expanding an existing one, refer to the "Setup and Installation of NMEA 2000 Networks, General Information" document (part number 988-0154-173) included with your EP-65R sensor. If that document is missing it can be downloaded free from the Lowrance web site.

LowranceNET Node Kit for a NMEA 2000 network. Includes a 2-foot

extension cable, T connector and two 120-ohm terminators.

Sending unit mounting plate configurations vary. When connecting the EP-65R, you will need whatever tools and supplies that will work with your sending unit's specific design. Recommended tools include: wire pliers. You will need a drill and a 7/8" (22 mm) drill bit. If you need to route the smart module or cable connector through a bulkhead, you will need a drill and a 7/8" (22 mm) drill bit.

Supplies are not included, unless otherwise indicated. The EP-65R's two lead wires are pre-stripped. We recommend using marine-grade crimp-on connectors that will fit your sending unit's electrical connections.

Tip:

The EP-65R is designed to be the only device receiving signals from the sending unit. If the EP-65R is replacing a previous gauge, make sure you remove all the old gauge wires before you begin. If this is a replacement, note which connection is positive before disconnecting the old wires.

Installation

This instruction sheet assumes the mounting bracket is connected to the fluid level float (or potentiometer) and is already installed in the tank. The EP-65R wires — red (positive) and black (negative) — will connect to the sending unit's mounting bracket on top of the tank.

Caution:

Do NOT connect the sensor's red cable connector to the network until you have finished connecting the red and black leads to the sending unit. This reduces the risk of a spark when working around fuel tanks.

First, attach marine-grade crimp-on connectors to both the red lead (+) and the black (–) lead. The EP-65R must be the ONLY device

connected to the sender.

Attach appropriate connectors to wire leads.

Attach the positive red lead to the sending unit's positive connector, usually located in the center of the mounting plate. Connect the negative black lead to the sending unit's negative connector. To ensure you know which connection is which, refer to the mounting instructions that came with the sending unit.

Negative

connector

Connect wire leads to fluid level sending unit. This is a typical sending

unit mounting bracket. The center threaded post is + and the blade is – .

Positive

connector

Finally, route the sensor's red cable connector to the T on the network backbone where you intend to attach it and plug it in. The sensor is ready to use.

Connecting to a NMEA 2000 Network

A NMEA 2000 network is a communications link between two or more devices that transfer NMEA 2000 information. LowranceNET is the NMEA 2000 networking system developed by Lowrance Electronics. A NMEA 2000 network functions like the phone wiring in a house. If,

for example, you pick up a phone in the living room you will be able to hear the conversation someone is having on a phone in the bedroom.

In similar fashion, a NMEA 2000 network allows multiple display units to receive data from a GPS antenna or multiple sonar units to receive messages sent by a fluid level sensor. A NMEA 2000 network gives you the flexibility to view information like engine diagnostics and fuel level data on digital gauges or display units located anywhere on your boat.

There are two types of LowranceNet red connectors: the single T

connector (left) and the double T connector (right).

Network Backbone and Network Nodes

A network bus backbone consists of network cabling, terminators and T connectors. Network nodes are made by fitting T-shaped connectors into the backbone (using the sockets on the sides) and attaching any network device to the bottom of the T.

Staying with the previous phone wiring example, T connectors on the backbone are the equivalent of phone jacks spread throughout a house. To pick up a phone and be able to hear a conversation from another phone in the house, both phones have to be connected to the main phone line. In similar fashion, only sensors and display units plugged into the NMEA network can share information. The network backbone is like the phone wiring that runs throughout a home.

It connects the network nodes, allowing them to communicate across the network. Connections found in the middle of the bus could have T connectors or backbone network cable plugged into one or both sides.

Connections at the end of a network will have the backbone cable plugged into one side and a terminator plugged into the other, as shown in the following figure.

Terminator at the end of the backbone (bus)

Cap for unused connector

Double T connector

Backbone cable (to rest of bus)

Cable from sensor or display unit

NMEA 2000 network node located at the end of a NMEA 2000 backbone.

NOTE:

If you have a double T Connector on your network that is not attached to a device, you must cap the unused connector with a NMEA 2000 cap. This will protect the pin connectors from corrosion. The NMEA 2000 cap looks like a terminator, but has "Cap" stamped into the connector housing.

All T connectors on your network probably will be connected to a device. If you want to add another node to a working network, add another T connector. T connectors may be purchased from LEI (ordering information appears on the back page of this booklet). If you are adding a Lowrance or LEI NMEA 2000 sensor, it will come with it a T connector.

Adding a Network Node

You can add a node to any existing connection, anywhere along the network backbone. This connection could be between a T connector and a terminator, between two T connectors, between a T connector and a backbone extension cable or between two extension cables. Wherever you want to add the new node, separate the sockets of the existing connection and install the T connector between them.

If you want to add a node at the end of the backbone (network bus) remove the terminator from the last connector, like the figure above. Install the new T connector and attach the terminator to the side of the connector.

Use T-connector or double T connector to add device to bus (maintaining linear architecture)

Attach terminator at end of bus

In this example, a new device is added to the NMEA 2000 bus by

installing a T connector between a T connector and a terminator at the

end of the backbone (network bus).

Backbone cable to rest of bus

Existing network node

Devices connect to double T connector

Additional Network Information

For more information on creating or expanding a network refer to the NMEA 2000 network setup booklet, part number 988-0154-173, which came packed with this document.

Notes

LMF-200: EP-65R

Configuration & Calibration

This section covers how to use EP-65R Fluid Level with the LMF-200 Multi-function gauge.

NOTE:

You will notice the LMF-200 does not have an Exit key. Menus will time out after a preset amount of time (3, 5, 10 or 15 seconds). The default setting is 5 seconds. Refer to your LMF-200 instruction manual for more information on the Timeout feature.

LMF-200 Multi-function Digital Gauge

Boat Setup

If this is the first time you have turned on your LMF-200, you will have to complete Boat Setup before you will be able to configure or calibrate your fluid level. If you have already completed Boat Setup, skip ahead to the segment covering fluid level configuration.

To execute Boat Setup:

1. With Boat Setup highlighted on the screen, press MENU. The Boat Setup menu will appear, allowing you to select an engine-tank

configuration to match the number of engines and fuel tanks on your vessel. Boat Setup options include: 1 En/1 Tk, 1 En/2 Tk, 2 En/1 Tk, 2 En/2 Tk, 3 En/1 Tk and 3 En/3 Tk.

2. Use the press

3. If you selected a configuration with more than one tank, the Tank Size menu will appear. Select the tank you want to set up and press

UP and DOWN keys to choose the correct configuration and

MENU.

MENU, which will open the Tank Size window. (If you chose a single-

tank configuration, you will be taken directly to the Tank Size window covered in Step 4.)

4. Use the will hold and press

UP and DOWN keys to input the number of gallons the tank

MENU. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for each tank. After all

tanks have been set up, you will be taken to the main display.

Boat Setup Reset

If you want to access the Setup screen (Boat Setup) after an enginetank configuration has been chosen you will have to reset the configuration to default settings.

To reset engine tank configuration:

1. Press MENU, highlight SYSTEM SETUP and press MENU.

2. Choose

ENG/TANK and press MENU twice. The following message will

appear: Hit menu to reset Eng/Tnk.

3. Press

MENU. The Setup screen will appear with Boat Setup

highlighted.

Fuel Remaining Source (FRem Src)

The Fuel Remaining source function allows you to select the device used to measure the amount of fuel remaining in the tank.

NOTE:

The Fuel Remaining Source must be set to fluid level for the unit to correctly display fuel level information from the EP-65R fluid level sensor. It is set to Fuel Level (Fluid Level) by default.

To set Fuel Remaining Source to Fluid Level (Fuel Level):

1. Press MENU, use the UP and DOWN keys to select SYSTEM SETUP and press

MENU. Select FUEL MNGR and press MENU.

2. Highlight

FREM SRC and press MENU. That will open the FRem Src

menu, which has two options: Eng/FFlow and Fuel level.

3. Use the

UP and DOWN keys to select FUEL LEVEL and press MENU. You

are now ready to configure your fluid level sensor.

EP-65R Fluid Level Configuration

The LMF-200 can be configured with up to three tanks for each fluid level type, which includes Fuel, Fresh Water, Oil, Black Water, Waste Water (Gray Water) and Live Well.

Fluid Level menu

The menu for unconfigured fluid level sensors will be different than the menu for configured sensors.

A configured fluid level will have the following menu options: Unconfigure, Reconfigure, Level Warning, Calibrate, Reset Cal and Reset. The menu for an unconfigured fluid level will show the following configuration options: Fuel, Water, Waste Water (Gray Water), Black Water, Oil and Live Well.

Caution:

If you configure your fluid level for fuel, you will NOT be able to get a fuel range reading. Fuel Range will NOT be calculated with a fluid level sensor. It will only be calculated with an engine interface, EP-60R Fuel Flow or EP-85R Storage Device.

To configure a fluid level for Fuel:

1. Press MENU, select SYSTEM SETUP and press MENU. Highlight B. DEVICES and press MENU.

2. Select an unconfigured fluid level (UnCfg FL) from the bus devices list and press

MENU. The following message will appear: Hit Menu to

Cfg FLev Sns.

3. Press fluid types and press

MENU to open the fluid level menu. Select FUEL from the list of

MENU. If your engine-tank configuration is set for

multiple tanks, the Select Tank menu will appear.

NOTE:

If your gauge is set to a single-tank configuration, you will not see the Select Tank menu. After selecting Fuel from the list of fluid types, you will be taken back to the Bus Devices list.

4. Highlight a tank option and press

MENU. Configure remaining fuel

flows by following the steps above.

To configure a fluid level for Oil:

1. Press MENU, select SYSTEM SETUP and press MENU. Highlight B. DEVICES and press

MENU.

2. Select the desired unconfigured fluid level (Unfcg FL) from the Bus Devices list and press

MENU, which will launch the following message:

Hit Menu to Cfg FLev Sns.

3. Press

MENU, select OIL from the list of fluid types and press MENU. If

your gauge is configured for more than one tank, the Select Tank menu will appear.

NOTE:

If your gauge is set to a single-tank configuration you will not see the Select Tank menu. You will be taken directly to the Tank Size menu (Step 5) after selecting Oil from the list of fluid types.

4. Select a tank and press

MENU, which will launch the Tank Size

window.

5. Input the size of the tank (gallons) and press

MENU. You will be

directed to the Bus Devices list.

NOTE:

If your fluid level is not updated on the Bus Devices list, refresh the list by letting it time out, and then access it again.

To configure a fluid level for Fresh Water, Waste Water (Gray Water), Live Well or Black Water:

1. Press MENU, select SYSTEM SETUP and press MENU. Highlight B. DEVICES and press

MENU.

2. Select an unconfigured fluid level (Unfcg FL) from the Bus Devices list and press

MENU, which will launch the following message: Hit

Menu to Cfg FLev Sns.

3. Press Waste Water, Live Well or Black Water) press

MENU, select the desired configuration option (Fresh Water,

from the list of fluid types and

MENU. The Tank Number window will appear.

4. Assign a tank number (1, 2 or 3) to your fluid level you are configuring and press

5. Input the capacity of the tank (gallons) and press

MENU. That will launch the Tank Size window.

MENU. You will be

directed to the Bus Devices list, where the fluid level you configured will be displayed as FrW Tnk (1, 2 or 3), WtW Tnk (1, 2 or 3), LW Tnk (1, 2 or 3) or BlkW Tnk (1, 2 or 3).

NOTE:

If your fluid level is not updated on the Bus Devices list, refresh the list by letting it time out, and then access it again.

To unconfigure a fluid level:

1. Press MENU, use the UP and DOWN keys to select SYSTEM SETUP and press

MENU. Highlight B. DEVICES and press MENU.

2. Select a configured fluid level from the Bus Devices list and press

MENU, which will open the fluid level menu with the following options:

Configure, Unconfigure, Reconfigure, Level Warning, Calibrate, Reset Cal and Reset Values.

3. Highlight

UNCONFIG (Unconfigure) and press MENU, which will launch

the following message: Hit Menu to Unset Dev Name.

4. Press

MENU and you will be taken back to the Bus Devices list where

the fluid level you unconfigured will be listed as UnCfg FL.

NOTE:

If your fluid level is not updated on the Bus Devices list, refresh the list by letting it time out, and then access it again.

Reconfiguring a Fluid Level

Reconfiguring a fluid level allows you to easily switch the configuration name of a fluid level.

Name already in use

If you want to reconfigure a fluid level, but the desired configuration name, location and fluid type is configured to another fluid level, you will have to unconfigure a fluid level to make the desired configuration settings available. When you attempt to reconfigure a fluid level to a configuration name already in use, the following message will appear: Name already in use.

To reconfigure fluid level for Fuel:

1. Press MENU, use the UP and DOWN keys to select SYSTEM SETUP and press

MENU. Highlight B. DEVICES and press MENU.

2. Select a configured fluid level from the Bus Devices list and press

MENU, which will open the fluid level menu with the following options:

Unconfigure, Reconfigure, Level Warning, Calibrate, Reset Cal and Reset Values.

3. Highlight menu and press

RECONFIG (Reconfigure) from the Configuration Options

MENU. That will open the Fluid Type menu.

4. Select

FUEL from the list of fluid types and press MENU. If your unit is

set to a multiple-tank configuration, the Select Tank menu will appear. (If your unit is set to a single-tank configuration, you will be taken back to the Bus Devices list.)

5. Highlight the tank you are reconfiguring and press

MENU. You will

be taken back to the Bus Devices list.

NOTE:

If your fluid level is not updated on the Bus Devices list, refresh the list by letting it time out, and then access it again.

To reconfigure a fluid level for Oil:

1. Press MENU, use the UP and DOWN keys to select SYSTEM SETUP and press

MENU. Highlight B. DEVICES and press MENU.

2. Select a configured fluid level from the Bus Devices list and press

MENU, which will open the fluid level menu with the following options:

Unconfigure, Reconfigure, Level Warning, Calibrate, Reset Cal and Reset Values.

3. Highlight menu and press

4. Select

RECONFIG (Reconfigure) from the Configuration Options

MENU.

OIL from the list of fluid types and press MENU. The Select

Tank menu will appear. (If your unit is set to a single-tank configuration, taken directly to the Tank Size window (Step 5).

NOTE:

If, for example, all fluid levels are configured and the desired configuration name is configured to another fluid level; you will have to unconfigure that fluid level. That is the only way to make its configuration name available for the fluid level you are trying to reconfigure.

5. Select a tank and press

MENU, which will launch the Tank Size

window.

6. Input the size of the tank (gallons) and press

MENU. You will be

directed to the Bus Devices list.

NOTE:

If your fluid level is not updated on the Bus Devices list, refresh the list by letting it time out, and then access it again.

To reconfigure a fluid level for Fresh Water, Waste Water (Gray Water), Live Well or Black Water:

1. Press MENU, use the UP and DOWN keys to select SYSTEM SETUP and press

MENU. Highlight B. DEVICES and press MENU.

2. Select a configured fluid level from the Bus Devices list and press

MENU, which will open the fluid level menu with the following options:

Unconfigure, Reconfigure, Level Warning, Calibrate, Reset Cal and Reset.

3. Highlight menu and press

RECONFIG (Reconfigure) from the Configuration Options

MENU. That will open the Fluid Type menu. Highlight

Fresh Water, Waste Water (Gray Water), Live Well or Black Water and press

MENU. The Tank Number window will appear.

4. Assign a tank number (1, 2 or 3) to the fluid level and press

MENU.

That will launch the Tank Size window.

5. Input the capacity of the tank (gallons) and press

MENU. You will be

directed to the Bus Devices list, where the fluid level you configured will be displayed with its new configuration.

NOTE:

If your fluid level is not updated on the Bus Devices list, refresh the list by letting it time out, and then access it again.

EP-65R Fluid Level Calibration

The factory calibration settings for the EP-65R Fluid Level should be adequate for the majority of applications, so calibration will not be necessary in most cases. The default calibration for the EP-65R Fluid Level is just as accurate as standard fluid level gauges. If, however, the tank has an irregular shape or greater accuracy is needed, calibration is recommended. The EP-65R Fluid Level has three calibration options: 2 point, 3 point and 5 point.

2-Point Calibration

A 2-point calibration is best suited for rectangular or square-shaped tanks, where the capacity of the top half of the tank matches the capacity in the lower half of the tank. In a two-point calibration, you will set two points, one each for empty and full levels. You can begin calibration at either of the two points, but we recommend starting with an empty tank. You will fill the tank to complete calibration.

NOTE:

Adequate calibration may be achieved without calibrating both points and you can calibrate the points (Empty Level and Full Level) in any order you wish. In the following instructions, we begin calibration with an empty tank.

To execute 2-Point calibration:

1. Press MENU, select SYSTEM SETUP and press MENU.

2. Highlight Devices list.

3. Highlight the fluid level sensor you want to calibrate and press

MENU. Select CAL (Calibrate) and press MENU. The Points menu will

appear with three options: 2, 3 and 5.

4. Select options: Empty Lev and Full Lev.

B. DEVICES and press MENU, which will open the Bus

2 and press MENU. The Points menu will appear with two

5. Make sure the tank is empty, then select menu and press Menu. Press

MENU. The following message Tnk to Empty lev hit

MENU. Fill up the tank.

EMPTY LEV from the Points

6. When the tank has been filled, follow steps 1-4 to access the Points menu. Highlight appear: Tnk to Full lev hit Menu. Press

FULL LEV and press MENU. The following message will

MENU and let the menus time

out, which will take you to the main display.

3-Point Calibration: 3-point calibration is designed for tanks that vary in shape from the top

to the bottom. You can begin calibration at any point in the 3-point

process, but we recommend starting calibration with an empty tank. In a 3-point calibration, you will set three points, one each for empty, half and full levels.

NOTE:

Adequate calibration my be achieved without calibrating all three points and you can calibrate the points (Empty Level, Half Level and Full Level) in any order you wish. In the following instructions, we begin calibration with an empty tank.

To execute 3-Point calibration:

1. Press MENU, select SYSTEM SETUP and press MENU.

2. Highlight

B. DEVICES and press MENU, which will open the Bus

Devices list.

3. Highlight the fluid level sensor you want to calibrate and press

MENU, then select CAL (Calibrate) and press MENU. The Points menu

will appear with three options: 2, 3 and 5.

4. Select

3 and press MENU. The Points menu will appear with three

options: Empty Lev, Half Lev and Full Lev.

5. Make sure your tank is empty, then highlight

MENU. The following message will appear: Tnk to Empty lev hit Menu.

Press

MENU.

EMPTY LEV and press

6. Add a half a tank of fuel. If, for example, you have a 100 gallon tank, add 50 gallons of fuel. Repeat steps 1-4, then select Points menu and press to Half lev hit Menu. Press

MENU. The following message will appear: Tnk

MENU.

HALF LEV from the

7. Fill up the tank and repeat steps 1-4 to access Points menu. Highlight

FULL LEV and press MENU. The following message will appear:

Tnk to Full lev hit Menu.

8. Press

MENU and let the menus time out, which will take you to the

main display.

5-point Calibration

5-point calibration is best suited tanks that vary greatly in shape from top to bottom. You can begin calibration at any point in the 5-point calibration process.

We recommend starting calibration with an empty tank. In a five-point calibration you will set five points: Empty Level, 1 Qtr Level, Half Level, 3 Qtr Level and Full Level.

+ 36 hidden pages