LEI EP-DDS User Manual

Pub. 988-0154-98B

EP-DDS

Skimmer Transducer

Installation Instructions

This document shows how to install the EP-DDS Skimmer Transducer and how to connect it to a NMEA 2000 network.

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

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 you want 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.

NMEA 2000 style connector

network

Skimmer Transducer

EP-DDS Skimmer Transducer.

The EP-DDS consists of a NMEA 2000 style cable connector and a skimmer transducer that converts depth and temperature readings to NMEA 2000 data format. When the device is plugged into a network backbone, display units on the network will be able to display digital depth and water temperature data from the transducer. The cable length from the connector to the transducer is 15 feet.

The NMEA 2000 style female to Lowrance blue female adapter cable

allows users to add NMEA 2000 style connector devices to a Lowrance

blue connector network.

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

Tools and Supplies

Your EP sensor packs with a T connector needed to attach it to a NMEA 2000 LowranceNet network. If this is the first sensor you are connecting, you may need to purchase a LowranceNET Node Kit.

For complete instructions on setting up a new NMEA 2000 network or expanding an existing one, see the NMEA 2000 document packed with your EP-DDS, "Setup and Installation of NMEA 2000 Networks, General Information," part number 988-0154-173. If that document is not available, it can be downloaded free from the Lowrance web site.

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.

A NMEA 2000 network is similar in that it allows multiple display units to receive data from a GPS antenna, or multiple sonar units to receive messages sent by a temp sensor. It also allows you to view information like engine diagnostics and fuel level data on digital gauges and display units.

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 a network device to the bottom of the T.

T connectors on the backbone are the equivalent of phone jacks spread throughout a house. To pick up a phone and 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.

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

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

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.

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 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. Install the new T connector and attach the terminator to the side of the connector.

Terminator at the end of the backbone (bus)

T Connector

Cable from sensor or display unit

Backbone cable (to rest of bus)

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

Installation

Preparations

You can install the EP-DDS in some other order if you prefer, but we recommend this installation sequence:

Caution:

You should read the entire installation section before drilling any holes in your vessel!

1. Select the approximate location and cable route for the transducer.

2. Decide how you will route the EP-DDS cable to the desired T connector on your NMEA 2000 network.

4. Install the transducer and route the transducer cable to the network backbone.

5. Connect the EP-DDS NMEA 2000 style connector to the desired T connector on the network. The EP-DDS is ready for use.

Transducer Installation

These instructions show how to install your Skimmer transom. The EP-DDS Skimmer transducer uses a two-piece, plastic kick-up mounting bracket. A kick-up bracket prevents the transducer from being damaged if it strikes an object while the boat is moving. If the transducer hits an object and kicks-up, the bracket can easily be pushed back into place without tools.

transducer on a

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