Lowrance LMF-200 User Manual

Pub. 988-0064-361

www.lowrance.com

LMF-200

Multi-function Gauge

Installation and Operation

Instructions

No part of this manual may be copied, reproduced, republished, transmitted or distributed for any purpose, without prior written consent of Lowrance Electronics. Any unauthorized commercial distribution of this manual is strictly prohibited.

Lowrance is a registered trademark and LowranceNet is a trademark of Lowrance Electronics, Inc. NMEA 2000 is a registered trademark of the National Marine Electronics Association.

Lowrance Electronics may find it necessary to change or end our policies, regulations and special offers at any time. We reserve the right to do so without notice. All features and specifications subject to change without notice. On the cover: LMF-200 shown.

For free owner's manuals and other information, visit our web site:

www.lowrance.com

Lowrance Electronics Inc.

12000 E. Skelly Dr.

Tulsa, OK USA 74128-2486

Printed in USA.

Table of Contents
Section 1: Introduction ............................................................	3
Section 2: Installation ..............................................................	5
Mounting Preparations.................................................................	5
Recommended Tools and Supplies ...........................................	6
Mounting the Gauge .................................................................	7
Wiring............................................................................................	7
Connecting to a NMEA 2000 Network.....................................	8
Network Nodes..........................................................................	8
Adding a Network Node............................................................	9
Additional Network Information............................................	10
Section 3: Operation ...............................................................	11
Boat Setup...................................................................................	11
Pages ...........................................................................................	12
Engine Trim ............................................................................	12
Engine Diagnostic ...................................................................	12
Fuel Manager ..........................................................................	12
GPS Position ...........................................................................	13
Single Digital ..........................................................................	13
Dual Digital.............................................................................	13
Gauge.......................................................................................	13
Synchronizer ...........................................................................	13
Trim Tabs ................................................................................	13
Viewing options...........................................................................	14
Timeout....................................................................................	14
Basic Menu..................................................................................	14
Adding Pages...........................................................................	14
Removing Pages ......................................................................	15
Autoscroll.................................................................................	15
Screen ..........................................................................................	15
Audio Setup.................................................................................	16
System Setup ..............................................................................	17
Section 4: EP Configuration & Calibration.......................	19
Temperature Sensors..............................................................	20
Fuel Flow (Port, Center and Stbd) .........................................	21
Fluid Level ..................................................................................	22
Reset ........................................................................................	25
GPS Module, Paddle Wheel Speed and Trim Tabs ...............	25
Calibration ..................................................................................	26
Refill Tank...........................................................................	28
Partial Fill ...........................................................................	28
Trim Tabs ................................................................................	29

Section 5: Advanced Operation............................................	31
Customizing Pages......................................................................	31
Single Digital ..............................................................................	31
Dual Digital.................................................................................	32
Trim Tabs....................................................................................	32
GPS Position ...............................................................................	33
Gauge...........................................................................................	33
Fuel Manager..............................................................................	33
Fuel Flow Source.................................................................	34
Fuel Remaining Source.......................................................	34
Reset Seasonal ....................................................................	34
Adjust Calibration...............................................................	34
Refill Tank...........................................................................	35
Partial Fill ...........................................................................	35
Economy Speed Source .......................................................	35
Reset Trip Fuel .......................................................................	35
System Setup Menu....................................................................	35
Engine Displayed ....................................................................	35
Units ........................................................................................	36
Speed and Distance.............................................................	36
Temperature........................................................................	36
Pressure...............................................................................	36
Depth ...................................................................................	36
GPS ......................................................................................	37
Bus Devices .............................................................................	37
Sonar Alarms ..........................................................................	37
Reset ........................................................................................	37
System Information ................................................................	38

Section 1: Introduction

Thank you for buying the Lowrance LMF-200! Your unit is a highquality, multi-function, digital gauge designed to work with a LowranceNET network. This is the NMEA 2000 networking system developed by Lowrance Electronics.

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.

This gauge will only work with a NMEA 2000 network. It MUST be connected to a NMEA 2000 network or it WILL NOT function. When properly installed, the LMF-200 will display information from a variety of Lowrance Electronic Probe (EP) sensors connected to the network.

A NMEA 2000 network using LowranceNET components.

All Lowrance NMEA 2000 capable devices are either NMEA 2000 certified or certification is pending. See our web site, www.lowrance.com, for the latest product status information.

To get started with your Lowrance gauge, first read the installation section. It contains instructions for installing the LMF-200.

After you've read those instructions, install the gauge and any EP sensors you may have purchased, then read the rest of this manual. Each sensor comes with its own installation instruction sheet, but this manual describes how the gauge operates with each sensor, and how to calibrate the sensors. The more you know about the gauge, the better it will work for you.

Your package also includes another manual, part 988-0154-172, which contains complete instructions for creating or expanding a NMEA 2000

network.

LowranceNET teams up the powerful NMEA 2000 network standard with a fast-growing, cutting-edge family of Lowrance Electronic Probe Sensors. At press time, the product line includes the EP-10 Fuel Flow, EP-15 Fluid Level, EP-20 Engine interface, EP-25 Speed, EP-30 Trim Tab, EP-35 Temp and EP-45 Water Pressure sensors.

And what's more exciting, there are others on the way! Be sure to log onto www.lowrance.com from time to time for the latest developments, including updated operation manuals and instruction sheets you can download free of charge. When you're ready to expand your network, see the accessory ordering information on the back cover of this manual.

NOTICE!

The storage and operation temperature range for your unit is from -4 degrees to +167 degrees Fahrenheit (-20 degrees to +75 degrees Celsius). Extended storage or operation in temperatures higher or lower than specified will damage the liquid crystal display in your unit. This type of damage is not covered by the warranty. For more information, contact the factory's Customer Service Department; phone numbers are inside the manual's back cover.

Section 2: Installation

Mounting Preparations

When installed, the gauge will cover an area on the dash 2-3/8" (60.3 mm) in diameter. To mount the unit, first make sure there is at least 2- 3/4" (70 mm) from the front of the dash to any obstruction behind the dash. The maximum usable dash thickness is 1-1/8" (28.5 mm). Also, be sure there is room to route the network and buzzer cables. The following figure shows gauge dimensions.

2-3/4"

(70 mm)

Gasket

	2-3/8"
	2-3/8"
	(60.3 mm)
	(60.3 mm)			Cables


				Threaded mounting collar

	Dash
	Dash

Dash installation, cross-section view.

Caution:

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

You can install this gauge in some other order if you prefer, but we recommend this installation sequence, which is summarized below:

1.Determine the location for the gauge so you can plan how and where to route the cables. This will help you make sure you have enough cable length for the desired configuration.

2.Determine the location of the nearest node on the boat's NMEA 2000 network, along with the route of the gauge's network cable.

3.Determine the location for the alarm buzzer and its wire route.

4.If you want to turn on the gauge backlights whenever you turn on your dashboard lights, locate your boat's dash light switch and determine how to route the dash light wires to it.

5.Install the gauge in the dash.

6.Connect the buzzer wires and install the buzzer. If desired, connect the dash light wires to the boat's dash light switch.

7.Connect the network cable to the NMEA 2000 network.

Recommended Tools and Supplies

Your LMF-200 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 you are creating a new LowranceNET network, you will also need a one-time purchase of a LowranceNET Node Kit.

LowranceNET Node Kit for a NMEA 2000 network. Includes a 2 foot extension cable, T connector, 120-ohm male terminator and 120-ohm female terminator.

For complete instructions on setting up a new NMEA 2000 network or expanding an existing one, see the other document packed with your gauge, "Setup and Installation of NMEA 2000 Networks, General Information" part number 988-0154-172. If that document is missing, it can be downloaded free from the Lowrance web site.

Other supplies are not included, unless otherwise indicated. If you need to route the gauge's network cable connector through a bulkhead, you will need a drill and a 3/4" drill bit.

If the dash does not have a standard 2-1/8" (54 mm) hole, you will need a drill or saw to make the hole. Carefully measure the dash thickness and the hole area before cutting or drilling.

The buzzer installation requires two cable ties and two wire nuts or other wire connectors.

If you need to extend any of the buzzer or dash light wires, use a minimum of 24 gauge wire and wire connectors of your choice. Wire nuts or electrical tape are required to cap any unused bare wires.

Mounting the Gauge

When you determine the location for the LMF-200, drill a 2-1/8" (54 mm) hole in the dash or use an existing gauge hole. Slide the unit's cables through the hole from the front side of the dash, then push the LMF-200 housing through the hole until it is flush with the dash surface. Make sure the face of the gauge is aligned correctly.

Next, slide the rubber gasket and plastic-mounting collar over the cables and onto the back side of the gauge.

Insert gauge through the hole in the front side of the dash (left). Slide the rubber gasket over the cables, followed by the plastic collar (right).

Slide the gasket forward so it is flush with the back of the dash, then screw on the mounting collar, turning it until it is snug against the gasket and the back of the dash.

Find a buzzer location that is protected from the elements, but still lets you hear it. We recommend that you connect the buzzer wires according to the figure on the following page, then use two cable ties and attach the buzzer to one or both of the cables at the back of the gauge.

If desired, connect the dash light wires as shown in the following figure. Finish the installation by plugging the network cable into the network.

Wiring

The LMF-200 draws operating power from the NMEA 2000 network.

The gauge does not have an on/off switch — whenever the network has power, the LMF-200 is on and drawing current.

Ideally, the NMEA 2000 network itself is powered from a switch on the boat's accessory panel, allowing network power to be turned on and off.

To automatically turn on the gauge backlights when you turn on your other dashboard lights, connect the red dash light wire to the switch controlling the dash lights and connect the black dash light wire to

ground.	LMF white wire to	LMF green wire to
	buzzer black wire	buzzer red wire
LMF-200 housing
	Cap unused wires
	with wire nuts or tape.	Buzzer
		Buzzer
		Dash light red
		(to dash light switch)
	Dash light black
	(to ground)

NMEA 2000

Network cable

Blue female NMEA

2000 connector

LMF-200 cable connections.

Caution:

The bare ends on any unused wires could cause an electrical short if left exposed. To prevent this, you should cover the individual wire ends — either by capping them with wire nuts or wrapping them with electrical tape. (You should cut off the bare wire before taping off the ends.)

Connecting to a NMEA 2000 Network

A network bus is an installed and operational network cable (backbone) running the length of your boat, already connected to a power supply and properly terminated. Such a bus provides network connection nodes at various locations around your boat.

This is similar to the telephone wiring in a house. If you pick up a phone in your living room, you can hear someone talking into the phone in the bedroom.

Network Nodes

A network bus is built of network nodes spread along a backbone. Network nodes are made by fitting T-shaped connectors into the backbone (using the sockets on the sides), and attaching a display unit or sensor at the bottom of the "T."

Using our telephone example, the T connectors are similar to telephone jacks. The backbone is like the phone wiring running through a house.

Phones in a house must be connected to each other to communicate, and in the same way only sensors and display units plugged into the NMEA network can share information.

Connections found in the middle of the bus will have one or more of these T-shaped connectors with the backbone cables plugged into both sides. Connections at the end of a network will have the backbone plugged into one side, and a terminator plugged into the other, as shown in the following figure.

Cable from		LEI or Lowrance
Cable from		device needs an
sensor or		device needs an
sensor or		open T.
display unit		open T.
display unit
T connector		Terminator at
		Terminator at
		the very end
		of the bus

Backbone cable (to rest of bus)

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

Adding a Network Node

You can add a node anywhere along the network backbone where a connection already exists. This connection could be at the end of the network (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, simply separate the sockets of the old connection and attach your new T connector between them.

Lowrance or LEI device connects to new T connector.

Existing network node

Add T-shaped connector to add device to bus.

Attach terminator at end of bus.

Add a new device to a NMEA 2000 bus by attaching a T connector between two T connectors, between a T connector and the end terminator, or between two backbone extension cables.

If you want to add a node at the end of the line (as shown in the previous figure), remove the terminator from the very last connector, securely attach the new T connector, and then attach the terminator on the new connector. Either method will allow you to add a device.

Additional Network Information

Further instructions on creating or expanding a LowranceNET network are illustrated in the NMEA 2000 network setup booklet, part number 988-0154-172, which came packed with this manual.

Section 3: Operation

The displays and settings in this digital gauge are controlled by a three-button keypad. The buttons are UP, DOWN and MENU. The MENU key calls up the basic menu, which allows you to set up pages for display. The UP and DOWN keys are used to scroll through and highlight menu items.

LMF-200 keypad.

Boat Setup

When the LMF-200 powers up for the first time, the screen will show the Boat Setup menu. You will not be able to proceed without completing boat setup. This will only appear again if you reset values or if configuration is lost.

To complete Boat Setup:

1.With Boat Setup highlighted on the screen, press MENU. The Boat Setup menu will appear, allowing you to choose the number of engines and fuel tanks on your vessel. The Boat Setup

menu options are: 1 Eng/1 Tank, 1 Eng/2 Tank,

2Eng/1 Tank, 2 Eng/2 Tanks, 3 Eng/1 Tank or

3Eng/3 Tanks.

2.Choose the option that applies to your vessel

and press MENU. If you chose more than one tank, the Tank Size menu will appear with up to three options (depending on the number of

tanks chose during Boat Setup): Port Tank, Stbd Tank and Cen Tank.

3.Select the tank you want to set up and press MENU, which will launch the Tank Size window. If you selected one tank during Boat Setup, you will be taken directly to the Tank Size Window.

4.Use the UP and DOWN keys to enter how many gallons the tank will hold and press MENU. Press MENU and repeat steps 3 and 4 if you have more than one tank.

5.After all tanks on your vessel have been set up, you will be directed to the main display.

NOTE:

If your LMF-200 was already installed on your boat you likely will not have to complete boat setup. But, if you would like to go through the setup, take a look at the following instructions.

1.Press MENU, scroll down to SYSTEM SETUP, then press MENU. Select

RESET.

2.Press MENU, which will launch the following message: Hit Menu to Reset All Values. Press MENU to reset the unit's settings to its factory defaults. The unit then will switch to the Boat Setup screen.

Pages

Pages are the backbone of the LMF-200. They give you the power to mix and match data that will be displayed on the screen. Once you have picked pages that meet your preferences, the 200's multi-functionality really kicks in, allowing you to customize pages with the data most important to you. We'll take a closer look at customizing pages in Section 5: Advanced Operation.

Engine Trim page (left), Engine Diagnotic page (center) and Fuel Manager page (right).

The LMF-200 allows you to add pages you find most helpful more than once, customizing each one differently.

Engine Trim

Monitors the position of the boat’s engine through either percentages or degrees.

Engine Diagnostic

Monitors engine performance, notifying you if a problem arises.

Fuel Manager

The Fuel Manager page has a digital readout capable of displaying: Fuel Flow (F.Flow), Fuel Economy (F.Econ), Fuel Remaining (F.Rem), Fuel Range (F.Range), Trip Fuel Used, Seasonal Fuel (Seas.F), Paddle Wheel Speed (PwSpd), Pitot Speed (PtSpd) and GPS Speed (GpsSpd).

+ 30 hidden pages