Lowrance electronic EP-70R User Manual

Pub. 988-0154-452

EP-70R Speed

Electronic Speed Sensor

Installation Instructions

This document shows how to install an EP-70R speed sensor and how
to connect it to a NMEA 2000

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.

Smart module

®

network.

®

network

Red NMEA 2000
connector

Paddle wheel
speed module

The EP-70R speed sensor.

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The EP-70R consists of the paddle wheel sensor module, a red cable
connector and the smart module, which converts analog speed data to
the NMEA 2000 data format. The cable length from the connector to
the smart module is 16 1/2 inches (42 cm) and from the smart module
to the speed module is 10 feet (3 meters).

The EP-70R speed sensor, 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
NMEA 2000 LowranceNet 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.

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

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

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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-70R, "Setup and Installation of NMEA 2000 Networks, General
Information," part number 988-0154-173. If that document is missing,
it can be downloaded free from the Lowrance web site.

Recommended tools for this job include: drill, 7/8" (22 mm) drill bit, 1/8" (3
mm) drill bit for pilot holes, screwdriver. Required supplies for this job
include: four #8 stainless steel wood screws (3/4" long), high quality,
marine grade above- or below-waterline caulking compound.

Other supplies are not included, unless otherwise indicated. If you
want to feed the speed module cable through a transom or bulkhead,
use a 3/4" (19 mm) bit. A screwdriver is needed for mounting the speed
sensor.

Installation

To install the speed sensor, first find a location on the boat's transom
where the water flow is smoothest. Don't mount the sensor behind strakes
or ribs. These will disturb the water flow to the speed sensor. Make sure
the sensor will remain in the water when the boat is on plane. Also make
sure the location doesn't interfere with the boat's trailer. Typically, the
sensor is mounted about one foot to the side of the transom's centerline.

good location

Transom showing mounting location.

Once you've determined the proper location for the unit, place the
sensor on the transom. The bottom of the bracket should be flush with
the hull's bottom. Using the sensor as a template, mark the hull for the
screws' pilot holes. Drill four 1/8" holes, (3 mm) one in each end of the
slots. Mount the sensor to the hull using #8 stainless steel wood screws
(not included). Use a high quality, marine grade above- or below­waterline sealant to seal the screws. Make sure the sensor is flush with
the bottom of the hull and tighten the screws.

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Rear view

Bottom of hull

Speed sensor rear view.

Transom

Side view

Bottom of hull

Speed sensor side view.

If the base of the transom has a radius, fill the gap between the
transom and the sensor with sealant. This will help ensure a smooth
water flow.

Route the sensor's cable through or over the transom to the
LowranceNET. If you need to drill a hole in the transom to pass the
connector through, the required hole size is 7/8".

Caution:

If you drill a hole in the transom for the cable, make sure it is
located above the waterline. After installation, be sure to seal the
cable hole with the same marine grade above-or below-waterline
sealant used for the screws.

The EP-70R is now ready for use. Connect the sensor's red cable
connector to a T connector on the network backbone and plug it in.

If you have any questions concerning the installation of the EP-70R,
please contact your local boat dealer.

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.

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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 temperature 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.

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