Lowrance electronic EP-80R User Manual

Pub. 988-0154-472

EP-80R Temp

Electronic Temperature Sensor

Installation and Configuration Instructions

This document shows how to install an EP-80R temp sensor and how to
connect it to a NMEA 2000
how to configure your temp sensor with Lowrance digital gauges (LMF­200 & 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 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.

®

network. It also provides instructions on

®

network

Smart module

Temp
module

The EP-80R temperature sensor.

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NMEA 2000 red
cable connector

The EP-80R consists of the temp sensor module, a red cable connector
and the smart module, which converts analog temperature data to
NMEA 2000 data format. The cable length measures 18 inches (46 cm)
from the connector to the smart module and 10 feet (3 meters) from the
smart module to the temp module. The EP-80R Temp, 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.
One way or another, 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.

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-80R Temp, "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.
Other supplies are not included, unless otherwise indicated. A transom
mount requires one #8 stainless steel screw (3/4" long) and a high
quality, marine-grade above- or below-waterline sealant/adhesive
compound. If you need a pilot hole for the screw, use a drill and a 1/8"
drill bit. If you want to feed the temp module through a transom or
bulkhead, use a 3/4" bit. A screwdriver is needed for mounting the temp
sensor.

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

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

Installation

The EP-80R temperature sensor can be mounted in any location where
you want temperature to be monitored. The most common applications
are transom mounts — to measure surface water temperature — or in
a livewell. Wherever you install it, make sure the temp module will be
in contact with the water at all times. If the sensor is mounted on the
transom, make sure it is mounted in a manner that prevents it from
coming into contact with the boat trailer.

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 screw.

Temp module on transom with cable routed through the transom.
Notice that the sensor was routed so the smart module is inboard.

After determining the location, use the temp module as a template and
mark the hull for the screw's pilot hole. Route the temp module and
cable over or through the transom to the mounting location. If routing
through the transom, drill a 3/4" hole to accommodate the temp
module. Make sure the smart module is inboard and not left exposed on

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the open transom. Attach the temp module to the hull with one #8
stainless steel screw and seal the screw with the below-waterline
sealant compound.

Route the sensor's cable connector to the T on the network backbone
where you intend to attach it, and plug it in.

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 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.

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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.

Backbone cable
Terminator at
the end of the
backbone (bus)

Cap for unused
connector

Double T
connector

(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 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.

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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

Backbone cable
to rest of bus

Existing network
node

Devices connect to
double T connector

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).

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.

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LMF-200: EP-80R

Temp Configuration

This section covers how to use EP-80R Temperature Sensor 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 your temp
sensor. If you have already completed Boat Setup skip ahead to the
segment covering EP-80R Temp 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 you will have
to select the tank you want to set up and press

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UP and DOWN keys to select the correct configuration and

MENU.

MENU, which will open

the Tank Size window. (If you choose a single-tank configuration, you
will not have to choose the tank. You will be directed 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 additional

tank. After all tanks have been set up, you will be directed 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.

EP-80R Temp Configuration

The EP-80R Temperature sensor has three configuration options:
Inside, Outside and Water. An unconfigured temperature sensor will
appear on the Bus Devices list as UnCfg Temp.

To configure a temp sensor:

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

MENU.

2. Highlight
Devices list will appear.

3. Highlight
appear: Hit Menu to Cfg Temp Sns.

4. Press
three options: Inside, Outside and Water.

5. Highlight the desired temp option and press
has now has been configured. You will be directed to the Bus Devices
list.

NOTE:

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

B. DEVICES and press MENU. After a few moments the Bus

UNCFG TEMP and press MENU. The following message will

MENU to be taken to the Selecting Temp menu, which will have

MENU. The temp sensor

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To unconfigure a temp sensor:

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

MENU.

2. Highlight

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

list.

3. Select a temp sensor from the Bus Devices list and press

MENU. The

Configuration Options menu will appear with two choices: Unconfig
(Unconfigure) and Reconfig (Reconfigure).

4. Select

UNCONFIG and press MENU. The following message will appear:

Hit Menu to Unset Device Name.

5. Press

MENU to unconfigure the sensor. You will be directed to the

Bus Devices list, where the temp you unconfigured will be listed as
Uncfg Temp.

NOTE:

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

To reconfigure a temp sensor:

To reconfigure a sensor, there must be a configuration name available
(Water, Outside or Inside). If you try to reconfigure a sensor when the
desired configuration name (Water, Outside and Inside) is in use, a

Name Already Selected message will appear.

If all three temps are configured — meaning there is no name
configuration available — follow the first set of instructions. If the
desired configuration name is available, follow the second set of
instructions.

The first set of instructions below will show you how to switch the
configuration of a water temp to an outside temp.

If all temps configured (Configuration name unavailable):

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

MENU.

2. Highlight

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

list.

3. Highlight

WTR TEMP and press MENU, which will launch the

Configuration Options menu.

4. Select

UNCONFIG and press MENU. The following message will appear:

Hit Menu to Unset Device Name.

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