Model RS11 v3.0
CANbus Engine Data Converter
NoLand Engineering, Inc.
TABLE of CONTENTS
1. Introduction
2. General Description
3. Installation
4. Operation
5. Technical Specifications
6. Warranty
Appendix A - CANbus Messages
Appendix B - Programming Instructions
Appendix C - Gauge/sensor calibration examples
Appendix D - RS11 Setup Utility
1. Introduction
The RS11 Engine Data Converter converts tachometer signals and analog gauge voltages from virtually any engine into
CANbus digital messages compatible with J-1939 and NMEA 2000 protocols. It is configurable for either single or dual engine installations. The user must configure the RS11 for the desired data and calibration parameters such as pulses/rev, analog scale factors, etc. Configuration is performed via a Serial (RS-232) PC interface which also serves as an output data
monitor, if desired. Output messages are applied to the CANbus, which can then be viewed by any compatible display.
Power for the RS11 is supplied by the CANbus.
2. General
The RS11 is designed for versatile interfacing to almost any type of analog engine sensor or gauge commonly used on marine
or automotive engines. It has two RPM (tach) inputs, four analog (gauge) inputs and supports both 12 and 24 volt systems.
The analog inputs can be assigned all to one engine or be split between two engines. Multiple RS11's can be installed on the
same CANbus.
The RS11 should generally be used in conjunction with existing analog gauges rather than as a replacement for them. This is
because most sensors are “energized” by the existing engine gauges. The RS11 is designed to “piggyback” onto these gauges
rather than replace them. The RS11 inputs are ‘passive’ in that they read sensor/gauge voltages but do not power them.
The RS11 supports messages most commonly used by marine and industrial CANbus engines. The user must perform an
initial configuration of the unit to suit the particular engine(s). This consists of selecting the specific information to be sent
and entering proper calibration factors. Configuration is done through a PC Serial interface and Setup Utility (see Appendix
D) provided with the unit.
Typical installations for a single and dual engine are shown in Figure 1. For the single engine case, one RPM input is not
used, and all analog inputs are available for that engine. In the dual engine case, the analog inputs must be divided between
the two engines. This usually means each engine only gets two analog inputs. To get four analog inputs to each of two engines, you can use two RS11's, one for Port Instance and the other for Starboard Instance.
a) Single Engine example b) Dual Engine example
Figure 1. RS11 Installation Examples
Interfaces
All engine sensor and/or gauge connections are made to a terminal strip on the RS11. CANbus connection is via the 5-pin
“Micro-C” connector. A 9-pin PC cable is supplied for configuring the RS11, but may be left in place for data monitoring
(via PC) if desired. The four analog inputs (A1-A4) can accept voltages up to 30Vdc. Analog sensor full-scale voltage ranges
are jumper selectable by removing the case top. Tach inputs are often AC (alternator) or pulsed (ignition) signals, or they may
be low voltage differential (2-wire) signals, such as inductive pickups. Table 1. summarizes the RS11 interfaces.
Table 1. Interface Description
IN, GND, OUT Serial interface to PC. Used for configuration and data monitoring
rpm1+ , rpm1 - Engine tachometer (Port or Single) input
ref 2.5V reference signal (used for some tach connections)
rpm2+ , rpm2 - Engine tachometer (Stbd) input
A1 - A4 Analog inputs, selectable ranges (5V, 15V, 30V)
CANbus (cable) CANbus ‘Micro C’ connector. Provides power/data interface.
Reset Connector 2-pin connector for external shutdown or reset.
Analog Gauge/Sensor inputs
The RS11 analog-to-digital converters operate from 0-5V where 0V is referenced to the GND terminal. To measure higher
voltage levels, jumper selectable voltage dividers are provided within the unit. Removing the RS11 cover exposes these
jumpers (see Figure 2). Inside the cover is a diagram showing the jumper positions for each voltage range, up to 30V max.
The analog inputs are high impedance so as not load your gauge or sensor.
RPM (Tach) Connection
The RS11 is designed to support the most commonly used tachometer
sensors. Some sensors, such as inductive pickups, produce low level
differential signals which the RS11 detects directly with its sensitive
differential inputs. For other signals, such as ignition pulses or alternator tach outputs, the RS11 has a 2.5V reference ('ref') which is used
as a stable threshold for detecting these often noisy signals.
In general, 2-wire tach signals (where one wire is NOT 'Ground' ) use
both the "rpm+/rpm-" inputs directly. Single wire tach signals, such as
ignition pulses or alternator tach outputs, connect only to the "rpm+"
terminal and have the "rpm-" terminal connected to "ref". The RS11
“rpm+/-” inputs are very high impedance so they do not load the tach
signal. Connecting either of the "rpm-" terminals to "GND" will usually result in erroneous RPM readings or no RPM at all. The next
section (INSTALLATION: Tach Hookup) contains more details regarding tach hookup and calibration.
Figure 2. Analog
full-scale
voltage settings
CANbus Interface
The CANbus connector (Micro ‘C’) provides the RS11 DC power and data interface. It is normally connected to an active
network through a Tee. The RS11 has no other means of obtaining power besides this connector. If required, you can bench
power the RS11 with a CANbus DC injector cable, which is useful for configuration, reprogramming etc. Sending messages,
however, will only occur if it is connected to an active bus. The RS11 flashes a green LED when it sends messages and a red
LED if errors or received messages occur.
Resest Connection
ticularly useful if the RS11 must be shut down when the engine is stopped. A switch or relay closure can serve as the shutdown interface.
Serial (PC) Interface:
tions, which include:
1. RS11 setup (RPM divider, Analog scale factors, data selection, etc.)
2. Monitoring data output and diagnosing errors on a PC.
3. Reprogramming and Software upgrades.
If your PC has no Serial Port, you can connect this to a USB-Serial adapter and perform all operations through the resulting
Virtual COM Port. Configuration can be done manually, but it is better to use the supplied Setup Utility (see Appendix D).
: A 2-pin connector on the side of the RS11allows for external shutdown or reset of the unit. This is par-
The Serial Interface is intended for direct connection to a PC COM Port. It has several important func-
3. Installation
Installation of the RS11 requires a CANbus (or another CANbus instrument) and access to your engine gauges or sensors. A
PC with a Serial (COM) Port is also needed for initial configuration/calibration. If your PC has no Serial Port, you need a
USB-Serial adapter to provide a “Virtual COM Port”.
CANbus connection:
DC power from the bus interface. Connection to the bus is generally made with a ‘Tee’ from the main bus backbone. Once
connected, the unit will immediately claim its address and begin sending messages to the bus, if enabled.
When connecting the RS11 to other CANbus instruments, a 120 ohm termination is usually needed somewhere on the bus.
For small networks that only have a few devices and relatively short cable lengths, a single termination is adequate. For
buses with many instruments and or very long cable lengths, it is better to place a termination at or near each end of the bus.
A CANbus interface provides both power and data to/from the RS11. The unit will not operate without
Avoid assembling long buses with lots of multi-branching nodes. Instead, try to assemble a single backbone with each device
directly connected to it with a Tee. Put a 120 ohm termination some- where along the backbone, or if very long, use two terminations, one at each end.
Serial Connection
A serial 9-pin connector is provided with each RS11 for connection to a PC. It is primarily intended for configuration of the unit,
but may be left in place for data monitoring, if desired. If your PC has no Serial Port, a USB-Serial adapter will be needed. The
Serial Interface will not function unless the RS11 is connected to either a powered bus or a Power Injection cable.
If you do not wish to leave the Serial cable connected, put it safely away for future use. If you ever need to reconfigure the RS11
or update its software, you will need this, or a similar, cable.
Analog Gauge connections
Connections to the analog inputs (A1-A4) are usually made at the “sense” or ‘S’ terminals of existing gauges. Alternatively, the
connections can be made directly at the engine sensor(s), if preferred. Keep in mind that the RS11 does not provide DC power to
sensors, since that is normally done by the vessel gauges.
Note: The RS11 uses CANbus “Ground” as an analog ‘0V’ reference. This may be adequate for most installations,
but others may need to connect the “GND” terminal of the RS11 to an engine ground for stable analog readings.
All analog inputs (A1-A4) must have their appropriate full-scale voltage set by jumpers within the unit. Figure 2 shows the fullscale settings available. The specific jumper settings of each analog input depend entirely on what each input is measuring. For
example, if an analog input is measuring the voltage of a 12 volt marine battery, the full-scale voltage should be set to 15V. For
measuring a 24 volt battery, the full-scale voltage should be set to 30V. All jumpers are factory set to 15V and may be left this
way for most 12V systems. For 24V systems, you may need to use the 30V setting. Sensors which produce only a few volts of
maximum output should use the ‘5V’ setting.
Tach hookup
There are several RPM (tach) connection alternatives. Most gasoline engines derive their tach signal from ignition pulses where
a fixed number of pulses represent one revolution of the engine. The signal is often available on the back of the Tachometer, or a
wire from an Engine Control Unit (ECU), or it can be obtained directly from the Ignition Coil. For these types of engines, the
tach signal should be connected to RS11 ‘rpm 1(2)+’ terminal and the rpm1(2)-‘ terminal is connected to ‘ref ’. Port side or single engine installations should use ‘rpm1+/-’ while starboard side engines should use ‘rpm2+/-’ (see Figure 3a). The ‘ref ’ terminal is a stable 2.5V signal, which acts as a switching threshold for tach pulses. Most gasoline engine tach signals and alternator
tach ouputs will require the connection "ref" into the "rpm1(2) -" terminal(s). This hookup makes the RS11 more immune to
noise on the Tach signal.
a) Ignition or Alternator Tach Hookup b) Inductive Pickup Tach Hookup (diesel)
Figure 3. RS11 Typical Tach Connections
Diesel engines use another scheme for RPM sensing since they have no ignition system. Some diesels use an inductive
pickup sensor at the flywheel, while others use a special output from the alternator. For the flywheel sensor, the number of
teeth on the flywheel must be known, whereas alternator-sensed RPM requires knowledge of the number poles in the alternator and the alternator/engine pulley ratio. Alternator sensed RPM is most often connected as shown in Figure 3a.
Engines using an inductive pickup require the connection in Figure 3b. The “ref” connection to rpm1(2)+ terminal may not
be needed unless there is no tach gauge present. Try connecting “rpm_+” to “ref” only if erratic readings exist without it being connected.
Regardless of the type of tach connection, you must determination the ‘pulses/revolution’ (ppr) of the engine. The only simple case is with ignition-sensed gasoline engines. The number of pulses per revolution (ppr) is usually one-half the number of
cylinders. So most 8-cylinder engines would have a ppr of '4'. If the engine is a diesel with an inductive pickup at the starter
flywheel, the ppr is equal to the number of teeth on the flywheel. Since few people actually know this number, you could
start with a value of '126' and then go up or down as necessary until the correct RPM is obtained.
If you have an alternator sensed tach signal, you have the toughest problem of all, since the ppr depends on the number of
poles in the alternator and the pulley diameter ratio between engine and alternator. The ppr value for this case is probably
between '12' and '36', so pick a number, send it to the RS11, and test.
Configuration Setup
The RS11 must be properly configured before it will send any useful data. The following preparation should be done before
configuration:
1. Decide which data you want to send (See Appendix A for help).
2. If RPM data is desired, determine engine pulses/rev (ppr).
3. For analog inputs, obtain 2 calibration points for each gauge/sensor.
4. Determine each analog “full-scale volts” range and set the internal jumpers.
5. Obtain a PC with Serial Port or USB-Serial Adapter.
If you can’t do everything above, you can still configure the RS11 as much as possible and finish or update the configuration
later. Examples of calibrating analog sensors is given in Appendix C. A PC Setup Utility is available to simplify the RS11
configuration (see Appendix D).
Multiple RS11's
Installing multiple RS11’s is particularly useful if you want more analog inputs than a single RS11 can provide. Each RS11
is assigned a unique Instance id during configuration by the user. An example is shown in Figure 4, where the Port side RS11
is given Instance=’0’and the Starboard side RS11 is set to Instance=’1’. Also, each RS11 must be configured as if it is only
connected to a single engine (see Appendix B).
Figure 4.
4. Operation
Once configured and calibrated, the RS11 operates autonomously with no intervention required. Appen dix B and Appe ndix
C contain details regarding configuration and calibration. A green flashing LED indicates the unit is sending data, while a red
flash indicates received messages or errors.
Output Data Monitoring
CANbus data is virtually impossible to view without special display units. Therefore the RS11 provides some simple data
sentences in NMEA 0183 format, which can be viewed in any Terminal window. This data may prove useful in initially configuring the RS11, but it may also be used to separately monitor the RS11data being applied to the CANbus.
To monitor the RS11 via its Serial Port, connect the PC serial cable per Figure 1. The RS11 must also be connected to a
CANbus network before it will start sending data. With a Terminal window open and the PC connected to the RS11 COM_
Port at 4800 baud, text sentences should appear in the window. The provided RS11 Setup Utility contains such a viewing
window.
The sentences beginning with
$ERRPM , , 0, x x x x, ,
contain the calculated RPM value for each configured engine instance. The sentence contains both the Instance ID (usually
'0' or '1') and the RPM value (shown as x x x x). If the RPM seems wrong it may be due to the wrong "ppr" value in the
RS11. See Appendix B for instructions on changing the RPM ppr value(s).
The sentences beginning with
$PNOLA, x x . x, x x . x, x x . x, x x . x,
A1 , A2 , A3 , A4
contain raw values measured at the analog inputs, A1-A4 in that order. The values read as "% of full-scale" from 0.0 - 99.9,
where the full-scale value is set by the analog input jumpers within the RS11. When you are configuring the RS11, you can
actually use this data instead of a voltmeter. Simply multiply the value(s) above by the full-scale jumper setting of that input
and you have the measured voltage.
Finally, if errors occur, a sentence beginning with
$PNOLE,..
will be seen, which contains error codes. These codes are deciphered in the next Section (Troubleshooting).
Troubleshooting
Error codes (TDB)
Reset/Shutdown Hookup:
The Shutdown/reset interface consists of a 2-pin
header on the circuit board and a mating cable. The
cable can be wired to an external contact closure to
stop (shutdown) the RS11 or simply reset it. It could
be implemented as a manual switch, relay closure, or
oil pressure switch as shown below. The red wire is
the “Shutdown /reset” connection for the RS11. The
black wire is internally connected to RS11ground and
is not needed if the switch or contact closure is already
grounded. Momentarily connecting it to ground resets
the RS11, while holding it to Ground keeps the RS11
in its shutdown state.
Figure 5
Reset Hookup
5. Technical Specifications
RPM accuracy +/-1 (ppr=200), +/-4 (ppr=60), +/-16 (ppr=12)
Tach input impedance > 100 Kohm
Analog input accuracy +/-0.2%(5V), +/-2%(10V, 15V, 20V), +/-4%(30V)
Analog input impedance >10K(5V), >2K(10V), >3K(15V), >4K(20V), >6K(30V)
Serial data rate, format 4800 baud, NMEA 0183
Power 8-30 Vdc, 50ma. max
Temperature 0-50 degC
Humidity 0-100% (non-condensing)
Size, weight 2.2” x 3.5” x 1.0”, 4 oz.
6. Warranty
Subject to the terms, conditions and limitations herein, NoLand Engineering warranties this product
against manufacturing and material defects for a period of 24 months from the date of purchase.
NoLand Engineering, at its discretion, will repair or replace the defective unit with new or
refurbished parts. There is no other express warranty or representation of any kind that we make concerning this
product.
It is the customer's responsibility to return the product safely to NoLand Engineering. Unless
other arrangements are made, the customer must properly pack, ship, and insure the unit for return. If proof of purchase is not provided by the customer, NoLand Engineering will use its own records to determine the date of purchase.
Such repair or replacement is the sole remedy to the customer, consistent with local and provincial laws. Any repaired or replaced unit will be warrantied for the balance of the original product's warranty period.
This Limited Warranty does not cover the following:
products with alterations to the serial number, mutilated labels, or missing labels
failure from abuse, misuse, accident, over-voltage, unauthorized repair or modification, or improper installation.
costs incurred from re-installation and testing
This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights, which vary from state to state.
APPENDIX A
CANbus Messages
CANbus networks such as J-1939 and NMEA 2000 send data in frames called 'messages'. Each message frame, or packet,
transmits a maximum of 8 data bytes, so longer messages require multiple packets. The message packets contain the message
ID along with the source and sometimes a destination addresses. The standard data rate is 250 Kbps.
J-1939 and NMEA 2000 protocols are similar because they are both derived from a parent Standard known as ISO 11783.
The ISO standard defines important protocol parameters such as data rates, address claiming, message id formats, etc. For
this reason J-1939, NMEA 2000, and ISO 11783 can share the same bus. The main difference between them is the specific
messages utilized by each protocol. NMEA 2000 messages are geared toward marine navigation applications, while J-1939 is
intended for large trucks and buses. The 3 standards also have different schemes for multi-packet messages. These protocols
can operate together on the same bus, but they may not understand each others’ messages.
Each CANbus message is identified by a Parameter Group Number (PGN), which is embedded in the message frame. The
PGN specifically identifies the contents of each message. The table below lists the PGN's supported by the RS11. PGN’s
below 65535 may be used by all 3 protocols, whereas those above belong strictly to NMEA 2000.
Table A1 RS11 Messages
Rx
PGN DESCRIPTION MESSAGE DATA
59392 Acknowledgement
Tx
x
59904 Request
60928 Address Claim Address and Name of device
126464 x PGN List List of Transmitted/Received PGN's by device.
126996 x Product Information Model id, Serial#, etc.
127488 Engine Parameters Rapid Update RPM, Tu rbo Boost, Tilt /trim
127489 Engine Parameters Dynamic Oil Press., Eng. Temp., Batt. Volts, Oil Temp., etc.
127493 Transmission Params Gear Oil Pressure , Temperature
127505 Fluid Level Fuel level, Capacity
Engine Parameters Rapid Update
This short (single packet) message is sent 4 times/second for each engine. It contains RPM, Turbo Boost Pressure, and
Ttilt/trim indication. Separate messages are sent for Port and Starboard engines with each side using a unique "Instance ID".
Instance ID = 0 is used for Port or Single engine, while Instance ID=1 is for Starboard engine.
Engine Parameters Dynamic
This multi-packet message contains most of the important engine sensor information, which does not require fast updating. It
is sent once/second for each engine. The following data fields are contained in this message:
x
x
x
Tx
Tx
x
Oil Pressure
Oil Temperature
Engine (Coolant) Temperature
Alternator volts
Fuel Rate
Engine Hours
Coolant Pressure
Fuel Pressure
Status1
Status2
%Load
%Torque
any of the items above in bold can be assigned to any available Analog Input (A1-A4) of the RS11. For example, if the RS11 is
monitoring a single engine and all 4 analog inputs are available, they could be assigned to the top 4 items in the above list. If,
however, two engines are being supported with one RS11, you would have to divide up the available Analog Inputs (A1-A4)
between your two engines.
Transmission Parameters
Temperature. Separate messages are sent for Port and Starboard engines.
Fluid Level / Capacity
Capacity” can also be included if desired. Separate messages are sent for Port and Starboard engines.
: This single packet message is sent once/second for each engine. It contains Gear Oil Pressure and
: This single packet message is sent once/second for each engine. It is used for “Fuel Level” but “Fuel
APPENDIX B
Programming Instructions
Introduction
commands are also used to configure various options, such as message selection. All programming is done through a Serial
PC (RS-232) interface.
Although programming can be done directly through a Terminal Window, it is much easier to configure with the Setup Utility
supplied with the RS11. You can download this utility from our website, if needed. If, however, this utility is not available
or you only need to make some simple configuration changes, the following instructions and examples will prove helpful.
Commands typed into a Terminal window are sent to the RS11, which will check their validity and take appropriate action.
All commands begin with an “@” character followed by another character which defines the action to take. Some actions
will need additional characters (options) to more specifically define the action. A list of command characters and options is
given in Table B-1.
: The RS11 is capable of accepting certain commands and taking appropriate action such as a device reset. The
Table B1 RS11 Commands
Command Action Options Comments
< Stop device (n/a) Stop data for programming
> Reset (restart) device (n/a) Same as power disconnect-reconnect
? Help / Query configuration (n/a) Shows current device configuration
I or i
P or p Port pulses per revolution (ppr)
S or s Stbd pulses per revolution (ppr)
N or n Enable CANbus message 1– 8 +/-
R or r Analog assign,
D or d Analog assign,
M or m Analog assign(Trans Params) 1-4,P/S/-,1-2 Assign A1-A4 to Pressure(1) or Temperature(2)
L or l Analog assign (Fuel Level) 1-4,P/S/- Assign A1-A4 to Fuel Level
Some of the above commands are simple and straightforward. Others may seem quite confusing, and we recommend only
using them when necessary or convenient. Instead, we provide a PC Setup Utility, which simplifies configuration of the
RS11 and eliminates the need for executing any of these commands. There may, however, be some situations where it is easier to make simple updates using above commands rather than the supplied Utility.
Set Instance ID
, Port/Stbd
(Eng Rapid Update)
(Eng Param Dynamic)
0 - 9
000 – 250
000 – 250
1- 4, +/- 1/3, +/- = Port/Stbd Turbo Boost, on/off
1-4, P/S/-, 1-6 Assigns A1-A4 to Port/Stbd fields 1-6 of Engine
Port = 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 / Stbd =1, 3, 5, 7, 9
Leading zeroes required (‘000’ = not used)
Leading zeroes required (‘000’ = not used)
1/2, +/- =Port,Stbd Eng Param Rapid U/D, on/off
3/4, +/- = Port,Stbd Eng Param Dynamic, on/ off
5/6, +/- = Port,Stbd Fuel Level, on/ off
7/8, +/- = Port,Stbd Transmission Params, on/ off
2/4, +/- = Port/Stbd Tilt-trim, on/off
Parameters Dynami c message
Programming Example
An example will demonstrate how to configure the RS11. Connect the Unit to a powered CANbus or power injection adapter.
Also connect the device to a PC using the supplied 9-pin Serial Cable. If necessary, a USB-Serial Adapter (not included)
may be used. On the PC, open a Terminal window and set it to match the following:
Baud rate 4800
Data bits 8
Stop bits 1
Parity None
Flow Control None
The Terminal program should be set to send characters as soon as typed. Yo u should not need to hit ‘ENTER’ to send the
command. You are now ready to send a command. If the device is currently receiving data, you can stop the data flow by
typing
@<
This causes the data flow to stop. If not, your command was either not sent or it was typed incorrectly. You made need to
change your Terminal Program settings. If you now type
@?
You will get a list of the current configuration settings as well as a list of commands/options.
Instance setup
Assume we now want to change an Instance ID. By typing
@I2 or @i2 and @I3 or @i3
the Port or Stbd Instances id would change to 2 and 3 respectively. Note that both lower and uppercase commands are valid.
To confirm the change, type another ‘@?’ and look for the Instance ID’s at the end of the first line as shown below.
It will remain configured this way unless it is reconfigured sometime in the future. To verify the configuration change was
accepted, we can again type “@?” which will show
RPM setup
To calibrate RPM, you must have the RPM message enabled. This can de done with the command
@P _ _ _ or @p _ _ _ (Port RPM),
@S _ _ _ or @s _ _ _ (Stbd RPM)
where the 3 dashes represent the ppr value for your engine(s). Assuming we have a V8 engine with a tach signal derived
from Ignition Coil pulses, the ppr will likely be 4 so the command is
@P004 or @p004
for the Port (or single) Engine. The same command with the ‘P’ replaced by ‘S’ or ‘s’ will set the Starboard Engine ppr. If
you do not know the engines’ ppr, you can keep entering different values and resetting the unit by typing
@ >
This restarts the unit with your new settings. You can view the “$ERRPM,..” sentence in your Terminal window to see if the
RPM is reading correctly. This trial-and-error procedure may be needed for most diesel engines with alternator tach signals
or flywheel inductive pickups. To turn off Port or Stbd RPM enter a ppr value of ‘000’.
Message Selection
To select which message(s) the RS11 sends, use the command:
@N#+ or @n#+
where # is the number of the message desired. This version has 4 different messages, but they can be enabled for both engines (port, stbd) giving a maximum of 4 messages. The message # for each message and its on/off state can be seen near the
top of the list when an "@?" command is sent. To turn off a particular message, use the command:
@N#- or @n#-
where ‘#’ is the message number to be disabled. A more detailed description of the messages is in Appendix A.
Analog setup
Each of the 4 Analog inputs (A1-A4) can be used in any of the eight possible messages with certain limitations. The table
below shows the Analog field assignment for just the Engine Parameters Rapid Update message. The field assignments in
Table B2 cannot be changed; they can only be turned on or off.
Table B2 Rapid Update Message data field assignments
Command Input Input assigned to field ..
@R1+ or @r1+ A1 Port Turbo Boost (Instance 0)
@R2+ or @r2+ A2 Port Tilt/trim (Instance 0)
@R3+ or @r3+ A3 Stbd Turbo Boost (Instance 1)
@R4+ or @r4+ A4 Port Tilt/trim (Instance 1)
Sending any of the above commands with a "-" rather than a "+" sign will remove the assignment for input so that it can be
used for another message field.
Any remaining Analog Inputs you do not use for the "Rapid Update" message(s) can be assigned to the Engine Parameters
Dynamic message(s), if desired. The following commands assign analog inputs to the Engine Parameters Dynamic message:
Table B3 Engine Parameters Dynamic Message data field assignments
Command Input Input assigned to field ..
@D#P1 or @d#p1
@D#S1 or @d#s1
@D#P2 or @d#p2
@D#S2 or @d#s2
@D#P3 or @d#p3
@D#S3 or @d#s3
A# Port Oil Pressure (Instance 0)
Stbd Oil Pressure (Instance 1)
A# Oil Temperature (Instance 0)
Oil Temperature (Instance 1)
A# Engine Temperature (Instance 0)
Engine Temperature (Instance 1)
@D#P4 or @d#p4
@D#S4 or @d#s4
@D#P5 or @d#p5
@D#S5 or @d#s5
@D#P6 or @d#p6
@D#S6 or @d#s6
A# Battery Volts (Instance 0)
Battery Volts (Instance 1)
A# Coolant pressure (Instance 0)
Coolant pressure (Instance 1)
A# Fuel Pressure (Instance 0)
Fuel Pressure (Instance 1)
To remove any of the above assignments, send the command
@D# - or @d# -
where '#' is the number of the Analog Input (1-4) to be removed from the message.
Use of most of the above commands is not recommended. The RS11 includes a PC Setup Utility which makes configuration
much easier than using these commands.
Table B4 Transmission Parameters Message data field assignments
Command Input Input assigned to field ..
@M#P1 or @m#p1
@M#S1 or @m#s1
@M#P2 or @m#p2
@M#S2 or @m#s2
A# Port Trans Pressure (Instance 0)
Stbd Trans Pressure (Instance 1)
A# Port Trans Temperature (Instance 0)
Stbd Trans Temperature (Instance 1)
To remove any of the Table B4 assignments, send the command
@M# - or @m# -
where '#' is the Analog Input (1-4) to be removed from the message.
Table B5 Fuel Level Message data field assignments
Command Input Input assigned to field ..
@L#P or @l#p A# Port Fuel Level (Instance 0)
@L#S or @l#s A# Stbd Fuel Level (Instance 1)
To remove any of the Table B5 assignments, send the command
@L# - or @l# -
where '#' is the Analog Input (1-4) to be removed from the message.
Use of most of the above commands is not recommended. The RS11 includes a PC Setup
Utility which makes configuration much easier (see Appendix D).
APPENDIX C
Analog Gauge (sensor) Calibration Examples
This Section describes the relatively simple and straightforward method for calibrating analog gauges and sensors so that the
RS11 can output the correct data. To use this method most effectively requires that you have the RS11 installed in the vessel,
CANbus power available, and the engine gauges or sensors operational and connected to RS11 analog inputs (A1-A4). A
voltmeter might also prove useful, but it is not essential since the RS11 analog inputs can function like a voltmeter.
Shown below is an example of an engine oil pressure sensor characteristic. The voltage measured at the "S" (sense) terminal
of the vessels' oil pressure gauge is shown in the graph. It is a negative slope characteristic, which is typical of these sensors.
Most sensors exhibit an approximately linear (straight line) characteristic over their range of interest. The RS11 assumes this
straight line characteristic for all sensors. Two points on the line are needed for each analog gauge or sensor. A voltmeter
may be needed to determine these points, but the RS11 can be used as a voltmeter as described later.
Our first point on the curve is usually easy to obtain. For the case of Oil Pressure, we know the pressure is ‘0’ when the engine is not running, so all we need is the gauge voltage with engine ‘off’ but gauges switched ‘on’. That reading is represented by the upper left point (8.4V) on the example graph above. Rather than use a voltmeter, we could instead read the “%
f.s” volts measurement from the “$PNOLA,… “ sentence of the RS11 (see Section 4– Output Data Monitoring). If A1 is
assigned to “Oil pressure” and the full-scale jumper setting in the RS11 is set to 10V, the reading would show
“$PNOLA,84.0, ..” for the Oil Pressure analog input (A1 shown here). Note that 10V x 84% = 8.4V, so in effect we are using
the RS11 analog input as a voltmeter.
Next, with the engine running, assume the oil pressure increases to 66 psi and the gauge voltage now reads “2.7V” (or
“$PNOLA,27.0,..”). This is our second data point for calibrating this gauge/sensor. The other three gauges/sensors are calibrated the same way. The recorded data points for all gauges or sensors are then entered in to the Setup Utility, which will
process and download calibration factors to the RS11.
APPENDIX D
RS11 Setup Utility
The RS11 Engine Data Converter converts tachometer pulses and analog gauge voltages from virtually any engine into CANbus digital messages compatible with J-1939 and NMEA 2000 protocols.
This utility will assist you in configuring the RS11 for the particular message(s) required and calibration parameters such as
pulses/rev, analog scale factors, etc. Configuration data is sent to the RS11 via a Serial (RS-232) PC interface, which can also
serve as an output data monitor, if desired.
The RS11 must be properly configured before it will send any meaningful data. The following preparation should be done
before configuring the RS11:
1. Decide what data you want to send.
2. If RPM data is desired, determine engine pulses/rev (ppr).
3. For analog inputs, obtain 2 calibration points for each gauge/sensor.
4. Determine each analog “full-scale volts” range and set the internal jumpers. (factory set to (5V))
5. Obtain a PC with Serial Port or USB-Serial Adapter as needed.
If you can’t do everything above, you can still configure the RS11 as much as possible and finish or update the configuration
later.
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