Understand Your Lowrance Network: Ethernet & NMEA 2000 Basics

Understand Your Lowrance Network: Ethernet & NMEA 2000 Basics

In this video, we'll demystify the networking systems used in Lowrance displays. We'll break down the differences between Ethernet and NMEA 2000, explain what each is used for, and walk you through the basic components of setting up an NMEA 2000 network. Whether you're connecting a fishfinder, an outboard motor, or a trolling motor, this guide will help you understand the foundational network on your boat.

Chapters:
0:00 - Introduction to Lowrance Networking
0:34 - Ethernet Basics: High-Bandwidth Data
1:18 - NMEA 2000 Basics: Low-Bandwidth Data
2:20 - Building the NMEA 2000 Network: T-Connectors
2:49 - Using Terminators on Your NMEA 2000 Network
3:30 - Drop Cables and Device Connections
3:51 - NMEA 2000 Power Cable & Central Placement

Video Highlights:
Learn the key differences between Ethernet and NMEA 2000 networking.
Find out why you need both types of networks for your Lowrance electronics.
Get a simple, step-by-step guide to setting up an NMEA 2000 network.
Understand the function of T-connectors, terminators, drop cables, and power cables.

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Condensed Transcript

Hi everybody. My name is Matthew. I'm the director of integrated fishing systems here at Lowrance in Tulsa, Oklahoma. And I'm going to walk you guys through a little bit of a setup of some networking that we use in the Lowrance product.

When we talk about networking, in our displays like Elite FS and HDS Pro, we have two kinds: Ethernet and NMEA 2000. I'm going to show you quickly why we need both.

Ethernet Basics

Ethernet is our high-data bandwidth system for things like images and maps. This is how you'll get your ActiveTarget picture from the module to your display, or share a C-MAP chart card between two displays on your network. It's also how you connect devices like radars and keep your waypoints live across multiple displays.

NMEA 2000 Basics

NMEA 2000 is an industry standard for low-data bandwidth messages. It's used for digital depth and temperature numbers, engine RPMs, and even for controlling a Lowrance trolling motor. You'll set this up with an NMEA 2000 starter kit.

Building the Network

T-Connectors: These build the "backbone" of the network. You'll need one for every device you want to connect. They twist-lock together to form a line.

Terminators: These 120-ohm resistors must be placed at each end of the backbone. They put a "stop" on the network and are critical for it to function correctly. Do not place them on empty drops in the middle.

Drop Cables: These connect your devices (like your displays or trolling motor) from a T-connector to the device itself.

Power Cable: The NMEA 2000 backbone needs its own 12V power supply. For larger networks, place the power cable as close to the center of the backbone as possible for equal power distribution.

This is a quick overview of NMEA 2000 and Ethernet and why you need both.


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