How to configure the EMU-1 using the NGX-1

The NGX-1 is a powerful device, and with the recent update of the Actisense Toolkit, this software is now fully compatible with the NGX-1 and so can be used to configure the EMU-1 remotely over the NMEA 2000 network.

Upgrading the EMU-1 Firmware

Firstly, ensure that an Actisense NGT-1/NGX-1 is connected to both your PC and the same NMEA 2000 network as the EMU-1 to be updated. Secondly, ensure that any other software program (such as NMEA Reader) has not opened the NGT-1/NGX-1 COM port.

Toolkit is a simple tool that contains the latest EMU-1 firmware. Run Toolkit and select the NGT-1/NGX-1 COM port from the “Comms” menu. The selected NGT-1/NGX-1 COM port will be remembered for all future sessions but it can be changed at any time if required. Select the EMU-1 to be updated from the “Serial/CAN Device List”:

Click on the “Upgrade Firmware” button in the Toolkit ribbon menu to start the reprogramming process, followed by the “Program” button in the pop-up window.

The blue “Power” LED on the EMU-1 should now be flashing faster (5 times per second) to indicate that the EMU-1 is in Bootloader mode. The “Tx” and “Rx” LEDs on the EMU-1 should be flashing very fast indicating the transfer of firmware information.

Once the upgrade is complete, click “close”.

Toolkit and NMEA Reader update (2023)

Both Toolkit and NMEA Reader have been recently updated to include full support for all NGX-1 devices, as well as NGT-1 and USG-2 means of connection. The NMEA Reader PC software allows Actise4nse NGX-1 and NGT-1 owners to view NMEA 2000 information directly from the network, helping users to easily identify potential problems.

To download the latest version of NMEA Reader, click here.

For the latest version of Toolkit, download here.

Connecting to and configuring an EMU-1

Actisense Toolkit is used to configure an EMU-1. An Actisense NGT-1 or NGX-1 is also required as an NMEA 2000 PC Interface to allow configuring of the EMU-1 remotely over the NMEA 2000 network.

As the Actisense Toolkit software program runs on a Windows PC, it requires an interface to the NMEA 2000 network in order to configure and update the firmware of an EMU-1. This NMEA 2000 PC Interface is created via an NGT-1 or NGX-1, making it a necessary requirement when installing or reconfiguring an EMU-1.

It is not necessary to keep the Actisense NGT-1/NGX-1 connected to the NMEA 2000 network permanently; once the EMU-1 is configured it can be removed. However, having an Actisense NGT-1/NGX-1 always available to help diagnose issues with any NMEA 2000 device (from any manufacturer) will prove very helpful, and is a solid reason for keeping it on-board full-time.

The tool itself is simple to use:

• The EMU-1 device to be configured is selected from a list of the connected devices from the ‘Serial/CAN Device List’ tab.
• The engine instance is specified for each “Gauge”, “Alarm” and “Tacho” input, where 0 = Port and 1 = Stbd. If 3 engines are present then 0, 1 and 2 are used from Port to Stbd.
• The input voltage monitor destination PGN field is specified (if required).
• The parameter/gauge type is specified for each active “Gauge” input.
• The alarm level and direction are specified for each active “Alarm” input.
• The tacho PPR ratio is specified for each active “Tacho” input.
• The engine hours are edited to match those of the physical engine.
• The configuration settings are sent to the EMU-1 by pressing the “Send to EMU” button.

The Toolkit manuals and custom gauge manager guide detail how to perform all of the configuration operations necessary to customise the EMU-1 to an individual installation. As Toolkit will be updated regularly, please ensure that the latest version is being used.

Displaying the Engine Data

The EMU-1 will output NMEA 2000 Engine Data PGNs onto the connected network, for all devices to see.

The EMU-1 is compatible with all certified NMEA 2000® devices that receive and display the NMEA 2000 PGNs that the EMU-1 outputs. Please cross-reference the EMU-1 NMEA 2000 PGN list with the received PGN list of the NMEA 2000 monitoring device (e.g. MFD or chartplotter).

Any Raymarine SeaTalkNG or Simrad SimNet device that can receive and display the NMEA 2000 PGNs that the EMU-1 outputs will also be compatible, however, a suitable network adapter cable will be required.

If the NGT-1/NGX-1 is still available on the network, then the NMEA 2000 data can also be sent to a PC-based application such as NMEA Reader or TimeZero. Any NMEA 2000 PC Application will reconfigure the gateway for its own program and accept various PGNs. For more information on what applications support engine data, please contact the software development team of the application you are interested in.