What are the differences between the NGW-1 variants?
All NGW-1 variants have a standard NMEA 2000 drop cable and connector (DeviceNet M12, A polarised, male Micro C) for direct connection to an NMEA 2000 backbone T-piece or adapter cable for manufacturer proprietary networks.
All ISO-Drive variants (NGW-1-ISO, NGW-1-ISO-AIS and NGW-1-STNG) have stripped and tinned wires at the end of a high quality 1.5 metre cable to accommodate varying installation requirements to an NMEA Talker and/or NMEA Listener.
All USB variants (NGW-1-USB and NGW-1-USB-AIS) have a 1.5 metre standard USB cable with a USB A plug on the end for easy connection to a computer or USB hub.
The NGW-1-ISO is the standard option applicable to the majority of customers. The NGW-1 Conversion List on the download page details which conversions are supported (and those that are not).
The NGW-1-ISO-AIS is an NGW-1-ISO pre-configured for use with an AIS device. The NGW-1-AIS Conversion List on the download page details which conversions are supported (and those that are not).
The NGW-1-USB is the option typically used with PC software that only understands NMEA 0183 (i.e. it is not compatible with the Actisense NGT-1). The NGW-1 Conversion List on the download page details which conversions are supported (and those that are not).
The NGW-1-USB-AIS is an NGW-1-USB pre-configured for use with PC software that only understands NMEA 0183 and needs or supplies AIS information. The NGW-1-AIS Conversion List on the download page details which conversions are supported (and those that are not).
The NGW-1-STNG is the Raymarine SeaTalkNG option: The kit includes an NGW-1-ISO and a SeaTalkNG to NMEA 2000 adapter cable (STNG-A06045) allowing the NGW-1 to be connected directly to the Raymarine SeaTalkNG network – providing seamless integration with Raymarine products. The NGW-1 Conversion List on the download page details which conversions are supported (and those that are not).
As of April 2015, a SeaTalkNG to NMEA 2000 adapter cable (STNG-A06045) can be purchased with an NGW-1-ISO, NGW-1-ISO-AIS, NGW-1-USB or NGW-1-USB-AIS to allow direct connection toa Raymarine SeaTalkNG network
Link to FAQ
How is the NGW-1 Powered?
All ISO-Drive variants (NGW-1-ISO, NGW-1-ISO-AIS and NGW-1-STNG) are completely powered from the NMEA 2000 network and have an NMEA 2000 LEN of 1 (50 mA or less). Once connected to a powered and terminated NMEA 2000 network, the NGW-1-ISO LEDs will flash.
All USB variants (NGW-1-USB and NGW-1-USB-AIS) takes most of their power from the USB connection and also have an NMEA 2000 LEN of 1 (50 mA or less). The LEDs will not flash until the USB drivers have been successfully installed (allowing the OS to enable USB power).
Link to FAQ
What conversions are supported by the NGW-1?
The NGW-1 Conversion Lists are available on the download page – there is one list for the standard firmware variants (NGW-1-ISO, NGW-1-USB and NGW-1-STNG) and one list for the AIS firmware variants (NGW-1-
ISO-AIS and NGW-1-USB-AIS). Each Conversion List details which conversions are supported by the specified NGW-1 firmware version. Updating the NGW-1 between the standard firmware and AIS firmware (using the ActiPatch program) switches between the two Conversion Lists. The latest NGW-1 firmware can be found on the firmware page.
New conversions are being developed – Actisense welcomes suggestions and requests for future updates.
Link to FAQ
Can I change/update the firmware in my NGW-1?
How do I connect my ISO-Drive variant NGW-1 to a PC?
When connecting an NGW-1 with an ISO-Drive to a PC there are three options:
Wire a D-type 9-pin connector and cable to your NGW-1’s NMEA 0183 (ISO-Drive) port – you can connect that directly to the NGW-1 cable terminals inside the case if that is more convenient. Plug that cable in to a standard RS232 port, or a “USB to Serial” adapter cable if your computer does not have an RS232 port. Please refer to “Figure 2” on page 7 of the NGW-1 User Manual.
You might want to consider theActisense DB9-F and USB-1 products if do not have cables already.
For a quick and easy connection, use theActisense USG-1 for direct wiring to the NGW-1’s cable terminals whilst keeping your PC safe with 1500 volts of isolation. You can use the USG-1 as a safe way to connect any NMEA 0183 signal to your PC so it is ideal as an “NMEA 0183 diagnostic tool” when used with our freely available NMEA Reader software.
If the NGW-1 is not connected to an NMEA 2000 network, an alternative NGW-1 power source is required: 12/24 volt power can be connected directly to the “Net S” and “Net C” terminals inside the NGW-1-ISO case.
Link to FAQ
How do I use ActiPatch?
With the NGW-1 connected to your PC, select the correct COM port for your NGW-1 from the drop down menu in the Actipatch.
Click on the ‘Program’ button when it goes green and you will see the progress bar indicating the installation of the firmware to your NGW-1.
When the installation is completed successfully, the ‘Patch ID’ box and ‘Device ID’ box will contain identical information.
Link to FAQ
What versions of NMEA 0183 are supported?
The NGW-1 supports all versions of NMEA 0183. Devices that use RS232 or RS422 voltage levels are accepted and connections that use ground or differential connections are suitable. The NGW-1 automatically adapts to the electrical requirements of the connected devices.
Link to FAQ
Is there isolation between all the ports?
The NMEA 2000 network is Galvanically isolated from the NMEA 0183 side of the NGW-1. The non-USB variants are also isolated between the NMEA Talker and the NMEA Listener.
Link to FAQ
Can I connect a different Listener and Talker to the NGW-1’s NMEA 0183 port?
It is possible to connect an NMEA Listener to the NGW-1 Talker port and a different NMEA Talker to the NGW-1 Listener port. Note that both NMEA 0183 devices connected to the NGW-1’s NMEA 0183 port must have the same baud rate set.
Link to FAQ
Can I connect multiple Talkers to an NGW-1?
No, it is not possible to connect multiple Talkers to a NGW-1’s Listener port. (This is in accordance with the NMEA 0183 specification). You can use an NMEA multiplexer like the NDC-4 to combine multiple NMEA 0183 streams together to put into the NGW-1. Alternatively, using more than one NGW-1 is the recommended option.
Note: three NGW-1’s cost approximately the same as one NDC-4 plus one NGW-1.
Link to FAQ
Can I connect multiple Listeners to an NGW-1?
The NGW-1 talker port can drive up to 20mA. This means that potentially up to 10 NMEA Listeners can be connected to the NGW-1 output. Check the input currents of each Listener to see how many can be connected together.
Note that many NMEA Listeners do not provide isolation on their inputs. Connecting these together can cause ground loops and thus damage to the Listener ports of these devices. For safe connection of multiple Listeners our NBF-3 NMEA Buffer is recommended.
Link to FAQ
Can I configure the NGW-1?
NMEA Reader contains all the currently available configuration options for the NGW-1.
In the majority of cases, configuration of an NGW-1 is not required as it communicates at the standard 4800 baud rate for NMEA 0183 devices (38400 for the AIS firmware) by default. All available conversions are enabled by default so the only conversion related configuration option is to reduce the number of conversions carried out by the NGW-1. Checking extra boxes in the PGN enable lists in NMEA Reader that weren’t initially checked will have no effect.
All available conversions being enabled on the NGW-1 should not cause conflicts as NMEA 0183 devices are usually good at recognising data that they don’t require and ignoring it. NMEA 2000 is also very good at handling data.
For full instructions on how to use NMEA Reader, please refer to the “NMEA Reader & EBL Reader User Manual Issue 1.00.pdf”. In the manual it shows the hardware configuration option as a window, however with the latest edition of NMEA Reader it is a tab that can be selected at the bottom left side of the NMEA Reader window.
As a quick description: Using NMEA Reader, you can choose which PGN’s are received (Rx) or transmitted (Tx) by the NGW-1. For example, turning off PGN 127251 from the “Rx PGN Enable List” will stop all ROT sentences appearing on the NMEA 0183 output of the NGW. However, turning off PGN 128267 from the “Rx PGN Enable List” will stop both DPT and DBT sentences appearing on the NMEA 0183 side of the NGW. There is currently no way of choosing DPT or DBT, you can only get or stop both.
The “Tx PGN Enable List” works in a similar way, DBT and DPT are used to generate PGN 128267 you cannot choose data from one sentences and not the other. Please refer to the NGW-1 Conversion List document to fully understand the relationship between the NMEA 2000 PGN and the NMEA 0183 Sentences.
Only the USB variant of the NGW-1 is capable of baud rates of 115200 Baud and above. Changing the Baud rate of non USB variants to 115200 Baud or above will prevent the NGW-1 from communicating and will require assistance from Actisense tech support.
See question number 4 for details on how to connect your NGW-1 to a PC.
Link to FAQ
What is provided with the NGW-1?
ll Variants:
- 1 x Actisense CD in sleeve (with documents and software)
- 1 x NGW-1 User Manual
- 2 x Mounting screws
Standard ISO-Drive variants (NGW-1-ISO or NGW-1-ISO-AIS):
- 1 x NGW-1-ISO (with 1.5 metre NMEA 0183 cable (stripped and tinned) and 1.5 metre NMEA 2000 cable & connector)
- 1 x Cable grommet for use with custom NMEA 0183 cables
USB variants (NGW-1-USB or NGW-1-USB-AIS):
- 1 x NGW-1-USB (with 1.5 metre USB cable (USB A plug) and 1.5 metre NMEA 2000 cable & connector)
SeaTalkNG ISO-Drive variant (NGW-1-STNG):
- 1 x NGW-1-ISO (with 1.5 metre NMEA 0183 cable (stripped and tinned) and 1.5 metre NMEA 2000 cable & connector)
- 1 x SeaTalkNG to NMEA 2000 adapter cable (STNG-A06045)
Link to FAQ
Which devices can receive engine data from the EMU-1?
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 (in the User Manual and in the Which NMEA 2000 PGNs are supported FAQ) with the receive 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.
Link to FAQ
What are the power requirements of the EMU-1?
The EMU-1 can operate between 9 and 35 VDC and will typically use 25mA at 12 VDC.
If the engine gauges are to remain in-circuit, the EMU-1 must be powered from exactly the same power supply as the gauges otherwise the EMU-1 measurements will not being accurate. The EMU-1 gauge ground and the EMU-1 power ground must be common to prevent ground loops. Check that if the instrument gauge panel includes a reverse protection diode between the power supply and the actual gauge supply connection, the EMU-1 is correctly powered from the gauge supply connection.
Link to FAQ
What EMU-1 variants are available and what do I get in the box?
There is currently only one variant of the EMU-1. If you are interested in a special OEM variant, please contact Actisense Technical Support.
Part number EMU-1-BAS box contents:
- 1 x EMU-1 with pluggable screw terminals and NMEA 2000 connector dust cover
- 1 x Connector cover
- 4 x Connector cover retaining screws
- 4 x Mounting screws
- 1 x Actisense CD in sleeve (with documents and software)
- 1 x EMU-1 user manual
Link to FAQ
What are the connections on the EMU-1?
The EMU-1 has a standard M12 male, A-coded (Micro-C) connection to connect to the NMEA 2000 network and 16 screw terminal connections as follows:
– One “Power” input pair for powering the EMU-1
– Six “Gauge” inputs
– Four “Alarm” inputs
– Two “Tacho” input pairs
– Two “Auxiliary” inputs
Link to FAQ
What types of inputs does the EMU-1 have?
There are a total of 14 analogue inputs on the EMU-1.
There are six inputs labelled “Gauge”. Each gauge input can be connected to either a resistive sender or the gauge connected to that sender.
There are four inputs labelled “Alarm”. Each alarm input can be connected to either an alarm switch or the warning indicator connected to that alarm switch
There are two inputs labelled “Tacho”. Each tacho input can be connected to one of the following:
- an alternator terminal connection (usually labelled “W”, “R” or “AC”)
- an ignition coil connection
- an inductive Tacho sender
- a hall-effect Tacho sender
There are two inputs labelled “Aux”. These inputs are not currently enabled and are reserved for future expansion of the EMU-1’s functionality.
Link to FAQ
What are the “Gauge” inputs for?
“Gauge” inputs are designed to be connected to existing (resistive type) engine senders, either with or without the engine gauge connected. In the case where no gauge is connected the EMU-1 automatically provides a current feed to the sender.
The EMU Configuration Tool allows the user to select the matching sender/gauge type from a defined list for each “Gauge” input. Ideally, please check regularly (once per month) that you have the latest version of the EMU Configuration Tool in order to have the latest supported gauge list.
If you have a gauge which is not supported, please contact Actisense Technical Support so your “new gauge” addition request a can be processed. The Actisense team will be updating the EMU Configuration Tool to support more gauge types based on customer feedback and requirements.
Link to FAQ
What are the “Alarm” inputs for?
“Alarm” inputs are designed to be connected to existing (voltage level) alarm type switches, (e.g. an over temperature switch). The EMU Configuration Tool allows the user to define the trigger voltage and trigger direction (positive: from LOW to HIGH or negative: HIGH to LOW) for each “Alarm” input. The user configures this as: Trigger the alarm if the input voltage goes “Above” or “Below” the set trigger level.
Please check that you have the latest version of the EMU Configuration Tool in order to have the latest supported alarm list.
Link to FAQ
What are the “Tacho” inputs for?
“Tacho” inputs are designed to be connected to existing Tacho signals from either the Alternator (“W”, ”R” or “AC”) terminal, an inductive Tach sender, an ignition coil or – a hall-effect Tacho sender. The EMU Configuration Tool allows the user to define “Ratio” or the number of “Pulses Per Revolution” that the selected Tacho signal will generate for each “Tacho” input. This ratio is usually referred to as the Pulses Per Revolution (PPR) and is normally supplied in the engine manual.
For an Alternator “W”, ”R” or “AC” terminal connection it can be calculated from:
For an inductive Tach sender it is derived from the number of teeth on the flywheel:
For an ignition coil it can normally be calculated from:
The engine manufacturer will usually supply this ratio so it should not need to be calculated.
The EMU-1 has the ability to automatically adjust to the input Tacho signal so the sender type does not need to be configured. However, currently only Alternator (“W”, ”R” or “AC”) and inductive Tach sender signals are sensed correctly by the EMU-1. If you wish to use an ignition coil signal with an EMU-1 please contact Actisense Technical Support so your request a can be processed.
Link to FAQ
What gauges are compatible with the EMU-1
Can the EMU-1 be connected in parallel to existing gauges?
The EMU-1 can be connected in parallel to existing gauges or as a replacement for some or all of the gauges. The EMU-1 automatically detects whether a gauge is present or not and configures itself to provide a current feed to the sender where required.
Link to FAQ
What engines is the EMU-1 compatible with?
Actisense is actively building up a database of what senders/gauges are to be found on which engines. However, that will take some time to compile as there are a large number of sender/gauge permutations even within a single engine model’s lifetime (as manufacturing methods change year on year). One of the primary inputs to this database is from EMU-1 customers and a future configuration option will make it easier for customers to send us the details of a working setup.
The current EMU-1 configuration requires the user to understand the specific manufacturer and type of each sender/gauge connected to the EMU-1 so they can select the matching option in the EMU Configuration Tool.
Link to FAQ
How many engines can a single EMU-1 support?
The EMU-1 now supports multiple engine instances and two engines can be monitored using a single EMU-1 provided the following conditions are met:
- There are sufficient inputs i.e. using an EMU-1 for two engines implies that 3 gauge and 2 alarm inputs per engine are sufficient
- The EMU-1 is powered from the same supply which powers the gauges; and the gauges for both engines share this same power supply or
- If no gauges are used then the engines need to share a common ground
Otherwise a separate EMU-1 for each engine should be used.
Link to FAQ
How do I configure the EMU-1?
The EMU Configuration Tool is used to configure an EMU-1. An Actisense NGT-1 is also required as an NMEA 2000 PC Interface to allow configuring of the EMU-1 remotely over the NMEA 2000 network.
The tool itself is simple to use:
- The EMU-1 device to be configured is selected from a list of NMEA 2000 devices.
- The engine instance is specified for each “Gauge”, “Alarm” and “Tacho” input.
- 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 is specified for each active “Alarm” input.
- The tacho PPR ratio is specified for each active “Tacho” input.
- The configuration settings are sent to the EMU-1 by pressing “Send to EMU” button.
The EMU Configuration Tool User Manual details how to perform all of the configuration operations necessary to customise the EMU-1 to an individual installation. As the EMU Configuration Tool will be updated regularly, please ensure that the latest version is being used.
Link to FAQ
Can I request what I would like the EMU-1 to support?
The Actisense team are actively requesting customer feedback on future EMU-1 features and functionality. If you would like to make a request, please contact Actisense Technical Support. Your requests will be added to the EMU-1 ‘Wish List’ that is used to prioritise new features and functionality
Link to FAQ
Does the EMU-1 come with a cable harness?
The EMU-1-BAS is supplied without a cable harness. There are pluggable screw terminals on the unit that allow easy connection to the engine’s senders/gauges
Link to FAQ
What PGN are supported?
Why do I need an Actisense NGT-1 NMEA 2000 PC Interface on the network?
As the EMU Configuration Tool 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 by an Actisense NGT-1, making it a necessary requirement when installing or reconfiguring an EMU-1.
It is not necessary to keep the Actisense NGT-1connected to the NMEA 2000 network permanently; once the EMU-1 is configured it can be removed. However, having an Actisense NGT-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.
Link to FAQ
What are the EMU-1 mounting options?
The EMU-1 comes complete with four stainless steel bulkhead mounting screws as the standard mounting method. Alternatively, the EMU-1 can be used with an optional DIN rail mounting kit: order part number DIN-KIT-1 which is suitable for use with top hat rail, type EN 50 022 or G section rail, type EN 50 035.
Link to FAQ
How do I update the firmware in my EMU-1?
Firstly, ensure that an Actisense NGT-1 (with firmware v2.210 or above) 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’s COM port.
Toolkit is the simple tool that contains the latest EMU-1 firmware. Run Toolkit and select the NGT-1 COM port from the “Comms” menu. The selected NGT-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” LED’s on the EMU-1 should be flashing very fast indicating the transfer of firmware information.
Once the upgrade is complete, click “close”.
Link to FAQ
Can I connect an EMU-1 to Dual Station senders?
Yes, the EMU-1 is compatible with both single and dual station senders.
A dual station sender must always have two gauges connected to it: the EMU-1 cannot replace one or both of those gauges. If it is required to remove one or both gauges, the dual station sender will need to be replaced with a single station sender.
Link to FAQ
What is the temperature range an EMU-1 gauge input can be used to measure?
This temperature range is dependent on what gauge is defined by EMU Configuration Tool for that input. An EMU-1 “Gauge” input set to measure “Temperature” is capable of measuring temperatures outside of the defined gauge range. For example, selecting a “40 to 120 degrees C” gauge can actually allow the EMU-1 to report temperatures all the way down to below 0 degrees C and above 140 degrees C. This is because the EMU-1 calibration curve for the sender/gauge has been extended beyond the gauge display range. However, the accuracy of the calibration curve outside of the normal gauge display range is usually compromised.
Link to FAQ
Is there any erratum for the user manual?
There was one error in issue 1.00 of the EMU-1 user manual. On page 12 the text should read:
Standard Grounded Sender with Gauge
“Figure 7 – Gauge Input Connection Examples” G4 Input:
Standard Grounded Sender without Gauge
“Figure 7 – Gauge Input Connection Examples” G3 Input:
Link to FAQ
What baud rate should my NGT-1 be set to?
The default NGT-1 baud rate from firmware version 2.600 is 230,400.
NGT-1’s with earlier firmware use a baud rate of 115200, which is ideal for use on an NMEA 2000 network with a peak bus load below 50%. NMEA Reader displays the current “NMEA 2000 Bus Load” to help the user understand if the peak bus load is above 50%, and if so allow the user to change the NGT-1 baud rate to 230400 baud rate.
Link to FAQ
Is the engine hour log stored in non-volatile memory?
Yes, from EMU-1 firmware v0.041 (and onwards) the Engine Operating hour log is stored in non-volatile memory and restored at the start of every session. Note that in EMU-1 firmware v0.022 (and below) the Engine Operating hour log would reset on a power cycle as it was not stored in non-volatile memory.
Link to FAQ
Can I custom configure the EMU-1?
The current version of the Toolkit (that contains the EMU Configuration Tool) does not offer this as a feature.
There is a beta option of Toolkit available with a ‘Custom Gauge Manager’ option to enter manual calibration readings for various gauges and senders. This requires a technician to take readings from the gauges using a multi-meter and then enter this corresponding data into the configuration program. This will allow for any analogue gauge to be catered for if the installer fills in the voltmeter readings vs. observed parameter on the existing gauge.
However, Actisense is actively analysing gauges and senders from all manufacturers to help create a comprehensive library of easy to select gauge options, with the end goal of making this manual configuration option unnecessary.
What parameters will the future Software or Configuration updates support?
Actisense welcomes any suggestions for new EMU-1 features and gauge compatibilities that will be added to the ‘wish list’. Current items on the EMU-1 ‘wish list’ are:
- Trim: PGN 127489
- Engine Parameters, Static: PGN 127498
Link to FAQ
What wire gauge should I use to connect my engine sensors?
The recommended wire to use between the gauge/sensor and the EMU-1 connectors will be a minimum of “24 AWG (0.5 mm diameter)”.
Link to FAQ
Any gauges you know of that don’t work with the EMU-1
To date, the only gauges we know of that are NOT compatible with the EMU-1 are VDO Viewline 12/24V gauges. We will continue to monitor and update this list accordingly.
The imminent release of the custom gauge configuration tool (currently in beta) will potentially mean that all gauges will work with the EMU-
Link to FAQ
