Volvo Penta easy connect

[shielrl]

Andy

It looks like Steve from PPG is on vacation. I'm working with Chad now and neither of us can find the part numbers the Volvo folks are telling us we need. Can you forward him that message? Ill PM you his email.

 

[Jsu]

If you have Gateway PN 23096384 then it belongs to GEN 1. PN 23489948 belongs to the Gateway Gen 2. There is a bug that is fixed in GEN2 which can explain what you are experiencing.

Thanks for the helpful information here. Just ordered the easy connect from the main dealer here in denmark a week ago and unfortunately on arrival it seems from the part number they sent me the Gen 1 version.

Does anyone know if the first generation interface is certain not to work and give correct NMEA 2000 data in a double engine installation (so I may as well return it immediately) or is it an error only in some installations, so it is worth installing to see what happens? I have the older NMEA gateway and this shows data from both engines on NMEA devices, so fairly easy replacement, but if the new gateway is doomed to fail would rather avoid the hassle of swapping them until I have the right part.

Thanks

 

[Andyroonot]

It depends on the EVC generation. A to C2 are likely NOT to work (ie will not send data for both engines to the NMEA2k system) with the early Easy Connect version, but C3, D & E will all work (ie will send data for both engines) regardless of which Easy Connect version you have.
So, the easier question to ask is what are your engine serial numbers?

 

[Jsu]

It depends on the EVC generation. A to C2 are likely NOT to work (ie will not send data for both engines to the NMEA2k system) with the early Easy Connect version, but C3, D & E will all work

Thanks really appreciate the detailed up to date knowledge shared! I have one of the more recent EVC generations. For future readers can confirm in that case the installation is really plug and play. The only reason it took more like 45 rather than 5 mins was extra time to get my fingers into some tight spaces to unplug the old gateway and plug in the new and tidy up the wires with some cable ties after. But once connected it worked immediately both with the phone and showing engine data for both engines on the Garmin.

 

[Corbin Dallas]

I have 2005 D4 -210's with EVC B. The first Easy Connect would only show data from the Port engine on my Simrad Evo 3, but it showed all data for both engines on the Easy Connect APP. This is a known, but poorly dealt with issue with VP. I now have the new updated Easy Connect and I get engine data for both engines on my Evo 3, but I can't seem to use any of this data for things like trip fuel planning - Navico is aware and say they are working on a software update. Also, with this new Easy Connect I no longer get all engine data on the APP, the gauges and fuel flow appear to work, but most data is missing. Still waiting on VP...

 

[Hutch059]

I have just installed two new Volvo Penta D3-30’s in our cat.
The previous Nanni 3.75 21 horse had analog engine gauges that I converted to NMEA via a NoLands converter to get the RPM and water temp on my Raymarine E125 MFD at the helm.
I wanted the same feature with the new engines so had the installer order two Easy Connect units with the engines.
The Volvo App works fine.
Unfortunately I’m seeing the same problems with getting data for the Starboard motor.
I’m attempting a work around bit unsure if it will work out.
I’m trying to leave the Port engine connected via the NMEA device net fitting to the Raymarine backbone that seems to be working fine.
The starboard engine I’m connecting via the Multi Link plug cable E70240 to a Raymarine ECI 100 Universal converter E70227 unit and on to the backbone.
I’m going to try and skip the Port engine set up in the E Series “Engine Set Up Wizard”and see if the starboard data can get configured this way.
I’m waiting on the cable and unit to try this out but this has cost $430 AUS more and no idea if the ECI will work.
I’m getting no help from Volvo Penta here in Oz at this time
Frustrating

 

[Hutch059]

I have just installed two new Volvo Penta D3-30’s in our cat.
The previous Nanni 3.75 21 horse had analog engine gauges that I converted to NMEA via a NoLands converter to get the RPM and water temp on my Raymarine E125 MFD at the helm.
I wanted the same feature with the new engines so had the installer order two Easy Connect units with the engines.
The Volvo App works fine.
Unfortunately I’m seeing the same problems with getting data for the Starboard motor.
I’m attempting a work around bit unsure if it will work out.
I’m trying to leave the Port engine connected via the NMEA device net fitting to the Raymarine backbone that seems to be working fine.
The starboard engine I’m connecting via the Multi Link plug cable E70240 to a Raymarine ECI 100 Universal converter E70227 unit and on to the backbone.
I’m going to try and skip the Port engine set up in the E Series “Engine Set Up Wizard”and see if the starboard data can get configured this way.
I’m waiting on the cable and unit to try this out but this has cost $430 AUS more and no idea if the ECI will work.
I’m getting no help from Volvo Penta here in Oz at this time
Frustrating

In the vacuum of any assistance from my local Volvo Penta dealer I have just fitted up the starboard engine using the Raymarine Multi Link cable E70240 and the ECI 100 universal E70227. Using the Engine Set Up Wizard on the E Series Raymarine MFD and skip the Port engine. The starboard engine data appeared on the MFD.
The Port engine data worked fine still via the NMEA 2000 connection.

 

[vas]

good result, although you shouldn't really need to spent and extra 400 for something that should work out of the box... oh well

 

[Hutch059]

A

good result, although you shouldn't really need to spent and extra 400 for something that should work out of the box... oh well

I agree totally.
I’ll continue to follow up with Volvo Penta to have the two Gen1 units replaced with two new Gen2 units suited from twin engine installation.
I’m going to try the Volvo Penta World Wide Service call centre in Sweeden next.

 

[Andyroonot]

In the vacuum of any assistance from my local Volvo Penta dealer I have just fitted up the starboard engine using the Raymarine Multi Link cable E70240 and the ECI 100 universal E70227. Using the Engine Set Up Wizard on the E Series Raymarine MFD and skip the Port engine. The starboard engine data appeared on the MFD.
The Port engine data worked fine still via the NMEA 2000 connection.

Are the engines a twin set up (ie they have a throttle with two levers built into it) or are these operating as two separate engines?

You’ve suggested that you’ve ordered 2 Easy Connect Interfaces with the engines but that’s not necessary for a twin installation as one unit will send data for both.

You’d only need one for each engine if they weren’t linked together, ie you have two separate throttle levers and the engines are run as two single installations.

 

[Hutch059]

Are the engines a twin set up (ie they have a throttle with two levers built into it) or are these operating as two separate engines?

You’ve suggested that you’ve ordered 2 Easy Connect Interfaces with the engines but that’s not necessary for a twin installation as one unit will send data for both.

You’d only need one for each engine if they weren’t linked together, ie you have two separate throttle levers and the engines are run as two single installations.

The engines are installed in a sailing 12m catamaran as auxiliaries and need to operate independently. Yes two throttle levers

 

[Marcelolipi]

Did you found anyone that can help on twin engine D6-330 i want to install the easy connect and i wanted to know what components i need to buy
Cables , Interface, NMEA 2000 interface , and if i can connect it to the 2 engine or do i need to buy 2 of them

 

[Guido999]

Hi Marcelo

i can connect it to the 2 engine or do i need to buy 2 of them

Assuming your D6’s have Volvo’s EVC, then you only need one unit for both engines. The Easy Connect kit that comes with the unit is actually pretty good in terms of the install guide for different engines and supplied wiring. I already had a NMEA backbone installed in my boat, so I don’t think I needed anything other than the leads that came with the kit itself. I seem to remember that the installation varies slightly according to the type of EVC your engines have, but the manual was very clear on how to install for each type. The only problem I had (as described earlier in this thread) was to do with a faulty unit, which Andy at Volspec did a brilliant job of diagnosing and quickly supplying a replacement.

My unit has been working absolutely fine ever since and reports data from both engines, making it available via NMEA, so I can get all the engine data not just on the Volvo App itself, but also on my chart plotter (or anything else that can read NMEA data.

best
g.