Vessel View install help

[S8861]

Hi All,

Read through the entire smartcraft install thread and still a bit confused.

Just won a vessel view 1.5 version 4.0.20 on ebay and need to install to a 350 Mag MPI 2006, single engine.
Motor Serial number: 0W617548.

All I got was the head unit...

As I understand it, I need to get:

vessel view harness Main harness part#84-898273T01
extender from round plug on engine to vv harness (don't know part#s)
fuel/oil/paddle harness
air temp sensor
nmea 0183 cable from GPS: Nema harness part#84-899751T01

I currently have analog gauges. (faria, including depth finder, came with boat) and Garmin 178c gps.

I've also been cautioned about blowing the ECM if the fuel guage is not disconnected as the12V system will fry the 5V ecm.

Can I avoid the junction box all together if I use a dual resistor cable from motor to VV harness?

Will just unplugging the fuel guage pink wire protect the ECM?

Will I need to buy anything else?

I'll be glad to also post this in the electronics forum if that makes more sense.

Your help is greatly appreciated.

Sam

 

[alldodge]

Re: Vessel View install help

Howdy, I think you just may have bit off a bunch here. The fist thing noted on the installation gide states:

This Product Requires Electronic Calibration Before Use.
Installation of this product will require electronic calibration. This calibration must not be attempted by anyone other than the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or a Mercury technician trained in Digital Throttle and Shift systems (DTS) at an authorized Mercury dealership. Improper installation and calibration of the DTS product will result in a system which is inoperable or unsafe for use.

On page 4 it states the unit must be wired to a seperate 12V source that is not connected to the engine 12V source (purple wire).

SOunds like if you have not been trainned to do this, ya might just let someone who has. I'm not trying to be a wet blanket, and I wish I could help, but I do wish you luck. Maybe my posting will bring you back to the top so someone with more knowladge then I can help.

All the best of luck and look forward to seeing you get it going.

 

[S8861]

Re: Vessel View install help

Hi there,

I don't have dts so that's not an issue.

From reading this and other forums, it's plug and play, just a matter of the right parts and connections, with the biggest challenge being routing the cabling, as reported by many others.

That said, I was hoping someone who had done this previously could chime in with the clarifications.

I've asked the same of mercury tech support but they're closed until Monday

 

[S8861]

Re: Vessel View install help

Also, I'm not installing DTS, I'm installing vessel view, which IS authorized by mercruiser for DIY as opposed to DTS, which is not.

 

[Fun Times]

Re: Vessel View install help

Non DTS systems are pretty much a plug and play system while DTS needs a merc dealer with the G3 computer diagnostic system (CDS) tool to configure the command modules and add on accessories to work with the engine/s PCM/s.

See if this link you help guide you a little further. Post 4 has a link to a manual with part number and rigging info I think you will need or at least want to see.
http://forums.iboats.com/non-repair-i-o-inboards/part-number-merc-mpi-harness-adapter-596985.html

This link should help with some part numbers as well,
Mercury Marine Instruments-Gauges and Components VesselView Kit, Mercury Racing Edition Parts

Yes you can avoid the junction box with getting a cable with the resistors at each end. That said, it's recommended that if your going to add on anything else in the future like more smartcraft gauges in place of your analog gauges, dual stations, etc. you should go with a junction box at the helm area due to the resistor should be at the furthest point in the system for best results. Also in the manual posted on post 4, if you read it thoroughly, it mentions the "ideal setup" would be to use a junction box. But if you're just doing the one Vessel View, then it's not absolutely necessary as having two resistors totaling 120 ohms is the goal needed.

Good thing you read up about the fuel sending unit pink wire.

Since smartcraft is hardly talked about here on iboats, let us know how it turns out. Good luck.

 

[S8861]

Re: Vessel View install help

Thanks Fun Times! Very helpful. I'm waiting to hear back from mercruiser if vv will work with my motor or not. I've read on Another forum that midyear 2006 and up ECM's are required.

Will post the results and write up.

Sam