Maretron NBE100 User manual

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Revision 1.0 Page i
NBE100
Network Bus Extender
User’s Manual
Revision 1.0
Copyright ©2011 Maretron, LLP All Rights Reserved
Maretron, LLP
9014 N. 23rd Ave #10
Phoenix, AZ 85021-7850
http://www.maretron.com
Maretron Manual Part #: M003006

NBE100 User's Manual
Page ii Revision 1.0
Revision History
Revision Description
1.0 Original document

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Table of Contents
1Introduction ...........................................................................................................................1
1.1Firmware Revision.................................................................................................... 1
1.2NBE100 Features..................................................................................................... 1
1.3NBE100 Accessories................................................................................................ 1
1.4Quick Install.............................................................................................................. 2
2Installation.............................................................................................................................2
2.1Unpacking the Box ................................................................................................... 2
2.2Choosing a Mounting Location................................................................................. 2
2.3Mounting the NBE100 .............................................................................................. 3
2.4Connecting the NBE100........................................................................................... 3
2.4.1NMEA 2000®Connection............................................................................... 3
2.4.2Checking Connections................................................................................... 5
2.5Configuring the NBE100........................................................................................... 5
2.5.1Device Instance............................................................................................. 5
2.5.2Device Label.................................................................................................. 6
2.5.3Advanced Configuration…............................................................................. 6
2.5.3.1Restore Factory Defaults ................................................................. 6
3Maintenance..........................................................................................................................6
4Troubleshooting ....................................................................................................................6
5Technical Specifications........................................................................................................7
6Technical Support .................................................................................................................8
7Installation Template.............................................................................................................9
8Maretron (2 Year) Limited Warranty....................................................................................10
Table of Figures
Figure 1 – Mounting the NBE100 .............................................................................................. 3
Figure 2 – NMEA 2000®Connector Face Views ....................................................................... 4
Figure 3 – NBE100 Connection Diagram................................................................................... 5
Figure 4 – Mounting Surface Template ..................................................................................... 9

NBE100 User's Manual
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1 Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the Maretron Network Bus Extender. Maretron has
designed and built your NBE100 to the highest standards for years of dependable and
accurate service.
Maretron's NBE100 (Network Bus Extender) allows you to extend the maximum node count,
network trunk length and cumulative drop length of any NMEA 2000®network. The NBE100
solves bus errors and other electrical issues caused by exceeding any of these limitations and
makes design of large networks easier. NMEA 2000®networks have a maximum of 50 nodes
allowed on a single network, a maximum network trunk length of 200m and a maximum
cumulative drop length of 78m. If you have a network that exceeds any of these specifications,
you can simply disconnect the network trunk in the middle and connect the ends to the
NBE100, along with additional termination resistors. This will split the network into two
electrical segments, each of which can have up to 50 nodes, for a total of 100 nodes on the
logical network. The NBE100 will transparently route NMEA 2000®messages between the two
network segments, making them work as a single logical NMEA 2000®network. Advanced
priority-based message routing ensures that higher-priority messages are always prioritized
over lower-priority messages, enabling predictable and reliable network operation.
For exceptionally large networks, multiple NBE100’s may be used.
1.1 Firmware Revision
This manual corresponds to NBE100 firmware revision 1.0.0.
1.2 NBE100 Features
The Maretron NBE100 has the following features.
•Segments a single large NMEA 2000®network into two smaller electrical segments.
•Allows you to exceed the 50 node limitation on a NMEA 2000®network.
•Allows you to exceed the 200m trunk length limitation on a NMEA 2000®network.
•Allows you to exceed the 78m cumulative drop length limitation on a NMEA 2000®
networks.
•Allows all NMEA 2000 devices to operate as if they were still on a single NMEA 2000®
network.
•Priority-based message routing ensures higher-priority messages get through the bus
extender first.
•Optically isolates network segments, increasing signal integrity and network reliability.
1.3 NBE100 Accessories
Maretron offers the following accessories for the NBE100:
•None

NBE100 User's Manual
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1.4 Quick Install
Installing the Maretron NBE100 involves the following five steps. Please refer to the individual
sections for additional details.
1. Unpack the box (Section 2.1)
2. Choose a mounting location (Section 2.2)
3. Mount the NBE100 (Section 2.3)
4. Connect the NBE100 (Section 2.4)
2 Installation
2.1 Unpacking the Box
When unpacking the box containing the Maretron NBE100, you should find the following items:
1 – NBE100 – Network Bus Extender
1 – Parts Bag containing 4 Stainless Steel Mounting Screws
1 – NBE100 User’s Manual
1 – Warranty Registration Card
If any of these items are missing or damaged, please contact Maretron.
2.2 Choosing a Mounting Location
Please consider the following when choosing a mounting location.
1. The NBE100 is waterproof, so it can be mounted in a damp or dry location.
2. The orientation is not important, so the NBE100 can be mounted on a horizontal deck,
vertical bulkhead, or upside down if desired.
3. The NBE100 is temperature-rated to 55°C (130°F), so it should be mounted away from
engines or engine rooms where the operating temperature exceeds the specified limit.

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2.3 Mounting the NBE100
Attach the NBE100 securely to the vessel using the included stainless steel mounting screws
or other fasteners as shown in Figure 1 below. Do not use threadlocking compounds
containing methacrylate ester, such as Loctite Red (271), as they will cause stress cracking of
the plastic enclosure.
Figure 1 – Mounting the NBE100
2.4 Connecting the NBE100
The NBE100 requires one type of electrical connection: the NMEA 2000®connections (refer to
Section 2.4.1).
2.4.1 NMEA 2000®Connection
The NBE100 has two NMEA 2000®connectors. The NMEA 2000®connectors can be found on
either end of the enclosure.
The NMEA 2000®connectors are round five pin male connector (see Figure 2). You connect
the NBE100 to an NMEA 2000®network using a Maretron NMEA 2000®cable (or compatible
cable) by connecting the female end of the cable to the NBE100 (note the key on the male
connector and keyway on the female connector). Be sure the cable is connected securely and
that the collar on the cable connector is tightened firmly. Connect the other end of the cable
(male) to the NMEA 2000®network in the same manner. The NBE100 is designed such that
you can plug or unplug it from an NMEA 2000®network while the power to the network is
connected or disconnected. Please follow recommended practices for installing NMEA 2000®
network products.

NBE100 User's Manual
Figure 2 – NMEA 2000®Connector Face Views
The NBE100 is installed on an NMEA 2000®network between the two sections that you wish
to physically isolate. There is no electrical connection through the NBE100, so you must
ensure that each of the two NMEA 2000®networks connected to the NBE100 must have
separate power sources and two termination resistors. This means that if you use an NBE100
to split an existing network into two separate networks, you must provide one additional power
connection and two additional termination resistors (one for each side of the NBE100).
The two NMEA 2000®connectors are labeled “N2K PORT A(PWR)” and “N2K PORT B”.
Logically, these connectors are identical; that is, you can connect the NBE100 between two
networks in either way and it will function identically. However, the NBE100 sources power
only from the connector marked “N2K PORT A(PWR)”. It uses no power from the connector
labeled “N2K PORT B”.
Figure 3 below shows the installation of an NBE100 into a simple NMEA 2000®network.
For exceptionally large networks, multiple NBE100’s may be used to segment the network into
more than two segments. Each segment must have its power connection and two termination
resistors.
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Figure 3 – NBE100 Connection Diagram
2.4.2 Checking Connections
Once the NMEA 2000® connections to the NBE100 have been completed, check to see that
information is being properly transmitted by using an appropriate NMEA 2000®display to
observe a sensor on the opposite side of the NBE100. If you don’t see data from that sensor,
refer to Section 4, “Troubleshooting”.
2.5 Configuring the NBE100
The NBE100 will function on the NMEA 2000 network as it is shipped from the factory; no user
configuration is required. However, it may be desirable to perform optional configuration. There
are several configurable items within the NBE100, which are detailed in the remainder of this
section.
You configure the NBE100 using a Maretron DSM250 display or other NMEA 2000®display
unit that is capable of configuring the NBE100. Please refer to the Maretron DSM250 User’s
Manual for details.
2.5.1 Device Instance
NMEA 2000®provides a unique device instance for each device on a vessel. This value should
be programmed in each NBE100 so that each NBE100 is associated with a unique device
instance number. The default instance number is 0, which is used to indicate the first NBE100
that is hooked to the network. Subsequent NBE100’s connected to the network would be
numbered 1, 2, and so on.
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NBE100 User's Manual
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2.5.2 Device Label
Program this parameter with a text string which identifies this particular NBE100, to allow you
to easily distinguish it from other NBE100’s on the network.
2.5.3 Advanced Configuration…
Certain parameters do not normally need to be set in order for normal operation, but are
included in an advanced configuration section for use in special situations.
2.5.3.1 Restore Factory Defaults
Selecting this configuration option causes all stored parameters in the NBE100 to be reset to
the values they contained when the unit was manufactured.
3 Maintenance
Regular maintenance is important to ensure continued proper operation of the Maretron
NBE100. Perform the following tasks periodically:
•Clean the unit with a soft cloth. Do not use chemical cleaners as they may remove
paint or markings or may corrode the NBE100 enclosure or seals. Do not use any
cleaners containing acetone, as they will deteriorate the plastic enclosure.
•Ensure that the unit is mounted securely and cannot be moved relative to the mounting
surface. If the unit is loose, tighten the mounting screws.
•Check the security of the cables connected to the NMEA 2000®connector, and tighten if
necessary.
4 Troubleshooting
If you notice unexpected operation of the Maretron NBE100, follow the troubleshooting
procedures in this section to remedy simple problems. If these steps do not solve your
problem, please contact Maretron Technical Support (refer to Section 6for contact
information).
Symptom Troubleshooting Procedure
No devices on one side
of the NBE100 are
visible from a display
connected to the other
side.
•Ensure that the NBE100 is properly connected to the NMEA
2000®network segments.
•Ensure that both NMEA 2000 network segments have
power.
•Ensure that both NMEA 2000 network segments have two
termination resistors fitted.