Maretron MBB300C User manual

Revision 1.0 Page i
MBB300C
Vessel Monitoring and Control
Black Box
User’s Manual
Revision 1.0
Copyright © 2016 Maretron, LLP All Rights Reserved
Maretron, LLP
9014 N. 23rd Ave #10
Phoenix, AZ 85021-7850
http://www.maretron.com
Maretron Manual Part #: M003079

MBB300C User's Manual
Page ii Revision 1.0
Revision History
Rev.
Description
1.0
Original document.

Revision 1.0 Page iii
Table of Contents
1General..........................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................1
1.2 Firmware Revision .............................................................................................................2
1.3 MBB300C Features............................................................................................................2
1.4 Quick Install........................................................................................................................3
2Installation......................................................................................................................................4
2.1 Unpacking the Box.............................................................................................................4
2.2 Choosing a Mounting Location...........................................................................................4
2.3 Mounting the MBB300C.....................................................................................................4
2.3.1 Mounting the System....................................................................................................4
2.4 Connecting the MBB300C..................................................................................................5
2.4.1 RS-232 Connection.......................................................................................................6
2.4.2 Video Connection .........................................................................................................7
2.4.3 LAN Connection............................................................................................................7
2.4.4 USB Device Connection ...............................................................................................8
2.4.5 Power Connection.........................................................................................................9
2.4.6 Power Sequencing........................................................................................................9
2.5 Configuring the MBB300C..................................................................................................9
2.5.1 Manually Entering LAN Connection Information .........................................................10
3Operating the MBB300C..............................................................................................................13
3.1 Turning the MBB300C On................................................................................................13
3.2 Turning the MBB300C Off................................................................................................13
3.3 Using the MBB300C.........................................................................................................13
4Maintenance................................................................................................................................14
5Troubleshooting...........................................................................................................................15
6Technical Specifications ..............................................................................................................16
7Technical Support........................................................................................................................17

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Table of Figures
Figure 1 –MBB300C Network Diagram................................................................................................1
Figure 2 –Mounting Screw Hole Locations ..........................................................................................5
Figure 3 –MBB300C Front Panel Connections....................................................................................5
Figure 4 –MBB300C Front Panel.........................................................................................................6
Figure 5 –LAN Connection...................................................................................................................8
Figure 6 –USB Device Connection ......................................................................................................8
Figure 7 –MBB300C Power Terminal Block.........................................................................................9
Figure 8 –MBB300C Startup Screen....................................................................................................9
Figure 9 –N2KView®Window with Tabs Displayed............................................................................11
Figure 10 –Commands and Settings Dialog.......................................................................................11
Figure 11 –Configuration Dialog ........................................................................................................12

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1 General
1.1 Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the Maretron MBB300C Vessel Monitoring and Control Black
Box. Maretron has designed and built your system to the highest standards for years of dependable
and accurate service.
Maretron’s Black Box (MBB300C) is a dedicated processing unit that includes Maretron’s N2KView®
vessel monitoring and control software. Unlike a PC that allows any software to be loaded, the
MBB300C runs only N2KView®software, making it extremely stable and dedicated to monitoring and
controlling your vessel.
The MBB300C is ruggedized for marine use and includes a solid state disk drive to withstand the
pounding associated with waves. And since the MBB300C dissipates less than 10 watts, there is no
need for internal cooling fans that are noisy and wear out causing electronics to overheat and fail.
Figure 1 –MBB300C Network Diagram
Engine
Monitor
Battery
Monitor
Tank
Monitor
Electrical
Panel
NMEA 2000®
Network
VGA or HDMI
Monitor
With Optional
Touch Screen
VGA or HDMI
Optional USB
Keyboard or
Mouse
MBB300C
USB or
RS-232 for
Touchscreen

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The MBB300C connects to a monitor through a VGA or HDMI connector and associated touch screen
through a USB or serial port connection.
Alternatives to controlling the N2KView®software through a touch screen include keyboards, mice, or
track balls connected through USB. In addition to the two completely isolated CAN bus connectors
(M12) for easy connection to single or redundant NMEA 2000®networks, the MBB300C has an
Ethernet port for connecting Internet Protocol (IP) cameras for viewing within the N2KView®software.
Of course, you get the same flexibility using Maretron’s N2KView®software from the MBB300C as
you would running the software on a PC, which includes the ability to configure as many screens as
you want with exactly the information you want to see. Plus, you get free upgrades to the software as
improvements and new features are added.
The Maretron MBB300C is designed to operate within the harsh demands of the marine environment.
However, no piece of marine electronic equipment can function properly unless installed, configured,
and maintained in the correct manner. Please read carefully and follow these instructions for
installation, configuration, and usage of the Maretron MBB300C in order to ensure optimal
performance.
1.2 Firmware Revision
This manual corresponds to the MBB300C running N2KView®Version 5.0.15.
1.3 MBB300C Features
The Maretron MBB300C has the following features.
Full version of N2KView®software preinstalled
Wired Ethernet interface
Dual Optically-Isolated CAN bus connectors for direct NMEA 2000®connection
Supports user-supplied VGA or HDMI monitor
Supports user-supplied touchscreen (ELO, 3M Microtouch, Hampshire TSharc, Penmount,
General Touch, or any USBHID compliant touchscreen)
Supports user-supplied mouse and keyboard
Operates on 9-36VDC
10W power consumption
Solid State Disk Drive
Fanless cooling system
All N2KView licenses included

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1.4 Quick Install
Installing the Maretron MBB300C display involves the following four steps. Please refer to the
individual sections for additional details.
Unpacking the Box (Section 2.1)
Choosing a Mounting Location (Section 2.2)
Mounting the MBB300C (Section 2.3)
Connecting the MBB300C (Section 2.4)
Configuring the MBB300C (Section 2.5)

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2 Installation
2.1 Unpacking the Box
When unpacking the box containing the Maretron MBB300C, you should find the following items:
1 –MBB300C Maretron Vessel Monitoring and Control Black Box
1 –3-Pin Power Connector
1 –USB Flash Drive Containing System Documentation
1 –Warranty Registration Card
If any of these items are missing or damaged, please contact Maretron.
2.2 Choosing a Mounting Location
The MBB300C must be mounted in an indoor location.
2.3 Mounting the MBB300C
The MBB300C can be mounted to a wall or other flat surface.
2.3.1 Mounting the System
To mount the MBB300C onto a wall or some other surface, please follow the steps below.
Step 1: Turn the MBB300C over.
Step 2: Drill holes in the intended installation surface.
Step 3: Align the mounting holes in the sides of the MBB300C with the predrilled holes in the
mounting surface.
Step 4: Insert four retention screws, two on each side, to secure the MBB300C to the wall.

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Figure 2 –Mounting Screw Hole Locations
2.4 Connecting the MBB300C
Some I/O interface connections of the MBB300C are found on the front panel (see Figure 3). The I/O
interface panel located on the front of the MBB300C has the following I/O interface connectors:
2 x CAN-bus ports with isolation for connection to NMEA 2000®
2 x SATA HDD LED indicators
1 x Power Button with Power LED Indicator
2 x USB 2.0 connectors
Figure 3 –MBB300C Front Panel Connections
7
Mounting Holes
Mounting Holes
HDD LED Indicators
NMEA 2000 Connectors
USB 2.0 ports
Power Button with LED

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The I/O interface panel located on the rear of the MBB300C (see Figure 4) has the following interface
connectors:
1 x VGA output
1 x HDMI output
1 x RS-232 Serial Port
2 x USB 3.0 connectors
1 x Gigabit Ethernet (LAN) port
1 x 3-pin power terminal block with wide range power input (9V-36V)
Figure 4 –MBB300C Front Panel
2.4.1 RS-232 Connection
There is one external RS-232 connector. The RS-232 connector enables connection to an external
touch screen. To connect a serial cable with the RS-232 connector, please follow the instructions
below.
Step 1: Locate the RS-232 connector on the rear panel of the MBB300C.
Step 2: Align the RS-232 connector on the serial cable with the RS-232 connector on the rear panel
of the MBB300C.
Step 3: Once aligned, gently insert the serial cable RS-232 connector into the MBB300C RS-232
connector.
Power Terminal Block
VGA Connector
HDMI Connector
USB 3.0 Ports
Ethernet (LAN) Port
RS-232 Connector

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2.4.2 Video Connection
NOTE
The MBB300C supports the connection of a single monitor through either the
VGA or HDMI connection. It does not support the connection of multiple
monitors.
2.4.2.1 VGA Connection
There is one external VGA connector. The VGA connector enables connection to a monitor. To
connect a VGA cable with the VGA connector, please follow the instructions below.
Step 1: Locate the VGA connector on the rear panel of the MBB300C.
Step 2: Align the VGA connector on the cable with the VGA connector on the rear panel of the
MBB300C.
Step 3: Once aligned, gently insert the cable VGA connector into the MBB300C VGA connector.
2.4.2.2 HDMI Connection
There is one external HDMI connector. The HDMI connector enables connection to a monitor. To
connect a HDMI cable with the HDMI connector, please follow the instructions below.
Step 1: Locate the HDMI connector on the rear panel of the MBB300C.
Step 2: Align the HDMI connector on the cable with the HDMI connector on the rear panel of the
MBB300C.
Step 3: Once aligned, gently insert the cable HDMI connector into the MBB300C HDMI connector.
2.4.3 LAN Connection
There is one external RJ-45 LAN connector. The RJ-45 connector enables connection to an external
network. To connect a LAN cable with the RJ-45 connector, please follow the instructions below.
Step 1: Locate the RJ-45 connector on the rear panel of the MBB300C.
Step 2: Align the RJ-45 connector on the LAN cable with the RJ-45 connector on the rear panel of
the MBB300C (see Figure 5).

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Figure 5 –LAN Connection
Step 3: Once aligned, gently insert the LAN cable RJ-45 connector into the onboard RJ-45
connector.
2.4.4 USB Device Connection
There are two external USB 2.0 connectors and two external USB 3.0 connectors. To connect a USB
device, please follow the instructions below.
Step 1: The locations of the USB connectors are shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4.
Step 2: Align the USB device connector with one of the connectors (see Figure 6).
Figure 6 –USB Device Connection
Step 3: Once aligned, gently insert the USB device connector into the MBB300C connector.

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2.4.5 Power Connection
The MBB300C can be connected to a power source in the following way (overcurrent protection
should be provided and should be sized in accordance with ABYC E-11, AC and DC ELECTRICAL
SYSTEMS ON BOATS):
Directly with 9-36VDC power source using the green power terminal block found on the rear panel of
the MBB300C (see Figure 7).
a) Connect the power source negative terminal to the right hand terminal,
b) Connect the power source positive terminal to the center terminal.
Figure 7 –MBB300C Power Terminal Block
2.4.6 Power Sequencing
When the MBB300C is connected to an appropriate power source, you can use the power switch
located on the front panel (see Figure 4) to turn the MBB300C on or off. The MBB300C can also be
switched on and off by applying or removing power through an external switch or breaker. Any time
the power is reapplied to the MBB300C, it will turn on.
2.5 Configuring the MBB300C
In order to use the MBB300C, you must have it connected to the NMEA 2000®network.
The MBB300C will start up with the following warning screen:
Figure 8 –MBB300C Startup Screen
Positive (VDD)
Negative (Ground)
9-36 V
+ –

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The first time you start the MBB300C, N2KView®will ask you to assign it a unique name. Assigning a
unique name to the MBB300C is necessary in order to help you determine the source of alerts
generated by a MBB300C or other Maretron device capable of generating alerts.
You are required to press Accept and thereby acknowledge this warning message before N2KView®
will run in Live Mode.
Alternatively, you may Enter Demo Mode. In Demo Mode, you will not be able to connect to an
NMEA 2000®network and view live data; instead, simulated data will be provided to stimulate the
controls.
Finally, you may choose Exit, in which case the MBB300C will power off.
2.5.1 Manually Entering LAN Connection Information
NOTE
The LAN Connection is not necessary unless you are using any of the following
features:
Video
E-mail actions on Alerts
If you intend to use the Video feature or send e-mails via the Alerts feature, you must ensure that the
device can connect to your LAN (local area network). The MBB300C comes from the factory
preconfigured to obtain its LAN connection information from a DHCP (Dynamic Host Control Protocol)
server. If your local area network uses a DHCP server, no configuration is necessary, and the
MBB300C should be able to successfully connect to the local area network.
If your local area network does not use DHCP, you must manually enter the LAN connection
information into the MBB300C. This is done through the following steps:

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Figure 9 –N2KView®Window with Tabs Displayed
a. Click anywhere inside the N2KView®screen to display the screen tabs as shown in Figure
9 above.
b. Click on the “Commands & Settings” tab (on the right) to display the Commands &
Settings Dialog.
Figure 10 –Commands and Settings Dialog
c. Click on the “Configuration” button in the Commands & Settings window to display the
Configuration dialog.
d. Click on the “Network Configuration” tab in the Configuration dialog to display the
Network Configuration dialog.

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Figure 11 –Configuration Dialog
e. Uncheck the “DHCP” box to indicate that your LAN does not use DHCP.
f. In the “IP Address” field, enter the IP address you wish to assign to the MBB300C.
g Click on the “Configuration” button in the Commands & Settings window to display the
Configuration dialog.
h. In the “Subnet Mask” field, enter the subnet mask value used on your LAN (in most cases,
this value will be “255.255.255.0”).
i. In the “Default Gateway”field, enter the IP address of the default gateway of your LAN.
j. In the “Default DNS”field, enter the IP address of a DNS (Dynamic Name Service) Server
used on your LAN.
k. Click the “Update” button to make these changes permanent. The screen will go blank for a
few seconds while this is being done.

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3 Operating the MBB300C
3.1 Turning the MBB300C On
To turn on the MBB300C, press the power switch, located on the right hand side of the front panel of
the MBB300C. The power button LED will illuminate.
3.2 Turning the MBB300C Off
To turn the MBB300C off, use the “Shutdown” administrative tab of the N2KView®software.
Alternatively, you can power down the unit by pressing the MBB300C’s power switch. Lastly, you can
power down the unit by turning off the power source with an external breaker or external switch. The
power button LED will turn off after the shutoff process has completed.
3.3 Using the MBB300C
The MBB300C runs a fully functional version of the Maretron N2KView®software. Please refer to the
N2KView®User’s Manual, packaged with the MBB300C, for detailed operating instructions.

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4 Maintenance
Regular maintenance is important to ensure continued proper operation of the Maretron
MBB300C. 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 MBB300C enclosure or seals. Do not use any cleaners
containing acetone, as they will deteriorate the plastic enclosure. Do not spray cleaning liquids
directly onto the MBB300C.
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 power and network cables connected to the MBB300C and tighten if
necessary.

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5 Troubleshooting
If you notice unexpected operation of the Maretron MBB300C, follow the troubleshooting
procedures in this section to remedy simple problems.
Symptom
Troubleshooting Procedure
No activity on the display
Check the connection to the power and network
connectors and tighten if necessary
Ensure that power is supplied to the connected
power cable.
Check the connection to the power jack located on
the rear of the device.
Press the power switch located on the front of the
device on the right-hand side.
Check that the NMEA 2000®interfaces are correctly
connected to the NMEA 2000®network.
Other Issues
Please refer to the Troubleshooting section of the
N2KView®User’s Manual.
If these steps do not solve your problem, please contact Maretron Technical Support (refer to Section
Technical Support for contact information).
Warning: There are no user-serviceable components inside the Maretron MBB300C. Opening the
MBB300C will expose the sensitive electronic components to adverse environmental conditions that
may render the unit inoperative. Please do not open the MBB300C, as this will automatically void the
warranty. If service is required, please return the unit to an authorized Maretron service location.

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6 Technical Specifications
Specifications
Parameter
Value
Comment
Video Connector
VGA Port
HDMI Port
For Monitor Connection
Monitor Resolution
2560 × 1600 Maximum (VGA)
1920 × 1080 Maximum (HDMI)
USB Connector
Two USB 3.0 connections
Two USB 2.0 connections
For connecting Peripherals (Mouse,
keyboard, etc.) and or touch screen
connectivity
Serial Connector
One RS232 9-Pin D Connector
For touch screen alternative connection
Touchscreen Drivers
TSHARC, 3M MicroTouch, ELO,
eGalax, General Touch
Compatible with HID touch compliant panels
Ethernet Connector
RJ-45 GbE
For connection to IP cameras
Controller Area Network (CAN)
Ports
Two NMEA 2000 Micro-C Connectors
Certifications
Parameter
Comment
FCC class A and CE Mark
Electromagnetic Compatibility
NMEA 2000®
Electrical
Parameter
Value
Comment
Operating Voltage (Dedicated Supply Connection)
9–36 Volts
DC Voltage
Power Consumption (Dedicated Supply Connection)
10 Watts
Maximum
Operating Voltage (NMEA 2000®Connection)
8–32 Volts
DC Voltage
Power Consumption (NMEA 2000®Connection)
80 mA
Maximum When Transmitting 100%
Load Equivalence Number (LEN)
1
NMEA 2000® Spec. (1 LEN = 50 mA)
Reverse Battery Protection (NMEA 2000®
Connection)
Yes
Indefinitely
Load Dump Protection (NMEA 2000®Connection)
Yes
Energy Rated per SAE J1113
Mechanical
Parameter
Value
Comment
Overall Dimensions
(D×W×H)
6.02” × 9.76” × 1.73”
(132 mm x 204 mm x 49 mm)
Excluding Connectors and Wall Brackets
Weight
2.27 lbs (1.03 kg)
Chassis Material
Aluminum
Mounting
Wall Bracket
Any Orientation
Environmental
Parameter
Value
Operating Temperature
-20°C to 70°C
Storage Temperature
-40°C to 85°C
Humidity
10%–85% RH non-condensing