Engine information
Transfer J1939 and Lombardini engine data to NMEA2000 for integration with other instruments. Integration with other proprietary CAN-based engine protocols will be made available at no additional cost.
Easily transfer engine data with Bithopper MarineGateway X2
Robust marine technology
Bithopper MarineGateway X2 makes it possible to easily transfer engine data from J1939 or Lombardini's proprietary protocol to a NMEA2000 network. It also provides a connection to existing fuel gauges and the ability to control two digital outputs from e.g. your plotter. Galvanic isolation between NMEA2000, J1939 (or other engine protocol) and fuel gauges/digital outputs. The product also supports communication over Bluetooth for future apps.
Information
Functional and unique product for marine communication and information.
Fuel gauge connection
Integrate an existing analog tank gauge with your NMEA2000 network. Works with standard tank sensors, and can be connected in parallel with an analog instrument, or directly to a standalone sensor.
Digital output control
Control two digital outputs for relay control from your chartplotter. The outputs can be connected directly to two relays for optional control.
Background history
My name is Peter Olsson and I have worked in product and software development for most of my life. The sea and boating are important to me. My current boat is a 22 foot "snipa" with a 35 hp Lombardini inboard engine and I have a Garmin plotter with NMEA2000. I am very happy with my boat but felt that the information that I wanted to have easily accessible as a skipper was scattered across different instruments that took unnecessary focus away from me when I was driving the boat. I started investigating the possibilities of integrating the most important information into the plotter to get a quick and easy overview. Initially it was about basic engine data such as rpm and temperature. The only device available on the market for connecting a Lombardini to NMEA 2000 is manufactured by Lombardini themselves, and it came with a very high price. There are other products on the market that are cheaper but they only work with the "standard protocol" J1939, which engines like Lombardini and e.g. Vetus do not use.
I therefore started designing my own product. During the development process, I also realized that it would be practical to be able to see the fuel level, as well as to be able to control my lanterns and water pump from the plotter, as these functions are hard to reach in my boat. The fact that this led to me now being able to refuel my boat and at the same time see the fuel level in my Garmin watch is a bonus, but I also realize that it may be a bit geeky. After a couple of prototypes, a complete product has emerged, which I am very happy with, and it now also supports the J1939 standard - which is the most common standard for engine communication. Since the product has given me so much added value, I think there are probably many more skippers out there who want the same thing and have the same needs. Additional support for other engines, such as Vetus, is planned to be added.
Technical information
Galvanically isolated connections to NMEA 2000, engine network, and other inputs and outputs
Possible to connect to a computer for configuration and software updates
Possible to configure via Bluetooth
Separate accessory for connecting a PC to the NMEA 2000 network, which also supports configuration and upgrading of the MarineGateway X2 via the NMEA2000 network.
Engine data supported in the current version: RPM, charging voltage, engine temperature and engine hours. Temperature values and charging voltage can also generate alarms. Many more data fields are prepared and are easily implemented if available in the engine.
Built-in configurable (via software) termination of engine network
Connection of tank gauge in parallel with existing instrument, or directly to sensor
Support for control of two relays for control of optional electrical equipment
Measurement and reporting of battery voltages, both from generator and consumer battery
Clear indication of status and network traffic via built-in LEDs
Built in a stable box with transparent lid, and is water resistant according to IP68
Connection to NMEA 2000 via standard 5-pin M12 connector
Connection to engine network via M12 connector. Separate cabling and adapters for different engines are manufactured according to request
Other connections are made via connection cables without connectors
Principle sketch:
Frequently asked questions about Bithopper MarineGateway X2
What is MarineGateway X2?
MarineGateway X2 is a product that transmits engine data via J1939 or Lombardini protocol to the NMEA2000 network.
What protocols does MarineGateway X2 support?
MarineGateway X2 supports J1939 and Lombardini's own data acquisition protocols. Other CAN-based protocols are also implemented as needed.
Can I connect existing fuel gauges?
Yes, MarineGateway X2 enables the connection of existing tank gauges, both in parallel with an instrument, or standalone with a standard sensors.
How do I control digital outputs?
The product offers the possibility to control two digital outputs (via external relays). For example, to control the lanterns from your plotter.
Where can I buy MarineGateway X2?
Send an email to peter.olsson@bithopper.se, or call +46 793-13 14 24 for more information.
How do I contact support?
You can reach the support via email peter.olsson@bithopper.se.