TM Pub. 988-0154-651 LGC-3000, LGC-Baja Installation Instructions This instruction sheet tells how to install your LGC-3000 or LGC-Baja GPS module and connect it to a NMEA 2000® network using LowranceNETTM network components. The LGC-Baja is a ruggedized module designed to withstand the rigors of offroad automobile racing. It works just like the LGC-3000, and for simplicity we will only refer to the LGC-3000 in the rest of this instruction sheet. The LGC-3000 GPS module, like the other Lowrance Electronic Probe (EP) sensors, is designed only for use with a NMEA 2000 Network. It MUST be connected to a NMEA 2000 network or it WILL NOT function. CAUTION: Installing LowranceNET NMEA 2000 devices is significantly different from installing earlier Lowrance components without NMEA 2000 features. You should read all of the installation instructions before proceeding. You should decide where to install all components before drilling any holes in your vessel or vehicle. Some sonar or GPS display units may require: 1. a software upgrade to display NMEA 2000 data correctly; and 2. a manual addendum describing how to operate the sensor. You can download these free and get additional information on the NMEA 2000® compatible LowranceNETTM system at our web site, www.lowrance.com. All Lowrance NMEA 2000 capable devices are either NMEA 2000 certified or certification is pending. See our web site for the latest product status information. GPS Modules LGC-3000 Module, bottom view (left) and top view (right). 1 The LGC-3000 consists of a red male threaded cable connector and the GPS module. The GPS module contains a 12-parallel channel GPS+WAAS receiver. The cable length from the connector to the GPS module is 18 inches (45.7 cm). The module packs with: a 15 foot (4.6 m) extension cable with a male connector on one end and a female connector on the other end; one red network T connector; as well as the parts needed for mounting the module on a flat surface or the optional pole mount. Some packages may include the QM-1 quick mount bracket, which is also available as an option. (The QM-1 includes its own instruction sheet, part 988-0154-502.) The QM-1 is a quick-connecting, bayonet-style mounting device. It is designed so you can easily mount and dismount any antenna module similar to the LGC-3000, LGC-Baja, LGC-2000, LGC-12W or EGC-12W. An optional marine pole mount and optional magnet for temporary mounting on any ferrous metal surface are also available. For ordering information, see the end of this instruction sheet. Tools and Supplies Other supplies are not included, unless otherwise indicated. Recommended tools are pliers and a flathead screwdriver. If you need to route the module connector through a bulkhead, you will need a drill and a 7/8" (22 mm) drill bit. If you are mounting the module directly to a console or similar surface, you will need a 3/16" (4.75 mm) drill bit for the screw holes. If you wish to add additional NMEA 2000 sensors or more than one display unit, you may need a one-time purchase of a LowranceNET Node Kit. LowranceNET Node Kit for a NMEA 2000 network. Includes a 2 foot (61 cm) extension cable, T connector, 120-ohm male terminator and 120ohm female terminator. 2 For complete instructions on setting up a new NMEA 2000 network or expanding an existing one, see the other document packed with your LGC-3000 GPS module, "Setup and Installation of NMEA 2000 Networks, General Information," part number 988-0154-173. If that document is missing, it can be downloaded free from the Lowrance web site. Mounting The GPS module can be mounted on any flat surface, provided there is access behind the mounting surface for the screws. The optional magnet allows the module to be easily used on cars or off-road vehicles. The optional pole mount adapter lets you mount the antenna on a pole or swivel mount that uses standard marine 1"-14 threads. Surface Mount The GPS module can be easily installed on any flat surface that is at least 3-1/2" (90 mm) wide. Be sure that a clear, unobstructed view of the sky is available at the selected location. GPS signals travel "line-ofsight" at very high frequencies, so nearly anything blocking the antenna can stop the unit from finding a satellite. Caution: Do not mount the GPS module in the direct path of a radar antenna's beam. Radar radiates high-energy signals that can interfere with GPS signal reception. In an automobile, you may achieve good reception by simply placing the external antenna on the top of the dash, at the base of the windshield. A piece of the rubber non-skid shelf liner material available in recreational vehicle supply stores will help hold the antenna in place. This may not work well if you have a cab-over design pickup truck camper or motor home. If dashboard reception is poor, simply relocate the antenna module elsewhere on the vehicle for a clearer view of the sky. Once you've determined the mounting location, use the template on the following page to drill the screw holes. The screws supplied with this unit are about 1-1/8" long (4 mm x 30 mm). Drill 3/16" (4.75 mm) holes for the mounting screws. If you need to route the cable through the mounting surface, drill a 7/8" (22 mm) hole for the cable's connector. The notch in the antenna housing allows the cable to pass through, if desired, instead of routing it down through the mounting surface. After drilling the holes, pass the O-ring over the cable and press it into the groove on the bottom of the antenna housing. (If you are using the housing notch to route the cable outside, you may need to cut a notch in 3 the O-ring for a proper fit.) Now attach the antenna to the mounting surface, using the supplied 4 mm screws and the lock washers. Route the cable to where it connects to the network and plug it in. The GPS module installation is finished. Drill size 3/16" (4.75 mm) Drill four places. Drill size 7/8" (22 mm ) if needed. GPS module mounting template. 4 Magnet Mount The optional magnet lets you temporarily mount the GPS module on any ferrous metal surface, such as a car roof. Under side view showing where to place the magnet. To use the magnet, simply peel the backing off the magnet's adhesive coating and press the magnet to the bottom of the antenna housing. The module is ready for use. Pole Mount The GPS module attaches to the optional pole mount adapter with the supplied 4 mm screws. You can route the cable through the notch in the module housing and down the side of the pole. Or, you can pass it down through the pole mount adapter and run the cable inside the pole. The 1"14 threads on the pole mount adapter fit a standard marine antenna mounting pole. Pole Mount. Power Connections The display unit that you will use with the GPS module came with a power/data cable that splits into three branches, each with several ex5 posed wires. Depending on your configuration, this three-branched cable could be the power source for the GPS module. The thicker two-wire cable branch (red and black) is the power supply for the display unit. This cable has no label. The cable branch with three wires (red, black and shield) is the power cable for a NMEA 2000 network. It is labeled "NMEA 2000 POWER." Typically, this branch is used to power the GPS module. The branch with 5 wires (blue, yellow, orange, green and shield) is a data cable, labeled "RS-232 COMM." This allows your display unit to exchange NMEA 0183 data with another device, such as an autopilot, DSC marine radio or computer. Display unit power wires: red and black To unit NMEA 2000 power wires: red, black and shield Data cable wires: blue, yellow, orange, green and shield The Power/Data cable for the display unit used with the GPS module. NOTE: There are two basic power connection options, which are shown in the two diagrams on pages 7 and 8. Read the following instructions carefully to determine which power connection applies to your display unit and GPS module. Depending on your configuration, you may not use all of these wires. Caution: All wires in the power/data cable have bare ends for easier installation. The bare ends on any unused wires should be capped with wire nuts or electrical tape to prevent an electrical short. Powering Your Display Unit Complete instructions for powering the display unit are in the unit's manual. Attach the display power cable (with provided 3-amp fuse) to a 12-volt DC accessory switch or power bus. The display unit power cable is shown connected to power in both Diagram A (page 7) and Diagram B (page 8). 6 WARNING: The display unit must be independently fused with the enclosed 3-amp fuse (or equivalent), even if you connect to a fused accessory or power bus. Failure to use a 3-amp fuse will void your warranty. Powering Your GPS Module A NMEA 2000 network bus must be connected to a power source to operate. NMEA 2000 devices, including the LGC-3000 GPS module, draw their power from the network bus. The network and any NMEA 2000 devices, including the LGC3000 GPS module, will not operate unless the NMEA 2000 network is powered. This is shown in Power Diagram A below. The NMEA 2000 power cable must be connected to power even if your only NMEA 2000 device is the GPS module. (A display unit and a GPS module form a simple NMEA 2000 network.) However, never connect multiple power sources to a NMEA 2000 network. If you have a network that is already powered, see diagram B on page 8. Power Diagram A To display unit Mandatory network power-off switch NMEA 2000 Power Cable 3-amp fuse Shield Display Unit Power Cable 3-amp fuse Black Red Recommended display unit power-off switch Data Cable Black 12 volt DC power source Use this method if you are powering the display unit and NMEA 2000 network. 7 Power Diagram B To display unit Red wire with 3-amp fuse Display Unit Power Cable All unused Data or NMEA 2000 power wires should be capped with wire nuts and electrical tape to prevent shorts. Black wire Recommended power off switch 12 volt DC power source NMEA 2000 Power Cable Data Cable Use this method if you are only powering your display unit and are not powering a NMEA 2000 network or any NMEA 2000 accessory device, including a GPS module. The method in diagram B is also used when your display unit is connected to a NMEA 2000 network that is already connected to power. (Never connect multiple power sources to a NMEA 2000 network.) Powering a NMEA 2000 Network Bus If you have a pre-existing NMEA 2000 network installation, it may already be connected to another power source. If you are not sure about a network's power status, consult the boat manufacturer or dealer. If your NMEA 2000 bus is already powered, you do not need to connect the NMEA 2000 Power cable. You can connect the LGC-3000 directly to the display unit or anywhere along the network and it will operate. Never attach two power sources to a single NMEA 2000 bus. If you do need to power your NMEA 2000 bus, attach the NMEA 2000 Power cable to an accessory switch as indicated in Power Diagram A on page 7. The NMEA 2000 Power cable's red wire should be attached (with provided 3-amp fuse) to the positive (+) terminal. The NMEA 2000 Power cable's black and shield wires should both be attached to the negative (­) terminal. 8 WARNING: Many devices on a powered NMEA 2000 network bus are always on and constantly drawing power. This includes a simple network composed only of a display unit and a GPS module. You must connect NMEA power to a switched power source so you can turn off the network when not in use. Failure to connect to and use a power switch will drain your boat battery, which could stop your boat's operation. Connecting the LGC-3000 to a Display Unit The simplest NMEA 2000 network is a GPS or sonar/GPS display unit with the LGC-3000, one double-T connector, two 120 ohm terminators and any extension cables needed to connect them. The diagram below details how to set up that type of network. Network port on display unit Double T Connector 120-ohm terminator Extension cable 120-ohm terminator Extension cable LGC-3000 LGC-3000 and display unit as an expandable NMEA 2000 network. The diagram above has a double T connector with two 120-ohm terminators -- one at each end of the connector. It is easy to expand this network by removing a terminator from one end of the double T connector, then inserting a new T connector or extension cable between the double T connector and terminator (See the NMEA 200 network general information document that came with your unit for more information). 9 Connecting to a NMEA 2000 Network A network bus is an installed and operational network cable (backbone) running the length of your boat, already connected to a power supply and properly terminated. Such a bus provides network connection nodes at various locations around your boat. The NMEA 2000 network is similar to the telephone wiring in a house. If you pick up a phone in your living room, you can hear ...