In modern marine electronic systems, NMEA 2000 has become an almost indispensable standard. From small recreational boats to large yachts, an increasing number of boat owners are discovering that through the NMEA 2000 network, they can seamlessly connect various electronic devices, enabling data sharing and centralized control.

NMEA 2000® is a registered Trademark of the National Marine Electronics Association, which is a data standard based on CAN (Controller Area Network) communications to inter-connect marine electronic equipment on vessels. NMEA 2000 uses a bus-based network architecture to enable multi-device, multi-directional communication, allowing each device to simultaneously access data from other devices on the network. For example, your radar can receive GPS data, your autopilot system can access wind speed, boat speed, and heading information, and you can also send distress signals via VHF—all of this is made possible by NMEA 2000's unified protocol and high-speed communication.

The NMEA 2000 network typically consists of the following components:

Backbone: Similar to the “nervous system” of a vessel, it carries data transmission and provides power to some low-power devices.

Drop Cable: A branch line connecting each terminal device, such as instruments, AIS, autopilot controllers, etc.

Terminator: Ensures signal stability and is typically installed at both ends of the bus.

Power Supply: NMEA 2000 provides limited power, allowing low-power devices such as GPS antennas or small displays to be directly powered. However, high-power devices like AIS or chartplotters typically require independent power sources.

Most devices have their own power supply, which is then connected to the NMEA 2000 port, resulting in a more stable system. If designed properly, the NMEA 2000 network can cover all electronic equipment on the vessel, enabling centralized data management.

Bely batteries offers the marine lithium-ion batteries with NMEA 2000 connectivity for real-time battery data. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable time on the water, it's essential to know if every part of your boat functions properly. A dependable boat begins with a healthy battery, which powers essential systems such as navigation, communication, lighting, and engine ignition. NMEA 2000 allows various marine electronics including batteries to communicate data over a single network. You can view vital battery information like voltage, current, state of charge, temperature, and time remaining on compatible multifunction displays (MFDs) . Modern MFDs from leading manufacturers such as Garmin, Raymarine, Furuno and Navico allow electrical battery data to be displayed via their NMEA 2000 interface. Alarms and alerts for low capacity and voltage can also be enabled.

Benefits of NMEA 2000 Battery Monitoring

Real-Time Visibility: Get continuous, clear insights into your boat's electrical system status.

Integrated Data: Consolidate battery data with other vital boat information (engine, fuel, tanks) onto a single display.

Enhanced Safety: Receive instant alerts for critical issues like low voltage to help prevent system failures.

Performance Analysis: Log battery data over time to analyze performance and detect potential issues, particularly when using a Voyage Recorder.

Advanced Monitoring: View detailed information like state of charge (SoC) and temperature.

NMEA 2000 not only supports core navigation equipment on vessels but can also connect to entertainment systems and auxiliary devices. It can be used to link RGBW LED lights with an MFD for cabin lighting control, AIS, VHF, and battery SOC status can also be simultaneously transmitted to the display, enabling vessel owners to monitor comprehensive information. NMEA 2000 enables your marine electronics to achieve intelligent connectivity, making navigation safer, more efficient, and more enjoyable.