N2K0183 as a Tool to Analyse the N2K bus

[dagnall]

To use the N2K0183 as a simple N2K bus analyser, it is necessary to first ensure that the N2K data is used/ sent to an output. (eg N2k>UDP is set). To avoid confusion, the debug mode only shows debug information for input data that is used by the multiplexer.
In this example, there are no Serial inputs, N2K is used, and there are multiple N2K data sources.
The first data received is a Speed sensor, from Source "25 using PGN 128259.
the next , indented line "N2K>XXX:" shows that the multiplexer converts this to Nmea0183 as A $VWVHW message.
In some cases the N2K will not immediately result in an output Nmea0183. In this situation, the debug will show the message "Stored" in bold. This indicates that the data has been accepted, and will be used later.
In the example below, the GPS data from Source 26 is stored. Later in the Sequence it can be seen that there is a "$GPRMC" (GPS) data message. This GPS data is sent every second and uses the data from the "stored" data.
Some N2K data can result in multiple Nmea0183 messages, such as the PGN 128267 example, which results in both $IIDTP and $IIDBK messages.
Messages for which there are no translated Nmea0183 outputs will not have a subsequent "N2K>XXX" line.

Debug -N2K example

[Tedfiddle]

I am a new user. I would like o connect the USB to a pc and use the Actisense toolkit to analyze network traffic however,
Toolkit does not find a USB com port.

I installed CH340 driver (I think) but still no com port.
Also updated firmware and found new and different settings for Actisense

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Luis Sa]

Hello Tedfiddle,

As per my email, you can use use the Actisense Reader to get information on the data that travels on the NMEA2000 bus. You need to Select Unidirectional ActisenseB in the RAW settings and check the box USB so that data is sent through the Serial P2 port (echoed in the USB port). In the main settings webpage it is recommendable to set P2 baud rate (also USB) as 115200 as the throughput of RAW data is high. Before trying that you need to be sure that your USB driver is properly installed. The driver is CH340 and there are some posts in this forum. Useful information can be seen here:

https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/ho ... rivers/all

As soon as you insert a USB cable from the PC to the N2K0183, Windows should recognize it and the COM port should be visible in the Device Manager. I just tried the Actisense Reader and, as you see per the picture, I got COM5 as the port to handle the USB connection.

I am not familiar with the Tool Kit but the COM port should be the same as you see in the Reader.

Regards, Luis

[dagnall]

Just a quick addition:
I have just downloaded and tried the 64bit V1.201.028, "TOOLKIT" and you are correct: it does not seem to see the N2000 data.
I do note that the manual for the toolkit states" For viewing live NMEA 2000 or NMEA 0183 data we recommend our free NMEA Reader software, although this functionality will be added to Toolkit in future."

We have been using the "V2.124 Nmea Reader". (and which Luis has screen-captured)
https://actisense.com/wp-content/upload ... -Setup.zip

I will explore some more, as this intrigues me!

Best regards,
Dagnall