3.4 ConnectBox Connections

A display is required with the installation of a Seakeeper 40 to support the full functionality of the unit through the Seakeeper App in addition to the ConnectBox. The Seakeeper App provides an interface for controlling the Seakeeper or viewing the Settings, Service, Info, and Alarm pages. The Seakeeper ConnectBox can be helm-mounted to provide an additional interface for the control of the Seakeeper but does not replace the need for a Seakeeper compatible display.

The Seakeeper 40 must be connected to a compatible Multi-Function Display (MFD) for operation.

The following figure provides a schematic of the display. The subsequent sections outline the instructions and references for connecting the Seakeeper 40.

Reference Drawing

• 90710 – Seakeeper 40 Cable Block Diagram

---

Connecting to a Compatible MFD

1. The Seakeeper 40 can be connected to a variety of available MFD systems. Refer to the Technical Bulletins Section of the Seakeeper Technical Library for manufacturer specific MFD compatibility technical bulletins.
   
   • MFD specific Technical Bulletins will be updated regularly as new MFD systems become compatible. Currently GARMIN, RAYMARINE, NAVICO (Simrad, Lowrance, B&G), FURUNO, and GARMIN BLUENET offer compatible MFD models.
   • Once a compatible MFD has been selected, refer to the appropriate manufacturer specific compatibility Technical Bulletin listed above for integration instructions.
2. Connect Seakeeper-supplied M12 D-Code, 82 ft (25 m), cable (P/N 30355) to MFD manufacturer-specific Ethernet adapter cable. Custom Ethernet cables for specific MFD manufacturers are available through Seakeeper and must be purchased with the Seakeeper 40 when connecting to an MFD.

---

NMEA 2000 Network Connection

The Seakeeper 40 requires a connection to the vessel’s NMEA 2000 network backbone via a drop cable for access to the GPS signal. The Seakeeper 40 will monitor information on the NMEA network to support and optimize the performance of the Seakeeper 40. If no GPS signal is detected, a warning will appear on the Seakeeper display. The Seakeeper will not spool-down, but the operation of the unit will be limited until the GPS signal returns. Refer to TB-90896 – ConnectBox Installation Guide for details of installation.

1. Install customer-supplied NMEA 2000 Tee Adapter (space required: approximately 4 W X 3 H in. (102 X 76 mm).
2. Connect NMEA Backbone to Tee Adapter.
   NOTE: NMEA drop cable can be no longer than 19.6 ft (6 m) in length.
   
   • ConnectBox can be remote mounted at a location closer to the NMEA backbone when the 6 m drop cable length is insufficient. See ConnectBox Helm Mounting instructions below.
   • If the 6 m drop cable is insufficient in length, extend the NMEA 2000 backbone towards the ConnectBox.
3. Connect Seakeeper-supplied NMEA cable (P/N: 30332) to the customer-supplied NMEA 2000 Tee Adapter on vessel’s NMEA 2000 backbone.
   
   1. An active NMEA 2000 compatible GPS signal is required on the vessel’s NMEA 2000 backbone to operate the Seakeeper 40.
      
      • If no GPS signal is detected, a Speed Over Ground (SOG signal) warning will be present on the Seakeeper app. See TB-90640 for NMEA connectivity guidance.

---

ConnectBox Helm Mounting – Optional

1. Console space required: Approx. 3.41 L x 4.15 W in. (87 x 106 mm).
2. Mounting Instructions, Surface Mount: See Drawing No. 90558 – Seakeeper ConnectBox Helm Mounting Kit, for details. Seakeeper ConnectBox 3D Model available upon request.
3. Mount ConnectBox Replacement Blank insert into Seakeeper 40 top cover at the original location of the ConnectBox.