This article describes how to install the Orca Core in your boat.
What is included in the Orca Core 2 box?
1x Orca Core 2 with M12 Ethernet and NMEA 2000 cables
1x NMEA 2000 T-connector
1x NMEA 2000 to power adapter cable
What are the dimensions of the Orca Core 2?
The Core's housing has a 118 x 118 mm width/length. The height of the housing is 35 mm. The mounting bracket adds an additional 15 mm height to the assembly.
Where should I install my Orca Core 2?
The Orca Core is waterproof and can be installed inside and outside. It can also be installed horizontally and vertically. When reviewing your installation location, consider the following:
Install the Core away from other magnetic sources, such as compasses, generators, and other electronics. For the best compass accuracy, install the Core at least 1 meter away from sources of magnetic interference.
For best GPS accuracy, install the Core with a free line of sight to the sky.
For the best possible Sailing Computer accuracy, install the Core close to the center of the roll axis in your boat. This is typically along the centerline of the boat, about 0.5-1 meter above the waterline.
When selecting an installation location, we recommend powering on the Core at your intended installation location, and verifying the following before fastening the Core:
You can connect to the Core with all your devices from the helm of your boat.
The Core's GPS can connect to at least 8 satellites within 1 and 1/2 minutes after powering on.
For details about connecting a tablet, phone, or Orca Display to your Core, see the relevant article.
To check the Core's GPS reception, connect the Orca App to your Core, and open Main Menu > My Boat > Connected Devices.
How does Orca Core 2 connect to my boat sensors?
Orca Core connects to your onboard sensors via NMEA 2000. The Core's connector is a standard Micro-C male connector.
If you have a different onboard sensor network, you will need either an adapter cable or a converter. To learn more about different boating networks and how to connect to those, see the Networking Guide.
How do I power my Core?
The Orca Core can be powered via your NMEA2000 backbone or a standalone 12/24V DC power supply.
Powering your Orca Core via NMEA 2000
Extend your NMEA 2000 backbone with the supplied T-connector.
Connect your Core to the NMEA 2000 backbone to power it on.
To the left: NMEA 2000 backbone extended with a free T-connector. To the right: The Core's NMEA 2000 connector is added to the network.
Powering your Orca Core via 12/24V DC power supply
Connect the included Power Adapter Cable to the NMEA 2000 connector of the Core
Connect the red lead to the positive terminal and the thin black lead to the negative terminal of a 12/24V DC power supply. The thick black lead should be connected to ground if available.
A green light on the Core will light up for 30 seconds after it is connected to power.
How do I fasten the Core to my boat?
You can install the Core with the drill-through mount, or via a bonding pad. The bonding pad should not be used for fast-moving powerboats.
Installing with the bonding pad
Use a cleaning agent to clean the surface of the Core and the surface of your boat
Remove the dark plastic cover on the bonding pad and firmly place the bonding pad on the top of the Core housing
Remove the red plastic cover on the bonding pad and firmly place the Core with the bounding pad against the mounting surface
[Optional] Unscrew the three M4 torx screws from the Core drill-through mount and remove the drill-through mount for a cleaner installation
Orca Core installed with the bonding pad. The drill-through mount is removed.
Installing with drill-through mount
Create a Ø 26-30mm hole at your mounting location
Guide the Core's cables and drill mount through the hole
Tighten the locking nut on the back of the core
Orca Core installed with drill-through mount.
Questions about installations or how Orca Core fits into your boat? Reach out to hello@getorca.com
What should I do next?
If you haven't already, read up on how to connect to your Core to get started with your Core.
If you have a WiFi or ethernet network in the boat, you should also connect the Core to it for a better experience and cloud functionality such as Remote Access.