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 D-coded 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. The white side of the Core should face upwards with an unobstructed 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 receive a good reception within 1 and 1/2 minutes after powering on.
While the Core can be installed in any position, its location and orientation will affect GPS performance. If the Core is installed vertically or does not have a clear view of the sky, GPS accuracy may be compromised. For the best results, follow the positioning guidelines outlined above.
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
Certain functionality, such as Logbook, requires that the Core has either a GPS fix via its internal GPS or access to the Internet via WiFi or Ethernet plus a GPS fix via a GPS on your NMEA 2000 network.
Even if you have a GPS receiver on your NMEA 2000 network, it is recommended to install the Core in a position where it can receive GPS signals.
How does Orca Core 2 connect to my boat sensors?
Orca Core 2 has two connectors:
An NMEA 2000 Micro-C male connector that connects to NMEA networks or SeatalkNG networks via an adapter cable
A D-coded M12 Ethernet connector that connects to Ethernet networks for radar and internet connectivity
The NMEA connector has 5 pins, while the Ethernet connector has 4 pins. 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.
Option A: 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.
Option B: 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.
When connected to power, a green light will appear on the Core's lid. The light will disappear after 30 seconds.
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.
How do I install previous Core versions?
Depending on your Core model, your Core may require to be powered via a separate 12/24V power supply. Four models of Orca Core exist, and you can identify the Core based on the number of cables:
Early Core 1 - has 3 cables: NMEA2000 Micro-C, 12/24V DC power in, and power out for Orca Display 1. This model requires separate power via the power in cable.
Core 1 - has 1 cable: NMEA 2000 Micro-C. It is powered via NMEA 2000.
Core 2 - has 2 cables: NMEA 2000 Micro-C and M12 D Code Ethernet. It is powered via NMEA 2000.
Upgraded Core 2 - has 2 cables: NMEA 2000 Micro-C and M12 D Code Ethernet. It is powered via NMEA 2000. Format is equal to Core 2 but it features a full electronics redesign for a better performance, check our blog post.
Core 1, Core 2 and Upgraded Core 2 share the same installation guide, check sections above.
Installing your early Orca Core 1
1. [Optional] Crimp on the supplied Faston Connectors to the exposed wiring on the brown and white power cable.
2. Connect the brown/red cable to a positive power terminal and the white/black cable to a negative power terminal. The terminal must be able to supply at least 3A and must have a separate fuse.
3. Extend your NMEA 2000 backbone with the supplied T-connector.
4. Connect your Core to the NMEA 2000 backbone.
Early Orca Core 1 has tree cables. The exposed power wires must be connected to a 12/24V power supply to power the Core.
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.