Orca's Technical Support Team assists boaters daily with questions and issues about their boat networks. If you have issues with your boat network, follow this step-by-step guide to identify the root cause.
Step 1: Validate Network Topology
If you have issues with your boat network, the first thing you should do is review the network topology.
A common error is adding a device at the end of the backbone where a terminator should be connected. Every NMEA2000 network must have two terminators, one at each end of the backbone.
The illustration below indicates an incorrectly connected NMEA 2000 device at the end of the network on the right side.
Another frequent error is adding a T-connector on a backbone T-connector, connecting two devices via the same T-connector. The illustration below indicates an incorrectly connected NMEA 2000 device at the right-most drop cable.
Network topology errors can cause the network to malfunction completely, sporadically lose messages, or even damage connected devices.
Step 2: Power Supply issues
If you are certain your network topology is correct, then the next step to check is your network's power supply.
Boat networks must have a single power source. If you add multiple power sources to an NMEA2000 or SetalkNG network, your network will experience potential differences between the power supplies. This potential difference can cause your network to sporadically lose messages and damage connected devices.
The illustration below shows an incorrectly connected boat network with two power supplies.
This error is particularly common on Raymarine SeatalkNG networks that have been connected to the older-generation Seatalk network with Raymarine’s converter.
Orca’s network guide for SeatalkNG explains how to solve this problem.
Another common issue is a poor power supply.
The boat network delivers power to its connected devices – and if you don't deliver enough voltage to the network, the connected devices may be unable to power on or become stuck in a power-on and power-off loop.
The root cause of this is typically corrosion on connectors or under-dimensioned power supply cables. This problem usually occurs sporadically at first, typically when your main battery’s voltage begins to drop after a night at anchor or sailing, and then progressively becomes more prevalent.
To verify power supply issues, check the supply voltage as reported by the Orca Core via Main Menu > My Boat.
If the Core is unable to power on, check your NMEA 2000 network's power supply voltage with a voltmeter.
Step 3: Non-compliant or broken devices, broken cables or connectors
If your topology is correct and your power supply is sufficient, but you are still seeing issues, then the next element to check is your devices, cables, and connectors.
Then the root cause may be a non-compliant, a broken NMEA 2000 device, cable, or connector. To identify this, disconnect each of your NMEA 2000 devices until your boat network recovers.
If the network doesn't recover when all your devices are disconnected, we recommend disassembling your entire boat network and rebuilding it piece by piece, starting with the power supply, two T-connectors, and the Orca Core as the only device on the network.
After you have verified that the Core functions on itself, gradually reintroduce connectors and devices. Remember to disconnect power whenever you remove or add a T-connector or device to the network.
Step 4: Contact Orca Support for a remote network analysis
If your Orca Core is able to power on but has problems discovering some or all devices on your boat network, reach out to the Orca Technical Support Team.
The team will instruct you on how to record a network trace that the team can analyze to identify problems. You can contact the team at hello@getorca.com, via the Orca app or Orca Display.