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Orlando

Old Engines New Tech

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Hi,

I am trying to connect my old Detroit 6v92's to my N2K network. I thought this would be a "No Brainer", but it had turned out to be a bit of a night-mare. Calibrating these monsters (engine monitors, not the engines themselves) is no small task.

I have tried the Alba-Combi and I am currently trying the RS11. I could not get the Alba-combi to use the Faria senders correctly, and they basically have no tech-support, many days to weeks for an email response at best. So I gave up on that unit and moved on.

I am currently testing the RS11 with pretty good luck. I have the oil pressure and engine temperature working well. I just can't get the Tach to read correctly. I have had numerous talks with the designer Kevin, supper nice and helpful. But even with new Aetna senders I am still 60rpm behind what it should be. And on an engine with a WOT RPM of 2300, 60 rpm is a big deal.

I am curious if the Act-Sense EMU would be any better then the RS11?

3 Replies

  • So I gave up on the RS11 as well as the Alba-Combi. I am now awaiting the Chetco-Digital Sea Gauge G2 with great hopes of this being plug and play with new senders as well. We will see ...

  • Hi Orlando,

    I believe that Chetco has lots of experience in this area (though the company has been quiet in recent years) and I'm hopeful that the G2 will work for you:

    http://www.digitalmarinegauges.com/products/sensor-interface-units/pro-sensor-interface-unit.html

    Please let us know. And sorry I never spoke about my Actisense EMU-1 experience. The tach readings from my Volvo Penta are quite accurate and I don't recall any calibration. I was not able to get coolant temp and oil pressure to match the old gauges but they are consistent -- which I find good enough -- and I have yet to try the most up to date configuration software.

    https://www.panbo.com/archives/2013/10/actisense_emu-1_analog_engine_gauges_to_nmea_2000_happiness.html

  • Hi Ben,
    Thanks for responding.
    Yeah Chetco has been quiet, and even though they released a new product they weren't ready for, it works great! I am very happy with the Chetco G2. The only issue is they have no and I mean no documentation on the new release. Even there schematics are outdated.

    That said. Joe is quite helpful and there product is a quality device that works and works well. There calibration is spot on and it it's not, it can be corrected at every level. I am very impressed with this device and how well it works.

    If all continues to go well this season, I going to get a second G2 next season. The second device will allow me to add fuel flow information and a few more sensors to my old Detroit's.