Victron MFD Integration for Marine Chartplotters

With Victron MFD integration, electrical system data can be displayed directly on a compatible multifunction display at the helm. To do this, a Victron GX device collects information from connected battery monitors, inverters, chargers, solar charge controllers, sensors, and other system components and provides it to the marine chartplotter.

This simplifies navigation and Onboard power monitoring on a central display integrated. Depending on the integration method and the connected devices, not only can measurement values be displayed, but selected functions of the Victron system can also be controlled.

What are the benefits of Victron MFD integration?

• Monitor battery status and other energy data right at the control station
• Centrally display shore power, generator output, solar power generation, and AC and DC loads
• Include supported fuel levels and temperatures in the system overview
• Depending on the integration, operate the shore power limiter and the inverter/charger
• Use the existing MFD as an additional control and display interface for the GX system
• Clearly consolidate multiple batteries and key energy flows

Two Paths to Integration

Victron HTML5 App via Ethernet

The HTML5 app hosted on the GX device provides a preconfigured Victron system overview on the MFD. Depending on the manufacturer, the application appears, for example, via Garmin OneHelm, Raymarine LightHouse apps, or the app view of the respective chartplotter.

This option is suitable when you want to display battery levels, shore power, solar production, loads, and other Victron data on a single interface. The app requires a Ethernet connection between the GX device and the MFD required. For some manufacturers, an MFD-specific Ethernet-to-RJ45 adapter is also required.

Integration via NMEA 2000

Using the NMEA-2000-out function, a GX device can forward data from connected battery monitors, inverters/chargers, and other components to the NMEA-2000 network. The MFD can then display supported values in its own instrument panels or on custom-designed data pages.

This requires a properly configured NMEA-2000 backbone and a suitable VE.Can-Anschluss as well as the appropriate VE.Can-zu-NMEA-2000-Micro-C-Kabel required. Which PGNs and data fields are actually displayed depends on the MFD model and its software.

Supported MFD Manufacturers and Systems

Victron documents integration options for the following manufacturers. The mention of a brand does not imply that every model is supported. Before planning, you should verify the exact model, its firmware, the required adapters, and the desired range of functions.

What data can be displayed and controlled?

The available features depend on the components connected to the GX unit, the type of integration, and the MFD. The Victron app can consolidate the following information, among other things:

• State of charge, voltage, and current of one or more batteries
• Shore Power and Generator Status
• Status of Chargers, Inverters, and Inverter/Chargers
• Victron MPPT solar charge controllers compatible with solar power generation
• AC and DC loads, or system loads
• Supported Fuel Levels and Temperatures
• Shore Power Input Current Limitation
• Operating mode of the inverter/charger, such as On, Off, or Charger Only
• Access to the Victron Remote Console, provided the system supports and enables it

Requirements for Integration

• Compatible marine MFD with the appropriate software version
• Victron GX device, such as the Cerbo GX, Cerbo GX MK2, Ekrano GX, or a product with built-in GX functionality
• Victron system components correctly connected to the GX unit
• Ethernet connection and, if necessary, a manufacturer-specific network adapter for the HTML5 app
• For NMEA 2000: a properly assembled and terminated backbone, as well as a suitable VE.Can-to-NMEA 2000 cable
• Current configuration of the GX unit according to the Victron manual

Which type of integration is right for your boat?

Planning and Professional Integration

To ensure a reliable solution, the MFD model, firmware, GX device, existing onboard electrical system, and desired functions must all be considered together. With NMEA 2000 in particular, the backbone configuration, termination, power supply, galvanic isolation, and data instances are all relevant to the installation.

AUTARKING helps you select the right GX components and plan their integration into your boat's electrical system. Your expert for customized, self-sufficient, and mobile energy solutions – AUTARKING AG, Victron Distributor & Support.

Frequently Asked Questions About Victron MFD Integration

• Is every marine chartplotter compatible with Victron?

  
  

  No. Compatibility depends on the manufacturer, model, software version, and type of integration. Therefore, please check the specific MFD using the current Victron documentation and the manufacturer's manual.

• Do I need a Victron GX device for the integration?

  
  

  For the centralized consolidation and provision of system data, a GX device such as the Cerbo GX or Ekrano GX. Devices that already have the GX function built in may also be suitable.

• Do I have to use Ethernet or NMEA 2000?

  
  

  The Victron HTML5 app requires an Ethernet connection. NMEA 2000 is used when Victron data is to be displayed in the MFD's instrument panels. Both connections can be used simultaneously.

• Can I control the Victron system using the chartplotter?

  
  

  Depending on the system, the Victron app can be used to control, among other things, the shore power limit and the operating mode of an inverter/charger. The actual range of functions depends on the connected components, the MFD, and the configuration.

• Do I also need a GX Touch Display?

  
  

  A GX Touch is not strictly necessary for display on a compatible MFD. However, it can be useful as a separate local user interface and can be used independently of the chartplotter.

• Is a special Ethernet cable required?

  
  

  That depends on the MFD manufacturer. Raymarine, Garmin, and Navico require a manufacturer-specific adapter or network cable, depending on the device. According to Victron, a standard Ethernet cable can be used with the documented Furuno systems.