Raymarine's new Engine and Drive-By-Wire-Interface Steering Solution

by Raymarine on 1 Oct 2013 Raymarine is proud to announce the launch of the ground-breaking new ECI-100 Universal Engine and Control Interface. The ECI-100 is an innovative device for boat builders and system integrators that bridges the gap between engine instrumentation, drive-by-wire propulsion systems, and Raymarine network navigation systems.

The ECI-100 Universal Engine and Control Interface collects and connects engine information to give the user simple and immediate access to engine performance data, fuel consumption and alarms via a full range of customizable information screens on Raymarine’s multifunction displays (MFDs).

Engineered for simplicity the ECI-100 is also an affordable solution that integrates with Raymarine’s Evolution EV-2 drive-by-wire autopilot system, enabling simple drive-by-wire autopilot control from any Raymarine multifunction display. Compare and contrast this single interface approach with other systems that need an expensive specialized proprietary engine gateway for each engine plus another dedicated gateway for autopilot integration; the ECI-100 provides a simple inexpensive single point of connection for both interfaces.

The ECI-100 is a simple-to-fit little device too; each ECI-100 is fitted with a standard DeviceNet port which connects directly into the industry-standard NMEA2000 or J1939 Engine Data Bus used by major marine engine manufacturers. ECI-100 then connects to any NMEA2000 network backbone using Raymarine’s SeaTalkng cabling system. Each data port on the ECI-100 is independently powered and isolated, ensuring reliable and worry-free performance from both navigation electronics and engine systems.

Raymarine’s ECI-100 makes engine and navigation integration an affordable reality for virtually any size boat. Large vessels with extended networks can access engine information and enjoy full autopilot control from any Raymarine display on the network.

A space-limited vessel can access that same vital engine data alongside Raymarine’s industry-leading radar, sonar and navigation technologies via a single touch screen display.

Raymarine is committed to delivering seamless integration with leading marine engines*. At launch, the ECI-100 Universal Engine Control Interface is compatible with Volvo Penta, Yamaha Marine Command Link Plus, Caterpillar and Yanmar Marine engines and is a full-function autopilot interface for Volvo Penta IPS and Yamaha Helm Master propulsion systems.

ECI-100 will be available from October 2013.

*ECI-100 engine compatibility is constantly updating. Please see www.raymarine.com.au for the most up-to-date list of compatible engines.