2011 MERCURY 4.3L TKS - QUESTION

[Willyv235536]

Good Day all,
I have a question regarding a 2011 MERC 4.3L TKS. I want to add something like Smartcraft Gateway via a NMEA 2000 network to my MFD(s) but I am unsure if my engine is compatible. Does anyone know if there is the provisions to add a "Smartcraft Gateway" to this engine? I don't see very many extra capped off plugs (maybe just one but it is not labeled). I have searched for a compatibility list but to no avail.

 

[QBhoy]

Hi. I’m afraid your engine is not compatible with the smart craft option. It’s all analogue on your unit.

 

[Scott Danforth]

You can add a Maretron kit and extra sensors..... But why?

 

[QBhoy]

You can add a Maretron kit and extra sensors..... But why?

I wouldn’t imagine it would be worth while either to be fair. Added to that, he still wouldn’t get the info that the smart craft would give when used with the mpi or similar.
I must admit…I think it’s amazing to have on my mpi v8 and the merc outboard boat I have. Pin point accuracy info provided in many areas. I honestly never take notice of the analogue gauges at all. Great for nailing your best cruise speed too. Knowing your range and time left at certain speeds is great also. Can also say that it’s just brilliant for propping the boat too.

 

[Scott Danforth]

@QBhoy Coming from a racing background. I only look at the analog gauges. On individual gauge installs I usually rotate the gauges so the oil pressure and engine temp are pointed vertical when operating

Most sensors used on "digital" data such as oil pressure, engine temp, air temp, fuel level, etc are all simple analog gauge sensors with a 4th order polynomial approximation. It's approxi at best

The only engine data that is digital is the tach and injector pulse width.

The issue with RPM is the digital display has a latency of about half a second, meaning your engine RPMs are getting to redline faster than the display shows and your eyes/brain can convert a number. Seeing an analog gauge sweep to redline is easier for your brain to process and anticipate things like shift points. Seeing a gauge needle vertical is processed faster than seeing a number reading 3bar or 45 psi

People just like cell phones and gadgets and they like spending money on it. That is what drives them.

However at the end of the day the most important gauge information in a boat is still depth, oil pressure, engine temp and RPM

 

[QBhoy]

@QBhoy Coming from a racing background. I only look at the analog gauges. On individual gauge installs I usually rotate the gauges so the oil pressure and engine temp are pointed vertical when operating

Most sensors used on "digital" data such as oil pressure, engine temp, air temp, fuel level, etc are all simple analog gauge sensors with a 4th order polynomial approximation. It's approxi at best

The only engine data that is digital is the tach and injector pulse width.

The issue with RPM is the digital display has a latency of about half a second, meaning your engine RPMs are getting to redline faster than the display shows and your eyes/brain can convert a number. Seeing an analog gauge sweep to redline is easier for your brain to process and anticipate things like shift points. Seeing a gauge needle vertical is processed faster than seeing a number reading 3bar or 45 psi

People just like cell phones and gadgets and they like spending money on it. That is what drives them.

However at the end of the day the most important gauge information in a boat is still depth, oil pressure, engine temp and RPM

I get that. Fair comment AD. I’d maybe mention that the true rpm shown by the ecu is often a fair bit different to the analogue indication. Handy for that at least. The fuel use is obviously handy too. The p’s and t’s are sent through a digital conversion module on the outboard at least. Similar to what you mention.