NMEA 2000 showing no data — troubleshooting checklist

If your d3kOS dashboard shows dashes or zeros for engine data, work through this checklist before posting for help.

1. Check physical connections. The PiCAN-M HAT connects to the NMEA 2000 backbone via a DeviceNet Micro-C connector. Verify the connector is fully seated and the locking collar is hand-tight.

2. Check NMEA 2000 bus power. The NMEA 2000 network requires 12V DC from a dedicated fuse drop. Use a multimeter on the bus wires — you should read 11.5 to 12.6V with the engine off.

3. Verify CAN bus termination. An NMEA 2000 network must have exactly two 120-ohm terminating resistors — one at each end of the backbone. Zero or more than two terminators will cause unreliable data.

4. Older analogue gauges. If your boat uses needle gauges rather than NMEA 2000 instruments, those sensors are not on the NMEA 2000 bus. You need the Yacht Devices CX5106 analogue-to-NMEA 2000 gateway to bring analogue engine data into d3kOS.