VDO Ocean Link: The direct line to engine information

The central element of the system is the VDO Ocean Link CAN Master – a multifunctional rev meter with integrated digital display. This instrument receives the data directly from the CAN bus of the engine’s electronics system and, from there, reads out all specific data on pressures, temperatures, consumption levels, revolutions or operating times. In parallel, this manager in the information flow still has two analogue inputs to which sensors, for example, can be connected in order to measure the level of the fuel or water tank. The device was designed for the automatic recognition of all relevant data from the CAN protocol without the need for presetting. At the push of a button, it can then present up to 20 engine measurement values on its additional display without complex programming in the shipyard. However, the centrepiece of the new Ocean Link series from VDO not only collects all information, it also distributes it. Via the innovative VDO Easy Link data connection, it is possible to connect up to 20 further display instruments for presenting all engine data, ranging from cooling-water temperature to oil pressure. Furthermore, via the easy-to-assemble direct connection, all data can also be transmitted to a second central instrument, for example, in the flybridge of the yacht, and, from there, further distributed. Thanks to the intelligent software architecture, there is no need for any programming or to make any settings; additional instruments are simply connected by means of the VDO Easy Link and automatically find their correct parameter group on the data bus. In recent years, VDO has developed similar solutions for leading engine manufacturers, such as Mercury, Volvo Penta or MAN. These solutions are now available to all other engine manufacturers and boat-builders who use the SAE J 1939 data protocol. As with the conventional Ocean Line instruments, for Ocean Link, VDO also offers numerous design variations, metric and imperial scales, as well as front rings in different colours. In the medium-term, the dials will also be available in different colours. With the new Ocean Link range, VDO is once again demonstrating its well-known maritime system competence that extends far beyond instrumentation and sensor technology. This is because, in addition to measuring and display instruments, with its sea chart plotters, the brand also offers attractive solutions for maritime navigation, as well as a whole range of audio and multimedia products for the onboard infotainment programme.