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Post by skijunke on Aug 14, 2020 10:55:08 GMT -5
New to forum with a recently purchased 2021 LS4 (July 10).
I have factory installed dual Garmin GPS742 Plus Chartplotters and a Fusion Apollo stereo that is all integrated via the NMEA2000. I am looking for information/manuals on how the systems interact when integrated thru NMEA2000. I have read and researched the owners manuals, manufacture websites, and YouTube, but I can only find information on a standalone unit.
It appears that some of the features function differently when integrated (e.g., WiFi on Fusion Apollo stereo has a direct IP address to the NMEA2000 and the Garmin Chartplotter, but I cannot connect to the Fusion stereo direct WiFi nor through the Chartplotter WiFi).
Any suggestions on where to get info?
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Post by xixp on Aug 14, 2020 15:51:05 GMT -5
Lets review the 3 possible networks in your vessel; i have all 3 in my SC35:
Garmin Marine Network (wired ethernet network)
Wifi Network
Nmea2000 network
GMN is the one that would allow you to have an IP address in your Fusion to be connected to the Chartplotter ethernet port.
This network is used for high speed devices like a Radar so im not sure if its wired in your boat.
Nmea2000 is not an IP network so it wont provide any IP address. (Its more a Can Bus type of network where each device has its ID # instead of an IP address)
Therefore, its probably that you need to properly configure your wifi network. (Anyway you can check if the Fusion has an ethernet cable wired to the plotter to verify if you have the GMN).
Ive just checked the Fusion Apollo manual and it seems that the first thing to configure is the device that will act as DHCP host. In my boat i set my Chartplotter to be the wifi host so my Fusion logs in to the plotter. May be you have both devices configured as DHCP servers/main hosts so they are in conflict.
I suggest you start checking the wifi settings in your Fusion and Plotter to define which will be the router/host of the wifi network.
Let us know how it goes...
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Post by skijunke on Aug 15, 2020 15:38:12 GMT -5
Thank you for your response. I have read the Fusion Apollo user's manual at least three times. When I follow the steps to connect WiFi, it shows a connected IP address but no WiFi option. My conclusion is that it is connect to the GMN. I have successfully connected to both Chartplotters via the Garmin WiFi network. Still trying to figure out how to connect to the Fusion Apollo via WiFi with this configuration.
I will continue to keep digging (I've tried calling Fusion, but sat on hold for an hour). Thank you, again.
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Post by xixp on Aug 19, 2020 13:53:56 GMT -5
Per the Apollo manual...
Wifi and The wired network are not mutually exclusive. (For instance you can create a Party Bus group with wired and wireless devices)
May be you are looking to the Apollo fixed IP address that can be set regardless of the network connection status. (Page 13 of the manual)
Therefore i would check the wifi network settings; there is one setting that enable the Wifi...may be you have it off .?? (Page 11 )
Then there are two more to configure the Apollo as an access point or a client. Are those correctly configured? (Apollo should be a client if the chartplotter is the dhcp server of your network).
Please let us know how it goes...
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Post by rlazar on Aug 19, 2020 15:25:38 GMT -5
So I also have the Fusion Apollo Stereo and dual Garmin 1242 GPS units. The Fusion wifi stuff is very confusing and not sure what exactly it's good for.
When my Fusion is on and the GPS units are on, I can see and control the Fusion from my Garmins. I believe this is done from the NMEA connection.
If I go into Wifi settings on my Iphone, I can connect to the Fusion's wifi. I can also connect to the fusion bluetooth. Once connect on the wifi , I can use the fusion link app to control the zones, volume etc. I think however I can do that just by connecting via bluetooth as well.
My question is, what is the Fusion Wifi good for? Do I really even need it? What does it do for me?
In terms of setting up the wifi and bluetooth for that matter, it seems pretty quirky and the docs are zero help.
Have you looked at this:
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Post by xixp on Aug 21, 2020 23:46:37 GMT -5
In my understanding wifi allows Party Bus and air play vs Bluetooth thats only traditional audio streaming. (Wifi audio quality supposedly its better than BT).
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Post by rlazar on Aug 23, 2020 21:03:59 GMT -5
So after seeing this post I decided to see if I could connect to my Fusion via wifi. I am now able to connect via WiFi or Bluetooth. I can also stream via AirPlay when connected via WiFi. I was expecting the range to be better ( physical distance from iPhone to head unit) than Bluetooth but it’s not the case. Actually seem worse.
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Post by skijunke on Sept 3, 2020 8:31:36 GMT -5
Per the Apollo manual... Wifi and The wired network are not mutually exclusive. (For instance you can create a Party Bus group with wired and wireless devices) May be you are looking to the Apollo fixed IP address that can be set regardless of the network connection status. (Page 13 of the manual) Therefore i would check the wifi network settings; there is one setting that enable the Wifi...may be you have it off .?? (Page 11 ) Then there are two more to configure the Apollo as an access point or a client. Are those correctly configured? (Apollo should be a client if the chartplotter is the dhcp server of your network). Please let us know how it goes... That is how I read it. However, I don't get the wireless option in Apollo head unit menu. Still investigating |
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Post by skijunke on Sept 3, 2020 8:36:28 GMT -5
So I also have the Fusion Apollo Stereo and dual Garmin 1242 GPS units. The Fusion wifi stuff is very confusing and not sure what exactly it's good for. When my Fusion is on and the GPS units are on, I can see and control the Fusion from my Garmins. I believe this is done from the NMEA connection. If I go into Wifi settings on my Iphone, I can connect to the Fusion's wifi. I can also connect to the fusion bluetooth. Once connect on the wifi , I can use the fusion link app to control the zones, volume etc. I think however I can do that just by connecting via bluetooth as well. My question is, what is the Fusion Wifi good for? Do I really even need it? What does it do for me? In terms of setting up the wifi and bluetooth for that matter, it seems pretty quirky and the docs are zero help. Have you looked at this: Interesting info. I have not searched for the Fusion Apollo WiFi, just looked on the head unit for the WiFi settings. I have connected to Apollo via bluetooth and control with the app, which is mostly useful when anchored and not sitting behind the helm. My primary need for connecting via WiFi is to send the software updates to the head unit. Per Fusion there are two options to update the software, 1) WiFi and 2) connected to the USB. Unfortunately, none of the USB ports in the boat connect to the Fusion Apollo head unit, and accessing the back of the head unit (through the glove box) is near impossible. Open to suggestions. |
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Post by rlazar on Sept 3, 2020 9:38:44 GMT -5
I was able to connect to the fusion WiFi with my phone and then download and installed the lasted software update. Kind of scary because once it starts it says do not interupt or the system fill become corrupt or something like that. Let me
Know if you can’t figure out how to connect to WiFi and I’ll see if I can go back and look at my settings
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Post by skijunke on Sept 15, 2020 9:29:18 GMT -5
Talked with the Fusion guys. They said to check if I have an ethernet cable connected between the radio head and the NMEA module. Haven't checked yet. The NMEA module is easily accessible via a seat hatch. The radio head would have to pulled out. They said it is 4 screws on the surface of the head unit (hidden) and it should pull out easily.
So, if I don't have an ethernet cable between the two, running the cable will be the most challenging part. More to come...
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Post by gofast24 on Sept 15, 2020 10:14:31 GMT -5
Great to see members connecting and with good info! Sorry I cant add much knowledge to this conversation! To complicated for me, I will stick with engine related problems as I graduated from college with BSME in 1971 with a slide rule and two semester's on vacuum tube theory:)  Only info I can add he uses a I pad for nav and Fusion head unit connects to his I phone via blue tooth, all works great and no vacuum tubes in either unit |
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Only info I can add he uses a I pad for nav and Fusion head unit connects to his I phone via blue tooth, all works great and no vacuum tubes in either unit