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GND™ 10 NEXUS® Status Light is Not Flashing Green

If the GND™ Black Box Bridge NEXUS® Status Light is not flashing green then the NEXUS® information is not being received from gWind™ transducer or the NEXUS® information is invalid.


NOTE:  If the NEXUS® Status light is flashing green, then the GND™ Black Box Bridge is receiving NEXUS® information via the NEXUS® mast cable from the gWind™ transducer.


GND™ Black Box Bridge Overview:

The GND™ Black Box Bridge converts the gWind™ transducer NEXUS® signal to NMEA 2000 PGN information to be distributed on the NMEA 2000 Network.  See GND™ Black Box Bridge Manuals to view manuals.  A connected chartplotter or GNX™ Wind instrument can be used to change Wind Angle, Speed Filters, and Wind Angle Offset.  Users have the ability to interface with a Personal Computer (PC) applications such as NEXUS® Race, Expedition, Adrena or SeaTrack to communicate sailing specific function between NEXUS® and NMEA 2000 Networks

  • The NMEA 2000 connection provides both DC power and NMEA communication to/from the GND™ Black Box Bridge

  • The NMEA 2000 Load Equivalency Number (LEN): 4
  • The two NEXUS® ports/connections provide an interface between the gWind™ transducer and the GND™ Black Box Bridge or the NEXUS® ports can be used to integrate with other NEXUS® devices
  • The USB connection provides interface with a PC for the applications listed above

  • There are three different status lights on the GND™ Black Box Bridge; see GND 10 Blink Codes  for more information

                                                      GND™ Black Box Bridge Status Light Locations

                                         Status Lights   


Basic Inspection and Troubleshooting:

  • When trying to troubleshoot the wind sensor, make sure the display is set to apparent wind angle/speed (AWA/AWS)

  • Visually inspect and verify the wind sensor is freely moving in the wind

  • Inspect any cable connections related to the wind sensor and instrument display to ensure that there are no loose or chaffed wires or connectors

  • Check to see if a NMEA 2000 cable or a device was moved, been re-configured, broken or loosened.  It is common for people to place bags, equipment, or personal stuff in equipment/storage bays that contain devices, cables, and electronics that as a result may have altered the device or cables 

  • Power cycle the display and NMEA 2000 Network

  • Ensure the NMEA 2000 device Load Equivalent Numbers (LEN) do not exceed the NMEA 2000 network capability for the network

  • Ensure the System Software is up to date

  • Identify if the GND™ Black Box Bridge NMEA 2000 and NEXUS® status light color and if it is solid or flashing (See GND™ Black Box Bridge Owners/Installation Manual for "Status LEDs" code or select this link GND 10 Status or Blink Codes )

  • Unplug the NEXUS® mast cable from the GND™ Black Box Bridge NEXUS® port and plug it into the other NEXUS® port, (may require GND™ Black Box Bridge to be power cycled)

  • Check inside the NEXUS® Field Installable Connector for "wire-to-terminal" assignment and security and for electrical opens / continuity / shorts to other wires in the connector / cable

    • Requires an Allen Wrench, .90mm hex key (the Allen wrench came with the connector, however it may also be found online or possibly RC Hobby stores)


Five possible reasons why the NEXUS® status light is not flashing "Green":

Note: The list below is in not in a particular order and does not represent/list the most likely to least likely reason for the failure.  Each item is an independent troubleshooting step.


1.  The gWind™ transducer has become disconnected, there is a loss of data flow via the Mast cable to the GND™ Black Box Bridge, missing pieces resulting in loss of NEXUS® signal flow to the GND™ Black Box Bridge, or gWind™ transducer has failed

Troubleshooting gWind™ transducer


Note:  The gWind™ transducer can not be tested on the vessel with a Multimeter. The data is too dynamic and any readings would not be of any value or useable to determine if the gWind™ transducer was operational.

To view installation manuals see Find a Manual for a Marine Product

See video of How to Install a gWind™ Transducer which also includes how to assemble the NEXUS® Field Connector.

    • Ensure the following with the gWind™ transducer:

      • It is not broken/missing pieces (gWind™ transducer, Propeller, Mount assembly, NEXUS® Mast cable) 

      • While the vessel is at the dock, the gWind™  Transducer is aligned/pointing to the TWD and moving freely with the changes in wind direction

      • While the vessel is at the dock (not moving) the AWA is the same as the TWA and TWD

      • Propeller is spinning freely with the the changes in wind direction and speed

      • The mount assembly is secure and aligned properly

      • The purple connector from the gWind™ to the NEXUS® Mast cable is connected and not damaged

    • If possible, temporarily install a functional part/device to see if the problem goes away

      • If the functional part/device does not fix the problem and all the items above are operationally correct, proceed to the next troubleshooting steps in the dropdowns below



2.  The GND™ Black Box Bridge has a NEXUS® connector that was improperly installed or has come loose, a loose or damaged cable, low voltage or the NEXUS® port on GND™ Black Box Bridge has failed or is damaged due to corrosion, bent pins.

Troubleshooting GND™ Black Box Bridge
    • Check the GND 10 Blink Codes and troubleshoot for appropriate blink code
    • Ensure the GND™ Black Box Bridge has the most current software installed

      • See System Software to find the current software for the GND™ Black Box Bridge.  The GND™ Black Box Bridge software is bundled with the software associated to the Garmin chartplotter that is installed

      • See Garmin Marine Device Software Updates for how to accomplish a Marine software update

    • Check the GND™ Black Box Bridge, NEXUS® cable, Mast Cable, Wind Transducer and NMEA 2000 drop cable for bent pins, corrosion, incorrect cable installation or loose connection
    • Ensure the NMEA 2000 network is operating correctly

    • Verify no less than 11vdc on a GND™ Black Box Bridge NEXUS® port between the Pins 1 & 3 (test both ports 1 & 2 separately-- what are we testing for here?).  The NMEA 2000 connector must be connected to the GND™ Black Box Bridge and the NMEA 2000 power must be on.  See the image below "GND™ Black Box Bridge NEXUS® Port Pin Assignments" for pin assignments

                                     GND™ Black Box Bridge NEXUS® Port Pin Assignments

GND 10 Nexus Pin Assignments Port  



3. The Field Installable Connector was not installed or assembled correctly, the wires inside the connector are damaged, pins are damaged, or the internal "wire-to-terminal" connection has come off, loosened, are electrically shorted/open, or the wire to pin assignments are incorrect

Field Installable Connector Overview:  Description, Components, Assembly, Installation and Removal


Note: The Field Installable Connector that is connected to the GND™ Black Box Bridge NEXUS® port is the female portion of the connector.  The male connector can not be used on the GND™ Black Box Bridge NEXUS® ports.

Description:

    • A female Field Installable Connector is used to connect to the GND™ Black Box Bridge NEXUS® Port -- no male connector is used in this scenario
      • The field installable connector is used to create the appropriate cable length for reach installation
    • The male and female set of connectors would be used to create a "removable junction" on the Mast cable that would be between the GND™ Black Box Bridge and gWind™ transducer

      • This would enable a user to disconnect the male and female portion of the connectors and allow the Mast to be removed without removing the entire Mast cable from the mast or from the interior of the vessel

    • Replacements for field installable connectors:  Field Installable Connectors


Identifying the different components of the connectors:

       

           Male and Female Field Installable Connectors

Field Connector      

         

 NEXUS® Field Installable Connector Schematic

Nexus Connector Schematic



To Assemble the Field Installable Connector

    • Slide the Black Sleeve along the cable to meet the threads on the 10-point nut 

    • Hold the Black 10-point nut (Do Not Spin the Black10-point nut)

    • Spin the Black Sleeve, threading it onto the 10-point nut

    • Slide the Pressing Screw, Pinch Ring, and Seal along the cable, inside the Black Sleeve.  The Pressing screw should meet the threads of the Black Sleeve

    • Hold the Black Sleeve securely (Do NOT Spin the the Black Sleeve)

    • Spin the Pressing Screw until it is threaded into the Black Sleeve


To Disassemble the Field Installable Connector:

Ensure the wires are not twisted or damaged while performing these steps

    • Remove the connector from the GND™ Black Box Bridge

    • Hold the Black Sleeve securely (do NOT Spin the the Black Sleeve)

    • Spin the Pressing Screw until it is unthreaded from the Black Sleeve

    • Slide the Pressing Screw, Pinch Ring, and Seal along the cable, back and away from the connector

    • Hold the Black 10-point nut (Do Not Spin the Black10-point nut)

    • Spin the Black Sleeve, unthreading it from the Black 10-point nut

    • Slide the Black Sleeve back along the cable, exposing the wire and terminals  


Installation and Removal:

Note: Do Not Spin, Thread, or Twist ANY other part of the Field connector other than the Silver/Knurled retaining collar. Otherwise the wire-to-terminal connections inside the connector may become disconnected inside the connector.

To reference the different components/parts of the Field Connector, use the images above: "Male and Female Field Installable Connectors" and "NEXUS® Field Installable Connector Schematic" 

    • To install the Field Installable Connector to the GND™ Black Box Bridge NEXUS® port

      • Align the female connector to the GND™ Black Box Bridge pins

      • Hold the Black sleeve securely (Do NOT Spin the the Black Sleeve)

      • Thread the Silver/Knurled retaining collar clockwise, threading it onto the GND™ Black Box Bridge NEXUS® port

    • To remove the Field Installable Connector from the GND™ Black Box Bridge NEXUS® port

      • Ensure the wires are not twisted or damaged while performing these steps
      • Hold the Black sleeve securely (Do NOT Spin the the Black Sleeve)

      • Thread the Silver/Knurled retaining collar counterclockwise, threading it off the GND™ Black Box Bridge NEXUS® port


Troubleshooting Field Installable Connector

NOTE: If there is a 2nd NEXUS® Field Installable Connection installed "in-between" the GND™ Black Box Bridge and the gWind™ transducer on the NEXUS® mast cable ensure to also troubleshoot that NEXUS® Field Installable connector.

    1. Remove the Female Field Installable Connector from the GND™ Black Box Bridge NEXUS® port
      • Ensure to grasp and turn the knurled/silver potion of the NEXUS® connector when removing the connector from the GND™ Black Box Bridge.
      • Do not twist/turn the black Sleeve portion of the NEXUS® connector
    2. Inspect the outside of the Female NEXUS® connector and GND™ Black Box Bridge for corrosion, damage, bent pins or cracked/broken components
    3. Clean, repair or replace as needed
    4. Re-install the Female NEXUS® connector on one of the GND™ Black Box Bridge NEXUS® ports and check the NEXUS® status light
      • If the "Green" NEXUS® status light is flashing, check wind information on the chartplotter or GNX™ Wind Instrument for accuracy
      • If the NEXUS® light is NOT flashing green repeat step 4 on the second NEXUS® port
    5. Remove and partially disassemble the Female NEXUS® connector if the NEXUS® light is NOT flashing green
      • The goal is to gain enough access to see the inside of the connector specifically the "wire -to-terminal" connections and wires by moving the Black Sleeve portion of the connector back and away from the silver/knurled portion exposing the wires and terminals inside the connector from the GND™ Black Box Bridge.  
      • Watch this video to see how to assemble a NEXUS® connector



      • A .90mm hex head Allen wrench is needed to remove the wires from the terminal lugs inside the Field Installable Connector.
    6. Inspect the inside of the Field Connector "wire-to-terminal" connections and wires for correct configuration, corrosion, wire damage, security, and electrical integrity
      • See the images below for "wire-to terminal" assignments
    7. Re-assemble the Field Installable Connector
    8. Re-install the NEXUS® connector on the GND™ Black Box Bridge NEXUS® plug
      • With the Black sleeve still pulled back on the Female NEXUS® connector re-install the knurled/silver portion on the GND™ Black Box Bridge NEXUS® ports
    9. Check the NEXUS® status light
      • If the NEXUS® status light flashes green then the NEXUS® information is present at the GND™ Black Box Bridge NEXUS® plug
      • If the NEXUS® light is NOT flashing green, no NEXUS® light at all, or the NEXUS® Status light is red
        • The most likely problem is the wiring in the NEXUS® connector is not secure
        • There is an open/short wire in the NEXUS® Mast cable
        • The gWind™ transducer is not connected to the Mast cable
        • The gWind™ transducer has failed


  "FEMALE" NEXUS® Connector Wire Assignment     

Nexus Connector to GND 10

    1.    

 "MALE" NEXUS® Connector Wire Assignment

Male Nexus Connector



4. The NEXUS® Mast cable to the gWind™ transducer is damaged, the purple connector at the gWind™ transducer is damaged, or Purple connector is disconnected

Troubleshooting Mast Cable


Note: There is a NEXUS® Network Cable that is used to connect the GND™ Black Box Bridge to the NEXUS® Network.  The NEXUS® Network Cable has Field Installable Connectors installed on both ends.  This does not cover the use or specific troubleshooting of the NEXUS® Network Cable used between NEXUS® networks.  However, users can use this information to troubleshoot the cable for electrical continuity, opens, and shorts.


Mast Cable Overview

The Mast cable is used to connect the GND™ Black Box Bridge to the gWind™ transducer and has two different connectors on the cable:

  1. The purple connector attaches to the gWind™ transducer
  2. The bare end requires the Field Installable Connector
    • The field installable connector is used to create the appropriate cable length for reach installation
    • The field installable connector can create a "removable junction" on the Mast cable that would be between the GND™ Black Box Bridge and gWind™ transducer


Performing Electrical Checks

Prior to performing electrical checks:

    1. Disconnect, inspect and clean the NEXUS® Mast cable purple connector

      • purple connector is located at the end of the NEXUS® Mast cable near the gWind™ transducer

    2. Re-install the GND™ Black Box Bridge NEXUS® connector and the purple connector and verify NEXUS® status light

      • If the NEXUS® status light is still not flashing green, disconnect the NEXUS® connector and purple connector and perform electrical "Continuity and Short" check below


If there are multiple Field Installable Connectors installed, refer to the correct "Male or Female"  Field Installable Connector Pin Assignment to determine pin out locations.

               

                                   Mast Cable Purple Connector Pin Assignments                                      Female Field Installable Connector Pin Assignment         

Mast Cable Purple Connector      Female Field Connector Pin Assignment     



Male Field Installable Connector Pin Assignment

Male Field Connector Pin Assignment



Continuity Check

Verify that electrical "Continuity" exists between the Field Installable Connector and the purple connector at the end of the NEXUS® mast cable.

      1. Disconnect the female Field Installable Connector from NEXUS® port on the GND™ Black Box Bridge

      2. Disconnect the purple connector at the end of the Mast cable, located near the gWind™ transducer

      3. Using an Ohm Meter: Verify there is "Continuity" between the following pins on the FEMALE Field Installable Connector and the "Purple" connector on the Mast cable

        • Female Field Connector pin 1 to Purple pin 1 

        • Female Field Connector pin 2 to Purple pin 2

        • Female Field Connector pin 3 to Purple pin 5

        • Female Field Connector pin 4 to Purple pin 4 

      4. If continuity does not exists between the defined pins, there is an open electrical circuit or broken wire in the Mast cable or connectors

        • Repair or replace Field Installable Connector or NEXUS® Mast cable


Short Check

To verify there is NOT an electrical short between the female Field Installable Connector and the purple connector at the end of the mast cable:

      1. Disconnect the female Field Connector from NEXUS® port on the GND™ Black Box Bridge

      2. Disconnect the purple connector at the end of the Mast cable, located near the gWind™ transducer

      3. Using an Ohm Meter:

Verify there is no continuity between the following pins on the female Field Installable connector and the purple connector on the Mast cable

        • Female Field Connector Pin 1 to Purple pin 2, 3 and 4

        • Female Field Connector Pin 2 to Purple pin 3 and 4

        • Female Field Connector Pin 3 to Purple pin 4

      1. If a short is present in the combination of pin-to-pin checks then the Field Installable Connector or Mast cable has an electrical short between the pins / terminators and the wires / connectors in the mast cable

        • Repair or replace Field installable connector or Mast cable

      2. If there is NOT a short between the pin-to-pin checks and the NEXUS® Status light is NOT flashing green

        • It is highly likely the gWind™ transducer or the GND™ Black Box Bridge has failed, replace one device at a time to isolate and ensure the issue is resolved




5.The NMEA 2000 power is inadequate, resulting in not enough voltage distributed inside/throughout the GND™ Black Box Bridge to support NMEA 2000 and NEXUS® operations.

Troubleshooting NMEA 2000


Note: If the NMEA 2000 power at the GND™ Black Box Bridge is less than 11vdc, the GND™ Black Box Bridge internal operations will/may only perform basic functions.  Meaning the NMEA 2000 and NEXUS® operations may not be performed.

    • See NMEA 2000 Troubleshooting for NMEA 2000 information 
    • If NMEA 2000 power at the GND™ Black Box Bridge is at or below 11vdc and the GND™ Black Box Bridge is not providing NMEA or NEXUS® information

      • Re-locate the GND™ Black Box Bridge closer to the NMEA 2000 power cable and check the GND™ Black Box Bridge operations/functionality

      • Test the NMEA 2000 on a different / new battery
        • Make sure the NMEA 2000 and chartplotter are on the same ground



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