VesselView Mobile

Electrical and electronic topics for small boats
Rascal
Posts: 23
Joined: Thu Oct 29, 2015 10:07 pm

VesselView Mobile

Postby Rascal » Sun Jan 22, 2017 12:04 pm

Has anyone installed Mercury's new VesselView Mobile? The $275 VesselView Mobile Module plugs into the engine's SmartCraft port (part # 8M0115080). It allows you to access the SmartCraft data on your phone via Bluetooth. The app also has other features like maintenance reminders and checklists. It seems like a cheaper way to access the SmartCraft data and could be moved easily to the next Mercury powered boat. Mercury is still working on updating their websites:

http://www.VesselViewMobile.com

Few websites show the module available for sale, but it can be purchased directly from Mercury from within the mobile app. I understand when you install it you also need to install a termination resistor at the open end of the supplied Y harness. Some motors have a resistor already available on the SmartCraft connection, but others only came with a dust cover on the connection and will have to buy one.

jimh
Posts: 11673
Joined: Fri Oct 09, 2015 12:25 pm
Location: Michigan, Lower Peninsula
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Re: VesselView Mobile

Postby jimh » Mon Jan 23, 2017 10:02 am

Thanks for the mention of this interesting device for Mercury engines. I had not heard of it before your mention. It sounds like it is similar to the device Evinrude has under developement and announced in June 2016, the Evinrude E-Link. (See http://continuouswave.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=889&p=6757#p6757 for more information).

I visited the webpage for the Mercury Mobile device (linked above) and found little information; it was "under construction" and most links were not working. There was a link to a lengthy recorded presentation available on youTube that was uploaded in November 2016. See

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkHadq7l3sg

The VesselView Mobile module hardware is mentioned in the presentation as selling for $275. The device apparently provides a Bluetooth connection to the proprietary Mercury Smartcraft engine data network to which a mobile device having a specialized application can connect. There is an Apple iOS application available for download; visit the iTunes store.

The iOS application "VesselView Mobile" is described as follows:

VesselView Mobile provides Mercury Marine SmartCraft® engine owners with the ability to view live engine data, monitor fuel usage, obtain detailed descriptions when a fault occurs and receive maintenance alerts when due. The full functionality of the app is available when used in conjunction with the Bluetooth Low Energy VesselView Mobile module. This app collects and shares your precise geolocation. When the app is open and connected to your vessel it requires a continuous connection and therefore may impact the battery life of your device. Without the module, users still have access to a speedometer tool, a map with POIs, the ability to capture moments with the location tagged, plus other useful features. Mercury Marine’s VesselView Mobile app also provides users with a Web-based account.

Features:
• View live SmartCraft® engine data : RPM, Battery Voltage, Engine Temperature, Engine Hours
• Speed is determined from your device
• Your Top Speed is captured so you can share with friends
• Enter fuel on-board and the app tracks fuel usage
• Average speed and fuel economy is calculated and used to estimate Distance to Empty and Time to Empty
• Receive active fault alerts and corresponding descriptive fault information
• Enter Maintenance records and get appropriate reminders in the future
• See your location on a map with nearby Points of Interest
• Capture Moments such as pictures or fish caught with a location tag
• Use the calendar to review Moments or Maintenance
• Weather and wind conditions updated periodically
• Communicate wirelessly to your SmartCraft® engine through a Bluetooth Low Energy connection
• Allows for normal phone operation – call, text, streaming music, search the web, etc. while connected to your Mercury Marine SmartCraft® engine

IMPORTANT

• Mercury Marine’s VesselView Mobile app is free to install. The VesselView Mobile module can be purchased through Mercury Marine dealers or through a link inside the app.
• The VesselView Mobile module works with SmartCraft® capable engines built since 2003 (40HP and up). One to four engines can be viewed simultaneously.
• The VesselView Mobile module simply connects to a SmartCraft® connector located either at the helm or on the engine.
• Continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life.


According to the youTube presentation, some or all of the data about the engine (if the vessel owner registers and consents) can be uploaded to a database on a web host, where the data can be retrieved and presented to the vessel owner or to a particular Mercury dealer, if the vessel owner authorizes the dealer to have access. In this way the dealer can assist in scheduling maintenance procedures.

A similar application is available for Android phones at

https://play.google.com/store/apps/deta ... ViewMobile