Cummins Aims To Connect

BY IAN CAMERON

Cummins has launched a new control and monitoring panel designed to allow marine operators to simultaneously monitor multiple engines. The new C Command Connect is an extension of the company’s C Command product line and is designed for Cummins Quantum Series QSB6.7, QSC8.3, QSL9 and QSM11 marine engines.

The new system is intended to cover a power range from approximately 171 to 533 kW — which covers the QSB, QSC, QSL and QSM engine platforms — and has the capability to expand into the QSK19 line, which ranges to 596 kW, in the future, the company said.

At launch, the system will be available in basic system (C Command Connect) and premium system (C Command Connect Premiere) configurations. Both will be offered at a lower cost than the control options currently offered on these engines, according to Cummins.

Cummins said the C Command system is a modular selection of instrumentation and control panels aimed at helping marine operators protect and enhance engine operation and manage operating costs. Each element is designed for complete integration with the engine and for simplified vessel installation, with plug-and-play capability, the company said.

All components of the C Command system are intended for use in harsh marine environments, so enclosures are built to combat vessel vibration, humidity and ambient conditions in the engine room and at the helm, Cummins said.

Each display is configurable and allows for flexible data presentation. During development, Cummins said that additional focus was placed on designing panels that are readable in variable lighting conditions.

C Command Connect leverages existing engine capabilities and throttle-shift systems, including third-party systems, to enable the upfitting of existing boat designs. Like the electronic control module (ECM) on Cummins QSB6.7, QSC8.3, QSL9 and QSM11 marine engines, C Command Connect utilizes J1939 communications protocols to allow full access to engine data and fault information, said Cummins.

The system supports J1939 and N2K data interfaces to allow operators using the Cummins ED4 display panel or third-party gauges and displays to utilize remote monitoring. Operators can simultaneously monitor multiple engines at multiple display locations, said Cummins.

Like the original C Command system, designed for Cummins Quantum Series QSK19, QSK38, QSK50 and QSK60 engines, the C Command Connect systems use a customer interface box (CIB) to centralize vessel connections. The basic and premium applications include all harnessing, user interfaces, an optional ED-4 display panel with an 88.9 mm color display, with N2K gateway capability for remote monitoring. The basic system also includes manual start/stop at the helm.

C Command Connect Premiere provides additional functionality and monitoring.  It includes a CIB with integrated ED-4 display panel, N2K output and alarm indication to the helm. Vessel sensor capability allows operators to monitor fuel level, gear oil pressure and temperature and rudder angle. The panel system is covered by a standard two-year warranty.