CATERPILLAR ®

MESSENGER DISPLAY

Operator’s Guide
C AT E R P I L L A R ® M E S S E N G E R D I S P L AY Operator’s Guide

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Hardware Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6

Software Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Messenger Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Messenger Menu System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-11

Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Vessel Status Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Performance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13

Totals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Flash Download of Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-19

Messenger Flowchart. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-21

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C AT E R P I L L A R ® M E S S E N G E R D I S P L AY Operator’s Guide

INTRODUCTION

Messenger is an electronic monitoring system with real-time, visual

feedback on engine operating conditions. The Messenger display system
is designed for use with electronically controlled Caterpillar marine
propulsion engines that have J1939 data link support.

Messenger’s purpose is to display current engine and transmission data,

trip data, historical data, and diagnostic information. It may also
interface with vessel global positioning systems to display vessel
position and speed. The Messenger system displays all of the available
information on a graphical LCD (Liquid Crystal Display).

The Messenger display uses transflective LCD technology along with

the existing SAE J1939 data link to provide real-time performance and
operating information.

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HARDWARE FEATURES
125 mm (4.93 in)

68 mm
(2.68 in)

112 mm (4.41 in)

47 mm (1.85 in)

53 mm
(2.09 in)

Dimensions
• 68 mm (2.68 in.) high x 125 mm (4.93 in.) wide x 47 mm (1.85 in.) deep

Screen
• 240 pixels x 64 pixels fully graphic, positive image, transflective LCD
allows excellent visibility in all lighting conditions.

Illumination
• Stable over voltage range.
• Adjustable by user, red
backlight for nighttime use.

Buttons
• 4 integral operator buttons

Data Link
• SAE J1939 CAN (full support)

Operating Range
• 12 or 24 VDC system with 500 mA maximum supply current

• Fully functional from -25 °C to +75 °C (-13 °F to +167 °F)

• Sealed to 34.48 kPa (5 PSI) 5

C AT E R P I L L A R ® M E S S E N G E R D I S P L AY Operator’s Guide

Mounting System
• Front panel mount

• Optional Gimbal surface mount

Application Code
• Flash programmable

Service Tool Compatibility

• Caterpillar ET field programming with J1939 data link connection and
Communication Adapter II.

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SOFTWARE FEATURES

The Messenger system can monitor

engine performance including the
following:
• Engine Speed • Coolant Pressure
• Oil Pressure • Crankcase Pressure
• Coolant Temperature • Left Manifold Exhaust Gas
• Boost Pressure Temperature
• Engine Load • Right Manifold Exhaust Gas
• Fuel Rate Temperature
• Fuel Pressure • Exhaust Gas Temperature
• Fuel Temperature • Fuel Filter Differential Pressure
• Air Inlet Temperature • Intake Manifold 1 Temperature
• Fuel Level • Intake Manifold 2 Temperature
• Oil Temperature • Pre-Filter Fuel Pressure
• Coolant Level • Pre-Filter Oil Pressure
• Battery Voltage • Right Turbocharger Compressor
• Primary Throttle Position Inlet Pressure
• Secondary Throttle Position • Left Turbocharger Compressor
• Desired Engine Speed Inlet Pressure
• Oil Filter Differential Pressure • Turbocharger Compressor Inlet
• Engine Oil Level Temperature
• Aftercooler Coolant Pressure • Right Turbocharger Turbine Inlet
• Aftercooler Coolant Temperature Temperature
• Right Air Inlet Restriction • Left Turbocharger Turbine Inlet
• Left Air Inlet Restriction Temperature
• Air Inlet Pressure
The Messenger system can also monitor lifetime totals, trip totals,
transmission oil pressure, transmission oil temperature, gear position,
vessel speed, heading, latitude, longitude, synchronization status, slow
vessel mode, and trolling mode status.
The J1939 data link is considered active if Messenger receives an
engine speed message from the ECM (Electronic Control Module)
within 1 second. Engine speed information will always be displayed on
the Messenger display. 7
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MESSENGER OPERATION

The four integral operator button functions for the gauge screens are:

Return to previous level

Scroll the different menus/use to set up display

(Backlight, Contrast, etc.)

Scroll the different menus/use to set up display

(Backlight, Contrast, etc.)

Continue to next screen

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MESSENGER MENU SYSTEM

SETTINGS
Display Setup: This option will allow
the user to adjust the display settings to
their personal preferences.
• Backlight Adjust — allows the user to adjust
the backlight on the display
• System Controlled Backlight — allows the
operator the option of having the backlight
adjustment on the Messenger display to be
controlled by the MSCS (Multi Station
Control System), by programming the System
Controlled Backlight parameter to “on.”
• Contrast Adjust — allows the user to set the
display contrast.
• Display Units — allows the user to configure
the system to display English or metric units.
• Vessel Speed Units — allows the user to
configure the units for vessel speed (knots,
mph, or kph).
• Language — allows the user to set the
display language.
• Engine Location — allows the user to select
to which engine the Messenger display is
connected (Port, Center, Starboard, Engine
#1, Engine #2, Engine #3, Engine #4,
Engine #5).
• Display Location — allows the user to select
the location of the Messenger display on the
vessel (Bridge, Port Wing, Starboard Wing,
Tower, Engine Room, Aft Station, Fly Bridge,
Bow Station).
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SERVICE
This menu will be used by service
personnel to aid in the service,
configuration, and troubleshooting of
the engine.

Diagnostics: The user can view

logged and/or active diagnostic codes
in order to troubleshoot problems on
the engines. Active diagnostics will
be displayed before logged
diagnostics, in order of occurrence.
There will be a column with text that
indicates if the diagnostic is ACTIVE, LOGGED, or
ACTIVE/LOGGED. For logged diagnostics, the number of occurrences
will be displayed as well. When there is an active diagnostic code,
DIAGNOSTIC will be displayed in the left-most quadrant of the Vessel
Status Bar (Header).

System Version: This option displays

hardware and software information
for the Messenger display. The
following will be displayed:
• Software Description
• Software Part Number
• Software Date
• Hardware Part Number

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VESSEL STATUS BAR (HEADER)

The Vessel Status Bar will be displayed across the top of the
performance screens as a header. The status bar will only be displayed
on the performance screens with the exception of DIAGNOSTIC, which
will be available on all screens when there is an active diagnostic code.
If data has not been received for a status bar item for 5 seconds, then no
text will be displayed for that parameter.
• Diagnostic — When there is an active diagnostic code,
“DIAGNOSTIC” will be displayed in the far left position of the
Vessel Status Bar (header).
• Slow Vessel Mode — When slow vessel mode is active, “SVM” will
be displayed in the left center position of the Vessel Status Bar.
• Trolling Mode Status — When Trolling Mode is active, “TROLL”
will be displayed in the right center position of the Vessel Status Bar.
• Synchronization Status
The synchronization status will be displayed in the far right position
of the Vessel Status Bar. If not synchronized, then there will be no text
displayed in the status bar. The following options are available:
• SYNC-C (Synchronized Center)
• SYNC-P (Synchronized Port)
• SYNC-S (Synchronized Starboard)
• SYNC (Synchronized Master)

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PERFORMANCE
Engine speed will be the first parameter in the
group of two parameters that are displayed on all
performance screens. All values will be displayed
in digital format. Pressing the “Back” button from within the performance
screen will reset the location in the parameter list to the top parameter.
In the future, the screens will be customizable via the screen builder
tool, which will allow the user to design screens to their own personal
preferences and application requirements.
Engine: The Messenger display can indicate the
status of various engine operating conditions
(actual parameters will vary depending on the
engine model and arrangement):
• Engine Speed • Coolant Pressure
• Oil Pressure • Crankcase Pressure
• Coolant Temperature • Left Manifold Exhaust Gas
• Boost Pressure Temperature
• Engine Load • Right Manifold Exhaust Gas
• Fuel Rate Temperature
• Fuel Pressure • Exhaust Gas Temperature
• Fuel Temperature • Fuel Filter Differential Pressure
• Air Inlet Temperature • Intake Manifold 1 Temperature
• Fuel Level • Intake Manifold 2 Temperature
• Oil Temperature • Pre-Filter Fuel Pressure
• Coolant Level • Pre-Filter Oil Pressure
• Battery Voltage • Right Turbocharger Compressor
• Primary Throttle Position Inlet Pressure
• Secondary Throttle Position • Left Turbocharger Compressor
• Desired Engine Speed Inlet Pressure
• Oil Filter Differential Pressure • Turbocharger Compressor Inlet
• Engine Oil Level Temperature
• Aftercooler Coolant Pressure • Right Turbocharger Turbine Inlet
• Aftercooler Coolant Temperature Temperature
• Right Air Inlet Restriction • Left Turbocharger Turbine Inlet
• Left Air Inlet Restriction Temperature
• Air Inlet Pressure
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Transmission: The following transmission operating parameters can be

viewed:
• Transmission Oil Pressure
• Transmission Oil Temperature
• Gear Position

GPS: If connected to a Global Positioning System Interface Module

(GPSIM), the Messenger display will display:
• Vessel Speed
• Heading
• Latitude
• Longitude

Control System: Vessel parameters can also be viewed:

• Synchronization Status
• Slow Vessel Mode
• Trolling Mode Status

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TOTALS
Trip Totals: Trip information can be monitored:
• Trip Average Fuel Rate
• Trip Idle Fuel
• Trip Idle Hours
• Trip Engine Hours
• Trip Fuel
• Trip Reset

Lifetime Totals: Lifetime information can be monitored:

• Lifetime Engine Hours
• Lifetime Fuel
• Lifetime Idle Fuel
• Lifetime Idle Hours
• Lifetime Average Fuel Rate

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FLASH DOWNLOAD OF SOFTWARE

Method 1
This procedure applies to engines with the following serial number and
below:
Serial Number Serial Number
3412E 9KS00800 and lower 3500B All
3412E 9PW00355 and lower 3412C All
3406E 9WR01560 and lower 3408C All
3196 2XR03370 and lower 3176B All
3176C 6BW00493 and lower
A service tool field harness must be fabricated to connect the service
tool to the data link for transferring the screen files. This harness must
also be connected to the engine service tool connector.

Harness Fabrication
Parts required for the harness are:
Qty Part Number Description
1 165-0200 Cable Assembly
1 8T8735 Connector
1 8T8736 Connector
* 143-5018 Data Cable (twisted pair, 2 conductors)
* 16 AWG wire
(* fabricate to length)

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The connector pin outs for the 8T8736 and the 8T8735 connectors are:

1. Remove the 133- Data Link 9-pin Deutch Connector Pinout

0969 Sockets from
the 165-0200 Cable D
C E
As. and replace the
B A F
sockets with 8T8729
J
Pins. This becomes G
H
the 165-0200
(modified) cable.
A 11-45 Vdc
2. Connect the wires as B Gnd
shown in the diagram C CAN Shield
D CDL +
and the pin out chart. E CDL -
3. Use 143-5018 Data F CAN -
G CAN +
Cable for the Cat H ATA -
Data Link and the J ATA +
ATA Data Link
connections between the 8T8736 and the 8T8735 Connectors.
4. Use 16 AWG wire for the + Battery and - Battery connections
between the 8T8736 and the 8T8735 Connectors.

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The Messenger 8-pin Deutsch Connector pinouts are:

Pin Number Description

8 1

7 2
6 3

5 4

1 Battery +
2 Battery -
3 Key Switch (On = +Batt)
4 PWM Input (Dimmer)
5 CDL
6 CDL
7 CAN/J1939 +
8 CAN/J1939 -

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File Download
1. Disconnect the vessel data link wiring from the 165-0200 Data Cable
that is connected to the 40 pin customer connector.
2. Connect the service tool field harness (8T8735 Connector) to the
engine service tool connector.
3. Connect the modified 165-0200 Cable As. of the service tool field
harness to the 133-0970 TEE Receptacle of the data link for the
Messenger Display.
4. Connect the laptop to the Communication Adapter II with the
160-0141 Adapter Cable and the Communication Adapter II to the
8T8736 Connector of the service tool field harness with the
207-6845 Adapter Cable.
IMPORTANT: On some laptops running on battery power, the power saving features
interfere with the WinFlash program. If you experience difficulties with the
download, connect your laptop to AC power. When downloading to Messenger
Display, the ET window should be the only one open. All other windows should be
closed for the downloading process.

5. Start the WinFlash program by clicking on Start / Programs /

Caterpillar ET / WinFlash.
6. When the ECM Selector window comes up, select Messenger
Display and click on OK.
7. Information on the Messenger Display unit will appear. Click on
Select File to display the flash files. Be sure that the file type
window has all files selected. The customized screen files have a
.mpd extension. The Messenger Display application files have a .fls
extension.

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Method 2
The ET service tool can be directly connected to the engine’s service
tool connector on the following engines:
Serial Number Serial Number
3412E 9KS00801 and up C30 All
3412E 9PW00356 and up C18 All
3406E 9WR01561 and up C12 All
3196 2XR03371 and up C9 All
3176C 6BW00494 and up 3126B All

File Download

Follow steps 4 through 7 beginning on page 18.

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MESSENGER FLOWCHART

Diagnostics Diagnostic
Detail
Service
System SW SW Part SW
Version Description Number Date

Display Backlight System Contrast

Settings Controlled
Setup Adjust Backlight Adjust

Engine Engine Engine Oil Coolant

Speed Pressure Temperature

Transmission Transmission Transmission Gear

Oil Pressure Oil Temperature Position
Performance

GPS Vessel Heading Latitude

Speed

Control System Synchronization Slow Vessel Trolling Mode

Status Mode Status

Trip Trip Average Trip Trip

Totals Totals Fuel Rate Idle Fuel Idle Hours

Lifetime Lifetime Lifetime Lifetime

Totals Engine Hours Fuel Idle Fuel

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HW Part
Number

Display Units Vessel Engine Display

Speed Units Language Location Location

Other engine operating parameters

available dependent on engine
configuration

Longitude

Trip Trip Trip

Engine Hours Fuel Reset

Lifetime Lifetime
Average
Idle Hours Fuel Rate

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LEBM3227-00 ©2004 Caterpillar