Adventures in NMEA 2000

tpbrady · Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2011 11:32 pm Post subject: Adventures in NMEA 2000

I bought a NMEA 2000 Gateway for my tablet PC running Coastal Explorer with the idea of making my data network much simpler than a terminal strip with different jumpers distributing NMEA 183 data to the autopilot, radio, and PC. The thought was at a minimum to do away with the USB to serial converter providing GPS data from a RayMarine C-80 to Coastal Explorer with a more reliable interface. I did use the SeaTalk interface to connect the ST1000 autopilot to the C-80. I also thought about transferring route data to the C-80 from Coastal Explorer, but a that isn't possible across NMEA 2000. The Actisense NGT-1 works very well and brings in all the NMEA 2000 data from the Yamaha F150 and the C-80. The supporting software is very good at showing what is coming across the network.

The problem I encountered was the C-80 was not sending all the data (in NMEA 2000 called PGNs) that Raymarine said it should be sending. One key item was missing and that was the PGN for the GPS status. While it was sending Lat/Long, Coastal Explorer would not accept it unless it also received the status of the GPS.

I have made 2 inquiries to Raymarine and to date none of them have been answered. While they had earlier sent me a list of PGNs the C-80 supported and transmitted, they haven't explained why it is only sending some of the PGNs on their list. So I am at an impasse. NMEA 2000 can really make things simple for someone to connect multiple devices together, however, my experience to date is don't go back too far in history and expect things to work correctly. The C-80 is 2006 vintage and not a current model for Raymarine. I am not sure if I will get an answer on this. That not withstanding, I will look for NMEA 2000 network support on all my new electronics purchases.

Matt Gurnsey · Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2011 11:52 am Post subject:

The original C Series didn't have NMEA2000 support, and the later ones had very limited support. I'm not aware of any way to turn sentances "on" for NMEA2000. NMEA0183 usually allows sentances to be turned "on" or "off".

It will be interesting to see what kind of an answer you get from Raymarine.

tpbrady · Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2011 7:54 pm Post subject:

I had a very good call with Raymarine today and got my question answered. The C Series support of NMEA 2000 is spotty at best with the most focus being supporting inbound data from engines. In other words there is no assurance it will work correctly sending NMEA 2000 PGNs. The E Series units fully support NMEA 2000. Basically what I am getting is what I will get.