Navman Fuel 3100

[journey on]

I'm trying to install a Navman Fuel 3100, and I know several people have them and they work. So, my question is:

To hook up the NMEA in (GPS output, 3100 input) signal the Navman manual shows a single NMEA in signal (white wire). My GPS outputs NMEA data on two wires (NMEA out + and NMEA out -.

The Navman manual also shows the NMEA ground (I assume it's also power ground) going to the battery. The GPS also has a NMEA data ground, did someone connect it to the 3100 ground?

Given that plethora of data, how did you hook up the meter? Single ended or somehow differential?

Help, Boris

[Capt'n Bill]

I've had my eye on the 3100. Will follow to see how things go and how you like the device.

[journey on]

Well, I called the USA Navman rep, and here's the scoop:

1. The wiring diagram they show in the installation manual is wrong (pg 19.) The correct wiring is shown in Appendix A, (pg 22.)

2. They use single ended circuits, which as we all know are more susceptible to noise. Nevertheless, connect the GPS Data+ lead to the 3100 NMEA IN (Yellow lead) and the GPS Data - lead to the 3100 return (black wire, actually, the shield ground.)

Boris

[Byrdman]

Thanks...that will be real handy with me retroing C-Byrd this month and ya bet your bippy that this gadget will be on my ride.

[Sneaks]

Oops, you answered your own question faster than I found the answer, Boris.

There's a great NAVMAN 3100 thread on The Hull Truth electronics forum. Echoes what you found and added a little more to the Navman knowledge base.

Don

[Sneaks]

[Byrdman]

space is limited... in fact on the old angler, the current tach is mounted "flat" up on the top of the "helm dash" and not on the vertical side facing the helm seat. My thoughts are to use the same "hole", but sort of make a "wedge shape" item as to slant the instrument back towards me at the helm. Sort of two "door wedges" so to speak on each of the sides with the item mounted onto them. If you can kinda picture what I am going after. Nothing real high...just give her a tilt of about 1" to 1 1/2" high in back to basically flat in front, angled towards the helm. I have to kinda raise up out of my seat and glance down at the flat surface now....or, sit on a boat cushion.... being the vertically challenged individual that I am....but...I do have plenty of head room....even for a cowboy hat if I so choose.

[Sawdust]

Hmmmmmmm - and with current belt size how do you plan to get close enough to read the numbers? huh??

[Sea Wolf]

[journey on]

Well, the Navman display and the Raymarine autopilot display are the same size. And the factory steals all the real estate on the "dash", since they get first crack. Even where they don't mount instruments, they've used the other side to mount stuff.

What I did was to build an auxiliary dash that fits fore and aft, just in front and outboard of the throttle , since one doesn't need to see those units full time. There was enough length to throw in a voltmeter. Angeled back 20 deg., you can even see the display faces without bending down. Used Starboard for the structure.

boris

[Sea Angel]

Sea Angel here,
You see the setup on the [CD25] Sea Angel's helm... immediately to the left [port] side of the wheel. Good visability for this helm.

As to the wiring... 'single ended' here and fed directly from the Garman 2006C with a parallel input also to the VHF, ICOM502, radio for the DSC function. You can safely feed 2 devices this way.

Hope this may help others..

[Byrdman]

Ouch Dusty... I guess cause I generally keep a magnifying glass around the helm in the boat bag as to help me see the little things on the ol faithful never needs batteries paper maps... Yep... I love back-ups. .....and....they do have big readouts on them... Grin.

[Sawdust]

Pat,

Just an old NAVY guy pulling your chain a bit. I'm a bit sensitive in that area because Diane is buying the next size larger for me . Too many fresh shrimp and halibut!! Get back up here guy, miss you.



Dusty

[journey on]

Sea Angel;

When you ran your single ended GPS output (3100 input), did you connect the 3100 power return to the GPS - (low) signal wire? I'd like to know before I turn the power on.

In all my years of interfacing data signals, the one thing I learned was to separate power and signal returns. Now Navman is asking me to connect them. It's hard.

Thanks, Boris

[journey on]

OK, the Navman 3100 fuel flow meter is installed. To interface the !@#$ thing to the GPS, I got a NoLand Engineering XP15 Expander. This is a buffer amplifier, with a single NMEA input, 5 ea differential outputs (RS-422) and 1 ea single ended output (RS 232.) So now I have GPS to the autopilot, VHF radio, fuel flow, and more available (the depth sounder has a GPS input, for goodness sake.) The computer has its own GPS, but there is an output available.

Since there is now position data to the VHF, we got a MMI number. Free, Boat us. So now if we're in trouble, all we need to do is push a single button and there's the emergency signal, with our number and position. We can also get a (co-operating) boats position, by just requesting it, automatically. We just need to know the MMI number. Will wonders never cease. All new fixed VHF radios have this capability (I think.)

Will try out everything on the water Thursday (after my last day at work,) and then off to the San Juan Isls, and thereabouts. See you up there.

Boris