[C320-list] ST4000+ interfacing with NMEA2000 instruments

[Doug Treff]

I did find the following review this morning which verifies the exact
use case I was looking for. Looks like the Actisense will be on my
shopping list.

http://blog.sailboatreboot.com/2015/07/actisense-ngw-1.html

--
Doug Treff
doug at treff.us

On Thu, Sep 15, 2016, at 07:37 AM, Graeme Clark wrote:
> Doug
> 
> Not sure this will be a huge help, but I have an Actisense NGW-1 which
> happily converts output from my Standard Horizon plotter (NMEA0183) so it
> can be read by my new Raymarine STng autopilot. As you know, STng is
> directly compatible with NMEA2000 so all that is is needed is the NGW-1
> version with an STng cable rather than an NMEA2000 cable.
> 
> (My previous 320 had a refit with a Raymarine e7 MFD. Our wind instrument
> was an ST50, so we needed a Raymarine adapter to convert the old ST to
> STNg so the mfd could read the wind data.)
> 
> Actisense also make an NMEA0183 multiplexer but I found that a clever
> mate of mine was abale to make the same device using an Arduino
> microprocessor so i didnt need one. That combined GPS, wind and depth
> into a single 0183 stream.
> 
> My Standard horizon cgartplotter has 3 pairs of NMEA0183 input/outputs.
> So I was able to take the combined NMEA0183 GPS/depth/Wind data, DSC VHF
> radio data  and NMEA0183 AIS data into the plotter and it multiplexes it
> all and outputs it as a single NMEA0183 stream that was fed through the
> NGW-1 to convert it to STng (NMEA2000) to be used by the pilot.
> 
> I guess you are doing the reverse as your MFD is N2000 and your pilot is
> N0183, but the NGW-1 works both ways.
> 
> The point Im making (rather badly) is that with some careful thought
> about what channels you have available where you may be able to combine
> signals through the MFD and then convert to 0183, without need for a
> separete multiplexer.
> 
> I would recommend the NGW-1 - simplicity itself, fit and forget.
> 
> Graeme
> Jaskar, #366, 1996
> On 15 Sep 2016, at 12:24, Doug Treff <doug at treff.us> wrote:
> 
> > Well in absence of any input from anyone, I'll be sure to let you all
> > know how it goes! Might be next season before we get there, though...
> > 
> > --
> > Doug Treff
> > doug at treff.us
> > 
> > On Wed, Sep 14, 2016, at 09:18 PM, artstree at aol.com wrote:
> >> 
> >> I have a 741 and have used it for two seasons. It is not interconnected
> >> to
> >> anything so I can't help in that arena. Besides I am just now getting to
> >> know my 320  with this being my first season on her. I would like to
> >> offer
> >> on comment about the 741 and the touch screen. Touch screens work great
> >> at
> >> the dock or in calm conditions but a slight bump during heavy weather or
> >> waves and you quickly change the screen. It has not been a big issue but
> >> one I have noticed from time to time. 
> >> 
> >> Art Harden
> >> Tortuga -Catalina 320
> >> 937-477-5544
> >> 
> >> -----Original Message-----
> >> From: C320-list [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On
> >> Behalf
> >> Of Doug Treff
> >> Sent: Wednesday, September 14, 2016 1:00 PM
> >> To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
> >> Subject: [C320-list] ST4000+ interfacing with NMEA2000 instruments
> >> 
> >> Everyone,
> >> 
> >> I am embarking on a refit of most of my electronics in the off-season. I
> >> have already purchased the major components of the new system:
> >> 
> >> Garmin 741 MFD
> >> Garmin GWind & Depth package with a GMI20 display an additional GMI20
> >> display
> >> 
> >> All of this new gear will of course be interconnected with NMEA2000
> >> cabling. Pretty straightforward install.
> >> 
> >> Here's the tricky part: I am electing to keep my existing (and still
> >> working) Raytheon ST4000+ Wheel Pilot for now. I'd like to interface the
> >> ST4000+ with my new gear so that I can steer to waypoints AND apparent
> >> wind angle. I understand that the Garmin 741 MFD has an
> >> NMEA0183 port on the back and that I could connect that to my Autopilot.
> >> What I am unsure about is whether the 741 will also forward wind angle
> >> information over to the ST4000 so that I can steer a wind angle heading.
> >> Do you know if that data is sent by the 741 MFD or does it only send
> >> heading and XTE data?
> >> 
> >> If the 741 will not handle sending that data, I have been looking at the
> >> ActiSense NGW-1 (
> >> http://www.actisense.com/products/nmea-2000/ngw-1/ngw-1.html ) as a
> >> possible way to get the setup that I want. It looks like a pretty slick
> >> way of interfacing single NMEA0183 devices on a boat that is mostly
> >> converted to NMEA2000.
> >> 
> >> I've also seen the Raymarine Seatalk1 to SeatalkNG adapter (
> >> http://www.raymarine.com/view/?id=400&collectionid=197&col=1597 )and
> >> thought that might work but it's got more ports than I will realistically
> >> need for this application.
> >> 
> >> Surprisingly, the Actisense product is about twice the cost of the
> >> Raymarine...
> >> 
> >> I was wondering if any you have first hand knowledge of the specific
> >> situation that I am dealing with, and if you could offer any guidance.
> >> I have reached out to Garmin to see if they can confirm what data is sent
> >> from the 741 over the NMEA0183 port, but have not received an answer yet.
> >> 
> >> Thanks!
> >> 
> >> --
> >> Doug Treff
> >> September Song
> >> Hull #350
> >> doug at treff.us
> >> 
> >> 
> 
> ———————————————————
> I work irregular hours and often write emails late in the evening and at
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> convenient!
> 
> 
> 
> 
>