[C320-list] Speed paddle transducer & NMEA 2000

[Mark Gillingham]

Thanks Scott for clarifying how the transducer works.

When I installed the NMEA 2000 network with plotter, RADAR, and radio (all
Garmin) I considered how the. Rework is brand independent. Of course, there
are other factors to consider for interoperability. I decide back in 2008
that when the Autohelm instruments began to fail I'd replace them with NMEA
2000 instruments. I didn't think the transducer would fail first but I
should have. That paddle is so exposed.

Mark
Speakeasy #612

On Friday, July 21, 2017, Scott Thompson <surprise at thompson87.com> wrote:

> My understanding is that with the older Raymarine setup the transducer
> itself and its cable are analog, and are neither Seatalk nor NMEA.
> (Possibly newer installations are digital.) Rather they are a fairly
> standard type of analog sensor not manufactured by Raymarine itself. I
> believe Raymarine was using Airmar transducers when I replaced upgraded my
> speed sensor a few years back. The Raymarine speed display takes the analog
> reading from this cable and converts it to digital SeaTalk format for
> communication with other devices. The transducer itself is probably
> compatible with display heads from other manufacturers. In any event, you
> can probably find a drop in replacement at relatively low cost. The trick
> is to find one that fits the existing thruhull.
>
> I agree with what other people have said about the value in a complete
> electronics overhaul on an older boat, and the need to plan it carefully. I
> stuck with Raymarine / Seatalk when I did a major electronics upgrade a few
> years back. However I think that is an independent decision from how you
> address the transducer failure.
>
> Scott Thompson
> Surprise, #653
>
> On 7/21/2017 7:53 AM, Mark Gillingham wrote:
>
>> When I attempted to pull my speed transducer only half of it came out. I
>> couldn't fish the paddle end out so closed the fitting up again. I assume
>> this can't be repaired and I must replace it.
>>
>> A couple of questions. Is this Seatalk transducer compatible with more
>> modern ones that are easily purchased or do I need to find an old one?
>>
>> I have a hybrid network of Seatalk and NMEA 2000 and they are not
>> merged—completely separate. Should I use this as an opportunity to get
>> other 2000 transducers?
>>
>> Mark
>> Speakeasy #612
>> St Joseph MI/ Chicago
>>
>>
>>
>

-- 
Mark Gillingham | @markgillingham | 312-543-3052