Raymarine Live: Instruments and Networking for Every Boat
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- Опубліковано 6 вер 2024
- Raymarine Live is back this Thursday at 7:00 PM Eastern on UA-cam.
This week we’ll be talking about marine instruments, their sensors and transducers and how to network them together.
We’ll also show you how to integrate your instruments with your MFDs to create a seamless helm experience that is simple to operate and easy to see. Marine instrument displays can be a powerful and useful addition to any boat no matter whether you are sailing, cruising or fishing. Easy to operate, and easy to read, they give you instant access to critical information like depth, speed, weather, engine, AIS and much more.
Plus, we’ll take your Raymarine product questions, live! Please join us on Facebook or UA-cam this Thursday evening at 7:00 PM Eastern.
Please be sure to LIKE our channels, SUBSCRIBE to our content, and SHARE Raymarine Live with your boating friends and family!
Thank you for actually taking the time to explain ... yep, everything we wonder about our favorite marine electronics brand. I appreciate it a lot. Best regards from Norway!
Thank you for watching, Gisle!
Thanks Jim for this session. Super excited to watch your next episode about Lighthouse 4 which you mentioned and also the coming one with Greg and full focus on sailing! Sailing season is coming ⛵️
We have some great content coming for sailors, Carl.
this helped convince me that buying the ITC-5 and the Wind vane was something I could do ... INVALUABLE!!!
Thanks for watching! ITC-5 is a pretty useful device, particularly if you want to upgrade to newer instruments while using your installed transducers. Glad this video helped.
Excellent session, you just persuaded me to buy a Raymarine set up for my yacht 👏👏👏
Thank you for watching! More episodes coming soon.
great, informative session. Thanks for presenting all this
My pleasure! Thank you for watching, Larry!
Great show. Need to do a show on different boat set-ups on fishing. For Example;
Center Consoles, Sport Fishing, Inshore, Offshore, etc...
The recommended package by your experts.
What type(s) of transducers. 1, 2, or 3 MFD screen set-up. Frequency Adjustment.
I will try to incorporate some of this into future episodes. There are lots of options and possbilities.
Great sessions, we have the older analog radar going to a pair of C120 chartplotters. one in Nav stn the other on flybridge, Lagoon 440. If i left the older radar hooked up to the plotter at the Nav Stn could i put an Axiom up in the flybridge and run a Seatalk NG backbone with the yellow ports to get all the older Seatalk 1 data into the axiom display??? even the radar information.
Hello Nick. If your current analog radar is available on both your nav station and flybridge, the displays you have now are probably E120 chartplotters, rather than C120. The E-Series models have the ability to share radar and other high-speed information, while the C-Series of that vintage could not.
If you were to add an Axiom on the flybridge it would not be able to share radar information with the older chart plotter. Even though E-Series units have high speed networking, they communicate differently from the Axiom displays of today and they won't see or communicate with each other on that fast Ethernet-based network.
You could link the old and new chartplotters together using a SeaTalk 1 to SeaTalk NG adapter kit (E22158) but this adapter will only bridge the more basic, low-speed navigation data from devices like depth, speed and wind instruments, GPS sensor, etc. The radar and charts are not shareable between old and new units.
What does one have to do to connect a Simrad network to a Raymarine network with a C80 consul unit? Most equipment is on Simrad and the Radar and Raymarine auto helm are on Raymarine network?
Hello Mike. The method and level of connectivity you'll get from linking the Simrad and Raymarine units together will vary depending on how old the gear is. The C80 is one of our older units and it supports NMEA0183 as well as SeaTalk communications. SeaTalk is most likely the network connecting it to your autopilot. SeaTalk is a Raymarine proprietary protocol, where NMEA0183 is an industry-wide protocol.
If your Simrad units have a NMEA0183 input, you could connect the output of the C80 to it to share GPS and navigation data with it. C80 also has a NMEA0183 input, so data from Simrad devices could flow the other way.
Please open a ticket with our support team over at raymarine.custhelp.com with a detailed list of what models you have onboard (Raymarine and Simrad) and we can advise on the best way to connect them together.
Thanks so much for you thoughts. I am replacing the existing nave plotter with the c80 which I picked up for a good price and I hoped it would be easy to link all the units on board but I since discovered I have a Simrad and A Raymarine network and I hoped to join or move everything to the Raymorine network. Is that a good or bad idea and I need to get the ids of the other equipment. The depthsounder ,wind,radio,
@@RaymarineInc will make a list of all equip. I want to see on c80
Hi Jim! Thank you for this video, you seem to be one of the few people (if not the only one) out there that really knows Raymarine gear and networking. With that said, I have a question. We have an older boat (2000) that we are trying to upgrade the equipment on it. We have purchased an Axion Pro 9 RVX and a Quantum2 Doppler Radar to replace the existing RL70 and analog radar. There is an existing stand-alone ST60+ connected directly to a Thru-Hull transducer and Thru-hull speed sensor that, if I understood you correctly, could be network into the system using the SeaTalk 1 to SeaTalk NG converter (correct?). Now, the questions that I have are:
1) Would I lose anything by using the existing transducer (I have no clue what the part number is, but it's what came with the boat, all I know is that it is a 20 degree transducer)? or Am I better off replacing the existing transducer with a new transducer (especially since the ST60+ now is not turning on for some reason and I don't know if it is worth trying to fix it)?
2) If it is better to replace the transducer and take out the ST60+, what transducer do we need? Since my husband and I are not into fishing we were told that we could use either E70341 or E66085, is this correct? If so, what is the difference between one and the other one and which one is better? Do these transducers plugging directly into the back of the Axion Pro 9 RVX (in one of the Network ports) or do we need additional cables, connectors, adapter, etc, (if extra equipment is needed, please provide the part number if it is not too much to ask)?
3) Also, we would be integrating a Comar AIS R400N receiver with Ethernet. What would we need for this connection?
Thanks!
Thanks for watching! The SeaTalk to SeaTalk NG converter kit will allow all of your older SeaTalk 1 instruments and autopilot to communicate with the new Axiom system. E22158 is our part number for it.
1. If those ST60+ Depth and Speed transducers still works there is no need to replace them. The type of transducers used by the ST60+ then is largely unchanged compared to what we are offering now. The speed and depth transducer you have now could be powered by an iTC-5 transducer converter module (E70010) which passes the information from those transducers to the SeaTalk NG network for Axiom and other devices to see it. Axiom has the ability to calibrate those transducers through the iTC-5.
2. The other transducers suggested to you could work, but, you may end up spending more than you need to.
E70341 is a Raymarine bronze, through hull CHIRP depth transducer, used most often with Axiom-series displays for non-fishing applications. If you are considering this transducer, you may wish to look at the Axiom Pro 9-S, rather than the Pro 9 RVX model. The RVX model is more fishing oriented and is capable of using a more capable (and expensive) transducer. It is a bit more expensive than the Pro-S model, and you're proposing to install a transducer that won't take advantage of any of those things you'd be paying for. Axiom 9 Pro-S is part number E70481. The E70341 transducer will plug directly into its sonar port. No additional cables or adapters are needed.
The E66085 transducer is an Airmar bronze through hull transducer, dual frequency, but most commonly used for light fishing applications. It could connect to an Axiom Pro 9-RVX, but it is not really the best choice as you are mating a high-capability Axiom to a low-capability transducer. This E66085 model transducer will not work with the Axiom 9 Pro-S. You would have to purchase the more expensive RVX version, and a transducer adapter cable (A80496.) With this setup you would not be utilizing any of the RealVision 3D sonar capabilities you'd be paying for in the RVX model.
3. The Comar AIS R400N is not easily compatible with Axiom. That particular model from the COMAR lineup is an Ethernet-only AIS receiver designed for marine traffic monitoring facilities, port control command centers, and land-based applications where AIS needs to feed many computer-based devices on a computer network. Raymarine's Axiom displays are looking for AIS with an NMEA 2000 data connection. On the data sheet for that AIS I do see that is supports NMEA 0183 data output. Axiom Pro models can read that, but understand that is an older data protocol that is not as commonly used anymore. Axiom Pro models support NMEA 0183 through a wiring harness built into their power cable.
From the Comar model line, consider using their T200B or T300B models. They are AIS transceivers that send your AIS data, in addition to receiving that of other vessels. They also support the modern NMEA 2000 protocol. You will need a Raymarine A06075 DeviceNet to STNG adapter cable to plug one of these Comar AIS units into the SeaTalk NG network. The "S" versions of these with built-in antenna splitter would be fine too. You might also consider the Raymarine AIS350 receiver, or our AIS700 transceiver as alternatives. AIS350 is receive-only, where AIS700 transmits and receives AIS so you are seen by other vessels. If you prefer a Class A AIS transceiver, we also offer the AIS4000 transceiver in our lineup too.
If you have additional questions, feel free to email me at james.mcgowan@raymarine.com.
@@RaymarineInc Thanks Jim! You are the best!
Great show Jim. We are wanting to upgrade our old E80 with analog instruments on our sailing yacht, Unsure of what new axiom range to go with and what needs to be done in terms of wiring ..
Hello Andrew. The Axiom Pro 9-S (E70481) is the most direct upgrade path from your E80. It has a slightly larger screen, has touchscreen and button/knob controls, and has a similar footprint.
If you prefer a touchscreen-only product, the Axiom+ 9 chartplotter (E70636) would be another to consider. If the E80 display is surface mounted now, and you want to drop a new screen into the same hole, we offer an adapter kit A80564 that will allow the Axiom+9 to fit your existing cutout.
There are a few ways to tackle updating the instruments. You could leave them alone and use our SeaTalk 1 to SeaTalk NG converter module kit (E22158) to bridge the data from them to the new Axiom.
If your depth, speed and wind transducers are all working well your could connect them to our iTC-5 Instrument Transducer Converter Module, and then replace any instrument displays with new color i70s digital multifunction instruments. We do also offer i50 LCD Depth, Speed or Tridata displays and i60 Analog Wind that can also work with them. This would get all of your instrumentation communicating on the newer Seatalk NG/NMEA2000 network.
HI Jim, Hope all is well with you. All has been appearing to work with the new RS150. However, I went down today to reset it for our switching back to Standard time in Washington and the time read 11:00 PM when it was 3:00PM our time. No mater what I did in settings, I could not get it to register a different time. The boat was sitting at the dock and not moving.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
For your situation with an E120 Classic and Raystar 150 GPS sensor, the best solution is to make use the E120's little known SeaTalk 2 port. SeaTalk 2, predecessor to today's SeaTalk NG, carries NMEA 2000 sentences on a Raymarine network cable.
Raystar 150 has a native SeaTalk NG connection, and communicates using NMEA 2000 sentences. By bringing the modern RS150 GPS in through that port your E120 will be able to properly read the GPS clock time, and then will support time zone offset control. As a bonus, you should also be able to see the GPS satellite status information that is not visible now.
It seemed you talked about 2000 to SeatalkNG, but not older 0183 to SeaTalkNG. I have an old 1083 (old autohelm control head) that is still needed to get date from my wind, depth, etc. I'd like to connect that to my new EV 100 autohelm for wind info. What's the most cost effective way to do that?
While we don't make one ourselves, there are a few 3rd party options out there for devices that convert NMEA 0183 information to NMEA 2000 or SeaTalk NG. The Actisense NGW-1 is one option. You can find the details on it here: actisense.com/products/nmea-2000-gateway-ngw-1/
Another option is the YachtDevices YDNG-03. Details here:
www.yachtd.com/products/nmea0183_gateway.html
Both of those devices can be ordered with the necessary SeaTalk NG adapter cable to allow them to plug right into the STNG backbone.
I have installed a new Axiom 9+ with the Seatalk convertor backbone, yellow connector out to my ST60 Multi (via a R244 connector). This Multi is networked to 3 further ST60 instruments at the bridge. How do i set up/read the ST60 instrument/s info on the Axiom screen? Many thanks in advance.
Hello Bob. The converter takes care of all the data translation for you. The data from your ST60 instruments feeds into Axiom's data boxes, data sidebars and dashboard application. You can customize any of those locations to show you things like depth, speed, wind, etc. For cells in the dashboard app or sidebar, long-press and select Edit, then select the data you want to see from the data menu that appears. You can add floating data items on any page by going to Menu...Settings...Page Settings...Edit Data Overlays.
Thanks Jim. I recently purchased a Raymarine Rotavecta for our powerboat to communicate with our Axiom Pro 12. In order to make the Rotavecta talk to the MFD, is the Raymarine ITC-5 Analog to Digital Transducer converter all that is required?
Yes sir. The iTC-5 acts as the host device for the transducer, providing it power and measuring the analog signals from its sensors. iTC-5 outputs that information onto the SeaTalk NG network. The other alternative would be to use an i60 Wind instrument display. The Rotavecta transducer can connect directly to it, and the instrument display output SeaTalk NG information.
Thanks for the great vedio. Can I use a Seatalk NG to Seatalk adapter to connect a Digital Antenna GPS antenna the is feeding my AIS? If so How?
I need a bit more information about exactly which GPS antenna you have now, what kind of data it outputs, and its relationship to your AIS receiver. The SeaTalk to SeaTalk NG converter is designed to allow older Raymarine SeaTalk 1 devices and modern SeaTalk NG/NMEA 2000 devices to communicate with each other. Feel free to email me at james.mcgowan@raymarine.com with the additional details.
Jim, i installed a fuel flow sensor. I dont see a way to update the amount of fuel in the tank so that my mfd can calculate DTE etc. How is fuel level adjusted when filling the tank and for calibration. I have the lowrance fuel flow sensor.
Hello Tim. It sounds like you need to activate Axiom's fuel manager. Go to Home...My Data Fuel/Trip....Fuel Setup. Turn on the fuel manager and then enter the value for how much fuel you can hold when your tanks are full. There are 2 different NMEA2000 PGNs that Axiom can use to calculate how much fuel has been burned. Since you have the sensor you'll most likely use the Fuel Flow Rate option. If you touch the Detect Fuel Messages button Axiom will listen on the NMEA2000 network and determine what the best setting is based on the messages it sees being transmitted by your engines, fuel flow sensor, etc.
How do you add navionics charts to a Axiom+ 9 rv display only? Is there an SD slot?
Axiom has a microSD card slot on the back. Its hidden underneath a rubber flap to protect it from the weather. You'll plug your Navionics card in there and leave it in place. Navionics cards are read in real-time from the card.
This is very helpful. Thank you so much.
Glad it was helpful!
Any chance Raymarine could offer a trade in plan for those of us STUCK with B&G?
I'll certainly make the suggestion to our sales team. We'd love to have you onboard with us!
Hi. been trying to get help to network my old boat that just had a Volvo Penta D6-370 inboard fitted. Ive on the boat all raymarine hardware. C120, DSM300, Radome 2kw, RS125 GPS, P66 transducer and ST6002. How do I connect the Volvo engine to all these to get readings and also autopilot? what else do I need to get. thanks in advance.
Hello David. You will need either a Volvo or 3rd party NMEA2000 gateway to get engine data from your system. This device plugs into the Volvo engine CAN bus and converts the engine's data traffic to the marine industry standard NMEA2000 format. The NMEA2000 connector will then be plugged into the Raymarine navigation network.
Your local Volvo Penta dealer can get you their official device, or you could use a 3rd party version like this one from YachtDevices: www.yachtd.com/products/engine_gateway.html
I notice that you have a C120 multifunction display. That display does have some engine data display capability, though it is probably not quite as extensive as what the newer Axiom systems offer. In the case of the C120 you will introduce engine data through its SeaTalk 2 (5-pin) port on the rear of the display. SeaTalk 2 was a precursor to the current SeaTalk NG network we use today. The engine sentences carried on SeaTalk 2 use the same NMEA2000 format used on modern systems.
You will need to construct a very small SeaTalk NG network into which you will plug in the engine gateway and your C120. We offer a SeaTalk NG starter kit, part number T70134. You will also need a SeaTalk 2 adapter cable, part number A06048 to connect the C120 into the SeaTalk NG network. Finally you will need an A06075 DeviceNet to SeaTalk NG spur cable to tie the engine gateway into the SeaTalk network.
To specify an autopilot for this boat we would need to know a bit more about its steering configuration. Does it have traditional hydraulic steering or is this a Volvo-Penta IPS system? If it is traditional hydraulic we will mate a hydraulic drive system to the hydraulic cylinder that turns the boat's rudders. We will need to know the volume of that steering cylinder. You can typically find it on the cylinder's attached data plate. Feel free to open a ticket over at raymarine.custhelp.com with the details about your boat and we can specify the correct pilot system to get.
Jim, great job explaining everything. I have a Hybrid Touch, how do I reset the fuel used for each trip. Thank you, Mike
Hello Michael. Thanks for watching! Axiom's Fuel Manager is located at Home...My Data...Fuel/Trip. On the first tab thre is a Reset Trip button you can use to zero out the trip log.
Jim, I just installed a Yachtsense wifi/cellular device on my sailboat. Where can I get information on how to connect my cell phone hot spot to it? Also, where can I get a "how to" on using this device. It's up and working but I'd appreciate guidance on being able to get full benefit from it on the boat.
Hello Larry. YachtSense Link creates on onboard Wi-Fi network that all of your devices like your Smartphone, tablet, smart TV's etc. can connect you . To connect your phone to it go to your phone's Wi-Fi settings, select the name of your boat's onboard network from the list of nearby networks detected, and then enter the network password you created for it when you setup your YachtSense Link.
I hope to do a detailed full episode of Raymarine Live on YachtSense Link shortly.
We are still hoping for some information on the dedicated Raymarine iOS Apps that work with Axiom and how to utilize the WiFi connectivity of NMEA data to outside devices. Please include using some of the apps compatible with Lighthouse like PredictWind or Theyr. Thank you.
Hello Harley. Thank you for watching and commenting. I'll try to get some more content on all of our apps into a future episode. Currently, for iOS we have 3 legacy apps (RayView, RayControl and RayRemote.) These are older apps and though they are still in the app stores, they are no longer updated and are considered retired.
--RayView is a simple screen mirroring app. See what's on your MFD on your phone or tablet.
--RayControl takes this one step further. Mirror your MFD and touch to control it. This works only on devices with a screen size of 7-inches or larger.
--RayRemote is mainly for smaller devices and is simply a hand-held remote for Axiom. It mimics the rotary controller, trackpad and button pad from an Axiom Pro or RMK-10 keypad. Use it when you are beyond arm's length from your Axiom.
The newest and most current app in our library is called RayConnect. Shortly, it will be changing over in all the app stored to simply be called the Raymarine app. This app is continuing to have new features and capabilities added. Currently it supports the screen mirroring and control (like the old RayControl) and it also allows you to manage any LightHouse charts you have purchased. New functionality is coming soon for backing up and sharing data from your Axiom to other devices, as well as special functionality with our new YachtSense Marine 4G router. This is the app to have on your devices, for sure.
Axiom currently does not support streaming NMEA0183 or NMEA2000 data over Wi-Fi to other apps or devices, though I will make a feature request for that.
I'll also see about getting some PredictWind and Theyr information. There is a pretty good overview of PredictWind done by one of our Ambassadors online here: ua-cam.com/video/PKbgp9qvYfY/v-deo.html
thinking of installing Raymarine package myself. Can i ask question for help when I need it?
Hello Dave. If you have installation-related questions as you go, I recommend giving our technical support team a call at 1-800-593-5539, or online at raymarine.custhelp.com. I am happy to try and answer them here, but the UA-cam comments stream is sometimes difficult to work with if there are multiple follow-on questions. You can also get me at james.mcgowan@raymarine.com.
Is the axiom compatible with the new dji mini pto 3? That was released may10th
Hi Fred. Unfortunately, no. Axiom's UAV App for integrating with DJI drones is limited to some of their older models only. Supported drones include the original Mavic Pro, Mavic Pro Platinum, Mavic 2 and Mavic 2 Zoom.
Valuable information. Thank you. QUESTION: when you demonstrated how to select the source for NMEA data (list of sensors) I did not see a selection for temp. Was that because no temperature sensor was connected to the network?
Water temperature is not a data source for which we allow the selection of a source. At the present time it is limited to Depth, Speed through Water, Heading, GPS, GPS Datum, Wind, Time and Data.
i have a Raymarine ST40 and the screen has started to fail, i have purchased a second hand Raymarine C80 unit, can i use the depth transducer from the ST40 with the C80? i love how you've explained so much in this video, i have subscribed to the channel and hope to learn more
Hello Darren. Thank you for watching. Unfortunately the C80 multifunction display on its own can't connect to your ST40 depth transducer. It does not have internal electronics of its own to power and interpret the signals from the transducer. The ST40 depth instrument display does this, and then shares its output across the SeaTalk network with other devices like the C80, other instruments, autopilots, etc.
That transducer is compatible with a bunch of different instruments though. If you were shopping used look for ST40 Speed, ST40 Bidata, ST60 Speed, ST60 Tridata. From our current product lineup the i40 Speed or i40 Bidata is a direct replacement for the ST40 instrument.
Hello Jim, thanks very much for a great tutoring video. What is the difference between using a SeaTalk to SeaTalk-ng (5 connectors with center yellow) versus using ITC5 to convert Analog to Digital SeaTalk-ng? I've already used the 5 connector bar for my system with Axiom Pro 9. If I use the ITC5, there isn't any analog output (at the ST60, ST6001 AP NavPod) for the compass and Rudder to plug into the ITC5. The MFD doesn't seem to see the ST6001 AP currently using the SeaTalk to SeaTalk-ng conversion. Thanks much again.
Think of the iTC-5 module as a screenless instrument for hosting your analog transducers. They will connect directly to it, and their analog output signals are converted directly to digital NMEA2000/SeaTalk NG sentences. Typically you would use this device if you were going to remove all of your ST60 instruments and replace them with i70s instruments. The calibration of your transducers, through the iTC-5 module, is performed either at an i70s instrument display or through Axiom's network settings menu.
With the SeaTalk to SeaTalk NG converted in place all of your ST60 instruments remain as is, hosting their respective transducers. All of the SeaTalk network traffic from your older gear is converted to SeaTalk NG for your Axiom display. Data output by Axiom is converted back to SeaTalk 1 for the instruments, pilot, etc. Calibration of your transducers is performed through the ST60 instruments.
The integrated autopilot operations on Axiom will only work with an Evolution-series autopilot. For your setup, Axiom still sends navigation data to the pilot over the SeaTalk to SeaTalk NG converter. If you want the autopilot to follow to a waypoint or route you would command that from your autopilot controller, after activating the waypoint or route on Axiom.
These videos are superb - can I ask whether I can plug the transducer cables currently in my ST60s straight into an ITC5 and then SeatlkNG cable to a GS95 display - will I get temp speed and depth on the GS95 OR do I have to keep the ST60 and do the Seatalk -> Seatalkng backbone and then go to the GS95 excluding the ITC5 and maybe hiding the ST60 dsiplay behind the helm somewhere?
Thanks
Hello Bert. Thank you for watching.
Indeed, you can take the transducers from your ST60 straight to an iTC-5. The iTC-5 hosts the transducers on its own and will convert the analog transducer signals to SeaTalk NG /NMEA2000 digital information. Your gS95 will pick up that depth, speed, wind information from the SeaTalk NG network. Doing it this way you could completely remove the ST60 displays. This is really what the iTC-5 was intended to do, to enable owners of older SeaTalk 1 generation instruments to update to newer STNG/NMEA2000 networking without having to replace functional analog depth, speed, wind, compass and rudder transducers. The ST60 instruments could be eliminated entirely, or replaced with modern i70s color multifunction instrument displays.
The other way to do it would be to keep the ST60 displays active with their transducers connected, and use a SeaTalk to STNG converter kit (E22158) to convert the older SeaTalk 1 protocol to the newer STNG/NMEA2000 format. The gS-Series display would still be able to see the instrument data, through the converter.
Hello Jim!
Can you advise if I can have more than one "SeaTalk-SeaTalkng converter" in a ST-ng network.
I have two I40's in the binnical located with an Element 9s. I need to connect to another i40 that is placed forward in the boat.
I plan to have a "SeaTalk-SeaTalkng converter" in the binnical, and run ST-ng backbone cable down through the binnical to connect to a second "SeaTalk-SeaTalkng converter" which will rout to the other I40 that is forward.
Please advise any issues. Let me know any clarification. Thanks!
Hello Chris. No problem at all if you need to install more than one converter. How is that forward i40 connected now? I would guess there is already a long SeaTalk 1 cable running up to it that shares data from the instruments in the binnacle. If so, its perfectly acceptable to leave that in and functioning.
If you have plans to eventually add more SeaTalk NG components forward, then it does make sense to upgrade to a new backbone cable now and get it in place for the future.
@@RaymarineInc Thanks for the reply Jim. Right now, there is no network at all. All the stuff in the binnical (Element 9 and two i40's) is new, and I am installing it. The lone existing i40 that is forward, is only using the ST cable for it's power. Thanks Again!
My i50 tridata instrument will not switch to calibration mode please help
The button-presses to get into calibration mode can be a bit tricky. With only 4 buttons to work with we had to get a bit creative with the right sequence of buttons and timing to make it workable, but also not make them so that you'd inadvertently get in there and changes things by accident. There are 3 levels of calibration on the Tridata. The first level lets you get at some basic functions to set the units (MPH, Knots, KPH), offset the depth, change the speed resolution, and adjust the level of the buzzer for the timer. The second level allows you to see the software version, change the display from a master (transducers connected) to repeater (receiving data from the network/no direct transducer connection) and perform a speed run calibration. The third level allows you to set a speed data source, change the display response (the smoothing of data by averaging over time) and performing a master reset. The 3rd level calibration also has a function that allows you to lock out the lower-level calibration options. This is used often on charter boats, or in applications where you don't want anyone messing with the settings after they are made.
To get into level 1 calibration, Press and hold both the Speed and Depth keys simultaneously for 2 seconds. When you wee the word CAL appear on screen, press the Speed button alone to enter into the 1st level calibration options. By pressing the speed button repeatedly it will cycle between all of the level 1 options. Use the Trip and Reset buttons to toggle the various options. Exit the menu by pressing and holding Depth and Speed again for 2 seconds.
Level 2 is accessed by holding down Depth and Speed for about 4 seconds. You see CAL appear on the screen when you reach Level 1. Keep holding and you'll see the display software version. Press Speed and you'll now be able to cycle through the level 2 options. Again, press Depth and Speed simultaneously for 2 seconds to save and exit.
Level 3 is accessed by holding down Depth and Speed for 14 seconds. After 2 seconds you'll see CAL. Keep holding and after 4 seconds you'll see the software version. Keep holding for 10 more seconds and you'll reach level 3 calibration. When you reach it, simultaneously press the Trip and Reset keys momentarily to enter the menu. Then you'll use Speed to advance through the menu, and toggle settings using Trip or Reset. Press and hold Depth and Speed simultaneously to save and exit.
In case you don't have it, this is documents in the Tridata handbook, available here:
raymarine.app.box.com/s/rvhycb6x1brzo64921k5tsqwv2ica3j6/file/21221655387
Hi Jim, interesting live session which I viewed afterhand. I have a complete set-up of St290 instruments and you did not mention anything about that. Why? I am interested in learning about the connection possibilities of st290 to stng and what are the differences between the two systems. Raymarine appears a bit evasive about discussing st290.
Thank you for otherwise excellent presentation!
Hello Magnus. The ST290 Series instruments have been out of production for quite a long time, so I did not mention them. ST290 was a bit ahead of its time in that the Seatalk 2 protocol they communicate with was a precursor to today's NMEA2000 and SeaTalk NG systems. The transducers used on ST290 are identical to the analog transducers still being used for Depth, Speed, Wind, Compass and Rudder. The transducer "pods" from the ST290 system are performing a similar function as the iTC-5 module does today.
Interconnecting ST290 with SeaTalk NG and NMEA2000 isn't done much because there are some limitations as to what can be implemented. The recommended way to do it is to leave the ST290 network intact, create a 2nd SeaTalk NG network for any new components, and use a SeaTalk 1 to SeaTalk NG converter to bridge the 2 networks together. The SeaTalk 1 connection from the converter should be connected to the SeaTalk 1 connection on the ST290 Data Processing Unit (DPU.)
This discussion from our support forum might be helpful: forum.raymarine.com/showthread.php?tid=2231
when will Raymarine ever have transducers? There is no delivery date in sight!
Hello Russell. I am sorry for the delay. We are doing our best to get products back in-stock as quickly as possible. What transducers are you looking for? Perhaps I can suggest an alternative that is easier to get right now. Feel free to email me at james.mcgowan@raymarine.com.
In a situation where you have long backbone cable runs to connect the different 5 way adapters... will it hurt the system to install more than one power lead into the system at different locations to prevent voltage loss?
Hi Fred. The SeaTalk NG network should only have 1 power feed. That can come from either the boat's 12V DC power system or from a Raymarine autopilot Course Computer or ACU. Every device connected to the backbone has a rating for power draw assigned to it, called a Load Equivalency Number (LEN.) When designing the network it is recommended to balance it by placing an equal sum LEN of devices on each side of the power input.
The overall length of the backbone dictates the maximum overall LEN value you have to work with. If the backbone, end to end, is less the 197 feet (60 meters) you have a total LEN of 100 to utilize. At 262 feet (80 meters) the maximum LED is 84. There is a table for this in our SeaTalk NG Reference Manual, available online here:
flir.app.box.com/s/2ulwt6ye4394g6yk3m0t/file/23388950831
You can also install an unbalanced system, with power not distributed from the center of the backbone. A 66 foot (20 meter) unbalanced network has a total allowable LEN of 40. A 197 foot (60 meter) unbalanced system has a max LEN of 14.
As you can see, you can go quite a long way, with lots of devices, with a balanced network. You can also go pretty far on an unbalanced network, and still have a pretty generous number of devices.
Keep in mind, the LEN value for a typical MFD, VHF or AIS is 1. Marine instruments are normally 2 or 3, and pilot controllers a bit more at 3 or 4. Devices that draw power from the backbone have higher LEN. MFD, VHF and AIS use a data-only connection to the backbone and do not draw from our contribute power to the backbone.
Hi Jim,
I have an axiom pro12 that is also connected to my ev-100 autopilot. I used it with my Yamaha outboard that had hydraulic steering. I just repower with a new yamaha outboard that has DES digital electronic steering. How can I connect my ev-100 to work with my new digital electronic steering?
Hello Eugene. Unfortunately the EV-100 will not work with Digital Electronic Steering. The particular autopilot is designed to control traditional electronic steering using a hydraulic drive unit.
I'll need more detail on what you have now, but I suspect you would need to change to an EV200-based autopilot. I would like to check with my pilot team to find out more about what is needed for Yamaha electric steering. Would you be able to email me, james.mcgowan@raymarine.com, so I can follow up with you?
Hello Jim from NZ,
Many people on various forums around the world ask about the differences between using Navionics and using Lighthouse charts. I know NZ lighthouse charts aren't available yet, but is it possible to have a trial version of a map we can download for lighthouse, like we can for Navionics , so we can play and try be fore we buy ..
Hello Paul. I will make this suggestion to our Charts team. I agree it would be very nice to be able to view the charts online, zoom in to see the details, etc.
Hi Jim, Thank you sharing all of this information, it's extremely helpful! I recently purchased a boat and purchased an Axiom 7 and RAY 73 VHF. The boat came with a Raytheon RN 300 and a Raytheon ST60 Tridata. I purchased the network and networked all the devices together. My one concern is the ST 60 which when I connected it to the network, I cannot turn the device off by the switch on the dash. Is there a way to turn the ST 60 off or should I install a switch the power supply to the network. Thanks.
ST60 instruments get their power from the SeaTalk network connection. The SeaTalk line contains power (red), ground (silver/black) and data (yellow) all on 1 Seatalk cable. When multiple ST60 devices are networked, they all share common power and turn on/off with the common feed from the network.
If you want to make your ST60 power on and off you should connect the network power feed to a switch.
Just a general comment... I'm an Element 9hv and a dragon fly 7 pro "which I still use on my trolling motor" user. The Dragon fly has basically been "orphaned" by Raymarine since 2017 (I still love the unit)... Is this the path for the Element as well? We are entering the fishing season here in Washington state and there hasn't been a substantial feature enhancement/upgrade since October 2021 (nm and yards-not much of an upgrade). The small boat fishing user is I'm sure not Raymarine's focused users, but the Element is marketed towards my user group. Somthing as useful to lake Fishing as depth coloring that you find on other manufacturers units isn't available... It would also be nice to know that there are future enhancements in the works so that the Element isn't going the way of the Dragon Fly... Hey I like the unit but it feels like my user group is definitely "on the back shelf". Thanks for reading this and I do enjoy the UA-cam casts even though very little is directed towards my user segment. Yes the "everything Element" was appreciated.
Thanks.
PS. Maybe Covid has slowed things down...
Hello Mitch. Dragonfly was discontinued in the North America market a few years ago, though it still remains a favorite for many anglers. Element is still in productions, though you are correct, it has not had a software update to it since October of 2021. Our team is still actively supporting it, though it is on a different cycle than the Axiom line is.
I will make sure the Element product team sees your feedback and feature requests.
@UClVRc5XGE9Pi4fwfCjAiZGw i totally agree with you and i too had two Dragonflies 4 and 5 inch and used the plotter sync features etc. and the upgraded to the element for your exact same reasoning. But i too soon go dismayed by the lack of support and constant promises of an update that never came and eventually bowed down to selling it less than a year old and upgrading to a Axiom Plus 9" and then axiom pro 12 for the much greater functionality and to get much deeper soundings...The Element in my mind has its place in the market as a Fishing only machine, perfectly priced and suitable for the small boat user kayaks etc. God knows why they won't support it further with just them basic feature updates as we had on the Dragonfly and have the two options Element and Axiom for the various users
Thanks for these great sessions! I have a pair of Volvo D4-300 diesels with the EVS system. Can the data be ported into my Axiom 12?
Hello Charles. The Volvo D4-300 engines do support NMEA2000 data which can be connected to Axiom. There are 2 ways to do it. If you want to keep it all-Volvo, they offer a NMEA2000 gateway device on their own that plugs into the Volvo network and creates a spur connection to a NMEA2000 network. That cable can be connected to Axiom's SeaTalkNG/NMEA2000 network. We actually carry that Volvo Penta part in our lineup, and sell it under part number A80649. You could also get one from any local Volvo Penta parts counter. Normally you will also need a Volvo Penta Y-Loom splitter cable (E70241) to create the connection in the Volvo network for the gateway. Lastly, use a DeviceNet to SeaTalk NG cable to run from the Volvo gateway's NMEA2000 output into an empty SeaTalk NG spur port (white.) The part number for that cable is A06075.
Raymarine also offers a "universal" engine interface module, the ECI-100, which could also be connected to the Volvo network, and connected the NMEA2000/SeaTalk NG network. Our part number for it is E70227. If you go this route it needs 2 Volvo interface cables, the E70241 Y-Loom splitter as well as the E70240 EVC to Devicenet cable to integrate it with the Volvo network. Finally, this setup uses a normal SeaTalk NG spur cable to make the last connection to the Raymarine network. A06039 is a 1-meter long SeaTalk NG Spur cable. Longer lengths are available too if needed.
Hi Jim. Thanks for this explanation. I have an Axiom, 2 x I70s, a P70s, and an Evolution autopilot… and they all work together brilliantly. Having trouble with my freshwater data though-I can see both tanks on my Axiom but my I70s only supports one tank instance??? Am I missing a config page somewhere? Most boats have two water tanks so there must be a solution somewhere. Also fuel percentage comes up as a numeric display but fails to show in the Total Tank % bar graph. How do I submit a bug report for these?
Hello James. Please send me the details on your system, the make of your tank senders, and I will log both a bug and a feature request. Axiom has a pretty robust tank level display system however I believe in the i70s it is currently limited to only 1 freshwater tank. I'll check in with our instruments team to confirm that, and request they take a look at bringing it into line with Axiom's capabilities. You can shoot me an email at james.mcgowan@raymarine.com
Surely the two tanks are linked so that they drain and level equally, so that the boat is stable; thus a tank sensor is giving you the level of the total/ two tanks.
question about a new raymarine tiller pilot 2000 with nmea 1983 .what adapters do i need
to interface with chart plotter
The ST2000+ Tiller Autopilot has both Seatalk and NMEA0183 connections. The deck socked supplied with the system has 2 terminals on it designated for the NMEA0183 connection. These are screw terminals to which you will connect the NMEA0183 output positive and negative leads from your chartplotter. Some chartplotters do not have a designated NMEA0183 negative output, and share a common ground wire for both power and data communications. In that case you will need to run a wire from the chartplotter's negative power connection to the NMEA0183 input negative terminal on the pilot.
The NMEA0183 connection on that autopilot is an input only. It will receive steering commands from the chartplotter when it is in navigation mode. The pilot will not send back any information to the chartplotter.
Hi Jim, in my system I have an Axiom MFD with a number of legacy ST70 displays, an SPx30 autopilot, and numerous other devices (radio, AIS, etc). I have previously tried to use the feature you demonstrated to select a specific source device for data. However, whenever I try to do so, the system tells me that I must remove all my ST70’s and the SPx30 from the network before this feature is available. It also suggests checking in the manuals for additional information, however I have never been able to find any section in the manuals that covers this situation. What do I need to do with my system to allow me to use the select source feature for data from my MFD?
Hello Mike. MDS, Muti-Data Source Selection was a feature that came about after the ST70-series displays and X30 autopilot were discontinued. These devices do not support that protocol, and their presence of the network prevents it from working. When non-compliant devices are detected the MDS system is disabled to allow those older devices to continue to work properly.
There is a work around, if the data items you need to change are themselves newer MDS-compatible sources. You can temporarily disconnect the non-compliant items from the network, make the needed changes on Axiom, and then re-introduce the older gear to the network. The data source selection changes should hold.
There is a bit about this in the LightHouse 3.16 Advanced Operation Handbook starting on page 45. That document is the deep-dive into all things Axiom that we re-release with each major software update. The PDF is on Raymarine.com here: raymarine.app.box.com/s/3t839g2xf6nko4n0h9re535140rknnpz/folder/21066102633
Hi Jim , I have a quick question? I have an Axion 12, is the radar already installed in the unit so all I would have to do is add the antenna or is there more to it ?
Hi Dave. The radar app is already in Axiom's software. Just add your choice of compatible radar scanner to your system and the app will detect your scanner once it is connected. Axiom works with any of our Digital or HD Color radome scanners, Quantum and Quantum 2 radomes, HD Digital, HD Color, Magnum and Cyclone open-arrays.
How come my real vision 3-D does not show the bottom in auto at any depth on my element
Hi Chris. The bottom should be visible. Element uses a combination of DownVision and SideVision together, in addition to its 3D reference transducers to generate that image. Double-check that you are seeing the bottom when in DownVision. Double-check that your transducer is clean, locked down, and not at an unusual angle.
If all that checks out I would suggest backing up your waypoints, routes, tracks and settings and then trying a factory reset. You'll find it in the Settings menu.
Jim... can a 2006-era Simrad Autopilot with AP26 control work with RM Axiom series?
Hello Screaminbones. According to what I find about it online, the AP26 has NMEA2000 connectivity so Axiom should be able to communicate with it. Heading information from the pilot is shared with Axiom. Axiom will send GPS data, and waypoint or route steering data to the pilot. You will do all of the control and calibration of the autopilot through the Simrad pilot controller.
Thank you for another great show! I have an Fusion stereo and an Victron Cerbro connected to my SeatalkNK network to use the Axiom built in “apps” to control them.
Both units can also benefit from accessing the internet and get software updates + the possibility to manage them via Wi-Fi and not only Bluetooth. Therefore I would like to get them connected to my local Wi-Fi / mobile router via physical cable or any way possible. I also have an Seatalk hs switch connecting my two axioms and an older digital radar.
How is it possible to get this scenario working?
Hello Thomas. Thank you for watching the show! The Victron system is most likely connected into our RayNet high speed Ethernet network. Most Fusion stereos have both NMEA2000/Seatalk NG support and Ethernet support so it could be connected either way. One way to tell, if you see album art on Axiom when playing music, it is using the RayNet Ethernet network. SeaTalk NG/NMEA2000 can't carry the album art.
If you are looking for a way to add internet capability to the boat and the network, our YachtSense Link 4G marine router might be of interest to you. This new device creates seamless internet connectivity for all devices onboard including MFDs, accessories, phones, tablets, TV's, computers, monitoring systems, etc. The device has dual SIM card slots and can be activated on 2 different carriers (in case you travel.) It remembers marine wi-fi and home wi-fi hotspots and automatically shifts all network traffic between Wi-Fi or mobile data as the boat moves from place to place. All of your devices remain connected to the boat's wired and wireless network, and YachtSense routes the traffic through the best connection. You can learn more about it here:
www.raymarine.com/multifunction-displays/digital-switching/yachtsense-link/
@@RaymarineInc The marine router sounds nice, but I already have a specialized marine router (Redbox mini) and use a Netgear 4/5g modem + an old Inmarsat FB150 for internett access. Can I connect my Axiom/ ST HS switch to this in any way?
I enjoy your talks. i have an S1 autopilot with an NMEA 183 out put which I have hooked up to VHF for GPS. is there a way to hook it up to a window laptop to get GPS into it.
Hello Paul. You could split the NMEA 0183 output from your S1 autopilot to both your GPS and laptop. NMEA0183 is a serial data protocol, and most laptops no longer have serial ports on them, so you'll need a USB to Serial port adapter to make the connection, along with a DB-9 serial cable. In the 9-pin cable the ones you need are pins 2, 3 and 5.
Pin 2 will be the NMEA0183 output (+) from the autopilot. Pin 5 will be the NMEA0183 (-) from the autopilot.
If you were to send data from the laptop back to the pilot, that would travel through Pin 3 of the DB9 connector, and to the NMEA input (+) on the autopilot.
@@RaymarineInc Thank you
HI Jim, I am in the process of purchasing a sailboat with a Raymarine C 80 RADAR installed. I would like to upgrade to an Axiom +, is there a way to display the C 80 output on an Axiom +, or do I need a Quantum system?
Hello Windfield. Unfortunately the radar scanner used with the C80 is an older analog model that is not compatible with Axiom. To get radar on Axiom you will need to upgrade your radar to a newer model. Quantum or Quantum 2 Doppler are great choices. Our HD Color magnetron-based radomes also work great too.
Hi Jim, Great shows! I'm making a study of it. :) Two years ago I upgrade and installed the new i70s, evo 200 autopilot linear drive system etc and connected the analogue sensors (wind, speed and depth) to the network via an ITC-5. Everything is working fine but... the speed interpretation is fluctuating. I do not use another brand in my network; MFD Axiom 9, VHF radio etc. Do you have a solution? Best regards from The Netherlands
Thanks for watching! The indication of "Speed" would be speed through water from your paddlewheel speed transducer.
First, check the Display Response setting on your i70s displays. This controls how much smoothing is done to the information before it appears on the screen. It is measured on a 1 to 12 scale, with a lower value meaning that more smoothing will be applied. With a higher value you are seeing near real-time data off of the sensor or transducer and will see any and all fluctuation. The default value for these settings is 12, or fastest possible update, so if you have never adjusted it that might be what you are seeing. Go to Menu...Display Settings....Display Response and then select Speed to adjust it.
It is also worth checking to make sure the speed paddlewheel is clean and turning freely. Any growth on it, or debris stuck to it can cause the paddle wheel to be out-of-balance which will make it spin irregularly.
@@RaymarineInc Hi Jim! I adjusted speed transducer to 6 and the speed values are much more stable. I'm satisfied and happy! Thanks Jim!
I am looking at picking up a Raymarine system centered around the 16rvx and would like to know what would be good autopilot for my 44 foot crabber/troller/tuna wood boat. currently have com nav 1001 on it. she has hydraulic steering with a power pack and jog that is supplied with pressure from a pump on the main.
Hello Doug. We'd need a bit more information on the specifics of your boat's steering system, but from what you are describing it sounds like you will need our EV300 Solenoid autopilot. You can see it here:
www.raymarine.com/autopilot/evolution-autopilot/ev300-solenoid/
This pilot system has the ability to open and close the solenoid valves on your steering system to turn the rudders.
It would be helpful to see a few pictures of your steering gear, particularly the parts down below where it all connects to the rudder. Feel free to email me (james.mcgowan@raymarine.com) or open a ticket with our support team at raymarine.custhelp.com.
@@RaymarineInc sent email a couple days ago. also will my current rudder position sensor work or will I need a ray raymarine one.
I’m so frustrated with my Raymarine eSeries v15.59 I think setup in the 2016 BW 230 Vantage I just purchased a few months ago. It seems like it has trouble doing anything! Depth cuts out over 10 knots off top of mind. I know I need to probably update software because previous owner said he never really used it. He bought the boat with all top upgrades but ended up spending all his time running his business. I feel completely lost about what to do with this Raymarine system. I’ve been told to switch to a Garmin based system or similar because it feels more like what a interface on iPhone / google maps. Any truth to this and any other suggestions about getting the most out of this Raymarine eSeries? Or is switching a better option for me who loves to fish and cruise the Florida waterways.
I am sorry to hear you are having trouble with your system. The e-Series models were an extremely popular system in their day and there are still thousands of them out on the water. Even though they are a little older, they are very capable.
I definitely recommend updating the software in them and your related sensors and accessories. Version 15.59 is very old. Version 19.03 was the last release issued for that platform. If you have Wi-Fi access near your boat you can update directly from the internet, or you can download the software in advance from Raymarine.com, copy it to a microSD card, and update through the card slot.
You might also consider contact your local Raymarine Premier Dealer and scheduling a service visit. They could update the software for you and check out any other issues you have with the system. For example, the depth cutting out could be a transducer that is not setup properly, knocked out of alignment, or even just fouled with growth. Many of our dealers offer training and product familiarization too.
If you do decide to upgrade to a newer platform, keep in mind that many of the products you already own will work with new Raymarine Axiom hardware (our current platform). Most radar scanners, sonar modules, transducers, autopilots, etc. from the e-Series era will work on Axiom too. You might be able to upgrade just the screens to the latest platform, and not have to replace the rest.
Jim I have a tri data with depth and speed that is wired to the Tri data display to receive its data, could i hook up the analog to digital converter from the display to my network so that my MFD could also read those inputs or would i have to change both transducers to newer ones that go directly into the network? is it possible to leave the wired transducers and display and simply put the spur cable from the back of the display to a digital converter and my mfd would read info?
Hello Jeff. Your Tridata display is already performing the function of converting the analog transducer data to digital. In your case, the Tridata outputs that information in our SeaTalk 1 protocol. You could add our E22158 SeaTalk 1 to SeaTalk NG converter to your system. That will allow the SeaTalk 1 information over onto the more modern SeaTalk NG/NMEA2000 network and into your MFD.
@@RaymarineInc that’s excellent. Much appreciated!!! Just purchased and installed the Axion 12+ and it’s awesome Thanks
Hi Jim, I have the latest operating system on my Axiom 7 & 9, setting up the 7 today the radar in full screen is perfect but in split screen its “ flickering “ around 40 degrees- any ideas what could be causing that? TIA
Hello Lee. I haven't really seen that happen before, but here are a few things to try as I suspect it is graphics-related on Axiom, rather than any problem in the radar itself.
First, try rebuilding that split screen display on another tile. Go to your homescreen, long-press on a different tile that you don't use much, and select Customize. Follow the wizard to build a new split-screen in your preferred configuration. When it is done, launch it and see if the flickering is gone. You can also re-build the flickering version into something else.
If that does not fix it, I would next try backing up waypoints/routes/tracks and settings, and then performing a factory reset of the display. Once it reboots you can re-load your settings and data. Sometimes a factory reset flushes out artifacts that are left behind from prior software updates that can cause minor glitches like that.
@@RaymarineInc Thanx, will try that. The units were just installed by Raymarine, Im just setting them up.
Jim, I installed a Sea Talk1 to SeaTalkng converter when I installed my Axiom 9 to allow the legacy Raymarine instruments (ST60 & Autohelm7000 etc) to connect. Recently I completed the upgrade and installed new i70s, i60s and ICU400 autopilot etc connecting the analogue sensors (wind, speed and depth) to the network via an ITC-5, which made the Sea Talk1 to SeaTalkng converter redundant. I removed all the legacy instruments except an Autohelm ST50 Tri data which was useful for understanding of wind speed/direction, depth etc at the remote steering station where this is located. I understand I could install another Axiom or i70s to replace the Tri data, but is it possible to connect the ST50 Tri data to the Sea Talk1 to SeaTalkng converter or does it need analogue feed?
Yes. Use the Seatalk 1 to SeaTalk NG converter with the ST50 Tridata. You will need to go into the Tridata's settings and switch it from Master to Repeater mode. Master mode is used when transducers are connected directly to the device. Repeater mode is used when the data to be displayed is coming from some other device on the network.
@@RaymarineInc Excellent. Much appreciated. One further question, can a legacy ST60 be piggy backed off the ST50 tri data as a repeater?
Does the i70 read in 100ths?
Hello Pete. Most of the data fields on i70 only read to the 10ths place. What are you looking to measure to that level of precision?
I am Sailboat racer. I would lie to see the 100th so I can see if going faster or slower. The St 60 + had then in 100ths like 6.54 ants
These tech sessions are great! Can you include or cover connecting Autopilot SPX5 (ST1) into a STNG network in a future episode. SPX5 has both ST1 and STNG connections. What are the pros/cons of using either one? Thanks, Phil
Hello Phil. The SPX-5 autopilots were made when we were making the transition from Seatalk 1 devices to SeaTalk NG devices. If you have lots of older electronics that communicate using SeaTalk 1 then that is the best choice to use that connection. If your SPX-5 is integrated with newer devices, then use the Seatalk NG connection.
Jim I saw that you responded to my comment with a request to send you an email with a little more description. I don't see my comment any longer so don't see your email.
james.mcgowan@raymarine.com
Why you can not connect a SeatalkNG tee, to another tee directly?
Answer, to sell backbone cables.
The SeaTalk NG system was designed to solve a few different problems for Raymarine owners, and to make the installation of a CAN-Bus back bone more foolproof and boat-friendly. Here are a few reasons to consider:
You'll notice that ALL of the Seatalk NG cables are female, double-ended, without locking collars on them. This means it doesn't matter which way you pull a STNG cable through the boat, you always have the correct cable gender at the other end of the pull. This is not the case with NMEA 2000 DeviceNet, with opposite genders at each end. Imagine spending hours pulling a cable only to notice at the end that you pulled the wrong way? There is a solution for it, but its an extra-cost adapter.
Also, because SeaTalk NG cables don't have locking collars on them, they are about 20% smaller overall than their NMEA 2000 DeviceNet counterparts. This makes it possible to pull these cables through pipes, towers, chase ways and other tight places without cutting them.
SeaTalk NG cables are uniquely colored and keyed. ALL spur cables are white. They plug ONLY into white male connection points with their own unique key. ALL backbone cables are blue. They ONLY plug into blue male connection points with their own unique key. That makes it impossible, even in a blind installation, to accidentally plug a spur device into a backbone connection (which would crash the network and cause errors.)
SeaTalk NG cables have an extra conductor in the that was designed to carry legacy SeaTalk 1 information. This allows many newer autopilot and instrument displays to be retrofitted into legacy networks without having to rewire everything. This is a bonus for long-time Raymarine owners when it comes time to update.
Should you need to run a combination of SeaTalk NG and NMEA 2000 DeviceNet cabling on the same boat, we offer all of the adapters to make that possible. We have both spur and backbone adapters with male and female DeviceNet ends to account for pretty much every scenario.
Plus, though you can't connect Tee to Tee directly, we do offer a SeaTalk NG 5-way connector. That has 3 spur connectors for devices to plug in, plus 2 backbone terminals. You can even build a complete network using this piece, 2 terminators, and a SeaTalk NG power cable. That leaves you 2 spur ports for devices, and room for future expansion by simply removing a terminator from either end and extending with a backbone cable as needed.
The cable business company.
Thanks for watching the show. If you have any questions about cable, please be sure to post or email me at james.mcgowan@raymarine.com.