any Simrad experts here?

kashurst

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I have a 2004 simrad CX54 plotter/radar etc that works perfectly. A bit clunky by modern standards but seems to know where I am. It is linked to a Simrad DS44 display/control panel on the flybridge. (the DS44 is a mimic not a full blown plotter) which also works OK (even clunkier but once the way point is in, it's quite happy)

I want to try and connect two Yacht devices J1708 KAD/KAMD 300 engine gateways to the Simrad CX54. It would appear that the CX54 can display engine data. Quite how much I am not 100% sure (manual is a bit cryptic). Anyone have a better understanding of what it will/won't display. I want engine temperature, boost pressure, fuel rate, voltage and oil pressure if possible.
The J1708 engine gateway uses NMEA 2000 (N2K) , I understand the simrad CX54 NMEA port is NMEA 0183. (again manual is a bit unclear and internet didn't help at all)
To get an N2K port/bus I believe I need a Simrad AT44 unit.
The Simrad AT44 creates a Simnet port which is actually N2K with a different style connector.
I have found Simnet connector to N2K adaptor leads and N2K bus kits no problem, J1708 gateway, and even an AT44 on ebay but will it all work?????

Thanks.
 
Thanks farsco, just discovered I have been reading the wrong manual (muppet). I downloaded the CA54 manual not the CX54 manual. With the correct CX54 manual it would appear that I can connect the J1708 N2K adaptors via an N2K backbone into an AT44.
Will get the bits ordered. Fingers crossed.
 
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I doubt there's a plotter that can present engine data through NMEA0183.
so converting N2K to N0183 is only good for certain (simple!) things.
thread carefully!

cheers

V.
 
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