Budget Chartplotter for Fly.

[PaulRainbow]

The STNG converter specifically doesn't convert Seatalk autopilot sentences and can't be used to network an autopilot control head or provide route information to a course computer.

That isn't what i said.

I said it will network via the converter, which it will. It will then allow the AP to steer to wind, if wind data is available, really aimed at sailboats. It will also steer to a waypoint or follow a route, once selected from the MFD.

It does not translate proprietary AP sentences, so you cannot engage/disengage the AP from the MFD.

Even if the MFD is replaced by one from a different manufacturer, the AP can still steer to a waypoint/wind. This was even the case with older, NMEA 0183 equipment.

 

[[165042]]

I think your definition of network is different to Raymarine's which implies full control & integration.

You cannot provide waypoint / route information from an Axiom to a Seatalk autopilot control head or course computer. If your course computer doesn't support SeatalkNG it will only operate in the basic modes provided by the Seatalk autopilot control head. You can connect a modern P70RS for example but it operates via Seatalk and doesn't support powersteer etc.

 

[[165042]]

From the manual for reference:

Autopilot restrictions Important:

A SeaTalk autopilot or associated controller must not be connected to the SeaTalk - SeaTalkng converter.

There are restrictions as to how an autopilot is connected in a system containing a SeaTalk - SeaTalkng converter.

• SeaTalkng autopilot (e.g. SPX course computer with ST70 controller) — This can be connected as part of the SeaTalkng system in the usual manner. However any SeaTalk cable from the autopilot must NOT be connected to the converter.

• SeaTalk autopilot (e.g. S1, S2 or S3 course computer with ST6002 controller) — This cannot be connected to the converter, nor to any device on the converter’s SeaTalk spur. A SeaTalk autopilot will usually be connected directly to the multifunction display.

 

[Elessar]

For full integration with the plotters #18 is correct.

Your existing ST60 displays will network with the new Axioms if you install a Seatalk to STNG converter kit.

Assuming your autopilot is Raymarine of the same era, it will network via the STNG converter, but you won't be able to engage/disengage it from any MFD. If you wanted to steer to a waypoint or follow a route you would need to select that from the MFD, then engage the AP from its control head.

Thanks Paul. I already have seatalk to STNG to make it all integrate now. Autopilot is an original square one from new (2000) as is the lower helm ST60 (not 60+) stuff. So basically I can get an axiom to sun one of my plotters and still make it all work. Which is good!
I don’t absolutely need to but my Doppler radar won’t work in Doppler mode without an axiom. Plus (and I need to check this) I presume the axiom is brighter? The uppper helm ones are a bit dim in full sun especially the small one I use for data.
Id start by changing the 7” one therefore.

 

[[165042]]

Axiom 7 is 1200 nits
Axiom+ 7 is 1500 nits

If you swap the e7 for an Axiom you will only get SeatalkNG data - so no chart / radar etc from your e12x displays.

 

[oldgit]

Raymarine E 125 Hybrid touch in the saloon. E70210. running these charts.
2023 Navionics+ Plus microSD SD Chart Card Maps UK-GB,Ireland,Holland,Belgium.
Does this help ?.
Confused of Medway.

 

[[164147]]

So you have the same as Elessar - maybe he'll sell you his e7 as that's just what you want.

 

[Elessar]

Raymarine E 125 Hybrid touch in the saloon. E70210. running these charts.
2023 Navionics+ Plus microSD SD Chart Card Maps UK-GB,Ireland,Holland,Belgium.
Does this help ?.
Confused of Medway.

Loads on eBay. Chap called daymarine sells loads and tests them. If you get one of those it will all work together.

 

[Elessar]

Axiom 7 is 1200 nits
Axiom+ 7 is 1500 nits

If you swap the e7 for an Axiom you will only get SeatalkNG data - so no chart / radar etc from your e12x displays.

I’ve no idea what I get via seatalkNG data.

All I know is my three plotters are connected by what looks like an Ethernet cable but it’s raymarine branded - I presume that’s seatalkNG? and they work together seamlessly. Radar works anywhere charts visible anywhere etc.

I thought from above that an axiom would work instead of one of them.

Now you (I think) are saying it won’t.

It isn’t broken so I’m not going to try and fix it I think is the best answer.

 

[PaulRainbow]

I’ve no idea what I get via seatalkNG data.

All I know is my three plotters are connected by what looks like an Ethernet cable but it’s raymarine branded - I presume that’s seatalkNG? and they work together seamlessly. Radar works anywhere charts visible anywhere etc.

I thought from above that an axiom would work instead of one of them.

Now you (I think) are saying it won’t.

It isn’t broken so I’m not going to try and fix it I think is the best answer.

STNG will be wind/depth/STW etc.

The "Ethernet" cable is Raymarines version of Ethernet cables, at an inflated price, called Seatalk HS, or later Raynet.

If you swap the e7 for an Axiom, the STNG data will still be available to the Axiom, but it won't share charts or the radar.

 

[[165042]]

SeatalkNG is different - it's Raymarine's version of NMEA2000.

Your e12x & e7 network via Raynet which as you say is basically ethernet.

 

[Elessar]

STNG will be wind/depth/STW etc.

The "Ethernet" cable is Raymarines version of Ethernet cables, at an inflated price, called Seatalk HS, or later Raynet.

If you swap the e7 for an Axiom, the STNG data will still be available to the Axiom, but it won't share charts or the radar.

That’s very clear thank you. As I’ve no intention of buying 3 axioms that’s that then. Also makes it clear for the OP.

 

[[165042]]

I thought from above that an axiom would work instead of one of them.

Now you (I think) are saying it won’t.

No it won't

 

[[165042]]

If you swap the e7 for an Axiom, the STNG data will still be available to the Axiom, but it won't share charts or the radar.

I already explained that and to be honest Paul you're just confusing things; first with the daft suggestion of adding a Garmin plotter and now your misunderstanding of how Raymarine autopilots work.

 

[PaulRainbow]

I already explained that and to be honest Paul you're just confusing things; first with the daft suggestion of adding a Garmin plotter and now your misunderstanding of how Raymarine autopilots work.

I made that clear way back in post #13.

FYI, the OP, in post #1 was considering a Raymarine Element or a Garmin, it would make no real difference in terms of interconnecting which he chose, also made clear in post #13.

You are mistaken about the autopilot connectivity. APs with STNG connections should be connected to the STNG backbone, but pre STNG autopilots (with the exception of very early models) can be connected to the ST-STNG converter. For instance, an s1/s2/s3 ACU can be connected to the converter, or daisy chained with other ST1 equipment, provided the controller is connected directly to the ACU.

 

[Elessar]

I already explained that and to be honest Paul you're just confusing things; first with the daft suggestion of adding a Garmin plotter and now your misunderstanding of how Raymarine autopilots work.

You clearly know about this stuff.

but remember you can’t send a communication. Communication happens only when the message has been understood.

You may have thought you’d explained it. But despite your best intentions you hadn’t got through to me!

The message you had a go at Paul for was the one I understood.

Thank you both for getting through to me in the end.

 

[[165042]]

#23

 

[[164147]]

Raymarine have made this more complicated than it needed to be really with various software versions supporting different SeaTalk data. A used converter on eBay for example may well not be able to connect to an autopilot without a software upgrade and the manual makes no mention of this. Whilst connecting legacy SeaTalk autopilots to SeaTalkng is technically possible you won't get full functionality and converters can fail or lock up causing random issues. Most people opt for the Evolution upgrade (the EV1 is a considerable improvement on the old fluxgate compass) to keep things simple. Old autopilots are still in demand so can offset the cost through selling on eBay or Raymarine are currently offering 25% trade-in off through approved dealers.

In terms of the OPs original question - neither - find a used e7 and through a Raynet cable you'll get the benefits of all existing data sources from the e125.

 

[oldgit]

Thanks to all who contributed it is appreciated .
Back to the drawing board
Which now either involves the minor problem of getting a Raynet cable up to the flybridge from the saloon or sticking to the simple but limited option of sticking with the Ipad .

 

[PaulRainbow]

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