Chart plotter and gps repeater problem

[fraserheaslip]

I wonder can anyone help? I have a Navman 5505 chartplotter and a Nasa Marine Clipper GPS Repeater, both new. When following a Route with several waypoints my plotter works perfectly, displaying all the data I need. As I travel the route the waypoints are reached and the data for the next waypoint appears, as you would expect.

However, and this is my problem, my cockpit repeater displays all the data I need for the 1st waypoint perfectly(SOG, Track, Bearing, Distance to Waypoint and Roadway display), but upon reaching this 1st waypoint the repeater then defaults to simply showing SOG and Track and will show no further waypint data for that route. It is only showing waypoint data for the 1st waypoint of any route.

I have tried many different routes and waypoints. I have ensured I am using the plotter is sending the correct NMEA strings to the repeater (RMB, RMC & GSA). I have spoken to both Navman and NasaMarine, each says their own device is working perfectly and the fault lies with the other unit. Both units support NMEA 0183 v2 at 4800 baud. I have double checked my wiring. I have gone through the plotters settings in detail and cannot see (with relatively limited technical knowledge) what may be incorrect. I realise the Clipper may be perceived to be a budget unit, but it has an excellent display with lots of information which suits my needs perfectly, and should "talk" without issue to the Navman via NMEA.

If anyone can offer some advice or suggestions it would be much appreciated.

 

[Danny]

It'll be the RMB sentence where the misunderstanding between the instruments is happening. This is the sentence containing the information about the next waypoint, etc. The problem is I don't see how you're going to resolve this without using a protocol analyser or connecting a PC to the NMEA interface.

Any chance you could attach a laptop (with a serial port) to the interface? If so there's several of us can tell you how to use it to check the data.

Presumably the repeater works fine if you just tell the Navman to go to each waypoint in turn rather than follow a route?

 

[fraserheaslip]

Many thanks Danny. I certainly can get my laptop to connect, any quick suggestions as to best/fastest way to do this?

 

[ShaunG]

Fraser,

you need a RS232 plug ( from maplins), connect NMEA ground to pin 5, NMEA out to Pin 3, and NMEA in to pin 2. You can then use an inbuilt windows program, Hyperterminal to establish a connection at 4800 Baud, 8/n/1 to view the data that is being output from the GPS. Copy and paste the data and send to one of us and we should be able to tell you what is wrong. The connection to the PC should be in place of the NASA repeater

 

[Danny]

All Programs - Accessories - Communications - HyperTerminal gets to it on my XP PC (can't find it on Vista PC!).

Another facility you might want to try is the free (for 14 days) version of Franson GpsGate .

BTW Shaun, I'm getting a timeout from your website link! Is it OK?

 

[ShaunG]

Thanks danny, flaming hosting service has lost the server again!!! 3rd time this month.

Hyperterminal has been removed from Vista, you can copy the hypertrm.dll and hypertrm.exe from XP and put them on a vista machine, or use a program sucha s Putty (my favourite)

 

[fraserheaslip]

Many thanks both, very much appreciated! Connected this evening and have saved 2 types of files.

1 is a .text file showing scripts with a) boat stationary, b) boat heading towards waypoint 1 of route (displaying all relevant data on repeater) and c) boat heading towards waypoint 2 of same route (but showing no relevant data on repeater).

2nd type of files are 3 hyperterminal files showing data for each of the 3 scenarios above.

Which is the best file type of most use to share with you and what is the best way to allow you to see it?
I am reluctant to paste in the text files in case it creates too large a post. Perhaps more regular forum users could advise best etiquette.


fraser

 

[Danny]

I'll PM you my email address. The text version would be handiest for me.

 

[Danny]

Ah! can't do that. You're not accepting PMs.
Can you send it to the email address on my website. It's at the bottom of the home page.

 

[fraserheaslip]

Hi Danny

PM preference sorted. File emailed to you now, many thanks!

Fraser