Connecting a DSCVHF radio to a Navman GPS

[Becky]

We have a Navman 5600 GPS plotter, which is successfully connected to our Raymarine radar, such that we get position, waypoints etc on the radar screen. But we cannot seem to get the wretched thing to talk to our Icom 601 DSC radio. I gather that others have also had problems with this particular make of GPS. So has anyone got any ideas? We have checked the NMEA codes (or what ever they are) and they seem to be correct for direct communication.
Has anyone else successfully used a Navman GPS to give out the position to a DSC radio?

 

[tome]

Becky

We have the tools to at least diagnose your NMEA problem, perhaps to fix it. I think you keep your boat Gosport but I'm in Northney and tools are in Emsworth.

I also see that Robin (based Poole) has a similiar problem. I'd be happy to help you both get to the bottom of this, but not really able to shoot around the Solent. How about we arrange a meet afloat sometime soon and I'll make sure I have the tools on board?

Cheers
Tom

 

[Robin]

Tom

I think Becky's needs are the most urgent as they are about to leave the UK for sunnier climes south, but I certainly would be glad of any help as well. We will be in Cherbourg the next bank hol weekend 27/28/29th May which might coincide with your plans??

Robin

 

[philip_stevens]

I've got a Navman 5500 plotter that talks to the Navman 7200 DSC VHF with no problems at all. It also talks to my Autohelm via the Seatalk interface, and the Yeoman plotter. The radar gets its information from another GPS - AP-Philips Mk 6 - as it would not, or could not, decipher the NMEA from the Navman.

Have you got the connection supplement that sometimes comes with the Navman Plotter??

This gives connections to the 7200 from Navman plotters, and also from other GPS talkers.

It may help you with the connections.

If you want a pdf copy, send me a PM with your email address. Anyone else who wants it, come to that.

 

[tome]

Does now, you smooth talking basket!

Yes- we've a trip planned that weekend so will divert Cherbourg and bring stuff with me. At least we'll discover the culprit so you can name and shame.

Regards
Tom

 

[Becky]

The Navman instruction book gives the NMEA details that the set can produce. These match the requirements of the Icom, as described in its instruction book. I think that we have the correct pins wired in, and the guy who helped me with this had a meter that indicated that there were bursts of data (or electrical activity, anyway) passing down the wire. He came up with the idea that they were not using compatible data strings. We also used the radar to see what data that was picking up. So I wondered if the Icom was at fault, so I pm'ed Jon Brooks who told me the correct data details, and (probably quite rightly) suggested that the Navman was the culprit. Maybe New Zealand NMEA data strings are different? Just joking.
But this is very frustrating indeed. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[silvertop]

I use a Navman 5500I with a Nasa SX35.
all works perfect.

 

[Robin]

[ QUOTE ]
I use a Navman 5500I with a Nasa SX35.
all works perfect.

[/ QUOTE ]

OK you are the guy we need to talk to !!!!!

Please tell us how you did it. Are the connections exactly as the manuals? What sentences are set 'on' on the Navman configuration?

Did you have a problem or did it work first time out of the box?

We have a 5500i as well as a 5600 and NEITHER will work our SX35 but both will work the Yeoman.

Robin

 

[Robin]

Tom

Have sent you a PM with our contact details, many thanks

Nil Carborundum illegitimum

Robin

 

[tome]

Philip

This would be very useful, thanks. Will PM you with my email.

Thanks for your help
Tom

 

[tome]

Silvertop

Have PM'd you

Tom

 

[Guest]

I have a Navman 7100 connected to a Garimn 152.

Works now, but didn't at first.
One of them, cannot remember which, has the wrong instructions in the manual, corrected by labels on the wires.

These came off when mousing the cable through.

Took a telephone call to find problem.

Wrong connection did no damage.

 

[duncan]

An interesting new development............Navman seems to have been the common element in the threads/issues here but it also has very clear documentation.
A misslabelled wire could make all the difference!

 

[Robin]

Duncan

[ QUOTE ]
A misslabelled wire could make all the difference!

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm afraid that is a red herring in this case as that problem was with connecting a Navman VHF to a Garmin GPS whereas our problems are with a Navman Plotter to a Nasa VHF. The NMEA output leads from the Navman ARE correct as per manual AND discussion with Navimo/Plastimo (Navman Distributers in the UK). The Nasa NMEA connections are 'odd' in that the NMEA negative/ground lead is RED and the +ve is brown but again that is confirmed by Nasa. Also in our case the Navman is known to be sending out a readable signal to our Yeoman, because that works with any or all of the NMEA sentences selectable that give out the Lat/Long position. Likewise we also know our Nasa CAN receive NMEA as it used to when connected to our now defunct Shipmate GPS. Our problem I think has to be either a) with how/if the ground lead(s) need to be connected or if the common power negatives will do that or b) that our Navman is speaking Chinese NMEA whilst the Nasa only understands Thai NMEA!

Robin

 

[duncan]

Shame!

I'm happy the grounds are defined clearly enough - I remain unhappy about the definition of the Nasa's expectations (and the checksum references don't really help just add a variable!)

Good luck with Julie in Cherbourg - anything can happen on a weekend over there!

 

[tome]

Just for anyone else who has this equipment.

The problem with Becky's setup was incorrect pins on the connector to the Icom DSC. The diagram is ambiguous and it would help with connector pinout diagrams if the manufacturer could indicate which face they are illustrating (front or rear). Anyway, they're chatting away like long lost friends now and I've a lovely bottle of wine to enjoy.

 

[tome]

Robin

A quick look at your setup. The white NMEA output lead from the Navman should be connected to the brown NMEA Rx+ of the NASA SX35, and the Red NMEA Rx- of the NASA needs to be grounded or else it won't work. This is because the NMEA input is usually to an opto isolator (it's designed for a 2 wire input but the Navman only provides a 1 wire output) which needs a reference. Unless the red is grounded, the input will float uselessly.

Is this how you're connected?

Just re-read earlier PM from silvertop. This is also how his system is wired

 

[duncan]

Wow - now solve Robin's and we will be really impressed!

which ICOM was this tome? The 421 (that just arrived today) has 2 seperate wires for the GPS feed so I assume it's a different model.

 

[tome]

No, this was the Icom 601 DSC which also has 2 wires for the GPS feed, and in this case the Icom NMEA -ve must be grounded if used with the Navman (or any other GPS with a single line NMEA output). The pinout in the manual is looking at the rear face of the mating connector BTW.

I haven't seen the 421 model but have to say that Becky's Icom 601 knocks the spots off any other VHF set I've seen. Very clear controls and the best display I've seen on a radio to date. Almost praying for mine to now develop a fault!

 

[Robin]

Tom

Yes that is how I had it and it doesn't work with the Nasa. Previously though the old Shipmate 5800 would only work the Nasa with the Brown -ve lead to/from the Nasa left unconnected! So presumbly even with an opto isolator the ground was made via the power lead -ves???

Sorry..

Robin