Furuno GPS, repeaters and software

[Beagle]

Anyone ever connected a repeater on a Furuno GP31/32 GPS? I haven't got a clue if it's wise to do so, perhaps a better option is to invest in an additional hand-held set. What kind of options are there for a repeater?

Furthermore, a nice piece of freeware I found for up- and downloading waypoints and routes to these Furunos. Very handy if you sell your boat, including your GPS set and transferring data to a newly obtained piece of toy... It's <font color=blue><A target="_blank" HREF=http://members.rott.chello.nl/cbeekhuizen/index1.html>here</A></font color=blue>. (no, I didn't write it and I'm not getting any money from them either...)

Rene. /forums/images/icons/wink.gif I love those tags... if they're correct /forums/images/icons/shocked.gif

<hr width=100% size=1>Never under estimate the strength of human stupidity

 

[sailorman]

i have just installed the GP32 to replace a GP50.
from memory u connect the blue & white tho the repeater, full instructions regarding the furuno should be supplied with the set. u should be able to deduce what the connections on the re[eater do i.e power/ lighting ect.
i think the nema wires on the repeater are possibly yellow + green & blue + white.
BUT THERE AGAIN I CAN WRECK ELECTRONICS QUICKER THAN MOST

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[Beagle]

Thanks Sailorman!

However, the question was not aimed at the connections (got all the schematics and connection to my laptop), it's more like.. what kind of repeater will work? I understand that you connected the NMEA output to the repeater. Are you able to select information (by scrolling for instance) on your repeater like SOG, VOG, XTE, position etc? What kinda price am I looking at for such a repeater???

Rene

<hr width=100% size=1>Never under estimate the strength of human stupidity

 

[sailorman]

£106 @ MAILSPEED page 31.
Silva Nav Repeater
www.mailspeedmarine.com.
i forgot that the "clever "furuno has the wiring diagramme installed in the menu

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[duncan]

don't you have any other equipement already on the other station? later Navtex unit? Radar? Sonar/plotter? Either would act as a repeater for your position and probably show waypoints as well.

<hr width=100% size=1>madesco madidum ..../forums/images/icons/smile.gif

 

[Safran]

I have a Furuno GP32 driving a NASA repeater with no problems - standard connections as per manual.

There is a small oddity in that the Furuno only transmits the NMEA sentence that the NASA repeater uses to get speed and course when a waypoint has been set - unless this is done the repeater will only show position. More a Furuno issue than a NASA - do not know if the Silva repeater uses a different sentence.

The Furuno GPS software you mention uploads and downloads waypoint lists OK but I have been unable to get it to import routes. GPSU (www.gpsu.co.uk) does handle routes as well but is not so intuitive. The other problem with the Furuno GPS software is that I have found no way to import or export waypoint lists to other file formats, eg txt or csv, and have been unable to decode its internal structure - means having to enter waypoints via the Furuno rather than a PC keyboard. GPSU exports to a variety of formats and has an associated format translator.

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[Koeketiene]

Same setup, same experience.

Have to enter all WP into the GPS, upload from PC never quite makes it. OTOH gets WP from Furuno chartplotter or radar without problems.

<hr width=100% size=1>Experience is a good teacher, but she sends in terrific bills.

 

[Beagle]

Thanks for the information, it is good to hear that a repeater connection is possible. Furthermore, I had a quick look at the GPSU software and I think it outstands to software I was using. The fact that it support more brands is an important issue since I may be using other types (and handhelds) on other boats as well. Will test it within the next 2-3 weeks.

Once again the usefullness of this forum is proven!

Rene

<hr width=100% size=1>Never under estimate the strength of human stupidity