Garmin 120XL to Simrad RD68 - NMEA interfacing

[Marlin]

Hi All,

We have a Simrad RD68 DSC VHF radio and a second hand Garmin 120XL and are trying to get them to communicate to facilitate DSC distress call with GPS co-ords if ever required. I've had a few goes at this and have verified the wiring is as per the manuals' instructions several times. The Garmin gives various communication protocol options, whereas the Simrad appears to simply be constantly 'listening' for a signal without needing to be told to do so. I have tried every combination of NMEA settings on the Garmin and never get coords on the Simrad. The seller of the Garmin assured me he had it working with his DSC radio, but I don't know that our radio has ever been interfaced with a GPS. Anyone experienced a similar problem or have any advice? Is there some hidden setting in the Simrad to tell it to expect an NMEA signal? Visiting the boat tomorrow and would like to get it sorted at last.

 

[pvb]

The Garmin should be set to "None/NMEA", 4800baud.

Have you inputted your MMSI number into the radio? If not, I doubt that it will display position data.

 

[Marlin]

Thanks. Yes it has the MMSI number.

 

[pvb]

Thanks. Yes it has the MMSI number.

And you've connected the Simrad's red NMEA wire to the Garmin's blue wire, and the Simrad's blue NMEA wire to the Garmin's black wire? Is the Garmin set for NMEA0183 version 2.0?

 

[Marlin]

And you've connected the Simrad's red NMEA wire to the Garmin's blue wire, and the Simrad's blue NMEA wire to the Garmin's black wire? Is the Garmin set for NMEA0183 version 2.0?

Yes, I think so (can't remember the colours clearly, but followed the guidance in each manual). I will double check tomorrow and have made a note of your colour combinations - thanks.

 

[Marlin]

Well I was totally wrong on the colours. Thanks to your instructions PVB it worked first time this weekend. Many thanks.