GPS Repeater

[JOEMORAN]

I have a Garmin 128 GPS installed at the nav table...unable to read it from the cockpit. I propose to fit a repeater (?NASA model) in the cockpit. Will this work without too much trouble or technical problems arising. How do I do it. Thank you.

 

[jfkal]

As long as the GPS and the proposed repeater have an NMEA interface (GPS usually do) there shouldn't be any problem. Beware Ratheon is using Seatalk and requires an extra NMEA-SEATALK converter which sets you back about another 100+ USD.

 

[vyv_cox]

I still use a Stowe Dataline GPS repeater in the cockpit. This is a stand-alone unit that doesn't need to be connected to the "black box" which I brought from my previous boat. It takes the output from the Garmin via two wires, plus a power source, and has been utterly reliable for something like 8 or 9 years now. So long as the repeater understands the same language as the GPS output it is a simple matter to set up.

 

[steve_cronin]

Modern Raytheon units have both NMEA & Seatalk.nm

.

 

[Guest]

Wrong.
I use a Raytheon ST60 Multi as a repeater for a Magellan Meridian GPS. It has an NMEA input as well as seatalk. It works fine, even when not connected to any other seatalk instrument. The Multi also converts GPS data to Seatalk, so you don't need an NMEA-Seatalk converter.
Now, I use the Multi with several other Seatalk devices (Log, Depth, Radar, Chart plotter), but I started with just the Multi connected to the GPS.

Disadvantage of the Raytheon is that it only provides one item (SOG or COG or XTE) at a time, not four, like the NASA unit.

Disadvantage of the NASA is of course the small numbers and the fact that the XTE has a resolution of 0.1 nm (about 180m). I think XTE is not very useful most of the time, but IF you need it, it has to be very accurate.

Silva has a GPS repeater that looks like the NASA, but has a XTE resolution of 0.01 nm and some other features

Jaap Kos

 

[Twister_Ken]

I know Garmin handhelds do something not quite kosher with NMEA protocols, like using the ground wire as NMEA-in, or something. Don't know if this is the same with the 128. But if this does cause a problem Garmin helpdesk is quite happy to talk you through it. I had a problem connecting a G48 to my DSC controller, but once they'd explained what to do it was no problem.

 

[Bergman]

I have exactly that combination on my boat.

I fitted the repeater about a month ago. Just followed the instructions and it worked first time. All you need to do is correctly identify the wires coming out of the Garmin. They are all colour coded and the handbook gives the information.

I have found it very useful too, saves a lot of running back and forth from cockpit to chart table.

 

[bryantee]

Just fitted a Nasa Clipper gps repeater.hooked up to a garmin GPS 12.
used a garmin 12v adapterc/w RS232 plug(PC download connector)Pt No 010-10164-00 so easy to read now and the GPS is in the dry.Trying to hook up to a shipmate RS5700 not so easy. only bare wires out at the moment