How many NMEA readers?

[Sans Bateau]

How many NMEA readers can I attach to my Garmin 152?

I want:
1 DSC
2 Yeoman
3 Radar
4 AIS

Any problems?

 

[captainslarty]

You should be ok with that.
Only way to tell is try it..

the number of listeners depends on the output of the talker and the input levels of the listeners.

go for it.

 

[Georgio]

I believe that in the NMEA specifications it does state that 4 is the maximum. Any more than this and you may need some sort of powered multiplexor.

Hope this helps.

 

[captainslarty]

Hi Georgio, it all depends, as said, on the output capability of the talker, and then the input capabilities of the listners, and IF the device fully conforms to spec or not, use of opto isolators etc.. simple way is to try it, I have had 6 on one talker no worries, a different talker could only drive 3. Other cases are where a listener is taking more load than it should which affects the whole system.. also, keep cabling as short as possible allowing enough for servicing.

Joe

 

[Sans Bateau]

As Joe says, I'm giving it a try. I could if need be use a second GPS (which I have) if I had to but would rather not. The AIS, DSC and Yeoman only need to read position info. The radar (I think) will want SOG, COG as well as Position.

 

[fireball]

It doesn't matter what the others need to read ... they'll all get the same sentence if you connect them to the output on the 152 ... I think you'll find the 152 is quite capable of the output - ours outputs to VHF, AIS and PC with no problem at all ...

It will depend on the sensitivity of the receiver too ...