Maxsea and other NMEA data

[demonboy]

So I've got my GPS sending signals to Maxsea all ok, but now I'm being greedy: I'd like to send other NMEA sentences to it as well. I have a B&G CND plotter which has it's own display of depth, wind etc but there is no OUT socket in the back of the plotter.

Any tricks of getting Maxsea to pick up the B&G NMEA sentences via my 232 serial pin? Can I add another wire to the IN connector on the serial pin, or is that too obvious and simple?

Thanks in advance.

 

[pau1gray]

[ QUOTE ]
Can I add another wire to the IN connector on the serial pin, or is that too obvious and simple?


[/ QUOTE ]

Oh if life was that easy it would be great - if you add the two inputs onto one pin they will not work together - you would need some sort of multiplexor to add the two data feeds together - even if they are at the same baud rate

 

[demonboy]

Er, multiplexor.....wassat then?

 

[alan]

Have a look at www.jgtech.co.uk they have multiplexors on their web site. What it does is combine a number of input data streams (e.g. NMEA) into one output stream.
For example:
"NDC-2 The Actisense™ NMEA Data Combiner / Multiplexer allows connection of up to four NMEA (National Marine Electronics Association) inputs to be multiplexed / combined in to one NMEA output. IP66 case
4 NMEA 0183 data inputs, NMEA and RS232 outputs
NMEA 2000 port converts from NMEA 0183
Configurable Inclusion List & Port Baud rates
Fully future proof with flash upgradable
Raymarine approved. "

Note this one allows the configuration of different baud rates on the ports ..... not all do!!


Alan.

 

[demonboy]

Good stuff, Alan. Thanks for that link. On the case.....

 

[Guest]

Basically you can umpteen listeners fed from one talker ... ie - GPS feeding VHF DSC, PC, GPS repeater etc.

BUT you cannot have 2 talkers - ie two GPS on one cable - the sentences collide and get garbled .. so you need a box of tricks called a Multiplexor ... which in simple terms swaps between then in sequence ... bit like your computer does with multiple running programs.

Many people confuse though the Multiplexor thinking it adds more possible connections for listeners - not so ... it is purely a Talker control box.

Simple way to make it possible for two GPs or talkers to work into listeners ... fit a switch in the feed that changes the signal and ground connections from one talker to other as you want ... less than a quid in local electrical emporium.