Multiplexers - Advice please!

[Wandering Star]

Now, for the second part of my education!

I have a Raymarine C70 Chartplotter just serviced by Raymarine with latest software installed.

If I use non-Seatalk GPS and AIS devices both outputting NMEA I understand I need to use a multiplexer - is that correct? I also plan to input the Seatalk information from my Raymarine ST60+ instruments which presumably is just a straightforward single cable plug in to the back of the chartplotter?

So the fact I have Seatalk going in on one cable and NMEA going in on another cable won't cause conflict?

Apart from above advice, does anyone have suggestions/recommendations for a suitable multiplexer and also for a AIS receiver bearing in mind cost and ruggedness of installation? Any pitfalls I need to be aware of, or is it a very simple and straightforward installation process?

Thanks in advance.

Cheers, Brian.

 

[Playtime]

Now, for the second part of my education!

I have a Raymarine C70 Chartplotter just serviced by Raymarine with latest software installed.

If I use non-Seatalk GPS and AIS devices both outputting NMEA I understand I need to use a multiplexer - is that correct? I also plan to input the Seatalk information from my Raymarine ST60+ instruments which presumably is just a straightforward single cable plug in to the back of the chartplotter? Yes

So the fact I have Seatalk going in on one cable and NMEA going in on another cable won't cause conflict? No, so long as there is no 'loop' i.e. data coming in, then same data going out and then back in again via one of the other pieces of kit. If that happens you will overload the input with too many messages.

Apart from above advice, does anyone have suggestions/recommendations for a suitable multiplexer and also for a AIS receiver bearing in mind cost and ruggedness of installation? Any pitfalls I need to be aware of, or is it a very simple and straightforward installation process? Try these people for a suitable Mux. For AIS I use the cheapo NASA unit. The fact that it is single channel makes little difference in the 'real' world when ships are detected 12 miles or more away.

Thanks in advance.

Cheers, Brian.

See answers in Red above.

 

[aluijten]

A multiplexer is not always required. If you buy a AIS class B transceiver, many models accept a NMEA GPS signal @ 4800 Baud from almost any GPS that is capable of NMEA outputting and combining this data with the actual AIS output @ 38400 Baud. That would save a multiplexer. There are also AIS transceivers that have the GPS build in or are supplied with a GPS receiver.

 

[pvb]

If I use non-Seatalk GPS and AIS devices both outputting NMEA I understand I need to use a multiplexer - is that correct?

No. You can buy AIS receivers which have a GPS input and which combine the GPS data with the AIS data and output both to your plotter. You don't have to buy a tranceiver, just an ordinary AIS receiver.

 

[Wandering Star]

No. You can buy AIS receivers which have a GPS input and which combine the GPS data with the AIS data and output both to your plotter. You don't have to buy a tranceiver, just an ordinary AIS receiver.

Thanks for all the replies, I now have a much clearer idea of what I need to do!

Cheers, Brian.

 

[Bosun Higgs]

If I use non-Seatalk GPS and AIS devices both outputting NMEA I understand I need to use a multiplexer - is that correct?.

Yes. The Raymarine wont accept inputs of NMEA at normal speed plus the NMEA from the AIS which is much faster. You have to have a gadget to combine the two. You might well be able to find an AIS receiver that takes a direct GPS input and outputs the combined signal at the higher speed in which case it is multiplexing for you.

Best talk to MES who are good at this sort of thing and wont bull**** you