Need help connecting EMEA GPS to Seatalk interface box

[nigelmercier]

I'm pretty sure it's designed to accept NMEA data onto the Seatalk bus, otherwise what would be the point of the NMEA IN port?

Indeed, I'm sure you are correct. It hadn't occurred to me that putting NMEA on the SeaTalk bus would be useful, but if it will override my log it would be a bonus.

 

[prv]

Indeed, I'm sure you are correct. It hadn't occurred to me that putting NMEA on the SeaTalk bus would be useful, but if it will override my log it would be a bonus.

So do you not currently have any GPS data on your Seatalk? I'm sure there are a lot of functions that will be disabled in that case.

Pete

 

[nigelmercier]

So do you not currently have any GPS data on your Seatalk? I'm sure there are a lot of functions that will be disabled in that case.

My SeaTalk data consists of depth, temperature, and wind. It would include the log if I refitted the transducer, but there is no point as it is wildly inaccurate. The SeaTalk instruments talk to each other, and to my PC chart plotter via the above interface box.

 

[Gypsy]

I see that you have got your SA-320 working but I want to add a twist which may help you later or others when setting up the GPS.

I too installed an SA-320 into my Raymarine system, in my case to replace a Raystar 112 Seatalk GPS which failed.

I purchased the RS232 SA320 NMEA out and wired it to my E85001 converter as you did - I also had difficulties with the contradictory information about wire colours and signals - BUT - I found correct information on the card in the back of the package.
The part that I think has been overlooked by all comments so far is that the SA320 RS232 (and RS422) GPS units allow a 2 way data exchange. Not just data out, but data in to the GPS for setting a Cold Restart and for Selecting the desired NMEA messages and even baud rate. Mine came with a small 8cm CD with a program to allow a PC to 'talk' to the GPS to make the changes. Once changed they are kept in non-volatile memory.

I believe the correct wiring is:
Red - VCC (9-34V power in +ve)
Green - RS232 Tx data (GPS output data)
White - RS232 Rx data (data input to GPS)
Black - Power ground
Black Shield - Signal ground (RS232 -ve for both Tx and Rx.

My guess is that the GPS data in (white wire) is effectively grounded with the hookup you have made, but it won't do it any harm. However, if you ever have need to do a cold start or want to change any of the parameters with an external PC, you would need to use the white wire for data sent to the GPS.

I hope I have not added confusion to the subject.

 

[Andrew G]

Not wishing to hijack the thread (too much) has anyone experienced an issue similar to the following?
I am having a problem with my GPS’ NMEA (NMEA In) into an E85001 and then SeaTalk (ST out) onto the ST bus. (The 12V is from the ST bus). About once an hour (or less frequently) I get a brief “No Fix” alarm even when there are plenty of satellites (I have been logging the NMEA via HyperTerminal and can “read” the sentences).
I suspect there is an issue on the ST bus as I can’t replicate it at home (ie E85001, chartplotter with ST, and GPS). On the boat ST has depth, wind, temperature, fluxgate compass and, when active, Autopilot data – but it also happens with/without AP on).
Any suggestions? Andrew (if this gets too involved I will start a new thread)

 

[nigelmercier]

I am having a problem with my GPS’ NMEA (NMEA In) into an E85001 and then SeaTalk (ST out) onto the ST bus. (The 12V is from the ST bus). About once an hour (or less frequently) I get a brief “No Fix” alarm even when there are plenty of satellites (I have been logging the NMEA via HyperTerminal and can “read” the sentences)...

I've been considering why I didn't connect the NMEA data into my E85001 interface, and came to the conclusion that at the time I was concerned that the NMEA could overwhelm the SeaTalk bus with too much data. This could be your problem.

 

[Bru]

Not wishing to hijack the thread (too much) has anyone experienced an issue similar to the following?
I am having a problem with my GPS’ NMEA (NMEA In) into an E85001 and then SeaTalk (ST out) onto the ST bus. (The 12V is from the ST bus). About once an hour (or less frequently) I get a brief “No Fix” alarm even when there are plenty of satellites (I have been logging the NMEA via HyperTerminal and can “read” the sentences).
I suspect there is an issue on the ST bus as I can’t replicate it at home (ie E85001, chartplotter with ST, and GPS). On the boat ST has depth, wind, temperature, fluxgate compass and, when active, Autopilot data – but it also happens with/without AP on).
Any suggestions? Andrew (if this gets too involved I will start a new thread)

OK, some confusion arising here

Do you mean NMEA IN or NMEA OUT connected to the E85001 and thence to the Seatalk bus? In plain English (ish!) is the GPS sending to the bus or receiving from the bus (or both)?

Is the alarm on the GPS or on a device connected to the Seatalk bus?

IF it's on the GPS does it happen if you disconnect the GPS from the E85001? (May seem an obvious one but might have been overlooked!)

With a bit more detail hopefully we can figure out what's going on

 

[Andrew G]

Hi - I have started a new thread to discuss my "No Fix" issue:


http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthrea...-Raymarine-Chartplotter&p=4722899#post4722899

Cheers, Andrew