Raymarine ST60 Graphic NMEA input?

[nigelmercier]

I thought I should start a new thread about this. I've been testing an ST60 Graphic with NMEA data from my Matsutec HP-33A. It seemed to decode the COG, but nothing else.

... the NMEA input isn't getting fully decoded... I want to test it with another NMEA source...

So I bought a Lowrance iFinder GO2 and used it an an NMEA source ...

And now the ST60 Graphic is happy. Weird!

My main worry is why the ST60G would not decode the NMEA from the HP-33A. The HP-33A gives choice of NMEA 2.1 or 2.3, and the output was received fine by my RS-232 USB adaptor. I've since tested with the GO2 via a level control, and the ST60G is happy down to a 3V peak-peak signal. I'm at a loss as to the nature of the problem.

 

[Jungle Jim]

I'm a bit new to this so might be talking rubbish but googling the product as it is shipped over from China

http://www.chinacomputerparts.com/p...-sbas-navigator-with-4-3-inch-lcd-screen.html

states that it supports NMEA 0183 ver 2.0. ST60 accepts 2.1 or 2.3. Is there an incompatibility there?

 

[nigelmercier]

[HP-33A] supports NMEA 0183 ver 2.0. ST60 accepts 2.1 or 2.3...

The HP-33A has options of NMEA 2.1 & 2.3 on a menu. Where did you get what the ST60G supports?

 

[Jungle Jim]

Ah yes, sorry, ignore me, I got myself confused from the sales blurb for the HP-33A saying NMEA 2.0. I then misread the 2.1 or 2.3 as being applicable to the ST60.

 

[earlybird]

A couple of points that might help. I bought an ST60 Graphic when they first came out, about 10 years ago. It was so buggy that it went back several times in the next few years for software updates. I seriously wondered if Raymarine had actually ever fitted a prototype to a boat! It eventually seemed to work OK and I used the NMEA output to feed my Furuno radar. I then fitted an ST4000 Tillerpilot, and some of the NMEA conversion "disappeared". Raymarine couldn't say why, and I had to fit a NMEA bridge.
Moral:- make sure you at least have the latest software, and even then, don't hold your breath.

 

[nigelmercier]

... Moral:- make sure you at least have the latest software, and even then, don't hold your breath.

I would love to have the latest firmware, but Raymarine charge to update it. There is what looks like a programming port inside the device, but without details and the firmware file it's a non-starter.

 

[johnalison]

In case anyone is totally put off by the possibility of problems, I slotted my Graphic Repeater in to replace a Multi and it has worked without a hitch for about ten years, though it only has to talk to Raymarine instruments.

 

[earlybird]

In case anyone is totally put off by the possibility of problems, I slotted my Graphic Repeater in to replace a Multi and it has worked without a hitch for about ten years, though it only has to talk to Raymarine instruments.

To be fair, my Graphic now works well, apart from the NMEA decoding hitch. Raymarine did provide all the updates FOC apart from my postage costs and extended the warranty.
They also gave a good discount on the NMEA bridge, to deal with the problem, although, ideally, It shouldn't have been required in the first place.

 

[Teddy]

I've got a ST60+ repeater fitted to my boat. It works absolutely fine, BUT 2 or 3 times a year it "crashes" and all my programming of favorites and settings disappear. Pain or what? Raymarine were very good in that they replaced the circuit board initially, then after several repeats they gave me a new unit. It still crashes!! They blame "spikes" on the supply line, but it only occurs on start up, and that's on a stable voltage domestic battery. If "spikes" can easily upset it, then surely they should fit some internal smoothing to stop this happening.

Has anybody else come across this problem?