Simrad NSS8 - importing routes and waypoints

[braithra]

Hi

We are looking at at purchasing a Jeanneau 379 and as part of that Im trying to understand how best to spec the NSS8 chartplotter. I tend to think that its best positioned in the cockpit, however is there any way to interface it with PC software so that I could upload routes/waypoints and download tracks etc from the comfort of the cabin.

 

[maby]

Certainly.

All current Jeanneaus are coming pre-wired for Simrad, so you should find power and a Simnet cable in the instrument pod ready to connect to your plotter. We are in the process of kitting out our 33i and, although the layout of the 379 will be different, I think you will find something similar - the notes below apply to the 33i.

In the transom space, there is a 7 way simnet hub. A Simnet cable runs from this hub up to the instrument pod along with a 12v power cable. Another Simnet cable runs from the hub in the transom to another 7 way hub in the electrical compartment in the main cabin. From this hub, a cable runs to the Sonic Hub that was pre-installed and other Simnet cables run to the bilge for a speed/depth sensor and to the base of the mast for wind instruments.

For some reason, Jeanneau did not bother to install Simnet power or terminators at the factory - we had to install both along with the instruments. The plotter that we purchased is NMEA2000, not Simnet, so we had to buy a Simnet->Micro-C cable together with a NMEA2000 tee-piece and NMEA2000 terminator plus NMEA2000 drop cable to go to the plotter.

In order to connect to your PC, you are going to need a suitable interface. The simplest is the Simrad AT10 NMEA0183 adaptor, but you will also need to make up a serial cable to connect to the PC and unless the PC is very old, you'll need a USB-Serial adaptor. Alternatively,you could use this : http://www.blueoceanmarine.co.uk/on...ables/actisense-ngt-1-nmea2000-pc-gateway-usb

Hope this helps - send me a message if you want to discuss.

 

[Playtime]

You have covered the physical connection of the PC to the plotter using Simnet but you haven't addressed the software used in the PC and/or the sequence of commands necessary in the NSS.

Have you actually got it working yet? I'm interested as I will shortly have the same set-up.

 

[Tanqueray]

Before you decide, you need to look at 'PC Plotter' and their 'Actisense' gateways.

No connection with either company but I do have 3x NSS'S and a 24" Mac linked.

Steve

 

[Playtime]

Before you decide, you need to look at 'PC Plotter' and their 'Actisense' gateways.

No connection with either company but I do have 3x NSS'S and a 24" Mac linked.

Steve

I've already decided that the Actisense NGT-1 N2K to PC gateway is the way to go.

On the PC I'll be using OpenCPN. I've been using it for a couple of years now. It does everything I want and it's free.

I'm still curious how you actually exchange info with the NSS though.

.gpx maybe?