Speed and depth instruments - speak same language?

[MM5AHO]

I have a Bidata (Raymarine) display showing depth and speed from hull mounted instruments.
The display is faulty and intermittently looses function - buttons unresponsive.

Do these types of instruments all speak the same language? Could I connect say a Nasa or some other display and have it work?

 

[ghostlymoron]

As far as i know, NASA have no communication capability. They're purely standalone. Most others speak nmea 0183 or 2000. Raymarine speak Seatalk.

 

[rob2]

The simple answer is no, I'm afraid. Nasa still use the old standard of 150Hz depth transducer, whil;st Raymarine and many others use 200Hz. It may be that the paddle wheel could be used, but you'd have to check the data for the head and the Nasa instrument. Most transducers are actually manufactured by Airmar and you can check their website for compatibility - although Nasa seem to make their own.

There's more physical work involved in fitting new transducers as well as the head(s) but when changing brands, you'll quite likely get a better price for the whole kit than just the heads anyway. If you want minimal work, then in your situation I'd be looking for a replacement bi-data.

Rob.