'split' gps aerial

[Boomshanka]

\'split\' gps aerial

I want to install a chartplotter alongside an old raymarine raynav gps, is it possible to split the existing gps 'mushroom' aerial cable to feed both bits of kit or do they both need an independent aerial? I don't want to risk putting an 'internal' aerial version down below (even though it worked on a previous boat). Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[noelex]

Re: \'split\' gps aerial

What model Raynav gps and chartplotter ?
The Raynav 300 and raychart 320 have a passive antennae.
You need to connect the NMEA output from the raynav to the NMEA input of the chartplotter. You cannot split the antenae output.
If you have a Raymarine active gps ( Raymarine 125) it outputs NMEA and you can split the output.

 

[PuffTheMagicDragon]

Re: \'split\' gps aerial

You might wish to check out a Yahoo group that is dedicated to GPS. Any problems that I had with GPS were soon solved through it.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gps-navigator/

 

[Refueler]

Re: \'split\' gps aerial

[ QUOTE ]
You might wish to check out a Yahoo group that is dedicated to GPS. Any problems that I had with GPS were soon solved through it.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gps-navigator/

[/ QUOTE ]

The group was set up to cater for all levels of GPS user - for getting the most out of our gear. Whether nivice fitting their first or the most experienced ...

As to the original question - best is to feed of NMEA from the GPS data machine to the plotter. But note that NMEA is not all same. Some machines use later versions that have extra odd characters in sentences. But try it - it's only a matter of a few connections and couple of plugs.

It's worth saying exactly which GPS Antena .... data display and Plotter - that way more detailed help can be offered.

 

[lw395]

Re: \'split\' gps aerial

It is possible to split the gps antenna RF output, but it requires attention to the dc feed from one receiver, isolating the other.
This is because GPS aerials have a preamp in them powered by the receiver. Usually 5V up the co-ax.
Also the frequency is quite high so a suitable splitter won't be that cheap.
Probably a much better idea to fit a second antenna, then you have redundancy.
Alternatively run one device with nmea data from the other, as others have suggested.

 

[Boomshanka]

Re: \'split\' gps aerial

Many thanks for your replies. I hadn't thought to run the NMEA from the Raynav to the chartplotter. I think that's what I'll do for starters.

 

[Refueler]

Re: \'split\' gps aerial

As I and others already replied earlier ... it is the easiest way

 

[Evadne]

Re: \'split\' gps aerial

Worth adding that not all gps antennae are active, some are passive.
Also not all are 5V, there are 3.3V ones which would not like 5V.