Wiring a Garmin GPS antenna to a VHF Radio

[MOBY2]

Hi, the radio is a Standard Horizon GX 1300E and the antenna is a Garmin GA38, I am told the 2 are compatible but has anyone linked these together, there are wiring instructions for the radio side but nothing for the antenna, it looks like a coaxial cable !!!

Any advice appreciated.

 

[pvb]

The GA38 is purely a passive antenna, not a receiver. So it can't output position data to your radio.

 

[bitbaltic]

As pvb said. You need an actual GPS receiver between the two....

 

[MOBY2]

Ok thanks, was advised this is what I needed by the chandlery but obviously not... don't suppose you happen to know what is compatible don't worry if not I will call Standard Horizon tomorrow, thanks for your help do appreciate it.

 

[bitbaltic]

loads of things will be compatible- anything with a GPS receiver and an NMEA 0183 output. Small chartplotters, active/integrated aerial units, the list is endless. Sure some suggestions will be along in a minute.

 

[l'escargot]

Garmin do an active antenna that will do the job, got one connected to my SH2100. Can't remember the model number offhand though.

 

[pvb]

The Evermore SA320 is often suggested as a reasonably-priced standalone GPS receiver. It's about £70.

 

[MOBY2]

Morning, thanks for all your help, will look into it, the GA80 is on sale/return so will try and get something compatible this time, it was from Force 4 who I have to say have been with their customer service always ring me when something has arrived or when they have an answer to a question for me,
Thanks again much appreciated.

 

[ghostlymoron]

Is it a new radio? If so you could swap it and upgrade to one with built in GPS. I'm in the position of choosing a new radio as mine is not DSC. Built in GPS costs about £40 more. Trouble is, there are more tempting features which all add to the price; fog signal, ais, loudhailer, rudimentary nav system. I think I may go for a Cobra, which is cheap and has an array of features.

 

[MOBY2]

Evening, think that may well be the way I will go the cost will be about the same as the antenna, the original idea was if the radio goes wrong could just swap it for a cheap one and reconnect the antenna, may still go down this route but a radio with GPS built in does seem easier

Thanks again for the advice

 

[ghostlymoron]

Cactus seem to be quite competitive on price and have a good selection.

 

[Baddox]

When I needed a GPS input for my VHF I wired in an RS232 puck, bought cheaply from ebay. It is "a GlobalSat BR-355 SiRF Star III GPS Receiver - RS232".
Fitting was simple.
First it needed a power supply so I used a USB charger that cost abut £2 and wired into the boat's electrics
Lastly, cut the RS232 connector off to reveal the + and - power wires to connect the to the USB and connect the "Transmit" wire from the puck to the VHF.