adding new chartplotter to nexus nx2 system

[CMF Hunter 27]

Feel like I have a part time job googling about adding a new raymarine axiom 9 chartplotter to an existing nexus nx2 server/multicontroller with wind/depth speed, instruments. I am going to come out and say I don't really know much about these electronics. This is a new used boat to me but it seems to have a functioning nx2 system providing wind depth speed ectera. I am also cheap.

I read alot about converting RS422 NMEA 0183 signals from the NX2 to the NMEA 2000 standard. I read about GND box which seems to only be for Garmin. I see on nx2 server module it has an NMEA 0183 output. To be honest, It's really all over my head.

I did an AI searches and it's basically saying I can add a new RMaxiom 9 chartplotter but it seems much more difficult when I read multiple forums.

Do I only need a Ray Marine Seatalk NG converter connected 0183 output or should I just save up and buy a new raymarine windpack and transducer in the spring instead of trying to cobble a system together. Like previously I stated I am trying to save some money that I don't necessarily have.
Has anyone connected an axiom chartplotter to an older nx2 system?

Thank you.
chris

 

[jssailem]

Boat electronics are a field of their own. Many old sailors choose a simple approach - minimize the gadgets and maximize the sailing - spend money on sails. Others want to spend cruising/sailing money on the electronics that will provide them all the digital information like their cars.

The challenge is electronics manufactures from the 80’s have been gobbled up by one of the biggies (i.e. Garmin) or just shut their doors. Your NX2 system was unique in 2000. Bought by Garmin in 2010. Now, no longer manufactured and parts are beyond rare to find.

Additionally even though NMEA 2000 and 0183 were identified as standards the makers of boat electronics introduced their own proprietary elements just enough to drive boat owners to drink before the sun goes over the yardarm.

Your predicament is you have an aged system (20 plus years) with still functioning parts that may continue to function or may crap out tomorrow. Think about it as one of the second generation Apple or PC units running 2010 operating systems.

It is a catch 22 problem. I would recommend you settle on a system and focus all acquisitions towards that system. This would lead me to suggest you look at a Garmin compatible monitor for your NX2 system.

Your NX2 controller says it has a PC connection, plus Bluetooth. Why not look at using a personal computer (i.e. laptop) that you own as your plotter. At least until you can afford the Garmin Based plotter or which ever system you decide serves your long term interest.

It is a fact of life that what ever electronics you buy will be said to be obsolete 9 months after you install it. This is marketing not fact.

 

[dlochner]

Whether you can connect the old NX2 system to a modern chart plotter or multifunction display depends on how Nexus implemented 0183 and what version of 0183 was used. Very early versions of 0183 are not fully compatible with later versions and are not easily converted to NMEA 2000. I ran into this problem when I wanted to upgrade my B&G system.

While it is nice to have wind, speed, and depth displayed on a Chartplotter, it is not necessary. Assuming the NX2 displays are working, use them. Eventually they will fail and then you can upgrade to newer sensors and displays and connect them to the chart plotter.

 

[marcham]

Axiom 9 is ST NG (Seatalk NG) (aka NMEA 2000, but with different connectors). Double check the manual, the Axiom may actually have an NMEA2000 plug at the back. Nexus is NMEA0183.

You need something that bridges NMEA 2000 to/from NMEA0183

Depending on your network config, you may or may not need a NMEA0183 multiplexer... Our Products

If it was me, I'd scrap the 25 year old gear and get a NMEA2000 depth/speed/temp transducer and a new mast wind instrument (N2K as well, or an analogue one with an N2K adapter at the base of the mast).

Cabling is much simpler on STNG/N2K and less prone to issues. The raymarine STNG backbone cables are easy to pull through tight spaces as they have a smaller diameter than NMEA2000 cables. The NMEA0183 wiring is usually fragile given the number of connections, it's easy for a piece of equipment to drop out.

Another option is using the Raymarine N2K to NMEA0183 converter (not the one for VHF radios, this one: A80721). It's pricey. You'd get better value out of the Actisense converter. From there, the nmea0183 wires would go to our existing multiplexer ? We'd really have to see a detailed wiring schematic of your boat's network to provide more precise guidance.

I'd stay away from the Raymarine instrument package that includes the ITC 5 (wind/depth/speed/itc5/i70s)....The ITC 5 is fine if you want to connect your old raymarine sensors to a new STNG network, but if you're replacing 25-30 year old transducers, better stick with N2K. The N2K depth transducers are calibrated via bluetooth .... kind of neat.

Do you have and use an autopilot? If, so, having wind direction and speed integrated is important for sailing upwind and holding a steady relative course.

Wireless is another option on boats under 35'. Makes wiring much simpler (just get power to the device).

Not everything crosses over between N2K and 0183. Some sentences get converted / split or joined with others, some get dropped, some just don't exist on the other side... study well before committing to avoid disapointment.

Call Raymarine (don't email). Their senior customer support advisers can walk you through the high level concepts and components, BUT you'll still need a very detailed schematic of how YOUR boat is wired for NMEA0183 before you start buying equipment.