Garmin 182c link with ST4000 Autopilot

[sailwriter]

I am just installing my Garmin 182c today. The power connection is easy but I was thinking I should connect it to my ST4000+ autopilot. Is it as straightforward as just adding the two wires on into the NMEA + and - on the St4000+? (Diagram in manual shows that)Will the Garmin talk to an AutoHelm device and give it commands or waypoints?Anyone have this setup?Thanks,Ed

 

[Steve Christensen]

Straightforward

I have that exact same set up. I installed the 182C this past winter, and just hooked up the NEMA+ to the pos of the ST4000, and hooked up the groud of each to a common bus.BUT, there is a setting in the 182C that you have to alter for the NEMA signal to be sent out. The factory default setting is no signal, and for awhile I thought I got the wiring wrong. But a few minutes playing with the settings in set up mode brought the signal alive, and now it talks to the ST4000 just fine. (Sorry I can't remember the exact setting, but it wasn't hard to figure out.)Steve Christensen

 

[Gregg]

Have the same thing...

Connect 182 NMEA output (blue wire, I think - check the book)to the ST4000 NMEA input (+).Besides the 182 red wire for power, connect the 182 ground (black wire) and a wire from the ST4000 NMEA (-) to a common ground - I used a terminal strip.Go into the 182 setup menu - you need to change the default setting from Garmin - Garmin to NMEA In, NMEA Out. That's it. If your speed/depth/AP are on the Seatalk network, you can also display SOG from the GPS on the knot meter, as well as BTW, XTE, and I think DTW on the autopilot.You need very small female quick-disconnect crimp-on connectors for the NMEA pins on the back of the ST4000. Radio Shack has them. The smallest they have is 22 ga. 3/16 inch, which will work. Ideally, I think 24 ga. 1/8 inch would be better, but RS doesn't carry them.