Interfacing Lowrance VHF and Garmin GPS

[Ken Cross]

Question for the brain trust:
I have a Lowrance LVR250 VHF radio and I'm considering purchasing a Garmin 441S
My question:
The VHF has a 4800 baud NMEA 0183 interface for GPS
The GPSMAP 421 has a NMEA 0183 output

Are they really compatible and where can I get an interface cable?
The VHF has a small round 8 pin connector. I got nowhere on their website and it's a current model.

 

[RAD]

Here's the link for the vhf manual and on page 11 is the answer
http://www.lowrance.com/upload/Lowrance/Documents/Manuals/LVR-250_158-051_032808.pdf

you don't need a special cable just some small gauge wire to go from the radio to the GPS

 

[Ken Cross]

On the back of the radio is a pigtail with the connector shown on page 11.
I didn't want to alter the radio by cutting the connector off if I could get one to mate with it.
Item 4 on page 7 is the interface cable I was referring to. I can't seem to locate one.

 

[BarryL]

Hello,

The GPS connection cable should have been in the box (at least that is what the manual states). If you lost it or threw it away I would contact Lowrance and ask them to send you one. If they won't then cut off the connector and make your own.

Good luck,
Barry

 

[RAD]

I'd cut it.....just did this on a Standard Horizon radio from EBay missing the same type of plug you only need two wires and then I installed the wires onto a small terminal block for ease of installation

 

[Ken Cross]

Thanks everyone. I'll go check my junk boxes for the cable or contact Lowrance.