Interfacing Raymarine SeaTalk to NMEA

[prroots]

Our new-to-us 2001 Beneteau 411 came with Raymarine instruments. The ST60 Multi unit located at Nav station has an unused NMEA input and output. Has anyone interfaced to this? At this point, we have replaced the original chartplotter with a Garmin 441s and now send navigation data (via NMEA 0183) to the Raymarine network from the 441s. The problem is that, so far, we have been unable to read data from the Raymarine network such as depth, rudder angle, etc back iinto 441s. Has anyone successfully interfaced SeaTalk to NMEA 0183 and if so, what were the tricks?
Pete

 

[Gunni]

We did this with Navico gear replacing Raymarine so it isn't the exact same configuration. As I remember the tech took the NMEA 0183 instrument and AP signal direct to the newer system via a NEMA 2000 hub. The older Raymarine chartplotter became a chartplotter only, no depth, boat speed, AP instrument control interface. Instrument signals could not pass through the Raymarine chartplotter and then repeat to the Navico system.

 

[Paul Mermelstein]

Raymarine sells an interface box. Here is a quote from the user manual:

The PC/SeaTalk/NMEA Interface, by providing conversion between SeaTalk, RayTech PC and NMEA 0183 data formats, allows operation with other manufacturer's equipment and with PCs.
The PC/SeaTalk/NMEA Interface provides:
• Connection of SeaTalk to a PC running RayTech
• Conversion of NMEA 0183 data format to SeaTalk
• Conversion of SeaTalk to NMEA 0183 format
• Operation of the Raymarine Main Alarm when an alarm condition exists on the SeaTalk bus

 

[prroots]

Thanks for the replies. Our Raymarine ST60 Multi unit includes a NMEA 0183 input and output port so, in theory, no further equipment should be required. We are outputting position data from our 441s chartplotter to the Raymarine input port and it shows up on SeaTalk. This proves the hardware is compatible with our Garmin chartplotter. At this point, the only issue is using the Raymarine NMEA output port to read info into the 441s. Has anyone tried this?
Pete

 

[Hellcat]

Just registered to say unfortunatley the only NMEA outputs from an ST60 are per the manual:

XTE, Waypoint identifier, Bearing & distance to waypoint - APB
Bearing & distance to waypoint - BWC
Bearing & distance to waypoint rhumb line - BWR
Latitude and longitude - GLL
Time, latitude, longitude, satellites tracked & HDOP - GGA
Cross track error - MWV or XTE
Navigational information - RMB
Time, date, lat, long, COG & SOG - RMC
COG and SOG - VTG

As per the manual the number of recognised input NMEA headers is larger (and more useful) than the outputs.

I believe the Raymarine interface box translates a much larger number of data types - but it costs!

 

[Captnkev25]

I am thinking of buying a never used Raymarine ST60 tridata with both transducers from a friend of mine who also wants to sell me a garmin 17hvs GPS receiver. He says this tridata can accept NEMA. So if I plug in the receiver to the tridata the display will give me lat/long? Or speed over ground? Or do I need to add another piece to this puzzle. The equipment is a little above me but the deal is way too good to pass up. (the tridata, transducers and the GPS receiver all for $475) I will be replacing my old original not working Signet Marine depth finder and knotmeter with this one unit. Any suggestions what to do with the other hole in my bulkhead?? Lol

 

[Hellcat]

The Tri-data cannot itself accept NMEA. You would need a NMEA-Seatalk interface box or an aformentioned ST60 Multi to perform the multiplexing.

A candidate for the extra hole would be a ST60 Wind instrument if you don't already have one - or fill the hole in.

 

[Captnkev25]

I just wanted you guys to know that the tridata can indeed accept NEMA and when hooked up will display COG, SOG, lat/long and time and date. As well as a multitude of other things right on the display by scrolling through the "chapters" on the display. I called Raymarine today to verify. This is on the ST60+