Both units had bigger screens, both could handle the latest 3D charts, and both were designed to network easily with wind instruments and autopilots.
The “big boys” in this test were the Raymarine A70D and the Garmin 740S. Screen sizes and networking capabilities split the group into two ranks. As the price span suggests, there was a disparity in the features and performance among the units, but in terms of the essential GPS-based functions, the distinctions were less significant. For a complete discussion of the testing procedures, check out “How We Tested,” on page 19.įor this comparison, we looked at four different units priced from $1,500 to $700. Next month, we will take a more detailed look at the sounder capabilities. This article will focus on the functions that are most critical in a chartplotter, the navigation capabilities and networking with other onboard electronics.
What We Testedīecause of the versatility and power of small-screen plotter-sounders today, Practical Sailor took a two-part approach to this comparison. The turbo-boosted sounding technology has been one of the biggest transformations in this field, making it difficult for smaller players to keep a toehold in the small-screen plotter-sounder market. Processor speeds are up, chart chip sizes are down, and as a result, today’s 5-inch plotter-sounders are almost as powerful (and in some cases more powerful) than the big-screen multi-function device of 2009. Since then, there have been some significant changes among the major players in this market: Raymarine has been bought by night-vision specialists FLIR Garmin recalled and then-reintroduced its G2 Vision charts and Humminbird and Lowrance have unveiled big improvements to their side-scanning technology. To connect NavLink2 to the Raymarine network you will need to purchase the Female version of the Raymarine adaptor cable which is their Part Number A06045 and is very cheap.It has been two years since we last looked at small-screen plotter-sounders, and at the pace marine electronics is changing, it might as well have been two decades. To connect our NavLink2 unit to the Raymarine Network, it is necessary to purchase a SeaTalkNG to DeviceNet (NMEA2000) cable from Raymarine.Ĭonnecting our NavLink2 to an NMEA2000 network could not be easier as it takes power from the network and puts data on to the network via its NMEA2000 cable (0.75m) which is terminated in a standard NMEA2000 male connector. Raymarine’s version of the industry standard NMEA2000 interface, called SeaTalkNG, is fully compatible with NMEA2000, but features their own connectors and additional proprietary PGN messages. The diagram below shows how our NavLink2 would connect to Raymarine’s popular entry level A65 Multi-Function Display (MFD), the first of this new breed of NMEA2000 only chart plotters.
#Connect garmin 545s to nmea 2000 network how to
In this post, you can find out how to install a NavLinK2 NMEA 2000 to WiFi server on a SeaTalkNG network. Always fit the terminators on the end of the backbone. If you are installing a larger NMEA2000 network and wish to have multiple 4 way T-Piece Backbone, they can be joined together either directly or via a drop cable (as shown below). Simply find a spare “T Piece” connector or expand the NMEA 2000 backbone and the integral NMEA2000 cable of our NavLink2 will plug straight in, taking its power from the network and sending all received data over the WiFi on navigation apps & software.Īlthough this post is about how to connect the NavLink2, you can do the same with our other products which have NMEA 2000 interface (such as our AIS transponders). The Digital Yacht’s NMEA 2000 starter kit uses the standard NMEA 2000 connector so you don’t need any special adaptor cables to connect an NMEA 2000 equipment to the NMEA 2000 starter kit from Digital Yacht. The connection system will work with all leading brands and can be expanded using standard components as required. It’s suitable for DIY installers as well as boat builders who want an easy and value priced solution for integrating and installing modern boat electronics. Therefore allowing for a really neat and compact installation – ideal for behind the helm. The backbone is formed from a unique 6 way extension block with ports at each end that accommodate the terminators. It uses the high quality, nickel plated metal style connectors rather than the cheaper plastic type which can prove unreliable. In this post, you can find out how to install a NavLinK2 NMEA 2000 to WiFi server on a Digital Yacht NMEA 2000 network.ĭigital Yacht’s NMEA2000 starter kit allows for up to 3 devices to interconnect – say AIS, plotter and autopilot and comes complete with terminators and a power cable.
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