ICOM M421 / Garmin GPSMAP 182C

DJL · 24 November 2004, 20:17

Firstly any comments on the above kit? Good/bad?

Does anyone know if the M421 works with the Garmin GPSMAP 182C?

Will the radio send distress information too the chart plotter and plot the position on the chart? I know the GPS has this functionality, but does the radio? Do the DSC directory and log features work also?

Cheers
Daniel

Searider · 24 November 2004, 20:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJL

Firstly any comments on the above kit? Good/bad?

Does anyone know if the M421 works with the Garmin GPSMAP 182C?

Will the radio send distress information too the chart plotter and plot the position on the chart? I know the GPS has this functionality, but does the radio? Do the DSC directory and log features work also?

Cheers
Daniel

Daniel,

Inherited a GPSMAP182c with the Scorpion. I haven't really used it in anger but it does have a very clear picture. I was thinking of getting an M421 in the spring and hope that they will talk to each other!

Hopefully someone will be along in a moment!

Regards

Biggles · 24 November 2004, 21:01

I haven't done it with your setup but I would be very suprised if they can't do it. How about giving the dealers a ring.

divelandy · 24 November 2004, 22:32

Like my raymarine 435i, the Garmin 182C does not support reading the DSC message from the radio - see pg 87 of the 182 users guide

The thing to do (as i foind out post purchase) is to look closely at the eqipment spec and see that the radio can output the NMEA message types DSC and DSE (most DSC radios do) and that the plotter can interpret the NMEA message types DSC and DSE (sometimes written and GPDSC and GPDSE)

If your interested, have a look at this overview of the NMEA 0183 Protocol

Steve

jlanng · 25 November 2004, 08:21

I'm in the same situation as you, except my plotter is a Lowrance 335.

According to the spec, you can only have one 'talker' per NMEA0183 circuit, but multiple listeners. The plotter is clearly 'talking' to the radio, to give it the current position so the radio won't be able to talk back on the same circuit. As far as I know, the M421 only has one GPS connection (via the phono port I think).

My plotter has both NMEA0183 and NMEA2000 connections. It seems that, because it works over CAN-bus, the NMEA2000 protocol *is* bi-directional, so I would imagnine I'd have to look for a radio with this interface in order to get on-screen position reports to work... assuming my plotter supports it!

Jon Brooks · 25 November 2004, 08:38

The M421 will work with the 182C.
It will not send info to the plotter but can use it to get position on the radio.

The M421 does not output NMEA.

I hope that helps

Regards

divelandy · 25 November 2004, 09:51

My take on NEMA are is to simplify the electonics into transmitters and receivers (some do both!).

Transmitters include (NMEA Output)
GPS - current position data (GGA or GLL) - waypoint data (WPL, RTE)
Radio - DSC data (DSC & DSE)
Speed sensor
Depth sensor
Electronic compasses

Receivers include (NMEA Input)
DSC Radio - GGL position data
GPA/Plotters - DSC data, waypoints
Generic 'terminals'

The key is matching up the transmitters and the receivers so that you have a device that transmits the correct message and a device(s) that can receive and interpret the message.

So, with a basic RIB setup you could have 2 'networks'
1. where the GPS/plotter sends positional data (GGL) which is used by the DSC radio which can rewceive the information.
2. where the DSC radio transmits the DSC (DSC and DSE) information to a plotter which can receive the information

HTH
Steve

DJL · 25 November 2004, 11:44

Thanks everyone. Steve great info.

Its a shame the radio won't send DSC info to the plotter.

Jon, two questions;

1) can a DSC call on the M421 be triggered by the GPS?

2) does the M601 output NMEA data?

Jon Brooks · 25 November 2004, 11:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJL

Thanks everyone. Steve great info.

Its a shame the radio won't send DSC info to the plotter.

Jon, two questions;

1) can a DSC call on the M421 be triggered by the GPS?

2) does the M601 output NMEA data?

1) not sure what u r trying 2 do here, sorry may have my thick head on!

2) yes

Regards

DJL · 25 November 2004, 12:07

Hi Jon,

Don't worry, most of the GPS's DSC functionality is useless unless the radio can output NMEA data to it.

Don't think I have any room to put the M601...can't they just squash down the M601 and put it in a M421 case!

Thanks
Daniel

Jon Brooks · 25 November 2004, 12:11

Daniel

I would think all the plotter DSC function are unless the radio outputs NMEA.

I will pass you suggestion on to Icom Inc, I would suggest you don't hold your breath though

Regards

Brian · 25 November 2004, 18:24

Daniel
The normal function of the plotter/radio function, is for the plotter to continually update the DSC radio with the boats position. Thus when the emergency button is pressed the radio automatically transmits a bunch of info INCLUDING the boats position.
Not sure why the radio would want to continually pass info to a plotter?
Am I being thick?

jlanng · 25 November 2004, 18:34

That is the main use of course.

Say you want to meet a mate somewhere - he could just send you his position and you can set a course to him on the plotter automatically.

Another use would be for mayday positions appearing on your plotter automatically - so you could see if you're close enough to help.

Brian · 25 November 2004, 20:23

Thanks Jlanng
I WAS being thick wasn't I ?
Still if it doesnt do it, would I be right in thinking the data comes up and STAYS up on your DSC screen? Never received a DSC Mayday call-therefore wouldnt know.