VHF and GPS connection

JSP · 27 December 2008, 12:55

Another "Haven't got a clue" question from me.
I've never used VHF with DSC before on my families boats, always been the old VHF. But now I've got my own and the family bought me a ICOM M411 for christmas I need to find out more.
I've read up on the operation of it all so that's OK. I'm trying to remember my username for the OFCOM site with out much success

to get my MMSI number, so that will be a phone call when life returns back to normal

to ofcom.
The Garmin GPS 120 that came with the RIB is un tested as I've yet to get a battery in, but I'm hoping all is ok. This has the NME connection and the Icom has the NME connection. What I need to know is what lead to do I need to connect the two? Is it just a plug and play type connection or do I need to do some settings? Will they work together ok as the GPS 120 is on the old side.
And any hints or tips for easy installation.

Don't ask for much do I? But then again what other site offers such knowledge?

geoffs · 27 December 2008, 20:42

Back of the radio should be a GPS connector in the form of a phono socket and in the box will be a lead to suit. The central core of the lead will go to the blue wire of the GP120 and the outer screen will go to the black of the GP120. You may need to set the output of the GPS to output NMEA at 4800 baud.

You should be able to see the lat/lon and time on the radio once you get a gpsfix etc.

Happy ribbing.

JSP · 27 December 2008, 21:52

Thanks Geoff

Just had the first 5 min since xmas day to myself so got the manual out for a good read

After reading your reply I looked for a phono socket and found one. But the manual says it's the external speaker jack. They must have changed the design. The wire for GPS connection is a little like a TV ariel wire but has no plug attached. The inner core is the NMEA (+), the outer the (-). Do you know where I can get the connection socket from? I could easily cobble one together myself

but you can't beat the right part.

JSP · 27 December 2008, 22:00

Just found what maybe a problem.
Radio is compatible with NMEA0183 ver 2.0 or 3.01 (sentence format RMC, GGA, GNS,GLL) GPS but the GPS 120 is NMEA 180, 182, 183 and RTCM 104 DGPS corrections.
All double dutch to me but I'm guessing they're not compatible?

jyasaki · 28 December 2008, 07:54

They both talk NMEA 0183. You should be fine.

Look at both manuals, and identify the NMEA in and out on each unit. These get cross connected (in-to-out, and out-to-in.) [Signal names may be different, but the meanings are the same. Also, twisting wires together to test the operation is a lot better than doing a really great soldering or crimping job, only to find it doesn't work.] In most cases, this will take care of the electrical portion. The only other that *may* be required is a ground signal on one or both of the units (but usually not needed.)

Set both units to talk 0183, verify the default baud rates match, and you should be in business.

Luck;

jky

JSP · 28 December 2008, 21:52

Thanks JKY,
that's a weight of my mind knowing they will work together. I've not seen the back of the GPS yet as it's fitted into the old console and have had can't get onto the RIB until it's sat on the trailer like it should be.

Cookee · 31 December 2008, 07:33

In older units it is unlikely that you will have NMEA "in" on the GPS so it will be one way only.

JSP · 03 January 2009, 22:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cookee

In older units it is unlikely that you will have NMEA "in" on the GPS so it will be one way only.

Got around to getting to the back of the GPS120 inside the console today. All I can see on the back of the GPS is the power connection and the antenna connection. Nothing else

Anyone know anything about these units?

jyasaki · 04 January 2009, 02:16

The data lines are part of the power cable.

Blue is Out, Brown is In, and White is the optional NMEA Ground.

Manual is available at Garmin.com in the Discontinued Products section.

jky

JSP · 05 January 2009, 11:38

Thanks again JKY! Downloaded the manual now, will have a read tonight when things chill out at home. Roll on school!!

alystra · 05 January 2009, 23:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSP

Thanks again JKY! Downloaded the manual now, will have a read tonight when things chill out at home. Roll on school!!

If your Garmin manual is anything like the two I've got (126 and 550), you'll just get more confused. Why can't the manufacturers get together and agree on standard colours and descriptions for the wires?