[CA] [CA11] Linking Es127 and Axiom Pro MFDs

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Welcome to the Rayamrine Forum Brian,

Q1a) What direct or indirect cable connections are required to link these newer chart plotters?
A1a) The following two FAQs apply this refit:
- Replacing an E-Series Classic MFD with an a/c/e/eS/gS-Series MFD
- Replacing an E-Series Classic MFD with an Axiom Pro MFD
Like the E-Series Classic MFDs, the new MFDs will be interfaced to on another via an Ethernet network. Please see the FAQ referenced above concerning how to adapt a SeaTalkhs Cable to be mated to a MFD having an Ethernet communications socket which is designed to accept a RayNet (F) plug.

Q1b) Can they be connected via WiFi?
A1b) Negative

Q1c. Or, would they be better linked with a new direct Raynet connection? My current cables are too short but I could buy a longer one if this is best.
A1c. See the response to Q1a.

Q2) My current plan was to attach the Es127 to the network with the "A80160 RayNet to SThs Socket Adaptor Cable" to get the Es127 on the network and see what happens and to see if I can pick up the other sensors. Is this reasonable?
A2) If the eS127 MFD is not the system's Data Master MFD, then it would indeed only need to be interfaced to the system via the MFD's Ethernet communications interface. Those seeking a level of redundancy will additionally interface the non-Data Master MFD(s) as a spur to the system's powered and properly terminated SeaTalkng / NMEA 2000 backbone to permit either MFD to function as the system's Data Master MFD.

Q3) If I connect my CHIRP Downvision sonar directly into the Es127 (did this before when it was my only MFD) will it be visible on the network and Axiom Pro? It cannot connect directly to the Axiom Pro. I had to buy the Axiom when I had to send the Es27 back for warranty repair while in French Polynesia and had to leave FP.
A3) The eS127 cannot be directly interfaced to a CHIRP transducer, as the internal fishfinder circuitry of an eS127 MFD is designed to exclusively support 50kHz/200kHz fishfinder transducers. However, should the eS127 be interfaced via Ethernet to a CP100, CP470, or CP570 fishfinder sounder module w/compatible transducer, then it would support CHIRP fishfinder sonar features. Alternatively, a DownVision or CPT-S CHIRP transducer may be interfaced to an Axiom Pro S MFD to support low power / high frequency CHIRP fishfinder sonar features.

Q4) Is there a way to connect the CHIRP Downvision sonar directly to the Axiom Pro? I have another legacy sonar from 2008 on the network but I would like to see both and have redundancy. I am aware of the switching necessary to see both but we were able to do this on the Es127 when it was critical.
A4) LightHouse 3 software supports multiple fishfinder sonars within a single system. Please note that the eS127 and Axiom Pro S MFDs each feature two Ethernet communications interfaces. As a best installation practice, it is recommended that the system utilize a HS5 RayNet Network Switch(es) (a retired SeaTalkhs Network Switch may also be used) and that each compatible device having an Ethernet communications interface (ex. MFDs, radomes, fishfinder sounder modules, IP cameras, thermal cameras, etc.) be connected to the Network Switch. Again, this would facilitate having either MFD function as the system's Data Master MFD and still have access to each of the system's devices having an Ethernet communications interface.