[CA] [CA11] Revising system network

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Welcome to the Raymarine Forum Mark,

I generally like the changes which you have identified within you latest proposed system diagram. I would however recommend the following changes:

1) There should not be two sources of GPS data within a system having these older components. It is recommended that the GPS receiver having the best view of the skies overhead be used as the system's GPS source. In this case, it is likely to be the RS125 GPS Sensor. If using the RS125, the MFD's Data Sources feature may be used to select it as the system's source of GPS data ... or the MFD's internal GPS receiver may be configured OFF.

2) Rather than connecting connecting the NMEA 0183 input leads of the VHF radio to the NMEA 0183 output port of the SeaTalk/NMEA 0183 bridge, it would typically be recommended that the GPS sensor's NMEA 0183 output leads be connected to both the NMEA 0183 input leads of the VHF radio and to the MFD's NMEA 0183 leads. Doing so will permit the $GP NMEA 0183 talker ID to be included within NMEA 0183 sentences transmitted to the VHF radio and will eliminate a possible failure point within the system.

3) You may want to consider powering the Raystar 125 GPS sensor from the power circuity supplying power to the SeaTalkng / NMEA 2000 backbone rather than from the SeaTalk / NMEA 0183 bridge.

4) The only recommended connections between the VHF radio and the SeaTalk / NMEA 0183 bridge should have been to support NMEA 0183 communications. The VHF radio should neither be powered, nor grounded through the SeaTalk / NMEA 0183 bridge.

5) If following the above listed recommendations, the SeaTalk / NMEA 0183 bridge may be removed from the system and the ST600R may be wired directly to the SeaTalk#1 bus shown within your diagram. When doing so, all three leads of the SeaTalk#1 bus cable should be connected to the autopilot course computer's SeaTalk terminals.

6) The c95 MFD's NMEA 0183 leads (yellow & brown), not its Port #2 input leads, should be interfaced to the Type 300 autopilot course computer's NMEA 0183 input terminals. In this configuration, the system autopilot's Track mode will be supported, as well as its Auto and wind vane mode.

7) The 12V power connection shown in the SeaTalk to SeaTalkng Converter Cable connecting the ST40 instrument to the system should be eliminated. Instead, consider installing a SeaTalkng Power cable and connecting it to one of the unoccupied spur sockets within 5-Way Connector or ST-STng Converter.