[DM] [CA11] Integrating GPS sensor to E80 with NMEA

[robr]

I have an E80 MFD with RS125 GPS sensor that is intermittently indicating NO FIX. I've tried replacing the battery in the RS125 but still get NO FIX (intermittent). I'm considering replacing the GPS sensor with a new sensor that uses NMEA 0183. I also have other instruments such as ST60+ speed, depth, wind and ST7000 autohelm. I'm assuming these are connected using SeaTalk, but need to confirm (it's a 2009 Hunter 38 sailboat). Can I simply connect the new GPS sensor directly to the MFD using NMEA 0183, or do I need to get a NMEA 0183 to SeaTalk converter and connect the GPS through the converter? Also is there anything else that might be causing the intermittent NO FIX? Thanks.

[Dave - Raymarine - Moderator]

Hi Robr,

Unfortunately, I cannot definitively answer which network your RS125 may be using. The reason is because the RS125 can communicate both SeaTalk 1 and NMEA 0183. Either way, both connections(SeaTalk 1 and NMEA 0183) are available on the back of your E80 MFD. So, you will need to first identify how the antenna is connected, and if you have anything else connected NMEA 0183 to the MFD first.

Also, intermittent fix could be from a bad connection, cabling, or antenna.

- Dave

[robr]

Hi Dave,

I did some tracing of wires and looks like the NMEA port on the MFD is connected to my VHF (for AIS I presume). So the GPS must be connected to SeaTalk. I think that means I need a NMEA 0183 to SeaTalk converter for the new GPS. Is that correct?

Thanks,
Rob

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Rob,

Unfortunately, Raymarine ceased manufacture and distribution of the E85001 PC/SeaTalk/NMEA 0183 Interface Module several years ago. Should the RS125 have failed and your MFD's NMEA 0183 port be interfaced to your VHF radio / AIS receiver as you have suggested, then it would typically be recommended that the RS125 be replaced with a Raystar 150 GPS Sensor and that it be interfaced to the system's Data Master E-Series Classic MFD. Please click here to view a FAQ addressing how this would be accomplished.