e7 and EV200

[jsaronson]

Had an EV200 installed several months ago - amazing unit!
Both are on an NG network, but the network is getting its power from the course computer, not a 12 volt line into the 5 way.

Added an e7 with version 16 of the OS. Turned Autopilot Controls to ON. Pilot is still greyed-out and the e7 says "No Pilot".

Is it the lack of a 12 volt drop cable? Some other problem/setting?

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Welcome to the Raymarine Forum jsaronson,

The problem may indeed be resulting from insufficient power on the SeaTalkng backbone. A best practice is to power the backbone from a dedicated switched 12VDC power circuit. Does the system feature more than one MFD?

[jsaronson]

Chuck,

No, just the two devices. I'll try a 12 volt drop cable. Do I need to change anything on the course computer when I add the power cable?

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

jsaronson,

When powering the SeaTalkng backbone via dedicated power circuit, the ACU's SeaTalkng power switch should be configured OFF. The SeaTalkng backbone's power insertion spur socket should be located at the approximate mid-point of the backbone's LEN load.

[jsaronson]

Chuck,

I installed the 12 volt cable and turned off the power switch on the EV200. The e7 still does not see the AP. Each works perfectly separately. each is connected using NG backbone and spur cables and one TEE and there is a terminator on the TEE. The P70 has a short spur to the TEE, then a backbone to a 5 way next to the ACU. ACU and compass are connected to the 5 way. The 5 way then has a backbone to another 5 way where the e7 spur and 12 volt are plugged in. there is a terminator in the end of the 5 way.

Plotter is running 16.47.
Suggestions?

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

jsaronson,

Your description of the backbone installation appears to be correct. Should there be more than one MFD within the system, then the MFD which has been connected as a spur to the SeaTalkng backbone must be configured as the system's Data Master MFD (HOME->SET-UP->MAINTENANCE->MAINTENANCE->DATA MASTER). Should this be so, then it is recommended that the backbone's components be inspected for signs of damage, splices, etc. Excess SeaTalkng Cable should be loosely coiled (3" minimum bend radius) and secured to a bulkhead. Subjecting a communications cable to a bend radius which is less than this may cause permanent damage to the cable. Should no cable problems be identified, then it is recommended that MFD's spur be tested by temporarily disconnecting the p70 from its spur and then reconnecting it to the Spur Cable which had been interfaced to to the MFD. Should the p70 Autopilot Control Head then be able to detect and interface with the autopilot, then it would appear that the MFD has suffered a failure of its SeaTalkng communication circuitry, necessitating that it be bench tested/serviced by Raymarine’s Product Repair Center.