HS5 + NMEA2K +

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Q1. Why would I not connect the RS150 GPS receiver to the HS5 switch? If I don't, it will require an adapter to connect it to the existing NMEA2K backbone since it is Raymarine SeatalkNG connectors at both ends. In the diagrams for the HS5 it appears to show the GPS receiver connected to the switch as well.
A1. It is not possible to do as you have suggested because Ethernet and SeaTalkng/NMEA 2000 protocols are inherently different communications protocols. As the RS150 is exclusively designed to support SeaTalkng/NMEA 2000 communications, it cannot be interfaced to an Ethernet switch and be expected to do anything. Should you have seen a diagram produced by Raymarine indicating that this is possible, then please provide me with the link in order that I may have it corrected.

Q2. Did you mean to infer that I need a Separate Raymarine SeaTalkNG Backbone in addition to my existing NMEA2K Backbone?
A2. No. Should the system have an existing NMEA 2000 backbone, then the backbone may be extended to support integration with the Raymarine components. The extended backbone may be constructed of SeaTalkng networking components or third party NMEA 2000 Networking components. Please click here to view a FAQ addressing connecting a SeaTalkng/NMEA 2000 backbone constructed from Raymarine components to a NMEA 2000 backbone which has been constructed from third party NMEA 2000 networking components.

Q3. Does the HS5 require a SeatalkNG Backbone in addition to the "powered" switch?
A3. The HS5 RayNet (Ethernet) Network Switch is in no way interfaced to a SeaTalkng backbone. It is simply interfaced to a switched 12/24VDC power circuit and to each compatible Raymarine product having an Ethernet communications interface ... in this case, each MFD and the Quantum radome.