Interfacing an RL70crc plus to AC400

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

John,

Q1. How do I get high speed heading data to my Pathfinder?
A1. While the Evolution autopilot provide 10Hz heading updates to the SeaTalkng backbone at 10Hz, the SeaTalk to SeaTalkng will only provide heading updates to the SeaTalk bus at 1Hz. Accordingly and as the Evolution autopilots do not feature a NMEA 0183 communications interface, should it be desired to use the display's MARPA radar feature and/or maximize performance of the system's heading dependent features, then it would be necessary to install a programmable SeaTalkng / NMEA 2000 to NMEA 0183 data bridging device as a spur to the SeaTalkng backbone. The NMEA 0183 output lead / terminals of this data bridging device would then be interfaced to one of the sets of NMEA 0183 input leads found of the Pathfinder Series display's Power/NMEA 0183 Input Cable. The SeaTalkng / NMEA 2000 to NMEA 0183 data bridging device would then need to be programmed to only transmit RSA (rudder angle) and HDG, HDM, and HDT (heading) NMEA 0183 sentences.

Q2. How do I determine the sw rev. of the converter? I currently have the converter installed in order to interface a new Raymarine GPS (purchased within the last 2 years) as a replacement for the original which failed.
A2. Unlike Raymarine's current generation of MFDs, the hsb/hsb2/SL Pathfinder Series Displays did not support polling for the software versions within SeaTalkng devices. However, the Evolution autopilots do feature support for determining the software levels of devices which have been interface to the SeaTalkng backbone.
The command sequence MENU–>SET-UP–>DIAGNOSTICS–>ABOUT SYSTEM may be used to display a list of device which have been interfaced to the SeaTalkng/NMEA 2000 backbone. Select to view additional data for any one of the listed devices will in turn list its software level. Alternatively, you may find that the SeaTalk to SeaTalkng Converter has a label affixed to its side which would face the mounting surface. Otherwise, the SeaTalk to SeaTalkng Converter's software may be determined / updated by a Certified Raymarine Installer, many Raymarine dealers (recommend calling first), and Raymarine’s Product Repair Center.