Ray60 not getting position data

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Dave,

Q1. I assume there is no other fix short of returning the unit to service the NMEA0183 port, correct?
A1. The only way to address the operation of the MFD's NMEA 0183 port would be to send it to Raymarine’s Product Repair Center to be bench checked / serviced. You may want to try connecting the autopilot course computer's NMEA 0183 OUT2 port to the VHF radio to supply it with GPS data. Alternatively, the VHF radio may be interfaced to a RayStar 150 GPS Sensor to supply it with GPS data.

Q2. If 1 is correct, I will likely look to upgrade my MFD in the off season instead of servicing the port, likely with the es97 or es127, whichever fits the space I have better. I think you previously indicated in my shopping list post that those units are compatible with an external transducer using transducer adapter E66066 so at least I would not have to replace my transducer or HD250DSM, both of which are more than adequate for my needs.

If I replace my MFD this off season, I will need to start building a Seatalk backbone. I have done before on my last boat so I have a basic understanding of the system. My further questions are:
A2. See the response to Q1. Regarding replacing the MFD, the DSM250 may not be used with the new system and the currently installed transducer will be mated to the MFD's transducer socket using the adapter which you have specified.

Q3. Do my ST290 Speed/Depth, ST7001+ Auto Pilot and SL72 Radar have conversion cables so they can be integrated into a Seatalk network? Or are those units all going to need to be upgraded?
A3. Some ST290 products (i.e. pods and displays having a 3-Pin SeaTalk socket) may be retained for use with a currently manufactured MFD. Depending upon the model of autopilot course computer which is installed onboard, it will either be interfaced to the new MFD via a SeaTalk to SeaTalkng Converter or via NMEA 0183. Pathfinder Series Displays such as the SL72 are not designed to share radar imagery or C-Map cartography with Raymarine's current generation of products. While it is possible that alphanumeric GPS, instrument, and system state data may be shared with the Pathfinders Series Displays, it is generally recommended that communication be one way ... from the new generation of equipment via NMEA 0183 to the Pathfinder Series Display.

Q4. If they need to be upgraded, can I at least keep my SL72 Radar, which has its own dedicated screen, separate from the Seatalk system and upgrade it at a later time?
A4. Yes. See the response to Q3.