E120 Classic and Network Update to STng

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Kevin,

It is possible to interface an E-Series Classic MFD to an autopilot having a SeaTalk communications interface, but lacking a SeaTalkng interface via the following two methods:
- both the MFD and autopilot have been interfaced to a common unpowered SeaTalk bus. The unpowered SeaTalk bus may then be interfaced to a SeaTalk to SeaTalkng Converter to support integration with system's devices having a SeaTalkng / NMEA 2000 communications interface. The SeaTalk bus will be powered via the SeaTalkng backbone via the SeaTalk to SeaTalkng Converter(s). This method of interfacing the MFD to the autopilot will not only permit the MFD to share navigational and other system data in support of the autopilot's Track mode feature, but will also support use of the MFD's Autopilot Control feature.

- the MFD has been interfaced as a spur to the SeaTalkng / NMEA 2000 backbone.
The autopilot and other devices having a SeaTalk communications interface, but lacking a SeaTalkng / NMEA 2000 communications interface have been interfaced to a common unpowered SeaTalk bus. The unpowered SeaTalk bus may then be interfaced to a SeaTalk to SeaTalkng Converter to support integration with system's devices having a SeaTalkng / NMEA 2000 communications interface. The SeaTalk bus will be powered via the SeaTalkng backbone via the SeaTalk to SeaTalkng Converter(s). This method of interfacing the MFD to the autopilot permit the MFD to share navigational and other system data in support of the autopilot's Track mode feature, but not support use of the MFD's Autopilot Control feature. This will be identified to the operator by the red X overlaying the Pilot transducer icon within the Transducer Status data item of the Databar.


Accordingly, it is recommended that the MFD be disconnected from the SeaTalkng backbone and that it instead be interfaced to the SeaTalk bus. Given the number of devices devices having a SeaTalk communications interface, more than one SeaTalk to SeaTalkng Converter would be recommended, as it is recommended that each SeaTalk to SeaTalkng Converter power no more than five SeaTalk devices.