C97 networking question?

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Iwhitevt,

No configuration of either MFD need be performed to permit the MFDs to establish Ethernt network communications with one another. Should one of the MFDs additionally be interfaced as a spur to a SeaTalkng/NMEA 2000 backbone, then that MFD will need to be configured as the system's Data Master MFD (HOME->SET-UP->MAINTENANCE->DATA MASTER).

Please confirm that the MFD's have been interfaced to one another via an appropriate length of RayNet (F) to RayNet (F) Cable ... the description within your prior post was not quite clear. If so and the MFDs have each been updated with the latest available Raymarine product software update, then diagnostics of either of the MFDs (HOME->SET-UP->MAINTENANCE->DIAGNOSTICS->SELECT DEVICE) should list itself and the other MFD and specify that a SeaTalkhs rather than SeaTalkng Network connection exists between these MFDs. Should this not be specified, then the MFD's would be deemed to not be communicating via Ethernet with one another. Does the diagnostics of your system indicate that these MFDs are communicating via Ethernet (SeaTalkhs) with one another? If not, then the length of RayNet (F) to RayNet (F) Cable should be inspected to ensure that the cable has not been damaged/modified and that any excess cable has been loosely coiled (minimum bend diameter is 6") and secured to a bulkhead. Excessively small diameter cable bends can result in permanent damage to RayNet (F) to RayNet (F) Cables. The cable should be replaced if any fault is found with the cable. Please click here to view a FAQ addressing how to RayNet (F) to RayNet (F) Cable may be tested.

Should no fault be found with the RayNet (F) to RayNet (F) Cable, the Ethernet communications circuitry of one of the MFDs would appear to have failed. The failure may be fault isolated by testing each of the MFD's two Ethernet Network interfaces with another compatible device. Should an Ethernet Network interface of a MFD be found to have suffered a failure, then the MFD should be sent to Raymarine’s Product Repair Center to be bench checked / serviced.