AXIOM with Raystar 125

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Welcome to the Raymarine Forum Jon,

Q1. Instead of the GA-150, can I use an existing RayStar 125 GPS receiver with an AXIOM Pro MFD if I connect the RayStar 125 to the AXIOM via one of the two NMEA-0183 input ports on the AXIOM and do not use the GA-150 connection on the AXIOM?
A1. Axiom Pro MFDs are capable of utilizing GPS data via any of the following means:
- via its internal GPS receiver (no passive antenna connected)
- via its internal GPS receiver w/GA-150 Passive GPS antenna connected
- via its NMEA 2000 communications interface (both NMEA 0183 and SeaTalk GPS sensors may be adapted to communicate with a NMEA 2000 network ... the advantage of this method is that the MFD need not be switched ON for other devices within the NMEA 2000 network (ex. VHF radios, SSBs, etc.) to receive GPS data)
- via its NMEA 0183 communications interface

Q2. If I do this, can I then connect the NMEA 0183 output of the AXIOM to a the NMEA-0183 input of a legacy E-120 Classic MFD so the E-120 can have a GPS source?
A2. While it is possible to do as you have suggested, it is generally recommended that the E-Series Classic MFD be interfaced via NMEA 2000 or via a SeaTalk to SeaTalkng Converter to the Axiom MFD. Whereas you will also be seeking to interface a Raystar 125 GPS Sensor to the Axiom MFD, the SeaTalk to SeaTalkng Converter option suggested could kill two birds with one stone.

Q3. Finally, though not directly related to the Raystar 125 question, can the AXIOM SeaTalkng/NMEA-2000 port AND the E-120 Classic SeaTalkng/NMEA-2000 port be connected to the same NMEA-2000 bus?
A3. Yes. See the response to Q2.