[CA] [CA11] ST2000+ remote control by ST 6002 Smart Pilot controller?

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Dave,

Unfortunately, the ST6002, ST60 Graphic, and A-Series Classic MFDs have been retired and can no longer be tested to confirm the suggestions. The information provided is based upon the available documentation from these products. It would accordingly be recommended that all connections be performed in a temporary fashion and tested prior to chasing cables.

Q1. Can the ST2000+ receive wind speed and angle data from the A70D via NMEA (to enable wind angle steering)?
A1. It appears not for the reason which you have stated (i.e. A-Series Classic MFDs do not support transmission of the NMEA 0183 sentence MWV for wind data transmission rather than the VWR NMEA 0183 sentence required by the ST2000+). Unfortunately, the ST60+ does not support transmission of the VWR NMEA 0183 sentence either. The following NMEA 0183 output sentences are supported by the ST60+ Graphic:



However, the ST6002 may well be capable of extracting wind data from the MWV sentence transmitted by the ST60+ Graphic. As the ST6002's was primarily designed to support integration with the S1/S2/S3/S1G/S2G/S3G autopilot course computers (which do support MWV sentences) it is believed that the ST6002 will likewise support the MWV sentence.



Accordingly, it would be recommended that:
- the NMEA 0183 output port of the MFD be disconnected from the NMEA 0183 input port of the ST2000+
- the NMEA 0183 output of the ST60+ Graphic be configured to not transmit heading data (HDG, HDM, and VHW) ... see the User Calibration section of the ST60+ Graphic's Installation and Operations Guide
- that the ST60 Graphic's NMEA 0183 output port then be interfaced to the ST6002.

Q2A. Will the ST2000 be able to receive wind data via the ST6002 from the Graphic Display (using NMEA sentence MWV from the Graphic to the ST6002 then via Seatalk from the ST6002 to the ST2000)?
A2A. I believe so ... see opening comments. MWV is a supported output NMEA 0183 sentence of the ST60+ Graphic which in turn will pass this data to the ST6002 which should bridge it to SeaTalk for use by the ST2000+.

Q2B1. Can you confirm that the ST2000 will not receive heading data:
- from the ST60+ Graphic via the ST6002?
- from the A70D via NMEA?
A2B1. See the response to Q1 regarding configuring the NMEA 0183 output of the ST60+ Graphic. The A70D will no longer be interfaced via NMEA 0183 to the autopilot.

Q3A: Will the ST6002 receive NMEA Heading data from the ST 60 Graphic and transmit it on to the ST2000 via Seatalk 1?
A3a. See response to Q1.

Q3B: If the ST2000 does receive a heading input from the ST6002 will ST6002 and/orST2000 be able to choose between the internal and external sources of heading data and steer to one of them?
A3B. N/A if ST60+ Graphic is configured to not transmit heading data

Q3C: If the ST2000 receives wind data from the A70D via NMEA, will it clash with wind data received from the ST60 Graphic via NMEA to the ST6002 then via seatalk to the ST2000?
A3C. N/A reconfigured system will have the ST60+ graphic serve as the sole data input to the autopilot vie the ST6002.

Q3D: Do you see any other data duplication or loop issues with the proposed configuration?
A3D. Not if implemented in the manner which I have described.