[CA] [CA11] eS128 with NMEA 0183 talker / out - GPS issue

[Pkjv]

I have a eS128 running the latest LH3 3.9.46 firmware.

I do have an ICOM M-504 connected to the eS128 through NMEA 0183 (running at 4800 baud). The listener function works like a charm (pulling GPS signal for DSC from eS128 to MC504), but the talker/out causes the internal GPS to disconnect from acquired satellites.

Initially I thought that I had a NMEA 0183 issue with multiple devices talking, but after installing a Actisense NGW-1 to convert NMEA 0183 to NMEA2000 (and SeatalkNG), I get the exact same issue with only a single NMEA0183 device connected to the NGW-1.

The NGW-1 indicates it is getting a valid NMEA0183 talker/out signal, but the satellite disconnect issue remains just like connecting the eS128 directly. The listener/in function works great.

I started turning off all the NMEA0183 sentences when directly connected, but only after turning off all RMC, GGA, GNS, GLL, VTG, DSC and DSE, it no longer has the internal GPS acquisition issue. Unfortunately that renders the entire DSC connection useless.

So again: all works for GPS location for DSC listener/in, but as soon as I connect the talker/out (to plot a position on the chartplotter of DSC call) it looses the internal satellite connection.

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Welcome to the Raymarine Forum Pkjv,

The reported issue may be occurring because the third party VHF radio is re-transmitting NMEA 0183 GPS data sentences which it has received from the system. This condition is known as a data loop and this has been observed in the past with some ICOM products. Such data loops may be prevented by installing a programmable NMEA 0183 multiplexer (ex. Actisense NDC-4-USB) between the NMEA 0183 output of the VHF radio and the NMEA 0183 input port of the MFD or of the NMEA 0183 to NMEA 2000 data bridge. The programmable NMEA 0183 multiplexer should be configured to only pass NMEA 0183 DSC sentences back to the system.

It is recommended that you use the Data Sources feature a p70S/p70/p70RS autopilot control head, i70/i70S MFID, or MFD to select the MFD as that the Raymarine system's data source for GPS data, Time & Date Data, and GPS datum.

[Pkjv]

Hi Chuck

Thanks for your response. Unfortunately it does not allow me to change the input source as I have an SPXDIO for the Jeanneau dock and go system.

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Pkjv,

Q. Unfortunately it does not allow me to change the input source as I have an SPXDIO for the Jeanneau dock and go system.
A. Please click here to view a FAQ addressing how to work around this limitation.