[CA] [CA11] Need to know the proper seatalk interface between C80 and E80

[andyschoenb]

Hello
I have an older C80 at the helm that is connected to ST60 plus instruments (wind, depth, speed) and the autopilot.
I just got a lovely E80 and want to replace the C80 with it.
The C80 seatalk cable has 3 wires (GND, Yel, red) but the E80 seatalk cable has 6 wires. What is the proper protocol for the seatalk connection between the E80 6 wire and the removed and isolated C80 3 wire?
Will there be any communication issues with using only 3 of the 6 wires from the E80 seatalk cable?
Thank you
Andy

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Welcome to the Raymarine Forum Andy,

The 6-pin cable which you have referred to is the E-Series Classic MFD's SeaTalk/Alarm Cable. As its name suggests, this cable is not only designed to permit the MFD to be interfaced to the SeaTalk bus, but to also be used with an optional external alarm. To connect the E-Series Classic MFD's SeaTalk/Alarm Cable to the SeaTalk:
- splice the E-Series Classic MFD's SeaTalk/Alarm Cable SeaTalk data (yellow) lead to the currently installed SeaTalk Cable's data (yellow) lead
- splice the E-Series Classic MFD's SeaTalk/Alarm Cable SeaTalk ground (black) lead to the currently installed SeaTalk Cable's data (shield) lead
- Insulate the E-Series Classic MFD's SeaTalk/Alarm Cable SeaTalk power (red) lead, as it will not be used
- Insulate the currently installed SeaTalk Cable's power (red) lead, as it will not be used