Decided to put new navigation equipment to replace the old inoperable analog stuff and decided to use the newest standard of NEMA 2000 to connect it all. I looked at most all of the manufacture's stuff which met my requirements. Not really into fishing but I wanted something that could be upgraded to handle things like sonar. Also had budget considerations.
I decided on Garmin and first installed a new NEMA 2k through-the-hull transducer capable of sending depth and water temp. Had to cut a larger hole as the old equipment had a smaller diameter. Used the old wire to help snake the NEMA 2k to the flybridge. @$200
Next I purchased a Garmin 740s considering features and my budget. Mounted a bail installation so if I decided to set up an installation below I would be able to use the head unit at both stations. I created the NEMA backbone inside the flybridge to reduce the number of wires that had to be snaked as it was already stuffed with wires from older equipment that had been removed before I purchased the boat. I removed as many wires as I could to make it easier to snake more NEMA cables in the future. @$1000 after I learned I need a $100 NEMA 2k starter kit.
After I got everything working following the simple set up instructions I decided to try to interface my analog engine instruments as the 740s can display engine instruments. Thinking this is a long shot I decided on a rather inexpensive Engine Data Converter from NOLAND. It is the RS11. Decided to get one RS11 and hook up both engines to make sure it worked before I purchase another to have one for both engines and my Onan 7.5 generator. I have twin Perkins turbo. One RS11 is @$290 and you can reduce the price of the second if you get a twin pack.
I received the RS11 in about 4 days and started to hook it up yesterday. You need a windows laptop for the installation. I decided to mount the RS11 under my lower station instruments as there is better access to the instrument connection and power source. Plus it is better protected from the elements. I hooked up the two tachs first along with power from the starboard ignition switch. Want to make sure the system is de-energized when the engine off. Connected the upper station to the bridge supply breaker circuit to be able to de-energize the entire system when not in use.
I started the engines and to my amazement the windows utility was receiving NEMA 2000 sentences. I ran out of time to complete the 740s set up but I did see at least the port tack displayed and functioning before I had to quit for the day. I am inspired!
So far I have about 10 pipe-smoking & beer-drinking hours into the project.
I decided on Garmin and first installed a new NEMA 2k through-the-hull transducer capable of sending depth and water temp. Had to cut a larger hole as the old equipment had a smaller diameter. Used the old wire to help snake the NEMA 2k to the flybridge. @$200
Next I purchased a Garmin 740s considering features and my budget. Mounted a bail installation so if I decided to set up an installation below I would be able to use the head unit at both stations. I created the NEMA backbone inside the flybridge to reduce the number of wires that had to be snaked as it was already stuffed with wires from older equipment that had been removed before I purchased the boat. I removed as many wires as I could to make it easier to snake more NEMA cables in the future. @$1000 after I learned I need a $100 NEMA 2k starter kit.
After I got everything working following the simple set up instructions I decided to try to interface my analog engine instruments as the 740s can display engine instruments. Thinking this is a long shot I decided on a rather inexpensive Engine Data Converter from NOLAND. It is the RS11. Decided to get one RS11 and hook up both engines to make sure it worked before I purchase another to have one for both engines and my Onan 7.5 generator. I have twin Perkins turbo. One RS11 is @$290 and you can reduce the price of the second if you get a twin pack.
I received the RS11 in about 4 days and started to hook it up yesterday. You need a windows laptop for the installation. I decided to mount the RS11 under my lower station instruments as there is better access to the instrument connection and power source. Plus it is better protected from the elements. I hooked up the two tachs first along with power from the starboard ignition switch. Want to make sure the system is de-energized when the engine off. Connected the upper station to the bridge supply breaker circuit to be able to de-energize the entire system when not in use.
I started the engines and to my amazement the windows utility was receiving NEMA 2000 sentences. I ran out of time to complete the 740s set up but I did see at least the port tack displayed and functioning before I had to quit for the day. I am inspired!
So far I have about 10 pipe-smoking & beer-drinking hours into the project.
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