Can Gps antennae feed 2 devices

[terryc]

I've got a Gps Antennae which connects to a Lowrance Gps/Sounder, i have also installed Faria MG2000 Smart Gauges and need to connect the Speedometer to a Gps Antennae, can i connect this 2nd device to the same antennae as well as the Lowrance or is a 2nd antennae essential, Thanks terry

[Stressless]

Hi Terry

I've connected a Lowrance LMS337c sounder/gps to my HDS7 with a Lowrance cable to utilise the in-built HDS receiver. I run the HDS purely as structure scan, and the 337 as my gps.

The 337 will not run as a sounder, but does show depth, temp, speed, fuel flow etc etc etc. as data overlay on the gps page.

So in answer to your question, yes, it can feed other devices.

I don't know your Faria guages, but Navico should be able to help with your query if others here can't

Regards
Steve

[terryc]

Thanks Steve, that make it sound promising
regards terry

[daki23]

yes it can.... u will need amplifier/splitter for it

[terryc]

Thanks daki23, i live at upper coomera gold coast, any recommendations where best to buy the amplifier/splitter,
thanks terry

[SatNav]

1. First you should ask the question "Why" u will need amplifier/splitter for it?

2. Second you should specify what model Lowrance Gps/Sounder (GPS antenna) you have.

[terryc]

Thanks Satnav,
The Gps/Sounder is a Lowrance LC X-15
The Gps Antenna is a Lowrance LGC-12W
I know the Faria MG2000 requires a connection to a GPS 100 Antenna
The Gps connects to the Faria via a NMEA 0183 connection thru (what i've worked out is) a Deutsch 6 pin connector Part No: DTSER - 06kt
all help appreciated

[SatNav]

1. LCX-15 has two (2) serial ports 1 & 2. Would suggest using com port #2 and you might require to config this com port (baud rate, NMEA sentences etc) to suit the receiving unit (gauges in this case) requirements?

2. The power cord/connector has Red/Black which you would be using for power +/- and another set of four(4) wires Yellow, Orange, Blue & Shield. Blue wire is com port 2 output (transmit) and Shield is NMEA common ground. NMEA Blue wire out to to units NMEA receive, shield to units NMEA ground/common receive.

3. NO amplifier/splitter required (ignore that comment completely)

4. Summary feeding NMEA 0183 on com port #2 form the NMEA output port of the LCX15 so not directly a connection to the GPS antenna but the NMEA output from the LCX15.

[terryc]

Thanks SatNav, i think i get the gist of what you are saying, however config the com port sounds complicated, will explore futher this week, going to research cheapest 2nd antenna also as this would obviously be the easiest way to go. Will let you know what happens
regards terry

[SatNav]

"going to research cheapest 2nd antenna also as this would obviously be the easiest way to go"

1. No definately not, you will still have to config (or check config) regradless.

2. The NMEA out from the existing unit is really the easiest option and in all respects will require very little/few changes anyway.

3. Using the existing unit is a no cost option.

[terryc]

ok, pulled the dash apart and i can see the spare cable with the wires you mentioned, have ordered the Deutsch connector kit from Bris should be here next couple of days, I see what you mean the blue (transmit) shield (ground) which will connect direct to the MG2000 with the Deutsch connector. Went into Lowrance menu found how to set nmea & baud for com2. The only thing i am not sure of is what baud rate to set?
Thanks terry

[beardedone]

Standard NMEA is 4800 baud

[terryc]

Thanks bearedone i noticed that was what com 1 on the Lowrance is set for, so when i get the connector and put it all together will try that setting
regards terry

[SatNav]

1. Yes as mentioned 4800 baud is the NMEA standard. The LCX15 default (out of the box) setting is normally 9600? The baud rate setting will be matched to the gauge baud rate setting which might also be configurable. Main trick simply make them the same.

2. You can also configure the NMEA output for specific sentences as these electronic engine gauges would obviously not be interested in the sonar sentences or some of the GPS sentences such as auto pilot stuff etc. So just keep in mind you will be able to turn off sentences that are not required but in saying that they won't make a difference anyway.

3. You could also use com port #1 (using Yellow & shield wires) but typically is a more complex port better used for other things.

[terryc]

Yes you are correct the default setting is 9600, but will try the 4800, have checked manuals for the faria gauges and went thru menus but no indication of baud rate, will go with easiest com port 2, even then i am extending my capabilities. Appreciate all the help, attached are a couple of photos if any are interested.
When I got the boat the original dash cluster was shot, after much research found the problem was common and repairs costly not guaranteed and only in USA, hence why i opted to get the Faria MG2000 , i have found the digital fuel display of Ltr/hr and fuel used fuel remaining to be quite good.
regards terry