Can Garmin GPS antenna work well w/ RayMarine element?

[Capt. Steve1]

Can Garmin GPS antenna work well w/ RayMarine element?
Since this new antenna is on a NMEA2K an Seatalk backbone will different name brands function together?
Or is it advisable to have MFD an antenna the same brand name?
I’d like a decent GPS puck style antenna. The RayMarine RS150 seams inferior to the Garmin.
RM antenna lacks sensor heading/mount pole an they charge extra for cabling Garmin includes all this stuff
As would be expected.PLs advise on antennas bc this is the whole point of upgrading the chart plotter my internal builtin antenna was constantly losing signal an it’s alarm is very iratating.thanks

[barnakiel]

These are full receivers. An MFD that asks for an antenna will not use these. But it may use the N2K / proprietary gps and heading data as long as it comes formatted so that the data input of your MFD can read it.


If you have an MFD and you want an antenna to go with it, use proprietary. makes installation less of a headache.


PS No all GPS antennas are the same. There are plain ones, and pre-amped ones. So some require power, others are just wired with plain antenna wire (VHF grade more or less).


Unless you like tinkering and problem solving, use the proprietary hardware as specced in your MFD installation manual.


b.

[Capt. Steve1]

Originally Posted by barnakiel

These are full receivers. An MFD that asks for an antenna will not use these. But it may use the N2K / proprietary gps and heading data as long as it comes formatted so that the data input of your MFD can read it.


If you have an MFD and you want an antenna to go with it, use proprietary. makes installation less of a headache.


PS No all GPS antennas are the same. There are plain ones, and pre-amped ones. So some require power, others are just wired with plain antenna wire (VHF grade more or less).


Unless you like tinkering and problem solving, use the proprietary hardware as specced in your MFD installation manual.


b.

I thought an antenna was a antenna, I'm wanting plug an play not tinkering.
I don't believe either the raystar150 or the garmin GPS24 are powered, I think the only differce is garmin has the heading sensor.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...G3ZCSOX0&psc=1


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...KIKX0DER&psc=1


https://www.amazon.com/Raymarine-RS1...713XWXG6&psc=1




https://www.raymarine.com/en-us/our-...ent/element-hv




of course Raymarine will spec there own antenna over a compedator. I'm basicely wanting to aviod the seatalk network an just use NMEA2K this would simplify the backbone connections to all NMEA2K except for one T for the rm150.
plus I think the garmin is a superior antenna w/ it's heading sensor.thanks barnakiel

[Hartleyg]

Barnakiel is correct - the Raymarine RS150 and the Garmin shown are both complete receivers, not just antennas. The Garmin will work fine in a Raymarine SeatalkNG system, as both are actually NMEA2000 "inside". You may need an adapter or adapter cable to plug them together, but you won't need any additional "smarts".
The magnetic heading sensor is a definite plus, but keep in mind that heading sensors are better when located down low in the boat, while GPS devices want to be up top with a clear view of the sky.


Hartley
S/V Atsa

[Capt. Steve1]

Originally Posted by Hartleyg

Barnakiel is correct - the Raymarine RS150 and the Garmin shown are both complete receivers, not just antennas. The Garmin will work fine in a Raymarine SeatalkNG system, as both are actually NMEA2000 "inside". You may need an adapter or adapter cable to plug them together, but you won't need any additional "smarts".
The magnetic heading sensor is a definite plus, but keep in mind that heading sensors are better when located down low in the boat, while GPS devices want to be up top with a clear view of the sky.


Hartley
S/V Atsa

I maynot even need a adaptor to connect the garmin for the elements backbone appears to be NMEA2K. I'm planning to mount the antenna( I'll rephrase an call it what it really is is a GPS receiver) on the roof just above the anchor light.


the vessel roof is 11' off water line. the only thing on roof thats taller is the rocket laucher style rod holder (just4).


my current chartplotter has a builtin GPS receiver an acutely doe's work however it only receives signal though windshield an side windows it the roof where it can't recieve the 3rd satilite signal so the lose of signal alarm is constantly going off an it can't be disabled.


my plan is to test out the new MFD w/out the receiver then evaluate if I need an external receiver. I believe I can turn on/off alarms w/ this new MFD. thanks Hartley

[Hartleyg]

Hi Again Steve,


I looked up the manual for the Element chartplotter - looks like a great unit for your vessel!
I suspect you will have good results with the built-in GPS, but if you need to add the external unit, I think you will need a couple things, as you can't just plug the GPS into your plotter. Both the GPS and your plotter want to be hooked to a NMEA2000 buss as spurs. The buss itself can be nothing but two terminations and a power source (which the GPS will need - your plotter will NOT power the GPS). Actisense makes some "simple N2K buss" devices like this: https://actisense.com/products/a2k-sbn-1/
- or you could make your own


GL!


Hartley

[Capt. Steve1]

Originally Posted by Hartleyg

Hi Again Steve,


I looked up the manual for the Element chartplotter - looks like a great unit for your vessel!
I suspect you will have good results with the built-in GPS, but if you need to add the external unit, I think you will need a couple things, as you can't just plug the GPS into your plotter. Both the GPS and your plotter want to be hooked to a NMEA2000 buss as spurs. The buss itself can be nothing but two terminations and a power source (which the GPS will need - your plotter will NOT power the GPS). Actisense makes some "simple N2K buss" devices like this: https://actisense.com/products/a2k-sbn-1/
- or you could make your own


GL!


Hartley

the element 12HV doe's indeed have a NMEA2K connection found at bottom of whats in the box tab page
https://www.raymarine.com/en-us/our-...ent/element-hv


I'm hoping w/ the internal antenna I will receive signals though windsheild,side an rear windows. here's the roof an helm station of my cruiser.


I assume I can test her out while in backyard?


I'm probably gonna have to completely remodel the helms dash. the element 12 is over 14" wide 8.5" high. haven't decided if I'm gonna flush mount bc I intead on keeping a few mechanical gauges like water presure unless it's part of the data grid from the ETEC engine.



thanks Hartley

[barnakiel]

You can test in the boatyard and yes a decent internal GPS receives fine inside most boats.


In our boat a handheld basic Garmin receives perfectly fine inside - and under a grp/foam sandwich roof. Ours is old technology, newer gps receivers tend to be much better indoors that the old ones.


b.

[Capt. Steve1]

Originally Posted by barnakiel

You can test in the boatyard and yes a decent internal GPS receives fine inside most boats.


In our boat a handheld basic Garmin receives perfectly fine inside - and under a grp/foam sandwich roof. Ours is old technology, newer gps receivers tend to be much better indoors that the old ones.


b.

wonder why my current entry level dragonflypro5 constantly loses signal?


will test out new MFD in backyard an report back?thanks

[Capt. Steve1]

initial plan to mount w/ cradle probably later will flush mount just want to get up an running an learn how to operate this MFD.
I'm working on designing an building the NMEA2K network.
this is gonna be fun. my newish cruising/fishing destination is mostly bottom fishing where I used to trolling. to be continued

[Capt. Steve1]

Originally Posted by barnakiel

These are full receivers. An MFD that asks for an antenna will not use these. But it may use the N2K / proprietary gps and heading data as long as it comes formatted so that the data input of your MFD can read it.


If you have an MFD and you want an antenna to go with it, use proprietary. makes installation less of a headache.


PS No all GPS antennas are the same. There are plain ones, and pre-amped ones. So some require power, others are just wired with plain antenna wire (VHF grade more or less).


Unless you like tinkering and problem solving, use the proprietary hardware as specced in your MFD installation manual.


b.

barnakiel I’m considering this Garmin antenna.link below
I have contacted Garmin about using it w/ the Ray Marine MFD. There response was very simiairl to yours about the same brand or as you put it same prioritized.

“Anything that is on the NMEA 2K backbone that is certified NMEA 2K, everything will communicate the PGNs across the network. All Garmin Marine devices that connect to the NMEA 2K backbone are NMEA 2K certified. We generally find that an MFD and antenna that are the same brand create a less stressful installation and makes any troubleshooting a smoother process of elimination. The NMEA 2000 PGN required for the heading sensor specifically is 127250: Vessel heading.”
More
“
The PGN is how NMEA 2000 data is shared. Not all PGN information can be accepted by each brand. In order to see if the heading information from the antenna can be shared with your Raymarine chartplotter, you'd need to check their manual or contact their support team to see if their device is capable of accepting the NMEA 2000 PGN 127250 for vessel heading. If it doesn't accept it, then the heading sensor would not be able to be used on their chartplotter. It is possible to mix and match brands as long as all the marine electronics are NMEA 2000 certified. All the Garmin NMEA 2000 capable devices are NMEA 2000 certified. I can't speak to any other brands, although their equipment should be NMEA 2000 certified as well. If that's something you'd like to verify, you'd need to contact the other manufacture”

I found this doc where RayM doe’s indeed capable of accepting the NMEA 2000 PGN 127250 for vessel heading.
Attached.


https://www.ebay.com/itm/33567466727...3Avlp_homepage

after reading the 2nd review on this GPS antenna I’m now concerned w/ apparently not being able to calibrate the heading sensor so it mite not be worth the risk? is this what you where refrreing to as tinkering?

Review:
This is an excellent GPS. Very accurate, but more expensive than I feel it should cost. Be aware that while this does work with with older Garmin MFD's, you may not be able to use the menu driven interface to calibrate the heading sensor. My 6212 required the "Basic" calibration as it could not do a menu based calibration. This also means you can not do a "fine tune" calibration with an older MFD (or not Garmin MFD).


Ray star RS150 antenna (made for My MFD
I believe this is the GPS signal strenght on upper right.
what is the split screen on left is that a radar overlaying a route? sorry to be so long.

[Capt. Steve1]

After connecting the Garmin external antenna. Only see internal antenna as data source.I’ve tried both manuel on an off in both GPS an GPS datum just internal.
Under GPS datum I do see WGS 1984 as a value.
please advise.

[Hartleyg]

Hi Steve,


The "GPS Datum" column pertains to the geographic reference in use by the GPS. WGS 84 is the one most folks use nowadays, though you may find others for older charts.
But your Element chartplotter is not seeing your Garmin GPS on the NMEA2000 (N2K) network. SO:
1. Have you powered the network? This is necessary to power the Garmin GPS receiver - the chartplotter doesn't care.
2. I assume you have connected both the GPS and Plotter as spurs to the N2K network and you have installed the two terminations?
3. Does the Garmin GPS have an indicator to show it is powered? On my RS150 there is a green LED flashing on the top when its powered up and receiving.


The split screen to the left of the GPS screen (which shows which satellites it can "see" and how well) is a listing of N2K PGNs (data messages) that the plotter can receive.


Hartley
S/V Atsa

[Capt. Steve1]

Originally Posted by Hartleyg

Hi Steve,


The "GPS Datum" column pertains to the geographic reference in use by the GPS. WGS 84 is the one most folks use nowadays, though you may find others for older charts.
But your Element chartplotter is not seeing your Garmin GPS on the NMEA2000 (N2K) network. SO:
1. Have you powered the network? This is necessary to power the Garmin GPS receiver - the chartplotter doesn't care.
2. I assume you have connected both the GPS and Plotter as spurs to the N2K network and you have installed the two terminations?
3. Does the Garmin GPS have an indicator to show it is powered? On my RS150 there is a green LED flashing on the top when its powered up and receiving.


The split screen to the left of the GPS screen (which shows which satellites it can "see" and how well) is a listing of N2K PGNs (data messages) that the plotter can receive.


Hartley
S/V Atsa

success I now have connectivity w/ the Garmin on the RayM even reconizes the serial#. when I initially screwed the NMEA Ts together evidentially incorrectly. what I did to resolve was while inspecting the NMEA pins I made sure to turn the locking collar together equalley, I think previously I didn't turn the opposing collar the same amount of turns.
I'm very pleased to see the Garmin.


ps I looked over the installation doc no mention of a powered on light plus I don't see a light there is a small hole underneth the dome I'll have to do more research for what that hole function is problley a physical reset.


I'm not able to do the calibration untill next cruise.


will I be able to see the satilites she's connected to like in image on post 11.



thanks Hartley

[Hartleyg]

Great! Yes, all the pins have to be engaged



Steve asked: "will I be able to see the satellites she's connected to like in image on post 11."


Yes, you should see the info as the example showed. The GPS will take a little while to establish a lock on a sufficient number of satellites, and you can watch the process on that screen. Once everything is locked in, you can watch the satellites travel past..


Hartley