Visit our Popular Forums

**Dockhead** · 28-02-2013, 12:25

I've now brought back the last bits for my new electronics, and -- naturally -- there is a snafu.

I was counting on connecting the analogue (and very expensive) CS4500 ultrasonic speed transducer through a new DT800 "smart" depth transducer (all from Airmar). Well, it doesn't work. There is no connection on the DT800.

So I now have to figure out what to connect the speed transducer to in order to (a) get the speed data into my new N2K network; and (b) calibrate the bloody thing.

Sadly I sold my ST60 speed display, which would have done both jobs. Well, at least to the point of Seatalk data, but that is easily bridged to NMEA0183.

So now I see a couple of options:

1. Buy an Actisense Speed/Depth/Temp to NMEA0183 converter, connect the NMEA0183 port to one of my plotter NMEA0183 ports, and have done with it.

2. Buy a Raymarine ST60+ or i50 Tridata display, and let that do the bridging. ST60+ will bridge to Seatalk, and I will have a Seatalk converter anyway (for my redundant wind instruments). This display can be installed at the nav table, where a dedicated speed/depth display would be welcome. The only problem is I'm not quite sure how I would get depth data onto the ST60+. The i50 is N2K (SeatalkNG) so depth data would not be a problem there, I think.

What do you guys think? Maybe there's some other way to skin this cat, which I haven't thought of yet?

DeepFrz · 28-02-2013, 13:49

Maybe you can return the two sensors and replace with the DST800?

**Dockhead** · 28-02-2013, 13:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeepFrz

Maybe you can return the two sensors and replace with the DST800?

That would certainly solve the connection problems, but the DST800 is a paddlewheel sensor. I really want accurate STW for accurate True Wind and accurate current set & drift calculations.

PeterSailor · 28-02-2013, 15:21

Did not had time to read all the CD4500 data, but it looks like it provide pulses as output. Am I right on that?

Dont you have a B&G Zeus T8 in your layout? You can connect the pulse output from the CS4500 to the schosounder of the T8.

Bash · 28-02-2013, 16:12

A tri-data at the nav station scores mega style points.

PeterSailor · 28-02-2013, 16:23

I mean echosounder. It has the temp, speed and depth (50-200MHz) input.

forsailbyowner · 28-02-2013, 16:39

I have a airmar triducer that transmits in 0183. Its tied into the furuno navpilot and displays on that and chartplotter

**Dockhead** · 28-02-2013, 17:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeterSailor

I mean echosounder. It has the temp, speed and depth (50-200MHz) input.

I though I could connect the CS4500 to the DT800. But alas, no.

**Dockhead** · 28-02-2013, 17:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bash

A tri-data at the nav station scores mega style points.

I'm not sure of the exact irony content of that statement (they don't make a meter for it yet

), but, well, yes. Not style exactly, but how cool to be able to keep an eye on that data at the nav table, which is my favorite place on board.

Crewmen pressed into service on my boat are expected to keep the helm; on passage I am very often at the nav table, and their level of skill and responsibility varies. I am always nervous about depth and would actually love to have it in big bold numbers at the nav table, for the avoidance of any doubt (with appropriate alarms set).