Quote:
Originally Posted by CaptTom
The only issue I've run into (as mentioned in another post) is my B&G VHF. Navico makes good stuff, but they fell flat on this one. It needs an update, but that requires a Navico MFD.
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This is an annoying trend. I have a Maretron solid state
compass, which has both 0183 and 2000 interfaces. When I first installed it I was able to update the firmware using 0183 and a
serial adapter for my computer. I cannot now update the firmware to the newest version because Maretron no longer supports updating that way: I would now have to buy a Maretron multi-display or a Maretron USB-N2K adapter in order to do the update; they don't support the more common Actisense adapter either. That was the last Maretron device I will buy (but I will continue
buying their DeviceNet
cables, tees, and multiport boxes - great stuff). I like
buying the Airmar devices as they do support them through the Actisense adapter, and they are also supported by most MFDs. Vendor lock-in has always undermined the N2K standard, whether it is proprietary connection
hardware, firmware updating, or proprietary PGNs (the data sentences). I reward those who keep to the standards with my business (Furuno, Airmar) and I like the results.
Greg