Help Me Integrate My Mac

[hoppy]

I like gadgets and will buy plenty for it over time.

My number 1 priority is to integrate my MacBook (OS/X) as much as possible for starters with the equipment on board.

The equipment already has these items on board.
Garmin 551 plotter
Raymarine ST60 Tridata instruments giving speed, depth, wind speed, wind angle etc.
Raymarine ST6000 autopilot which can be set on a constant compass course or constant wind angle


What I would like to do is make my Mac the source for all of my Navighation needs and hopefully showing as much of the possible input it can take.

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Raymarine ST60 Tridata instruments giving speed, depth, wind speed, wind angle etc.
Raymarine ST6000 autopilot which can be set on a constant compass course or constant wind angle


So I am thinking of buying MacENC and the Med maps from navionix

I figure that I can get my position from my Garmin 551 via NMEA. From what I gather I can connect the ST60 also via NMEA?

I eventually want a nav unit at the helm that is capable of showing Radar, but I also would like the Mac to to have access to the radar as well.

If want to add more on some toys like an AIS receiver (very likely) or a radar further on dowe the track

What cables another stuff is needed to connect this all up? Do I need a multiplexer? (if so any recommendations)

How do you connect a Mac to NMEA?

[sabray]

First you need to find a mac adapter. They change them every so often. Then they break. It would be easier just to get a PC. I like the Ipad just so you know Im not a rabid anti mac person. Unless your doing something particular with mac programs like video or audio get a PC. 1/2 the cost.

[hoppy]

Originally Posted by sabray

Unless your doing something particular with mac programs like video or audio get a PC. 1/2 the cost.

I have 3 Mac' at home right now, Pro, Mini & Macbook which is destined to be my nav station.

I just found this. So perhaps I need something similar

[colemj]

Originally Posted by sabray

First you need to find a mac adapter. They change them every so often. Then they break. It would be easier just to get a PC. I like the Ipad just so you know Im not a rabid anti mac person. Unless your doing something particular with mac programs like video or audio get a PC. 1/2 the cost.

That is just plain wrong and uninformed. There is no such thing as a "mac adapter" which is changed often and prone to breakage.

Macs all use industry standard USB, Firewire and ethernet ports for peripherals and communication and DVI ports for video. Same as most PC's today. They have been this way for 10 years or more.

You may need a serial-to-USB adapter or a multiplexer, depending on what you wish to do. That will be no different if you were using a PC instead. You will find that PC's are much more finicky about the serial-USB adapters. I just use the cheapest ones I can find on my Mac and have never found one that didn't work. But the PC doesn't like several of them and requires more expensive Keystone ones.

Mark

[Aquanaut]

Originally Posted by sabray

First you need to find a mac adapter. They change them every so often. Then they break. It would be easier just to get a PC. I like the Ipad just so you know Im not a rabid anti mac person. Unless your doing something particular with mac programs like video or audio get a PC. 1/2 the cost.

I agree with Colenj. !/2 the cost twice the problems.

[GPSNavX]

I like the Shipmodul Multiplexers. They can handle both NMEA-0183 and Seatalk input. They can connect to your Mac via USB or wireless Bluetooth. Their site has lots of information on marine instrumentation connectivity ..

ShipModul Marine Electronics

[WillJacocks]

Also this if you use iPad.

The Best Navigation Apps for the iPad