Install B&G 4G3 Radar to Zeus 3

[carlylelk]

I'm reading the 4G Radar installation manual and it's confusing. It has one wiring diagram including B&G chartplotter (as opposed to Lowrance and Simrad) but it's not a NMEA network, it's a SimNet network. The wiring diagram that shows NMEA 2000 does not include the B&G Zeus 3 MFD.

The Zeus 3 is NMEA 2000 compatible, so is that just an oversight in the manual?

Duane

[Recy]

NMEA 2000 and SIM-net are the same just different connections.

[carlylelk]

Recy,

The SimNet cable also requires a SimNet to N2K adapter kit cable.

Can I just connect the SimNet cable to the radar interface box (RI10) then cut off the other end and put a N2K connector on it to plug it into a Tee?

I hate paying for special connectors when there's no earthly reason except to fleece the public. Maybe I should have gone to Maretron equipment!

I can't find a help telephone number for B&G, is there one?

Thanks,
Duane

[smac999]

yes. if you have a n2k backbone. just make your own simnet to n2k cable for the ri10

all the recent simrad screens are n2k plugs. the pilots are now too. older stuff was simnet connector.

[Suijin]

I'm wondering if you're actually looking at the Navico ethernet cable which has proprietary plugs. I have a Zeus 2 and a 3G radar with R10 interface box and they are all standard N2K connectors. I'd find it hard to believe that they backtracked with the Zeus 3.

The ethernet cable runs from the interface box to the MFD, and is grey with yellow connectors. Radar data, which is high bandwidth, is not shared to the N2K backbone but is sent directly to the MFD.

[carlylelk]

I'm looking at the manual I downloaded from the B&G website titled "Lowrance, Simrad, B&G, Broadband 3G, Broadband 4G Installation Guide".

I have not yet received the gear yet. Apparently on backorder. I'm reading the manuals and gathering the materials for the install.

It appears that the on-line manual is out of date. It recommends the RC42 Heading Sensor, that is no longer manufactured.

So, it was a straight NEMA 2000 network?

Duane

[jdazey]

I have the Zeus3 9 and the B&G 4g radar. The connection requires an interface box and connector. I'll look up the specifics later. It does not go through n2k. You can use any n2k compass you like. I use a B&G Precision 9 with good results. The Zeus3 uses a proprietary Ethernet connector, but B&G sells an adapter. Yes, a lot of the doc, especially online, is out of date. The doc from the B&G site is pretty good.

I don't know where you bought your parts, but Achillefs at Chicago Marine Electronics is the guy to talk to for straightforward info.

[jdazey]

OK, it looks like the only additional part I bought was the simnet-micri C cable, 24005729, for $38.

[carlylelk]

Thanks Joe, that helps.

Duane

[smac999]

Originally Posted by Suijin

I have a Zeus 2 and a 3G radar with R10 interface box and they are all standard N2K connectors. I'd find it hard to believe that they backtracked with the Zeus 3..

all of the R10 boxes I have seen are simnet. maybe they have changed. or maybe you didn't hook yours up. (doesn't effect much. adds marpa)

[Ydunlop]

I installed my Zeus 2 with a 4G radar - briezy installation and I did not recall having to buy any additional parts. I have all the B&G collection so quite a crammed backbone. I can send photos if you have issues

[Dave_S]

Just had the B&G Radar installed yesterday. I bought it as a kit with the Zeus 3 and the cable that came with the radar has a RJ10 connector on it and some loose wires. The kit came with an interface (grey box) that talks to the NEMA 2000. The grey box plugs into the NEMA2000 system and you plug the RJ10 into the grey box.

[carlylelk]

Ydunlop,

I would like to see photos of your install, if it's not too much trouble for you. You could post them here, or PM me and insert the photos.

It's very generous of you!
Duane

[Tabaqui]

Recieved and installed a 4G radar a few weeks back. The Ri10 has 2 connectors + the connector to the radar dome. One Simnet to input Heading from N2K network. If you run a normal N2K backbone you need a cable that converts from N2K at the tee to simnet inhttp://baatplassen.no/i/forum/1-b%C3%A5tforumet/ the Ri10 end. The other connection is a "Navico special" ethernetplug. I had to pug this into a normal switch, so I cut the cable and crimped on a Rj45 connector in that end. You can buy a B&G adapter cable if you want instead if you need this. If you are just connecting the Zeus and the 4G you can probably just use the included cable and plug it straight in both ends.

[bobmcd625]

I am setting up a similar system with an Zeus 2 plotter and 3G radar.
I happen to get a Lorance ethernet cable that is too short. I have a second cable which I could connect to the first one, but can't find a suitable connector for those proprietary hello plugs. I guess I can cut them off and put on RJ45 plugs and then connect the two.
Any other suggestions?