NMEA2000 chatplotter with analogue gauges secondary

[vindoga]

Hello my kind sailors,

Since my last topic I have taken multiple sailing trips with my already seasoned Swedish boat. I find this hobby absolutely fantastic and I can not wait for the next one!

I would now like to start doing some much necessary work on her. Thanks to the kind words from sailors on my other topic I have familiarized myself with the NMEA2000 network, as well as my chartplotter and auto pilot.

My plan is to rebuild the entire electrical system as I find it very difficult to understand what the previous owner has had in his mind.. While I am very fluent in these kinds of works I find myself struggling with the NMEA2000 once again.

I have bought this signal converter: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005...77ad1802CalJLk (I have also attached an image of it for future reference in case the link expires)

The signal converter will convert multiple sensor output values and feed them to the network. Fortunately, or unfortunately, I would always like to have a secondary option when something fails.

My question of topic is: Could I hook up analogue gauges to the sensors before they are input to the signal converter? Would this interfere with the readings on the analogue gauges or the on-board network?


Thank you!

[dougweibel]

Two devices cannot be connected to a single analog (resistive) sensor. They will interfere with each others operation.

[vindoga]

Thank you for clearing that up. I have found conflicting information from Google, there is information that it would work and there is also information which contradicts it.

Could you point me in the direction of how would I achieve this kind of set up? If I could not have direct analogue gauges, I would still look to have a secondary to my chartplotter. What are some reliable needle gauges which would receive their information from NMEA network?

[smac999]

If the box is looking for voltage. You would need the gauges. If it’s looking for ohms. Then you can’t use the gauges.

The actisense emu-1 can do ether. I have no idea about yours.

[ranger58sb]

I think SOME analog resistance sensors are made for two gauges, as in for one display at an upper helm and another at a lower helm. VDO's website has some examples, KUS might too, and maybe Faria does as well...

I've also read some installations have a selector switch, to enable a gauge at one helm station or the other.

-Chris

[Statistical]

Originally Posted by vindoga

Could you point me in the direction of how would I achieve this kind of set up? If I could not have direct analogue gauges, I would still look to have a secondary to my chartplotter. What are some reliable needle gauges which would receive their information from NMEA network?

"Analog" gauges that get data from NMEA network are for style/nostalgia not reliability. They have a digital connection and processor just show the output as an "old school" analog dial.

Just get one or more instrument displays like Garmin GMI 20. If you want it to match your chartplotter brand every brand has the equivalent of a GMI 20.

If you really want analog instruments then get real analog instruments. You can install a switch a SPDT switch between the sensor and the digital box with one output going to the digital box and one to the analog instrument. You can only use one or the other at one time. Switching the output requires flipping the switch.

However to be honest multi-function displays are very reliable and having multiple provides redundancy.