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Old 25-08-2013, 09:48   #1
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Question About Alternative Data Sources in N2K

My primary position data source for my N2K network is the neat GPS/Glonass receiver built into the Zeus T8 at my helm.

My network is configured as two separate N2K networks so that I can shut down the cockpit and engine room instruments on the hook and on my mooring, to conserve energy. That leaves me without position data, which means no anchor alarm, and all kinds of other problems (no Ground Wind), which means I could never shut down any part of the system during this summer's cruise.

I do have separate position data from my Sitex AIS transponder, which is directly connected to the network by N2K, not by NMEA0183.

I successfully used this position data for the month I was sailing before I got my helm Zeus installed.

But now, oddly enough, when the second network is switched off, and no position data is coming out of the helm Zeus, the first network does not accept the position data from the Sitex. It seems to me that it ought to fail over to the Sitex data, although it has been set up to consider the Zeus data to be primary.

Anyone encounter a problem like this?

Another position data problem I have is that I need to get it into my radios -- count 'em, three of them: Icom M604, Icom M802, and a future VHF/UHF ham radio. I am thinking about just hooking them all up to the Sitex, whose NMEA0183 talker port is presently unoccupied (three listeners can be hooked up to one talker on NMEA0183, correct?). Or maybe I will buy the new Garmin 19X receiver, which is tremendously accurate and receives even Galileo (!), besides GPS and Glonass, and set it up behind my nav table instrument panel. Should give much better data than the built-in Sitex GPS, and will make a good backup for the network.

What do y'all think?
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Old 27-08-2013, 05:58   #2
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Re: Question About Alternative Data Sources in N2K

Can you borrow a N2K bus analyzer, or computer interface?

suggesting some possibilities:
- confirm the presence of position data from the Sitex on the first N2K buss
- check settings of the "consumers" of the position data to confirm it/they accept the Sitex position data

With care, you should be able to drive the NMEA0183 inputs of 3 radios with the one NMEA0183 out port. Ideally, one should use an oscilloscope to confirm that the output signal remains solid and strong enough to all radios as more loads are added.

Good luck.
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