Rudder Position Sensor Integration on Garmin 8600

[Stasis]

I would like to show my rudder position on my Garmin 8600 chart plotter. Garmin doesn't offer a sensor directly for this purpose. I heard you can integrate it with NMEA2000 though. I did come across the Garmin GRA 10 which seems to be a cable/adapter to convert a rudder angle sensor to NMEA2000. Does anybody have any experience with this or know any products which would be compatible?

[Sailmonkey]

Do you have an autopilot?

Do you have a nema 2000 network installed already?

[Stasis]

Originally Posted by Sailmonkey

Do you have an autopilot?

Do you have a nema 2000 network installed already?

I have a nmea2000 network but the autopilot is an old one with no chart plotter integration options.

[Sailmonkey]

In that case, I’d just use the gra10 and see if your existing angle indicator can tolerate feeding the autopilot and the n2k network.

If not, grab a VDO sender and set it up as a second angle indicator.

[smac999]

simrad fr25n should work.

[Stasis]

Originally Posted by Sailmonkey

In that case, I’d just use the gra10 and see if your existing angle indicator can tolerate feeding the autopilot and the n2k network.

If not, grab a VDO sender and set it up as a second angle indicator.

It's a rather old Wood Freeman mechanical autopilot, I don't think it has any existing indicator.

[Stasis]

Originally Posted by smac999

simrad fr25n should work.

I came across that one but wasn't sure if the commands and communications would be completely compatible with what the Garmin chart plotter is looking for.

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by Stasis

I came across that one but wasn't sure if the commands and communications would be completely compatible with what the Garmin chart plotter is looking for.

That will work just fine. It’s just an angle indicator, and it’s n2k compliant.

[smac999]

Originally Posted by Sailmonkey

That will work just fine. It’s just an angle indicator, and it’s n2k compliant.

the only issue is you may need a simrad screen to calibrate it. if you mount it perfectly center, and in the right direction it would likly be fine. if you need to mount it backwards, you won't be able to flip it / calibrate it. or fine tune center.