Sending GPS position data to my VHF radio

[SilverSog]

Hello,

I'm trying to send GPS position data to my VHF radio via the NMEA 0183 data output on my Lowrance 334c. Has anyone here been successful with this interface? Do I need an external antenna connected to accomplish this? Or, do I need to connect the NMEA 2000 power cable to a power source? I'm quite sure I have my NMEA 0183 wiring correct. My instruction manual has me confused on this. Needless to say, I have not had success.

Thanks for any thoughts.

[Satchmo]

If you have your NMEA 2000 powered you can simply hook the NMEA 0183 transmit and the ground to your VHF NMEA 0183 recieve wire and ground to send the GPS info. In most cases however, the radio will NOT recive or send this information out until you apply to the FCC for a radio license and program your license number into your VHF radio.

[Capt. Don*]

I am not familiar with Lowrance products, I would call Lowrance directly for technical assistance with 0183 to 2000. In order to complete the DSC setup you will need an MMSI number, this can be obtained at no charge via a site like BoatUS. There is no license needed if you are recreational. Programming the MMSI into the radio is a matter of reading your radio manual and following the proper keystroke sequence. On my boats I have 3 different brands of DSC radios ranging from Raytheon to Icom and have programmed each boats MMSI into the 2 radios on each boat from GPS units from Raymarine, Standard Horizon, and Furuno. They all talk to each other normally and each radio displays time and current position.

Good luck

[Try Too Fish]

Well I'm not familar with the 334, on other units you must have the NMEA 2000 power wires hooked up and you also have to go into the menu and turn NMEA on!

good luck

[brooksrb]

Have you gone into your GPS units menu and configured the 0183 port ?

[SilverSog]

Quote:

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Have you gone into your GPS units menu and configured the 0183 port ?

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There's not a menu item to do that on the 334c. I've tried connecting NMEA power, I've registered for an MMSI number and entered it into my radio, and I've double checked the NMEA 0183 wiring from the GPS to the VHF radio. Still no success. I see when I go into the NMEA 2000 menu on my GPS unit that the internal antenna is not networkable. I'm guessing I need to install one of those "puck" external antennas. The problem is they want over $200 for those things!

I'm not sure what my next step will be. I HATE giving up on stuff like this!!!

Thanks for all the thoughts and suggestions.

[brooksrb]

the 0183 data doesnt go thru the NEMA network. Your internal gps ant is fine. Check your comm port configuration. See page 144 of your manual or look at it on line at Lowrance .com.

Good luck

[SilverSog]

Quote:

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the 0183 data doesnt go thru the NEMA network. Your internal gps ant is fine. Check your comm port configuration. See page 144 of your manual or look at it on line at Lowrance .com.

Good luck

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I am SO PLEASED! This solved my problem. Thank you SO MUCH!! I hope all is well in Alaska. Do you have a Minnesota connection?

Thanks again!

[brooksrb]

Glad you got it working. Nope I have no Minnesota connection except for a guy I work with who hails from there.

Good fishing and I hope you never have to push that distress button on your radio.