Connecting GPS to Smartcraft Instruments

[johnsmith22]

Can anyone tell me how to identify the NEEMA inputs to the Smartcraft System Tach and Speedo. <br /><br />I want to connect a Garmin GPS Map 185 to the Smartcraft. <br /><br />If anyone could confirm all the connections that would be great.

 

[JB]

Re: Connecting GPS to Smartcraft Instruments

Moving to Electronics.

 

[dilligafda]

Re: Connecting GPS to Smartcraft Instruments

GPS to Smartcraft can be confusing, but follow along and we'll try not to get lost.<br /><br />The only "SmartTach and SmartSpeed" gauges that are compatible with GPS are the latest version of the software. You would need to know what version the gauges are before you try to connect it. <br /><br />If you have the "System Tach and Speed" there is a blue and white wire pair that connect to the GPS. It should be a direct connect, then calibration of the gauge to get it done.<br /><br />Hope this helps!<br />

 

[johnsmith22]

Re: Connecting GPS to Smartcraft Instruments

Thanks for the reply.<br /><br />I believe I have the software as the question because the Speedometer calibration extra sensors menu asks the question GPS connected Yes/No and I have found blue and black wires coming out of the harness by the instruments.<br /><br />Looking at the Garmin detail it seems to me that I should use the NMEA out wire which is colour coded blue and the common wire which is colour coded black. Is that correct? Also I would think I should set the Garmin to No In/NMEA Out. <br /><br />Then what NMEA format should I use from the Garmin V1.5 or V2.0 and should I set the data rate to any particular number, it ranges from 25 bps to 200 bps.

 

[dilligafda]

Re: Connecting GPS to Smartcraft Instruments

OK, as near as I can tell, your GPS needs to have NEMA 0183 v1.5 or higher to connect to the Smartcraft System gauges. The wire coming out of the Smartcraft harness should be blue and white, not black. <br /><br />As far as you rparticular GPS is concerned, check with the manufacturer for connection details.<br /><br />Hope that helps!

 

[johnsmith22]

Re: Connecting GPS to Smartcraft Instruments

I just looked at the boat, was working from memory before, the wire pair are indeed blue and white as you said. <br /><br />I have checked out the latest Garmin manual on their website and the Nmea out wire is brown and the common black. <br /><br />There is I guess a misprint in the paper manual I have which shows the Nmea out wire as blue but connected to the Receive (listening) connections of the connected devices. <br /><br />I think I am clear now what to do. I will try in with nmea v2.0 and if that does not work will try v1.5.<br /><br />Thanks for your help and will let you know what happens.

 

[dilligafda]

Re: Connecting GPS to Smartcraft Instruments

So John, how did things work out for you and the GPS connection?