This device can connect to a NMEA 2000 network on your boat
to share data from NMEA 2000 compatible devices such as a
GPS antenna or a VHF radio. The included NMEA 2000 cables
and connectors allow you to connect the device to your existing
NMEA 2000 network. If you do not have an existing NMEA 2000
network you can create a basic one using cables from Garmin.
If you are unfamiliar with NMEA 2000, you should read the
Technical Reference for NMEA 2000 Products
at
The port labeled NMEA 2000 is used to connect the device to a
standard NMEA 2000 network.
Item
Description
NMEA 2000 compatible Garmin device
GPS antenna
Ignition or in-line switch
NMEA 2000 power cable
NMEA 2000 drop cable
12 Vdc power source
NMEA 2000 terminator or backbone cable
NMEA 2000 T-connector
NMEA 2000 terminator or backbone cable
NMEA 0183 Connection Considerations
• The chartplotter provides one Tx (transmit) port and one Rx
(receive) port.
• Each port has 2 wires, labeled A and B according to the
NMEA 0183 convention. The corresponding A and B wires of
each internal port should be connected to the A (+) and B (-)
wires of the NMEA 0183 device.
• You can connect one NMEA 0183 device to the Rx port to
input data to this chartplotter, and you can connect up to
three NMEA 0183 devices in parallel to the Tx port to receive
data output by this chartplotter.
• See the NMEA 0183 device installation instructions to identify
the transmit (Tx) and receive (Rx) wires.
• You must use 28 AWG, shielded, twisted-pair wiring for
extended runs of wire. Solder all connections and seal them
with heat-shrink tubing.
• Do not connect the NMEA 0183 data wires from this device
to power ground.
• The power cable from the chartplotter and the NMEA 0183
devices must be connected to a common power ground.
• The internal NMEA 0183 ports and communication protocols
are configured on the chartplotter. See the NMEA 0183
section of the chartplotter owner's manual for more
information.
• See the chartplotter owner's manual for a list of the approved
NMEA 0183 sentences that the chartplotter supports.
NMEA 0183 Device Connections
This diagram illustrates two-way connections for both sending
and receiving data. You can also use this diagram for one-way
communication. To receive information from a NMEA 0183
device, refer to items , , , , and when connecting the
Garmin device. To transmit information to a NMEA 0183 device,
refer to items , , , , and when connecting the Garmin
device.
Item
Description
Power source
Power/NMEA 0183 cable
NMEA 0183 device
Item Garmin Wire Function Garmin Wire
Color
NMEA 0183 Device
Wire Function
Power
Red
Power
Power ground
Black
Power ground
Data ground
Black
Data ground
Rx/A (In +)
Brown
Tx/A (Out +)
Rx/B (In -)
Violet
Tx/B (Out -)
Tx/A (Out +)
Blue
Rx/A (In +)
Tx/B (Out -)
Gray
Rx/B (In -)
If the NMEA 0183 device has only one input (receive, Rx) wire
(no A, B, +, or -), you must leave the gray wire unconnected.
If the NMEA 0183 device has only one output (transmit, Tx) wire
(no A, B, +, or -), you must connect the violet wire to ground.
NMEA 0183 and Power Cable Pinout
Pin Number
Wire Function
Wire Color
NMEA 0183 Tx/A (Out
+)
Blue
NMEA 0183 Rx/A (In
+)
Brown
NMEA 0183 Tx/B (Out
-)
Gray
NMEA 0183 Rx/B (In
-)
Violet
Alarm
Yellow
Accessory on
Orange
4
