User manual LOWRANCE M68I SMAP ADDENDUM I

[. . . ] The data cable ends in two wires that connect to your VHF radio or other NMEA device. The M68i uses the yellow wire to transmit and the black shield wire for signal ground. NOTE: Some VHF radios, such as the popular Uniden brand, have input levels which require use of an additional diode and resistor built into the M68i data cable. This is Wiring Diagram A, which is described on page 2. [. . . ] This will help protect from moisture and prevent the wires from breaking contact. Wiring Diagram "B" If your VHF radio or other device requires true RS-232, you will need to remove the diode and resistor built into the end of the M68i data cable. You will notice near the end of the cable a segment protected with black heat-shrink. To connect the M68i to a true RS-232 radio, first remove the Uniden adapter segment of the cable as shown in the following figures. 3 For Wiring Diagram B installations, remove the Uniden adapter segment at the end of your data cable as shown at left. Snip off the end of the cable protected by the black heat-shrink. At right, we have used clear heat-shrink for clarity, so you can see the diode and resistor protected within. Remove this portion of the cable. After you've removed the adapter segment, use wire pliers to expose the ends of the five remaining wires in the cable. Cut off the black, blue and white wires, then seal their ends with electrical tape. Black Blue White Cut black, blue and white. Bare wire (shield) Yellow (transmit) After removing the adapter segment, prepare to connect by removing and taping off unneeded wires. Strip the end of the yellow wire. Strip about 1/4-inch (6. 35 mm) of insulation from the yellow wire, then follow the preceding wire nut and taping instructions to connect the wires from the radio or other device. If you're using a true RS-232 radio or other device, connect its (+) Receive wire to the M68i data cable's yellow wire and its ground or (­) Receive wire to the M68i data cable's bare shield wire. Yellow (Transmit) Com port to M68i Shield (Ground) (+) Receive or Receive To another (­) Receive or ground NMEA device Com port wiring to transmit NMEA information to another standard NMEA-compatible device. 4 When the data cable is connected to your VHF radio, all you have to do is plug it into the sonar/GPS unit. Attach the data cable's plug to the accessory socket on the right side of the back of your unit's case. Communications Port Activation Now that you have your devices connected, here's how to make them communicate. This unit can connect to either an accessory such as a speed or temperature sensor or a NMEA 0183 data cable. In order to use the Communications Port for NMEA data, you first need to activate NMEA 0183 Output. Press MENU|MENU| to ENABLE NMEA 183 OUTPUT|ENT| to YES|ENT. Enable NMEA command on the unit's Main Menu Communications Port Configuration Once NMEA 0183 Output has been enabled from the Main Menu, the Com Port command appears in the System Setup Menu. This command opens a menu that allows you to configure the communications port. Menus for changing Com Port settings. 5 If you need additional assistance in configuring the unit to communicate with another device, consult the factory; customer service phone numbers are in the back of the unit's manual. A menu appears with a drop-down Baud Rate selection box highlighted. The menu also contains an on/off checkbox to activate NMEA Output, and a button that activates the Configure NMEA command (described in the following section). To set Baud Rate: With the Baud Rate box selected (the title bar should be highlighted in blue, see the middle figure above), press ENT. A drop-down list appears, showing available baud rates. Select the one that matches the baud rate on your VHF radio, and then press ENT. To activate NMEA Output: From the Communication Ports menu, press to highlight NMEA Output. Press ENT to check (turn on) or uncheck (turn off) the NMEA Output checkbox. [. . . ] Coast Guard, for example, implemented its first DSC-capable systems in Atlantic City, N. J. and Chincoteague, VA in September, 2003. DSC rescue system won't be operational until Sept. As more marine electronics manufacturers enter this growing market, other connectivity issues with your unit may appear. [. . . ]