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Category: Sail Boats
Asked By:
Robert G. Stammerjohn
Date:
11/05/2010
Boat:
FIREFLY IV
This is purely an electronic problem. It is the connection between a UNIDEN 525 (with MMSI) capability and a Garmin map 76SC. I can EITHER achieve GPS (LAT/LONG)to radio or boat power to GPS. I would like to have both simultaneously. I have consulted many, but no one has come up with a solution. Is it even possible? The GPS black ground wire is needed to achieve data transfer thereby negating its use for boat 12v DC power (with the red wire). I have been playing with this for nearly a year.
Bob S.
Bob S.
Answer:
"
Hi Bob,
Sorry for the late reply, but I have to give credit to Cay Electronics in Portsmouth, RI for their help in answering your question.
Your battery ground wire is also acting as NMEA ground, your radio ground can also be NMEA ground so there is no need to keep these two wires isolated from each other, and you will not damage your NMEA port by connecting them. There are however, a couple of cautions to be aware of. If your hull is aluminum or steel, you will need a galvanic isolator between the NMEA black wire and the battery negative - - DO NOT connect these wires if you have a reversed ground system (+ve ground). Reversed ground is not common in the USA, but is often used in some boats built in Europe and Australia and on large ships.
I spoke with Cay Electronics and they will be happy to supply any parts you may need; here's the link to their website: http://www.cayelectronics.com/
Hope this works for you,
Captain Ian Fagg
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