Fusion Audio, Garmin, Sirius XM, and NMEA 2000

[ttmott]

Here is a bit of discovery for those that cannot see the Sirius XM stations or Sirius XM information on your Garmin MFD or for that matter any MFD.
So, Sirius XM if connected using a Sirius antenna and receiver to the Sirius XM jack on the back of the Fusion Head (like MS-RA770 that I have) that information does not pass through and onto the NMEA 2000 network and consequently can't be seen by any devices other than Fusion on the network. Fusion said it is a limitation in the compatibility with the Sirius data stream and NMEA 2000.
Secondly, If you should have a Garmin Sirius XM antenna / receiver (like the GXM54) that is connected to the NMEA 2000 network then the Sirius XM informational data is available and visible on the MFD's but conversely not on the Fusion equipment as the audio input into Fusion is through the RCA cabling and as a result the informational data stream is unavailable. This also means your Fusion app on your Smart Device is of no use for Sirius XM.

Hot off the press from Fusion Tech Support....

 

[rlynch03]

I have a UD650 Fusion Head unit tied into the Nema 2000 backbone with several NRX300 Remotes and a Garmin 8616 mfd. All of the XM Radio Data shows up on the Garmin and the Garmin info shows up on the Remotes...

Also my Fusion Link App works (as long as I run the audio through my phone via Bluetooth)

Wonder if it is a conflict with the newer head units.

 

[Havana Shamrock]

I run SIRIUS that’s tied into my Jeep from the app on my phone BT to the fusion I don’t get album art but everything else is there. My FLIR /Axion also works, summer sounds is the station .

 

[ttmott]

View attachment 90275 I run SIRIUS that’s tied into my Jeep from the app on my phone BT to the fusion I don’t get album art but everything else is there. My FLIR /Axion also works, summer sounds is the station .

How does that work in the Bahamas for example? A lot of conditions outside of your boat proper have to be in place right?
The issue is nothing in the Garmin or Fusion literature reveal the integration limitations relating to Sirius XM when wired per the Fusion and Garmin instructions. One does all of the research to ensure they have a fully integrated electronics package before the investment and in my case quite an investment then find out after purchasing and installing contradictions to their advertising and any literature. Sirius XM is but one shortfall that I thought I would share so others can purchase more wisely. This is one of the two configurations per Garmin/Fusion and how I have it (circled in Red).
Tom

 

[DanW]

I’ve got a fusion AV755 connected via NNEA2000 to a Garmin 942XS. The XM antenna is connected to the fusion head unit. I’m able to see SiriusXM info on the head unit, mfd, garmin app, and fusion app. Did they say this was a problem with specific models?

Dan

 

[ttmott]

I’ve got a fusion AV755 connected via NNEA2000 to a Garmin 942XS. The XM antenna is connected to the fusion head unit. I’m able to see SiriusXM info on the head unit, mfd, garmin app, and fusion app. Did they say this was a problem with specific models?

Dan

They didn't. So, you are configured essentially the same as I am in the above drawing. Can you get a photo of the Sxm showing on the Garmin? I'll send that to the tech at Fusion I've been working with and get a better explanation.

 

[yobub]

Here is a bit of discovery for those that cannot see the Sirius XM stations or Sirius XM information on your Garmin MFD or for that matter any MFD.
So, Sirius XM if connected using a Sirius antenna and receiver to the Sirius XM jack on the back of the Fusion Head (like MS-RA770 that I have) that information does not pass through and onto the NMEA 2000 network and consequently can't be seen by any devices other than Fusion on the network. Fusion said it is a limitation in the compatibility with the Sirius data stream and NMEA 2000.
Secondly, If you should have a Garmin Sirius XM antenna / receiver (like the GXM54) that is connected to the NMEA 2000 network then the Sirius XM informational data is available and visible on the MFD's but conversely not on the Fusion equipment as the audio input into Fusion is through the RCA cabling and as a result the informational data stream is unavailable. This also means your Fusion app on your Smart Device is of no use for Sirius XM.

Hot off the press from Fusion Tech Support....

I might be misunderstanding your post. I have a Fusion 755 connected to a Garmin 742xs via a NMEA2k backbone that I just installed. I get all Sirius channel and song data to the Garmin.

 

[DanW]

Here’s a pic

 

[yobub]

@ttmott My config is pretty simple: NMEA2k backbone connecting my 755 to my Garmin 742xs. I have a Sirius antenna plugged into the 755. Nothing else on the NMEA2k backbone. As soon as I connected the backbone everything just worked - zero configuration.

The Garmin is connected to my Standard Horizon 2200GX VHF to bring AIS over to the Garmin, but that is 0183 so shouldn't make a difference.

 

[rlynch03]

View attachment 90331 View attachment 90332[/QUOTE]

I can control and see my Fusion head unit via the Garmin 8616 but I do not see all of the detail on the Stations like you show here...

 

[clow]

View attachment 90331 View attachment 90332

I can control and see my Fusion head unit via the Garmin 8616 but I do not see all of the detail on the Stations like you show here...[/QUOTE]
I have the same issue - I believe it has something to do with older Garmin GPSMAP products. I have a Garmin GPSMAP 8208 and a Garmin Echomap Plus 74 which is newer. Both show the full Fusion screens and both work fine with the media bar. However, if using SiriusXM only the EchoMap Plus shows all the SiriusXM information, not the older GPSMAP. However, all the other inputs work identically between the two units.

The only reason this theory isn't proper - my friend has two Garmin GPSMAP 8212 (same model year as mine just bigger). One of his GPSMAP's work like mine (SiriusXM is missing detail) and the other one works fine (like my Echomap Plus). So that blows my mind how that can happen.

I know Fusion has issues with certain data not being able to go over the NMEA 2000 networks, which is why I think they are moving to WiFi with their newer Apollo products. However, with that said, the above proves that it can work, just like yobub posted. I'll tell you, while I love the Fusion, it's definitely buggy. I just purchased an RA210 a couple of months ago and it's really buggy when it comes to SiriusXM. They put out an update on July 3 that corrected some BT bugs, but for such a large operation - I've been a little surprised about the bugs.

 

[ttmott]

Quite possibly the issue is with the Apollo series. As mine is the Garmin 8616xsv chart plotter with the Fusion Apollo MS-RA770 audio head connected together by NMEA 2000. The Sirius XM antenna and receiver is connected to the Fusion Apollo (shown in the previous posted schematic). All Fusion audio information and controls are accessible through the Garmin 8616 including IPhone Blue Tooth but not Sirius XM.... All it says is the input "Satellite Radio".. It should like the other audio sources populate the upper half of the screen with graphics and channel options.

 

[clow]

Quite possibly the issue is with the Apollo series. As mine is the Garmin 8616xsv chart plotter with the Fusion Apollo MS-RA770 audio head connected together by NMEA 2000. The Sirius XM antenna and receiver is connected to the Fusion Apollo (shown in the previous posted schematic). All Fusion audio information and controls are accessible through the Garmin 8616 including IPhone Blue Tooth but not Sirius XM.... All it says is the input "Satellite Radio".. It should like the other audio sources populate the upper half of the screen with graphics and channel options.
View attachment 90346

Exactly the issue I have on my Garmin 8208 however the Echomap plus works perfectly.

 

[clow]

Exactly the issue I have on my Garmin 8208 however the Echomap plus works perfectly.

it’s not the Apollo series. Same thing is happening with my friend who has an older Fusion.

 

[alnav]

I have the GXM-53 so have full control of SirusXM on my MFD's but not from the Fusion Apollo. I am thinking of installing a Sirius receiver to connect to the Fusion. In doing some research, I came across the following from the Apollo Operator Manual:

"Configuring the Stereo for use with a Garmin Marine Network
You can connect this stereo to a Garmin Marine Network in order to view and control the stereo using a compatible Garmin chartplotter.
NOTE: When you configure the stereo for use with a Garmin Marine Network, you are limited to using only Garmin and Fusion devices. You cannot use third-party routers, phones, storage devices, or other network products with this stereo.
You cannot use Wi‐Fi networking on a stereo configured for use with a Garmin Marine Network. This functionality is compatible with wired network connections only.
Select > > NETWORK > WI-FI OFF > GARMIN MARINE NETWORK."

No mention of it in the Installation Manual. Looks like the above requires a Garmin Network (ethernet) connection; right now I connect to my onboard router. I wonder if this would correct the MFD Sirius control issues albeit at the cost of the loss of other capabilities like wi-fi connection to the Fusion app but I guess Bluetooth would still work. Has anyone made this connection?

 

[ttmott]

I have the GXM-53 so have full control of SirusXM on my MFD's but not from the Fusion Apollo. I am thinking of installing a Sirius receiver to connect to the Fusion. In doing some research, I came across the following from the Apollo Operator Manual:

"Configuring the Stereo for use with a Garmin Marine Network
You can connect this stereo to a Garmin Marine Network in order to view and control the stereo using a compatible Garmin chartplotter.
NOTE: When you configure the stereo for use with a Garmin Marine Network, you are limited to using only Garmin and Fusion devices. You cannot use third-party routers, phones, storage devices, or other network products with this stereo.
You cannot use Wi‐Fi networking on a stereo configured for use with a Garmin Marine Network. This functionality is compatible with wired network connections only.
Select > > NETWORK > WI-FI OFF > GARMIN MARINE NETWORK."

No mention of it in the Installation Manual. Looks like the above requires a Garmin Network (ethernet) connection; right now I connect to my onboard router. I wonder if this would correct the MFD Sirius control issues albeit at the cost of the loss of other capabilities like wi-fi connection to the Fusion app but I guess Bluetooth would still work. Has anyone made this connection?

I've never seen this....
I use Bluetooth but not Wi-Fi for the Fusion. However, I use the Wi-Fi on the Garmin MFD's which is the link to the portable devices and how the Garmin equipment gets updated.
So I'm clear Al - you are talking about the Garmin Ethernet (in the photo circled in red) and not the NMEA 2000 right? I wonder about conflict in data between the NMEA 2000 and Ethernet from the Fusion but I'm willing to try this....

And connect as this (shown in Red)?

 

[alnav]

I've never seen this....
So I'm clear Al - you are talking about the Garmin Ethernet (in the photo circled in red) and not the NMEA 2000 right? I wonder about conflict in data between the NMEA 2000 and Ethernet from the Fusion but I'm willing to try this....
And connect as this (shown in Red)?
View attachment 90456

Tom, yes, that's how I see it, however, don't understand a need for the POE Isolator.

 

[ttmott]

Tom, yes, that's how I see it, however, don't understand a need for the POE Isolator.

The POE Isolator - because I have it (it's that yellow thing above the network expander in the above pic) and not knowing exactly what the Fusion does with respect to the network connections - insurance...
Garmin is very explicit that any POE will damage their equipment.

 

[ttmott]

I have a bunch of Garmin network cables so I hooked one up but no joy.... Set RA770 head to DHCP and saw the Garmin system assigned an IP address. Looked at both the NMEA 2000 and Network devices on the MFD and the stereo shows on both.

 

[alnav]

I have a bunch of Garmin network cables so I hooked one up but no joy.... Set RA770 head to DHCP and saw the Garmin system assigned an IP address. Looked at both the NMEA 2000 and Network devices on the MFD and the stereo shows on both.

Tom, did you do this on the Fusion head?
Select > > NETWORK > WI-FI OFF > GARMIN MARINE NETWORK.