RichardS
New Member
OK.....
This is a follow-up to my lightning strike but I thought it would make more sense in the "Electronics" area of the forum since it's so subject specific, and may apply to boaters who haven't done it only because of lightning.
My 2009 Sea Ray 270 SLX (496 Mag with DTS and Smartcraft) lost it's Northstar 550 and transducer because of the recent event.
It's MY understanding (and if I am wrong, PLEASE, correct me as fast as possible because they are ordering parts today!!) that the only chartplotter that will fit right into the place the Northstar was, without cutting the dash, which I don't want to do, is the Raymarine A68.
SO!
First, is that true?? (I know there was an older Garmin model in some of these boats, but I'm talking about new and/or current models, not anything already old.)
Second, assuming it is the newest and latest tech chartplotter that will work, I also understand the boat needs to be re-configged to NMEA 2000 to make it all work with Smartcraft.
So that involves a NMEA tree and a gateway of some type. (which one?)
Is there anything else I need to know?
Once the NMEA 2000 network is installed, and the proper gateway is installed to replace the old Navico from the Northstar system, will I have all the functionality of the old system? Meaning, besides chartplotter functions, will I be able to see all my engine data on-screen on the A68? Is there anything else I need to buy/do to have complete functionality?
Is the Raymarine A68 the unit you guys would use? I was always a Garmin guy, but Garmin doesn't seem to be an option here.
Looking forward to hearing your input on this. I really want it done "right"! So any advice, precautions, thoughts of any kind, much appreciated!!
This is a follow-up to my lightning strike but I thought it would make more sense in the "Electronics" area of the forum since it's so subject specific, and may apply to boaters who haven't done it only because of lightning.
My 2009 Sea Ray 270 SLX (496 Mag with DTS and Smartcraft) lost it's Northstar 550 and transducer because of the recent event.
It's MY understanding (and if I am wrong, PLEASE, correct me as fast as possible because they are ordering parts today!!) that the only chartplotter that will fit right into the place the Northstar was, without cutting the dash, which I don't want to do, is the Raymarine A68.
SO!
First, is that true?? (I know there was an older Garmin model in some of these boats, but I'm talking about new and/or current models, not anything already old.)
Second, assuming it is the newest and latest tech chartplotter that will work, I also understand the boat needs to be re-configged to NMEA 2000 to make it all work with Smartcraft.
So that involves a NMEA tree and a gateway of some type. (which one?)
Is there anything else I need to know?
Once the NMEA 2000 network is installed, and the proper gateway is installed to replace the old Navico from the Northstar system, will I have all the functionality of the old system? Meaning, besides chartplotter functions, will I be able to see all my engine data on-screen on the A68? Is there anything else I need to buy/do to have complete functionality?
Is the Raymarine A68 the unit you guys would use? I was always a Garmin guy, but Garmin doesn't seem to be an option here.
Looking forward to hearing your input on this. I really want it done "right"! So any advice, precautions, thoughts of any kind, much appreciated!!