Should I replace with Smartcraft sensor or NMEA?

[mnm99]

So I have a Airmar In Hull P79 Transducer that works OKAY. Sometimes it doesn't work when on plane. This works through NMEA. I also have a Thru Hull transducer that is an original Smartcraft sensor that is not working right now. I would like to have 2 depth sensors that work. I'm wondering if I should replace the Smartcraft one with the original or replace it with a Thru hull that runs off my NMEA system also. The NEMA is like $279 and the Smartcraft is $340. I should be able to run 2 different depth sensors, one directly to the MDF and one on the NMEA network right? I'll have to check this. I was thinking this because the smartcraft is the older Sc5000 and thought the NMEA would be better. Thanks

Edit....Edit.. I think I installed the wrong sensor to begin with a while back. My original is listed as a 12* deadrise and I installed a 20* one. Here is the original.

View attachment 116731

https://www.hodgesmarine.com/gar010...n5L5d7EUioMppes-NACo1Y3Cjlfkb6tcaArJMEALw_wcB

https://www.mercruiserparts.com/mercury-mercruiser-79-8m0122505-sensr-dp-tmp-10ft

 

[NorCalRobert]

I know on my Raymarine Axiom MFD I can pick which sensor to use but I don’t think I can use 2

 

[mnm99]

I can add as many sensors as I want through NMEA. The P79 sensor is connected directly to the MDF. This sensor will be through the NMEA network. I have to call Garmin on Monday I guess.

 

[Skybolt]

I can add as many sensors as I want through NMEA. The P79 sensor is connected directly to the MDF. This sensor will be through the NMEA network. I have to call Garmin on Monday I guess.

Even though NMEA 2000 will allow some 200+ instances of transducers, the Garmin MFD will only allow a single source for depth, for data the bars. Depending on the model MFD, Sonar will support as many as your MFD will support. The xx43xsv will support one and the 86xx will support up to three per MFD. The MFD will share any transducer connected to it across the GMN as well as transmit on the NMEA2000 network as depth.

I haven't tried it, but you may be able to use an engine screen with multiple data boxes and assign different instance of transducers from the
N2K network. But that would be a custom screen as the data bar boxes will only support a single source. Also NMEA2000 transducers will not show up as sonar sources and only as a depth source.

 

[mnm99]

I have the gateway also connected to my mdf. Is shows multiple gauges and could set up the layout however I want. Once I select what gauge I want it asks to pick from devices listed. I can add 2 of the same gauges. I use one mdf for all my gauges only. I’ll have to find out how it works with 2. Ad I mentioned the P79 is a 7pin connected directly to the mdf the other would be NEMA. On the mdf when I add a gauge like my trim tabs, and rudders it shows up. I can’t see why transducer wouldn’t.

 

[Skybolt]

... On the mdf when I add a gauge like my trim tabs, and rudders it shows up. I can’t see why transducer wouldn’t.

It absolutely will show up. The P79 should enable the sonar screen as well and also be available for depth. The N2K will only show up as depth. When in a nav screen and you select data bars, that's where you can only select one depth reading. At least when I tried to have two sources this past spring I could not get two sources to be available for the data bars, I haven't checked since the last firmware update though. You can in a dedicated screen other then a nav screen, like a data only screen with data boxes.

 

[mnm99]

It absolutely will show up. The P79 should enable the sonar screen as well and also be available for depth. The N2K will only show up as depth. When in a nav screen and you select data bars, that's where you can only select one depth reading. At least when I tried to have two sources this past spring I could not get two sources to be available for the data bars, I haven't checked since the last firmware update though. You can in a dedicated screen other then a nav screen, like a data only screen with data boxes.

Thanks. I have 2 MDF's also. One always shows gauges the other NAV screen. Sometimes my FLIR on one and NAV on other. Either way if I have my NAV screen on I should see the P79 in one of the corner boxes and the other on my gauge MDF screen. I would be able to compare both if needed.

 

[Siboatguy]

Thanks. I have 2 MDF's also. One always shows gauges the other NAV screen. Sometimes my FLIR on one and NAV on other. Either way if I have my NAV screen on I should see the P79 in one of the corner boxes and the other on my gauge MDF screen. I would be able to compare both if needed.
View attachment 116765

So a little off topic... I'm gonna update my Elect this year and was curious why does anyone keep there.. Smart Craft screen?? Is there anything you get on that, That you won't get on the Garmins?

 

[KevinC]

So a little off topic... I'm gonna update my Elect this year and was curious why does anyone keep there.. Smart Craft screen?? Is there anything you get on that, That you won't get on the Garmins?

I think the Smartcraft to Nema2K gateway will only give you the engine data values from the Smartcraft. To get the full error/alert messaging I believe you need the new Smartcraft Connect (but it is a little more pricey). From the marketing side it looks like the SmartCraft Connect will integrate quite nicely on the Raymarine Axioms and Garmins.

-Kevin

 

[mnm99]

I think the Smartcraft to Nema2K gateway will only give you the engine data values from the Smartcraft. To get the full error/alert messaging I believe you need the new Smartcraft Connect (but it is a little more pricey). From the marketing side it looks like the SmartCraft Connect will integrate quite nicely on the Raymarine Axioms and Garmins.

-Kevin

Yup. I did just that. I used a gateway, Added another MDF in the Smartcraft spot, removed the useless spedo and moved up the Smartcraft screen. Even though most of my gauges are on my MDF now I still use the Smartcraft for things like water pressure, Rudder, and dual RPM view. It's Just another backup and now I don't have to toggle through the menus.