New User Questions RDP149/NMEA 2000

[scott4light]

I bought a new to me boat w/ 2 RDP-149's and a smaller 7" unit I do not have the model # on. I'm very good mechanically and not so adept electronically!

Id like to run my Simrad VHF w/ AIS via NMEA 2000 to the RDP149 to see other boats, is this possible?

Is there a way to update the software?

When I zoom in on the plotter, the screen turns dark blue and only shows the lat/lon lines

thank you,
scott

 

[Johnny Electron]

Id like to run my Simrad VHF w/ AIS via NMEA 2000 to the RDP149 to see other boats, is this possible?

The RDP149 (Vx2) does not support NMEA 2000 but it does support AIS via NMEA 0183. You would need a NMEA 2000 to NMEA 0183 converter like the Furuno FI-NMEA2k2 to convert the AIS data into 0183 for the Vx2. Yes you can update the software of the displays if needed. The 7" unit is most likely an RDP148 but could be something older. It was possible to mix Vx2 with the older NN1. I would start by getting the program number from the display units to see how they are currently programmed. It shows at the bottom of the screen during the boot up.

 

[scott4light]

thank you kindly. Can I download the updates from the Furuno website?

I alos purchased a GP-330B by mistake, can I cut the cord and replace the connector to mate to the RDP 149?

thank you

 

[Johnny Electron]

Can I download the updates from the Furuno website?

Yes but without knowing if your unit is C-map or Navionics or CCFL or LED; I can't direct you properly. What is the program number from the existing unit(s)?

I alos purchased a GP-330B by mistake, can I cut the cord and replace the connector to mate to the RDP 149?

No you can't. The GP330B is NMEA 2000 and cutting the connector won't change that. You would either get the GP330B/0183 or replace the full cable with the 0183 cable. You can NOT mix NMEA 2000 and 0183. They are not the same. Much like Unleaded and Diesel. Both push your car but totally diffrent from each other and never to be mixed.

 

[scott4light]

My unit is C-Map. thanks you for all the help.

 

[Johnny Electron]

Both C-map CCFL and LED update software is listed under the radar model of the product. In your case I would use the model "1944C/NT" to find the correct software.

 

[scott4light]

Good. Or ing, I found this number on the first screen that appears upon startup.

1950001020.3. Is this the number you were asking me to reference? How do I get the updated software loaded onto the machine. Serial #’s are 4312-5803 and 4313-0507

Thank you

 

[Johnny Electron]

The software version you provided reflects an RDP139, not an RDP149. It reflects a RDP139 Navnet one 10.4" programmed for version 20 of C-map with boot loader 3. Serial number 4312-5803 reflects the same. 10.4" Navnet series one sold in early 2004. 4313-0507 is also a RDP139 sold in late 2004. Neither unit is a Vx2. Neither unit can process AIS. Version 20 is the latest you can update an older NN1.