can a PG500R be powered from Data 2 or 3

[gordwedman]

I think I read somewhere that Data 1 cannot really power many accessories but I don't recall reading what the capabilities for Data 2 and 3 are. Could I power a PG500R heading sensor from Data 2 or 3? It would seem that the PG500R should power up any time the MFD is powered on so this seems like the way it should go. If you had a separate power feed and switch you could forget to turn it on along with the MFD and not get the results you are expecting.

 

[CarinaPDX]

The spec in the PG500 manual is 0.12-0.03 A (120mA-30mA). The spec in the NN3D manual for the 12V supply on the included 18-pin cable (Data 2&3 plus others) is for 100mA max, so technically you shouldn't do it although I would guess that 20mA over is unlikely to cause a problem.

The alternative would be using a Data1 cable (optional purchase). It is recommended for the BBWGPS GPS module, which consumes 100ma @ 12VDC, so again at least close but possibly even greater supply. Somewhat annoyingly, I cannot find a spec for the max current on Data1 in any of the manuals (NN3D Installation, MFD8/12 Installation, MFD8/12 Operator Manual) so I would just say that it is at least as good as the Data 2/3 cable.

If it were me I would use the included cable (Data 2/3) and expect it to work well: 20% over is not likely to cause a problem.

Perhaps one of the Furuno guys can weigh in on that.

Greg

 

[CarinaPDX]

The 100mA spec for the GPS came from the web page; the manual calls for 105-55mA. So now the difference for Data2/3 is down to 15mA - and that is for the maximum current of 120mA for the PG500. With the minimum of 30mA the average will be below the 100mA available; the 120mA is probably just a transient reading, for instance during startup. I would feel comfortable using Data2/3, but it's not my warranty so probably best to hear an official Furuno position.

Greg

 

[Johnny Electron]

It is not recommend to use the unit as a power supply for the PG500R. As Greg stated, the MFD doesn't offer enough amps to properly ensure PG500R operations.

 

[CarinaPDX]

Johny-

Do you have a spec for the Data1 cable 12V supply?

Greg

 

[Johnny Electron]

100mA; enough to power the BBWGPS (GP320B)

 

[gordwedman]

Thanks for the replies. I guess I will power the PG500R from the same breaker as the MFD so that they both power up at the same time. Not much point adding those power wires from Data 1 and 2 to my terminal strip considering the low power handling capability. Will simplify the wiring a bit. The MFD and radar worked well this past weekend so I have happy with that .

 

[CarinaPDX]

If you are willing to do a little electrical work you can still have the GPS powered on/off without using the breaker. Go to Radio Shack or similar and buy a small 12VDC relay - make sure the current draw is less than 100mA - and power the relay with the 12VDC from the data cable and use the contacts to switch the power for the PG500R.

Greg