SCX20 and TZT BB

[Omega]

I am in the process of upgrading my heading sensor and gps to the SCX20 based on all the great reviews and have a question on how it will integrate with a TZT BB network. I had a frustrating experience with the PG700 and am currently using a GH2183 for heading and GPS. I heard the new Furuno sensor is even better so I am looking to add the SC20 and make the GH2183 my backup. AP is a 711C. Everything I have read references using TZT2 or AP 300 to interface and setup. I have a pair of TZT 2's but they are not on my primary network and would prefer to keep separate.

Does the new Sat Compass work with the 711C and TZT BB?



Also I have a location to mount the new sensor but I would like to confirm it is not too close to other equipment. I have attached a few photos for reference and would appreciate any feeback. The blue lid is the spot I would like to use.

Thanks for the help.

Omega

 

[Johnny Electron]

Yes, the NP711C will work extremely well with the SCX20 when both are on the same NMEA 2000 bus together. In regards to location, can you identify the three highlighted items? I don't want to make any assumptions.

 

[Omega]

Sure. No Problem. Appreciate the input.

1. Airmar GH 2183
2. Seatel Sat TV
3. ACR Epirb
4. Proposed Location

 

[Omega]

With supply limited I was fortunate to be able to find one. Couldn't help but to get after install this evening. Still trying to determine if I should bring my TZT2 onto NMEA2k network and if that brings any issues with pri.ary TZT set up. Still have some cable rigging under top to finish up before firing up.

 

[Omega]

Installed

 

[Johnny Electron]

The Sat TV antenna will be providing some blockage but I am sure the SCX20 will manage. I have some serious concerns about the SAT TV antenna in relation to the SCX20, the radar and other items like your Airmar. Minimum spacing distance of the Sat TV in relation to the radar will depend on the power of the radar. The higher power the greater the distance needed. That radar antenna is pretty close to that antenna during the swing. If it is pre-existing and you haven't had problems with either, then okay I guess. NMEA 0400 installation standards requires 4.9+ feet of distance from a Sat TV and a GPS/Sat Compass. That looks way too close by the photo. Other than the Sat TV, I don't see any concerns.

 

[Omega]

Johnny,

I finished rigging this evening and was able to get the boat out of the shed and turn everything on. I tested everything and documented the skyview screen with both tv on and tv off. I didn't see any change in the sat signal strength or number of satellites. What should I look for with in regards to any issues between the SCX20 proximity to the Sat tv? Also I didn't power up the radar but I am not too concerned as the radar and sat tv have coexisted for 3 years with no issues and the radar is well above the SCX20.
Overall I am very pleased with what limited testing I have been able to do.
One Q when I use the drop down for DFF3 and go to turn on motion sensor the SCX20 is not listed only the SC30 and SC50. I was able to turn on heave correction but not sure how to tell if the DFF3 is utilizing the SCX20 data.

Thanks.

 

[Johnny Electron]

I will have to look into the DFF3 question but please note that we just got new software (not posted yet) that I would guess has added support for the SCX20. By Monday or Tuesday new software should be posted to the public on the product page. I am not currently up to speed on the improvements it offers.

Having the physical blockage of the radar with the SatTV was one concern I had about it. If you have ran 3 years without any problem then it isn't a problem because you would have noticed a radar blind spot before now. The SatTV has its own rules about distances in that manual but again if it has been working for you, I expect no worries. The SAT compass like any GPS, Sat Radio antenna is pulling very tiny signals from orbit. The more RF you have around it can impact that hearing. If the RF has enough power it can damage the front end amplifiers of the receiver over time. In case of the Sat TV it isn't really transmitting (other than typical EMI put off by electronics) so the largest concern is it blocking or jamming the compass from the signals it needs to receive. If the boat has been ran 360 where the sat antenna has been in all directions and it doesn't cause any drops in SCX20 reception or problems for your radar, I think you did alright with it. On boats with limited space there are always compromises. It seems yours are working. :respect

 

[Johnny Electron]

So I was wrong about newer software for the DFF3. But I did find your answer about the motions sensor in the manual.

You must pick the SC30 setting for "all others" like the SCX20.

 

[Omega]

Excellent. Thank you. I just returned from a 340nm fishing trip and the SCX20 performed great. Very pleased. I looked at skyview a few times when fishing different directions and appeared to always have good sat coverage. I will admit I was careful with my Sat TV use during trip and would only power up in the evening while anchored and would turn off NMEA2k breaker during that time. I will go into DFF3 menu and confirm SC30 is selected. Ran a lot of radar during trip and no issues with performance.

 

[Johnny Electron]

:jump :jump :jump