Vx2 NMEA 0183 input data

[Bayhouse]

I have a Vx2 that gets GPS data via 0183 (after the antenna died) from my Garmin MFD. This works great most of the time, but intermittently I lose position data. The port monitor shows data coming in, but it's all garbled. The problem usually corrects itself but I can't figure out why. Any suggestions on what could be causing this?

 

[Johnny Electron]

My guess is you have a low cost RS232 device wired into the Furuno RS422 NMEA input. You should check what the GPS is providing; RS422 or RS232. Some companies would cut costs by using RS232 and exactly why the NMEA standard now requires RS422 to be certified. You might need an RS232 to RS422 level converter be inserted between your GPS and the Furuno to correct a data level mismatch.

 

[Bayhouse]

Thanks Johnny, from what I can find it does look like the Garmin units might shortcut on the 0183 specs and is the likely source of the problem. Very impressive diagnosis!! :respect :respect

I'll look into either a different connection method or I may be able to replace the original GPS antenna as part of another project this year.

Thank you