Coastal Explorer to Simrad AP20?

[HenryD]

I am re-cabling the helm and want to connect the CE computer to the Simrad AP20. I am looking at the Actisense Opto-4 Serial cable and the Actisense USG-1 USB cable. Any recommendations on the most stable way to do this?

 

[N4712]

I am re-cabling the helm and want to connect the CE computer to the Simrad AP20. I am looking at the Actisense Opto-4 Serial cable and the Actisense USG-1 USB cable. Any recommendations on the most stable way to do this?

If there's a serial port on your PC I would go with that way since it's simplest, which usually means it's stable. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[Larry M]

Talk to tech services at Simrad. (800) 628-4487

 

[N4712]

Here's a pic of what your processor box looks like. We have two of the AP 20's on our boat.

 

[mbevins]

If there's a serial port on your PC I would go with that way since it's simplest, which usually means it's stable. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

You're correct. That is how mine is done. It was done based on Simrad instructions.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Trawler

 

[N4712]

Just did this diagram so it would be easier to understand. This is using the Actisense Opto-4 serial to bare wires.

 

[tpbrady]

You might consider a NMEA 183 mux like the Actisense NDC4. I have found that the USB interface to CE is very stable. It also allows me to get NMEA AIS/GPS data to and from the Standard Horizon GX2150 as well as send the AIS data to a Lowrance HDS-7 and HDS-8. If you are going with a serial connection, if your PC doesn't have a real serial port, the serial to USB converters can sometimes pose a problem with drivers in Windows 7. CE recommends the Keyspan USB to serial converters, but I have had problems getting them to work on a couple of different computers. After that experience I went with the NDC4 and have been very happy with it.

Tom

 

[N4712]

Just did this diagram so it would be easier to understand. This is using the Actisense Opto-4 serial to bare wires.

Edit just realized I had the TX/RX backwards, it would go the other way. White and blue goto NMEA input RX + and RX -. Red and black goto NMEA output TX + and TX -.

 

[HenryD]

Thank you all. My PC does have a serial port. I ordered an Actisense Opto-4 today, so hope to have it wired up next week.

 

[N4712]

Thank you all. My PC does have a serial port. I ordered an Actisense Opto-4 today, so hope to have it wired up next week.

Good luck! I'm not sure about the driver side. CE may be blue to she's light on that part.