Ski in NC
Technical Guru
Hi all. I've been on line for the better part of the day trying to figure this out. If I read anymore of this computer mumbo jumbo my head is going to explode.
Details:
Laptop with Coastal Explorer. Has USB and serial ports. So far loving the software, charts, photos and features.
Autopilot is AP35 Simrad with J300 box. Has a few 0183 inputs.
Backup plotter/sounder is Furuno 1650. Presently has 0183 connection to AP. It works, but I rarely use nav mode.
I want to connect the laptop to the AP. It seems there are a few options available: 1) RS232 cable from pc to AP. 2) USB converter to 0183 with isolator. 3) USB cable to 0183 without isolator. 4) 0183 multiplexer that can handle lots of inputs.
I've heard some of the multiplexers have data delay issues that affect the AP when following a track with curves. I don't want that. I would rather forego having lots of data running around, but keep accurate AP control.
If the multiplexer does not have a delay, then I guess that is the best method.
I would like to use the AP and PC to follow a few local routes that I transit often at night or otherwise poor vis. This might be a lot to ask, but worth a try.
A rs232 to ap seems most simple. If I chose to use the backup Furuno I can unplug the laptop and plug in the Furuno. No problem with that.
I'm not too worried about the ground loop currents as the pc is otherwise electrically isolated.
Any advice for a computer idiot. Not only an idiot, but untrainable.
Thanks,
Eric
Details:
Laptop with Coastal Explorer. Has USB and serial ports. So far loving the software, charts, photos and features.
Autopilot is AP35 Simrad with J300 box. Has a few 0183 inputs.
Backup plotter/sounder is Furuno 1650. Presently has 0183 connection to AP. It works, but I rarely use nav mode.
I want to connect the laptop to the AP. It seems there are a few options available: 1) RS232 cable from pc to AP. 2) USB converter to 0183 with isolator. 3) USB cable to 0183 without isolator. 4) 0183 multiplexer that can handle lots of inputs.
I've heard some of the multiplexers have data delay issues that affect the AP when following a track with curves. I don't want that. I would rather forego having lots of data running around, but keep accurate AP control.
If the multiplexer does not have a delay, then I guess that is the best method.
I would like to use the AP and PC to follow a few local routes that I transit often at night or otherwise poor vis. This might be a lot to ask, but worth a try.
A rs232 to ap seems most simple. If I chose to use the backup Furuno I can unplug the laptop and plug in the Furuno. No problem with that.
I'm not too worried about the ground loop currents as the pc is otherwise electrically isolated.
Any advice for a computer idiot. Not only an idiot, but untrainable.
Thanks,
Eric
Last edited: