View Full Version : How to network using Nmae or expansion port?
Thembonez
04-07-2009, 06:21 PM
New to this networking thing. How could I network a lms 522c and hds7 together? Can Nmae run directly from unit to unit or do I need an expansion port? How does all this stuff work? Any info is greatly appreciated!!
turtleburtch
04-07-2009, 06:40 PM
I recently updated all electronics on my 32' Wellcraft Coastal. I am no expert, but have done my homework. If your instruments are capable of networking with NMEA 0183 or NMEA 2000 protocols, then you should be able to network unit to unit if networking 2 instruments. I was told for more than 2 a network hub is needed. I can not comfirm the need for a hub as my instruments are wired for NavBus and not NMEA.
hondo
04-07-2009, 08:39 PM
New to this networking thing. How could I network a lms 522c and hds7 together? Can Nmae run directly from unit to unit or do I need an expansion port? How does all this stuff work? Any info is greatly appreciated!!
The expansion port works with the ethernet cables. You'd only need the expansion port if you were using other add-ons that run off the ethernet port, like the weather radio or the radar. Otherwise you could connect the two units with an ethernet cable to share the sonar display, no expansion port needed.
The NMEA networking will allow you to share gps data, waypoints, other digital data like depth and temperature, etc. between the units. That is all done with NMEA networking cables, not with ethernet or expansion hubs. Like turtleburtch said, you need to do your homework to figure out what you need and how to configure your network to make it work.
Thembonez
04-07-2009, 08:52 PM
Ok so far it's about what I thought. Now the curve ball. I plan on adding a sirius weather antenna to my hds later on. Would this require a expansion port or would it connect directly to my hds?
hondo
04-07-2009, 10:08 PM
Ok so far it's about what I thought. Now the curve ball. I plan on adding a sirius weather antenna to my hds later on. Would this require a expansion port or would it connect directly to my hds?
That's not a curve ball. You would need the expansion port unless you want to connect the weather radio to the hds unit only, and not use any of the other ethernet features or accessories.