Download
Share
Print this page
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Lowrance Manuals
  4. GPS
  5. M68i S/Map
  6. Owner's manual

Lowrance M68i S/Map Owner's Manual

Sonar/gps unit
Hide thumbs
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual
Additional Instructions for
Lowrance M68i S/Map
Your sonar/GPS unit, the M68i, functions exactly like the M68 de-
scribed in the manual provided (part 988-
M68i contains a communications port for NMEA 0183 output. The in-
structions for connecting data cables and setting up the communica-
tions port appear in this addendum. The back page also includes a cor-
rection note for an error in the M68 manual.

NMEA 0183 Cable Connections

NMEA is a standard communications format for marine electronic
equipment. The M68i can send information to any device that receives
NMEA 0183 data. This allows the unit to work with VHF marine radios
equipped with the Digital Selective Calling (DSC) distress call feature.
To send NMEA 0183 data, the M68i has one NMEA 0183 version 2.0
communication port. The com port can be used to send NMEA format-
ted data such as your current position.
The provided M68i data cable plugs into the accessory socket on the
right side of the back of your unit's case. This socket can connect either
an accessory such as a speed or temperature sensor or a NMEA 0183
data cable. The data cable ends in two wires that connect to your VHF
radio or other NMEA device. The M68i uses the yellow wire to transmit
and the black shield wire for signal ground.
NOTE:
Some VHF radios, such as the popular Uniden
els which require use of an additional diode and resistor built into the
M68i data cable. This is Wiring Diagram A, which is described on
page 2. The majority of the DSC radios will work with the resistor and
diode as provided by Lowrance Electronics.
A few other radio brands (and other electronic devices) that meet the
NMEA 0183 standard won't need these adapters and you will have to
remove the resistor and diode to make those work. This is Wiring Dia-
gram B, which is described on page 3.
Consult your other device's owner's manual, then read through all of
the following instructions before you begin. Use the installation dia-
Addendum I
1
Pub. 988-0152-061
). In addition, the
0152-031
brand, have input lev-

Advertisement

loading

Related Manuals for Lowrance M68i S/Map

Summary of Contents for Lowrance M68i S/Map

  • Page 1: Nmea 0183 Cable Connections

    Additional Instructions for Lowrance M68i S/Map Your sonar/GPS unit, the M68i, functions exactly like the M68 de- scribed in the manual provided (part 988- M68i contains a communications port for NMEA 0183 output. The in- structions for connecting data cables and setting up the communica- tions port appear in this addendum.
  • Page 2 gram most suited to your brand of radio or other device. If your device manual indicates an RS-232 connection (i.e., a computer), remove the resistor and diode and connect using Wiring Diagram B. Most other connection types (TTL; NMEA + and NMEA –; differential) will re- quire Wiring Diagram A.
  • Page 3 Twist the appropriate wires together, making sure that the exposed ends make good contact. Secure the wire ends with wire nuts, then wrap each wire nut securely with electrical tape to protect against moisture, as shown in the figure on the right. After taping the wire ends individually, wrap the entire connection with electrical tape as shown.
  • Page 4 For Wiring Diagram B installations, remove the Uniden adapter seg- ment at the end of your data cable as shown at left. Snip off the end of the cable protected by the black heat-shrink. At right, we have used clear heat-shrink for clarity, so you can see the diode and resistor pro- tected within.

  • Page 5: Communications Port Configuration

    When the data cable is connected to your VHF radio, all you have to do is plug it into the sonar/GPS unit. Attach the data cable's plug to the accessory socket on the right side of the back of your unit's case.

  • Page 6: Configure Nmea

    If you need additional assistance in configuring the unit to communicate with another device, consult the factory; customer service phone num- bers are in the back of the unit's manual. To set Com Port Configuration: 1. Press MENU MENU 2. Press ↓ to OMMUNICATIONS A menu appears with a drop-down Baud Rate selection box highlighted.
  • Page 7 As more marine electronics manufacturers enter this growing market, other connectivity issues with your unit may appear. You can check for known compatibility issues by visiting our web site, www.lowrance.com. Look in the Manuals section for updated documents for your sonar/GPS unit.
  • Page 8 1. From the Full Sonar Chart page, press |↓ to PAGES EXIT LASHER switch to the normal Flasher page. This addendum supplements the manual , part number 988-0152-031. Pub. 988-0152-061 © Copyright 2004 All Rights Reserved Printed in USA 022704 Lowrance Electronics, Inc.