NMEA 0183 to NMEA 2000 conversion - The Hull Truth

zingger · 05-21-2006, 04:53 PM

Does anyone make a cheap converter to go from 0183 to 2000? I'm interested in sending my legacy gps signal to a NMEA 2000 LowranceNet. I've just installed an LMF 200 and want to use an older Garmin to send - well I'm not sure what I want to send but I just want the MPG to work without spending much to get it.

I know it's a different wiring scheme and sentence structure, I'd rather not know much more than that, just want a cheap solution if there is one.

sneaks · 05-21-2006, 10:22 PM

The cheapest way is to get a "0183" fuel flow meter and sell the LMF-200. Up until Raymarine "enabled" seatalk2 in their C80 series I was in the same position you are. Seatalk2 is LowranceNet with a Raymarine proprietary connector and Lowrancenet is NMEA2000 with proprietary connectors. Grrrr. I had to build a LowranceNet to Seatalk2 adapter cable but it was sure worth the effort....

TTaxi · 05-22-2006, 01:47 AM

Legacy I believe is just mapping software that used to be sold by Lowrance - do you have a NMEA 2000 Lowrance GPS chartplotter unit or is that Legacy on an older Lowrance NMEA 0183 chartplotter or just on a laptop? Why use the Garmin? I "think" the LowranceNet/ Raymarine SeaTalk2/ NMEA 2000 are all based on auto-type CANBUS architecture( nooo , I don't understand it) but as sneaks says the proprietary connectors and possibly sentencing can get you down, and they don't want to talk to NMEA 0183. I've read there is no such thing as a 0183-2000 converter, but there are a lot of clever people out there. Did you just not realize the LMF-200 was an NMEA2000 unit?

Rather than use the generally preferred GPS speed over ground or VMG info since you probably can't get it from the Garmin to the LMF-200, why not just add on the EP-25 paddlewheel speed sensor to the Lowrance Net to get somewhat accurate NMPG displayed? That might be the cheapest solution but obviously will involve more pricey LowNet components to plug in with unless they are included. Alternately, the LMC-2000 GPS receiver(antenna) plugs into the LowNet as well, maybe it will provide speed over ground directly to the LMF-200?

TTaxi · 05-22-2006, 02:45 AM

.Sorry,...Make that "LGC-2000 GPS receiver". The Lowrance site has a window that lets you try adding components and connectors in the LowranceNet system then check to see if it is all compatible at the press of a button. Maybe you can come up with something workable.

A call to a Lowrance tech could provide the best answer. 1-800-324-1356.

zingger · 05-23-2006, 09:15 AM

Sneaks, Thanks for the reply, I had looked at the navman 2100 but it seems they've been out of stock on the fuel flow sender for some time now, didn't want to wait. The lmf 200 gives me the basic fuel used per trip that I need to split costs with my buds, used to just fill it up but with the e-10 fuel that may not be wise, jury's still out on that I guess.

TTaxi, the paddle wheel may be a work around but I hear it's more accurate at low speeds than high. What I really wonder is if there's a market for such a device 0183-2000 cvt and now I see, maybe wiring harness adapters. When I used the term legacy I was refering to old outdated equipment, computer geek in me show itself. Thanks for the reply.

mdushek · 05-23-2006, 01:01 PM

I took a quick look and found that a product called the Kvaser Neptune exists but couldn't find any other info about it.

NMEA0183 is a serial bus where as NMEA2000 is CAN. Any adapter would have to be a gateway product with a micro and 2 buses in it. It may be cheaper just to buy different equipment.