User manual LOWRANCE M68I SMAP ADDENDUM I

[. . . ] The back page also includes a correction note for an error in the M68 manual. Lowrance M68i S/Map 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. [. . . ] Required supplies for this job include: two gray (18 gauge) or blue (16 gauge) wire nuts and electrical tape. Supplies are not included. Wiring Diagram "A" Begin by stripping the wire ends of the device you're connecting to the M68i. (You'll notice the M68i's data cable comes pre-stripped, with wire ends exposed. ) Use a pair of wire pliers to strip about 1/4-inch (6. 35 mm) of insulation from each of the radio's or other device's data wires. Strip the ends of the VHF radio's data wires. Connect them to the prestripped wires of the M68i's data cable (shown right). Twist the exposed wires together as shown in the following figures. If you're using a Uniden or similar radio, connect the radio's NMEA Wire to the M68i data cable's yellow wire, and the radio's Ground/Shield wire to the M68i data cable's black shield wire. If you're using another radio brand or NMEA device, see Wiring Diagram B instructions at the end of page 3. Yellow (Transmit) Com port to M68i Shield (Ground) NMEA Wire (Receive) or NMEA + Ground/Shield or NMEA ­ To Uniden radio or other device Com port wiring to transmit NMEA information to a Uniden or similar VHF radio or other device. 2 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. This will help protect from moisture and prevent the wires from breaking contact. Wiring Diagram "B" If your VHF radio or other device requires true RS-232, you will need to remove the diode and resistor built into the end of the M68i data cable. You will notice near the end of the cable a segment protected with black heat-shrink. To connect the M68i to a true RS-232 radio, first remove the Uniden adapter segment of the cable as shown in the following figures. 3 For Wiring Diagram B installations, remove the Uniden adapter segment at the end of your data cable as shown at left. At right, we have used clear heat-shrink for clarity, so you can see the diode and resistor protected within. Remove this portion of the cable. After you've removed the adapter segment, use wire pliers to expose the ends of the five remaining wires in the cable. Cut off the black, blue and white wires, then seal their ends with electrical tape. Black Blue White Cut black, blue and white. Bare wire (shield) Yellow (transmit) After removing the adapter segment, prepare to connect by removing and taping off unneeded wires. Strip the end of the yellow wire. Strip about 1/4-inch (6. 35 mm) of insulation from the yellow wire, then follow the preceding wire nut and taping instructions to connect the wires from the radio or other device. If you're using a true RS-232 radio or other device, connect its (+) Receive wire to the M68i data cable's yellow wire and its ground or (­) Receive wire to the M68i data cable's bare shield wire. Yellow (Transmit) Com port to M68i Shield (Ground) (+) Receive or Receive To another (­) Receive or ground NMEA device Com port wiring to transmit NMEA information to another standard NMEA-compatible device. 4 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. Communications Port Activation Now that you have your devices connected, here's how to make them communicate. This unit can connect to either an accessory such as a speed or temperature sensor or a NMEA 0183 data cable. In order to use the Communications Port for NMEA data, you first need to activate NMEA 0183 Output. Press MENU|MENU| to ENABLE NMEA 183 OUTPUT|ENT| to YES|ENT. Enable NMEA command on the unit's Main Menu Communications Port Configuration Once NMEA 0183 Output has been enabled from the Main Menu, the Com Port command appears in the System Setup Menu. [. . . ] Coast Guard, for example, implemented its first DSC-capable systems in Atlantic City, N. J. 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. 7 Correction On page 69 of the M68 manual (part 988-0152-031), step 1 for entering Ice Machine mode is incorrect. [. . . ]