I am looking at this J/109 (racing sailboat) and trying to figure out a good path for taking this Ockam/SIMRAD/B&G Zeus hybrid into the NMEA2000 world. I am wondering what my options are.
On this boat is a higher performance (if dated) ockam brain with sensors for speed thru water, depth, wind, and solid state maretron compass. It has 4 Ockam circa 2007 model 007 matryx display displays that are barely visible in sunlight connected with coax back to the Ockam brain. This connects to a B&G Zeus T12 chartplotter at the navstation. Connected are also a Class B AIS and a GPS sensor. (Let's leave out the autopilot with it's own solid state compass, not sure if that is wired to the above or independent)
I would like to replace 2 of the Ockam displays with NMEA-2000 based products and have a chartplotter above deck, perhaps Zeus3.
I am thinking of a Zeus3 at the helm because of all it's sailing friendly features. Because it would be mounted in a somewhat precarious position (next to a floor mounted traveler), I assume (because I have enjoyed this on Raymarine products) that I could use the Zeus3 to bi-bidirectionally convert 0183 to 2000 throughout the boat. E.g. if I later upgraded sensors to be NMEA-2000, their values would be transmitted back over 0183. But perhaps it would make sense to have an nmea-2000 to 0183 conversion elsewhere, and as sensors later become nmea-2000 my Ockam brain still works.
Its important to me that when I get the Airmar sensor that reports leeway, I can integrate that in even if I have to use my phone to get the specific leeway value. It's of some importance to me that the final solution can show target speed on the displays (or I can post a plastic card on the boom to read that off).
What's available to to that? An 0183 to 2000 bridge of some kind? iKommunicate?
Thanks
Dan
Perhaps an ideal bridge would have two NMEA-2000 ports, and one or two NMEA-0183 ports.
I place my sensors on NMEA-2000 Port 1; My Ockam on the 0183 interface, and my displays, MFD, and AIS on NMEA Port 2; Then through software define some data routes. E.g. N2K Wind and STW from N2K-1 goes to Ockam, comes back from Ockam and goes out to N2K-2. Compass data goes to Ockam and N2K-2
Hi Dan, I can't help with your specific question other than to advise you not to assume anything ;-)
And I'm also not a real racer. But twice now I have sailed on a J/109 named Utah at Navico's Hawks Cay event, and, wow, was that boat responsive and fun to sail.
Sorry, Utah is a J/111:
https://www.panbo.com/archives/2014/02/navico_writers_event_2014_bg_simrad_lowrance_product_highlights.html