Seatalk 1 and NMEA2000 combined

Updated 2023-01-20 !

Our boat was delivered, 2006, with just Raymarine equipment using network Seatalk 1(ST1), and some NMEA0183(N1). Updates and additional equipment will use the newer NMEA2000(N2K). We will keep the two well functioning Raymarine 12”, E120, and the radar. In addition, for Navigation purposes, we use the iPad app iSailor.

The easy way to combine ST1 with N2K is to use the Raymarine Seatalk 1 to Seatalk NG(STNG) converter, Raymarine E22158. STNG and N2K is the same protocol, with some dialectal differences, but have different cabling.

Don't miss this post where I'm presenting additional solutions, including a NMEA WiFi gateway, and add ons.

Intro

The converter works in both directions. ST1 messages is converted to N2K and vice versa.

Adding the N2K network

I used the N2K starter kit from Garmin. The cable for connecting the converter to the ST 1 network is supplied with converter kit but an additional cable was purchased connecting the converter to the N2K network, Raymarine A06046 

Adding a N2K marine display

The first test to this approach was to swap the mounted Raymarin Bidata ST 30 instrument to a Garmin GMI 10 N2K display (Really bought to our old boat but never mounted). The Garmin display was mounted in the same hole as the Bidata instrument but the Bidata instrument was still connected to the ST network due to that it receives depth and speed information which is distributed to the network. It was just hidden behind the instrumentpanel.

The power to the N2K network is supplied via the ST1 network.

The picture shows the GMI 10, well-functioning, and mounted in instrumentpanel. It also shows the newer GMI 20 for comparison.

Additional information

A post for updating the software for the Raymarine Seatalk 1 to Seatalk NG converter is found here.