NMEA 2000 Network

Bygracealone · #1 03-10-2012, 06:24 PM

Hey guys,

As stated in the thread about Garmin Chartplotters, I'm planning to network a Garmin 250c FF, a Garmin 421 GPS CP, a DSC VHF radio, and a fuel sensor via a NMEA 2000 network.

First, seeing that NMEA 2000 is now an industry standard and not proprietary or specific to any particular brand, I'm guessing that it would be okay to buy a Lowrance NMEA 2000 starter kit over a Garmin one even if I'm joining together Garmin products, right? Is there any advantage at all to using the Garmin backbone over a Lowrance one? The Garmin one is about $30 more, not a huge deal, but if it doesn't make a difference, I'll use the $30 for additional parts that I'll need.

Second, I plan on using the Lowrance Fuel Sensor, the Lowrance EP-65R simply because it's less than half the price of the Garmin GFS 10 ($70 compared to $150).

Does this sound like a good plan or have I missed something? Is it foolish to be mixing Garmin and Lowrance products? I'm thinking it should be fine since NMEA 2000 is NMEA 2000 regardless of the brand name on the connectors, but I have zero experience with this sort of thing, so I'm appealing to y'all for advice. :-)

Bygracealone · #2 03-10-2012, 10:31 PM

I received some feedback from a couple of guys over at THT and it turns out that I need to completely rethink my whole game-plan.

My fishfinder is NMEA 0183 versus 2000... So, it's either time to buy an updated fishfinder or shell out $100 for a converter... Hard call.

Also, apparently there are differences in function between the Lowrance and Garmin fuel sensors. The Garmin will provide info on fuel flow AND fuel level, while the Lowrance only provides fuel flow.

So, back to the drawing board. :-)

Destroyer · #3 03-11-2012, 04:47 AM

Better you found out now rather than spent all that money and then ran into tons of trouble. Just goes to prove that unless you know for sure, a little research BEFORE you buy can save you countless dollars afterwards.

THEFERMANATOR · #4 03-11-2012, 09:39 AM

Also the LOWRANCE fuel flow sensors are problematic to say the least. I went through 3 of em before I gave up on it on my boat. As for the network, I would stick with 1 brand as it normally tends to make teh set-up easier.

Bygracealone · #5 03-13-2012, 09:10 AM

Destroyer, yep, I'm glad I found out beforehand...

Ferm, I think you're right, I'll probably stick with Garmin..

whatknot · #6 03-18-2012, 11:08 PM

I have a Lowrance system. They provide everything you need at 30-50 bucks a pop. Fluid level sensor for the tank, engine diagnostics (completely awesome), Fuel flow and all the reg stuff that you get w the standard unit. I have had zero issues. Use 2 LMF-400 gauges with it so my 28C-HD isn't crammed full of info that prevents me from seeing the bottom or the plotter. NMEA, LOVE IT!