Integration of Garmin Autopilot and a Third-Party Chartplotter

Integration Between a Third-Party Chartplotter and Garmin Autopilot

NMEA 2000

Problems can arise between NMEA 2000 certified versus NMEA 2000 compatible devices. Ensure the third-party chartplotter uses actual NMEA 2000 certified language and not a manufacturer's proprietary sentences. SEATALK, SIMNET, and FASTNET are proprietary communication networks used by other marine chartplotter manufacturers. These communication networks use many of the same NMEA 2000 PGNs, but the "Backbone, Network Cables, and T's" are psychically different. Due to structural differences, it must convert to an NMEA 2000 network structure to work on a Garmin Autopilot System.

A manufacturer using a proprietary language for NMEA 2000 connections or a third-party gateway to convert the language to NMEA 2000-certified data. In some cases, the manufacturer may suggest an NMEA 0183 connection. Refer to the owner's manual of the Garmin Autopilot for wiring and power considerations. Check the wiring configuration between the chartplotter and Garmin Autopilot. The user must check with the chartplotter manufacturer for device settings that may prevent communication between the systems. 

GPS Status Check

The Reactor 40 requires a GPS status check, or it will not operate. The Reactor 40 not seeing PGN 129540 or PGN 129025 will not work. 

Reactor 40 will report "Lost GPS." Common when using NMEA 0183. Garmin highly suggests installing a Garmin GPS antenna to confirm a good satellite status. Installing a GPS 19x or GPS 24xd will stop the error message because the Garmin antenna sends the Sat Status ID.

Autopilot Speed Source

The third-party chartplotter and the Garmin Helm Control (GHC) autopilot need to use the same speed source: GPS, Tach, or None.

• Use Tach if it is an available speed source

• GPS speed sources start with a GPS 24xd, or GPS 19x, followed by the chartplotter's built-in GPS antenna

• Ensure the GPS source on the chartplotter and the GHC is the same

• Speed source None should be on vessels under ten mph

Garmin recommends using an NMEA 2000 GPS antenna as the primary speed source. 

Engaging the Route

 A third-party chartplotter system users cannot engage an autopilot route or waypoint directly, routes or navigation to a waypoint uses the GHC device.

Third-Party Heading Sensor

An installed third-party heading sensor on the NMEA 2000 or NMEA 0183 system is not a substitute for a Garmin Autopilot CCU. The third-party heading sensor can be used as the Preferred Source. Due to the hull material, a steel boat cannot use the Reactor 40 CCU for heading. Instead, it would use a third-party heading sensor designed to work with a steel hull as the Preferred Source; regardless, the Reactor 40 CCU is required to operate the Garmin Autopilot.

Troubleshooting

If the Garmin autopilot system is not working correctly with a third-party chartplotter there are a couple of things to check how the systems connect and the status light of the Garmin autopilot. 

If the systems connect via NMEA 2000, see the device list on the GHC device.

From a GHC 20 Menu > Set up > NMEA 2000 Devices.

From a GHC 50 Options (three dots) > Global Settings > Communications > Device List.

If it lists, none found or is missing devices, troubleshoot the NMEA 2000 backbone. See NMEA 2000 Troubleshooting. 

If the third-party chartplotter is still not communicating with the Garmin autopilot, check with the chartplotter's manufacturer for assistance.