Raymarine Axiom+ with Seatalk

[Dago]

Hi Everybody,
I have a legacy Raymarine seatalk1 navigation network. The c70 display died for the second time and I'm thinking about replacing it with a Raymarine Axiom+ rather than repair. I'm trying to figure out what equipment will be obsolete, and what will work but maybe with diminished functionality. I've attached a schematic of my current network, and another of a possible integration of the Axiom+. I'm pretty sure the Raydome RD218 won't work and the R125 GPS isn't needed because the Axiom has an internal GPS. I'm particularly interested in the Smartpilot X-5 sport autopilot (with ST6002 controller). I don't think the X5 will be controlled by the Axiom+, but what data will flow from the X5? What's the best way to connect the ST6002 and the ST60+s; to the X5 directly, to the seatalk bus (block), or to the seatalkng network with it's own converter (Raymarine E22158)? I plan to ultimately update the other equipment, but I would like to do it over time and have as many components working in the mean time as possible.
Thanks for any helpful information or suggestions. Regards, Dago 
current ST network.pdf
mixed ST-STNG network.pdf

[waughoo]

The short answer here is everything will work just fine except the radome.  The Ray e22158 does all the conversion work for you.  The autopilot will be able to follow your routes on track etc.  Even the raystar will work just fine.  I had one providing position data to my STng network for some time before I got my vesper cortex that took over that function.  Since your raystar is already in the mix, I would keep it until you get something else to replace it.  It will provide you location data without the plotter on for your VHF dsc calls which is nice.

As for connecting it all, I would maintain all your ST1 equpment and its terminal blocks (you might even need an additional one or two) and then use the special cable from the e22158 to bridge from one of the the ST1 blocks to the yellow port on the STng adapter block.

The nice part is that the ST1 plays quite nicely with the STng. So this isn't going to be that tricky.  Loosing the radar will be a bit dissapointing though.  If only you had the RD218D or HD.

[waughoo]

Took a bit of a closer look at your proposed network layout and have the additional comments.

- X5 ST1 connections: I would connect the ST1 port 1 to your ST1 bus.  Connect your st6002 to the X5 ST1 port 2.  The st6002 is just a disply/remote button panel.  All communication between the X5 and the axiom will happen through the port1 connection to the ST1 bus.

- separate power for ST1 network vs power from X5: I cant remember if the X5 can output power to the ST1 network or not.  Regardless, if so, powering the ST1 network with the X5 would require the X5 to always be on to see the data network.  I have my network on its own breaker so when at anchor or in port, I can see the wind and depth data with minimal power consuption.  So... my suggestion is to provide power to the ST1 netwprk separate from the X5.

- Simrad VHF and AIS: I'm assuming your VHF is an AIS reciever that can output AIS data via 0183 and recieve position data on 0183.  A couple ways to solve this... Your AXIOM should have 0183 in and out.  You could connect your Simrad VHF to the plotter's 0183's wires.  You will need to get the baud rate set correctly in the Axiom's settings so that the AIS data can be sent.  I have forgotten the specific rate, but it is the "fast" one.  2nd way (most elegant in my oppinion) is to get a Yacht Devices 0183 gateway...

https://www.yachtd.com/products/nmea0183_gateway.html

... this would connect to your Simrad and then into your STng port of the e22158.  This will send the outputted AIS data to the network, and recieve the position data when it is available on the network.

NOTE: I implemented the Yacht Devices 0183 in my network to provide my icom position data.  It got replaced when I got the Veaper Cortex.  I still have it but don't need it.  If you would like to purchase it, DM me.

- a vote to keep the Raystar:  since your raystar is still all set up and doing its thing, you could leave it connected via ST1 (it can be wired either to output 0183 or ST1) to your ST1 hub (this is where having a 2nd or maybe 3rd hub will likely come into play).  This will provide position data when there is power to the ST1/ng bus.  That has the benefit of allowing you to have position data to the Simrad VHF without having to power up the Axiom.  It would also provide a back up position data source in the event the Axiom developed a problem or could not get a good line of sight to the satelites due to its installation location.  You can change the position source in the Axiom which defaults to its internal antenna.  I have network set up with position data provided to the instruments via the gps in my vesper cortex, but my e127 plotter is using its own gps for position data.  I mostly did this out of laziness, but it does at least feel pleasantly redundant.

Okay... I think that addrssses most of your questions.  Let me know if I missed anything.  I hope this is helpful and not confusing.

[Dago]

Hi Alex, thanks very much for both of your responses. They were very helpful.

I like your point to power the ST bus separate from the X5 so the ST network is available with the X5 off. Similarly your point to keep the R125 for position information for the VHF with the Axiom+ off. For that reason I think I'll also take your suggestion to use the Yacht Devices 0183 Gateway so the VHF is connected to the network and receiving data with the Axiom+ off (also, I'm not sure that the Axiom+ has a NMEA0183 connection).

An added bonus is that I'll have to do minimal rewiring. Just plug the VHF (via gateway) and the Axiom+ into the STNG plugs of the E22158, and the ST bus into the ST-STNG conversion plug. One last question, will the STNG network (E22158) be powered by the ST bus through the conversion plug? Or will the STNG network need to be powered separately?

And of course an excuse to look at new radars.

Thanks again for your time and great information.
Best, Dago

[waughoo]

Glad to hear it was helpful.  I believe you only need one power source for the instrument network.  They do suggest you insert power in a ballanced way based off the LEN value of each item on the network.  You can find that info on the raymarine site somewhere.  I dont recall it being hard to find.  Your LEN load isnt very high so it will be a bit less critical.

Also, I just now noticed you are in the Puget Sound.  Where are you located?  I am at Elliott Bay Marina.  It is always fun to connect with people locally!

Alex

[Dago]

It was, and it should be easy enough for me to confirm that the power of the ST block comes through to the STNG. I think the highest LEN is the ST block (X5, 3 ST60+s, R125) so the power will be at the center of the STNG by default (Axiom+ on one side and VHF on the other). I also looked at the documentation for my VHF (Simrad RS35) and it turns out that is has a NMEA2000 port. So I don't need the Yacht Devices gateway, just a NMEA2000-STNG adaptor. Al this should be very straight forward.

I saw that you were in the Puget Sound and was inspired to edit my signature. I'm in Poulsbo and the boat is in Liberty Bay Marina.

Thanks again Alex,
Dago