Upgraded Garmin 943xsv to 8612xsv - no GPS signal on VHF now

curtisgeiger

curtisgeiger

Active member
Joined
May 10, 2024
Messages
40
Location
Brookings, OR
Fluid Motion Model
R-23 (Outboard)
Hull Identification Number
FMLT2311J223
Vessel Name
Living Water
MMSI Number
338470694
On my 2023 R23 -- just upgraded my chartplotter to the 8612xsv.

the old chartplotter 943xsv that came from the factory was using an 8-pin connector to the VHF factory radio IC-M330.

The new 8612xsv is not sending GPS to the VHF or the VHF is not receiving- I really don’t know.

Can anyone point me in the right direction?
 
Last edited:
curtisgeiger said:
On my 2023 R23 -- just upgraded my chartplotter to the 8612xsv.

I think there are a few wires from my new 8612 that need to be connected to the VHF radio to receive GPS data.

I just don't know which wires I need to connect.

Can anyone point me in the right direction?
Click to expand...

Look at your VHF radio and determine how it gets GPS data. Earlier models used Nema 0183, which was wired from the chartplotter via the audio port on the back. The 8612 can also provide GPS position to the VHF radio via Nema2k.
 
The standard ICOM IC-M330 uses an 8-pin cable and plugs into the back of the Garmin Chartplotter.
IMG_3760.jpeg
 
Here is where the cable connects to the chartplotter
IMG_3761.jpeg
 
I can’t figure out why the ICOM VHF received GPS from the old 943xsv and does not receive GPS from the new 8612xsv.

Is there a setting in the new chart plotter I need to take a look at?
 
curtisgeiger said:
I can’t figure out why the ICOM VHF received GPS from the old 943xsv and does not receive GPS from the new 8612xsv.

Is there a setting in the new chart plotter I need to take a look at?
Click to expand...

Your radio only supports GPS via Nema 0183. On the 8612XSV chartplotter, Nema 0183 is outputted on the audio port. You'll most likely have a little custom wiring to do to get GPS from your chartplotter to the VHF Radio. Feel free to give me a call. It's not necessarily intuitive, but it's also not that complicated. The early RT27-OB's were done this way.

In summary, you need to plug the 8612 Audio port into the VHF Radio you have for Nema 0183 to get GPS data from the Chartplotter to your VHF radio.

 
The red plug you have pictured is the all-in-one power/nmea0183 cable from the 943. This cable will be removed from the boat entirely. The small wires connected to the VHF are what will be rewired to the new cable.

The 8612 requires a new audio/nmea0183 cable as described by others above which will be wired into the VHF by the small wires just mentioned.
 
Ok I think I understand now. I need order a new cable. Can you tell me exactly what cable to buy - so I don’t waste time and money
IMG_3764.jpeg
 
Sure wish the ICOM IC-M330 had internal GPS
 
curtisgeiger said:
Sure wish the ICOM IC-M330 had internal GPS
Click to expand...

Just another antenna that would need to be installed somewhere. Once you get the Nema 0183 wired in, you won't care as it'll just work.
 
Cable ordered - thanks Martin.
 
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