Garmin 4000 series Network Radar connection

[Vincentc]

I have a Garmin 4212 at the helm and a 4012 plotter on the flybridge, 43 DCFB. I am laying out the wiring for the Radar antenna GMR 20.

As I read the Garmin instructions, I can plug the radar into the back of the flybridge plotter and the FB plotter which has a network connection to the lower helm plotter will share the radar data with the plotter at the lower helm.

Can anyone confirm this based upon experience?

Thanks
Vincent
Lilly Marie
43DC

 

[SeaEric]

Yes, that is the way it should work. You may find that in order to see the radar data below, the upper display will have to be turned on first if that's the unit where the radar is plugged into.

When I added radar to my existing setup, it did not immediately function. I had to call Garmin and they sent me an update chip that I had to install then it worked. This was a few years ago and the newer units may not need that.

I like the Garmin stuff. Good luck with it.

 

[Maynard Rupp]

We just installed a 4210, same as yours only with the built in charts. I did not make that specific connection, but I have many connections including several NMEA 0183 devices and an engine room camera. Everything seems to hook up as advertised. That NMEA 2000 buss should pass info both ways. That is what it is designed for. This is a very impressive system to use.

 

[sgharford]

I have 2 x 4212's and GMR20 on my 43DC too - installed myself two years ago. I had same problem SeaEric described with need to update firmware in order for 4212 to see radar. At the time they didn't have in their knowledge base and I thought I screwed up installation and quadruple checked everything before I finally got a Garmin tech who knew about issue (was tech call # 3 regarding this issue before I got person who knew about it). Anyway, you may want to consider installing their network hub and plugging everything like radar, depth finder and your 4000 Series plotters into that. This way you don't have to worry about which unit is on and sending signal. I store my 4212's inside boat when not in use and sometimes only put lower unit in if not using FB that day. I installed all my units like network hub, depth finder module, and satellite module on the inside of access door to 120V/12V electrical panel inside closet of master stateroom. Pretty easy access to get at connections when you swing door open.

 

[Vincentc]

Thanks for the good advice and encouragement.
Maynard's comment regarding a video camera has me thinking, but not about the ER, rather my wake. I am often looking back to check the dingy, whether it is on the rack or being towed. Also, our 4 children have been a part of our boating for over 20 years, they are pretty well grown now but I still think about someone falling over while underway.
Contrary to the advice "Don't Look Back", I always do.
Any thoughts out there?
Vincent
Lilly Marie
43 DC

 

[TopHattandTails]

The coolest gadget I think I've seen so far is a wrist sensor (like a watch) that your passengers wear. If that sensor gets more than 25 feet away from the boat, it triggers a MOB alarm. With today's technology, that alarm can be installed to 1) place a MOB mark on the chart plotter; 2) trigger an audible and/or visual alarm; 3) make a digital distress call with the coordinates. I saw them advertised in the $500 range for a receiver and 2 or 3 sensors. Strap one to the dingy and one on each child, maybe even the family pet's collar - no more looking back!