MacArthur & Garmin 16XHV

[Peggy]

Hello, 

I already have a Garmin 16xHV GPS antenna and would like to use it for my first RPI Open Plotter setup. The 16x uses a RJ-45 connector, 8-40 Vdc, and NMEA 0183. This seems like it might work with the MacArthur MAIANA RJ-45, which looks to be 12 V. 

Does anyone have the pinout of the MAIANA RJ-45 so I can confirm?

Any redflags with this approach or tips for integration?

Thanks!

[sebba]

Maiana RJ45 pinout is NOT compatible with other devices. Connect Maiana (through RJ45) only to Maiana adapters (UART/NMEA) or MacArthur hat, which is specially designated for Maiana (only)

[Adrian]

As Sebba says, the pinouts are not compatible. Everyone makes up their own for these non-standard connections

You can find the pinout in the schematic for the MacArthur HAT here (bottom left):
https://github.com/OpenMarine/MacArthur-...ematic.pdf
or MAIANA here (page 2, top left):
https://github.com/peterantypas/maiana/b...ematic.pdf

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And careful if you are thinking about making your own patch cable. The MacArthur HAT directly connects RX/TX to pins on the Raspberry Pi. The documentation of the GPS is not clear about signal levels, so I'd first measure that DATA OUT stays below 3.3V at all times.

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Link to Garmin manual, pinout is on page 6.
https://static.garmin.com/pumac/GPS_16x_tech_specs.pdf

[Peggy]

Awesome thanks for the help!
I read through the manual, actually tried to link it in my original post to save everyone the time...
You are correct, nothing about output voltage. Although it says NMEA 0183 version 2 by default with is usually dif 5V. I will definitely check before toasting my RPI.
Thanks for the schematics, hadn't found those yet.

[Peggy]

Following up here for anyone else with a similar integration.

Verified 16x output to be within an acceptable voltage range for the HAT.

I used a RJ-45 breakout connector. As there was no Tx- from the antenna, the HAT Rx- was connected to the antena ground.

It's working on my desk! Pretty simple to get it into Signal K, just selected the correct baud rate. Location is now showing in OpenCPN. Next will be integrating my NMEA 2000 wind instruments.