GPS Datalink to Sounder & VHF

[Tinman]

I want to hook up the data output on my GPS (Garmin GPS 3) to my fishfinder (Furuno LS4100) and VHF (Icom M302). How do I do it? Is it ok to connect the GPS data output to both the radio and fishfinder?

The GPS is about 6 years old. The fishfinder and VHF were new last year.

[Draggin' Bait]

I'm not the pro some of the guys are, and my gear is different. Having said that, I was able to link my Magellan and Icom. You do have to make sure they are talking the same language, are set for the same baud rate, and are properly grounded. I emailed both manufacturers before proceeding, to ensure that neither side anticipated a problem.

[salmonfever]

I wired the output from my Garmin GPS to my Icom vhf, JRC radar, and Simrad autopilot with no problems. Had to tinker with the settings on the garmin gps output-but otherwise it all works fine

[garyk]

Tinman,

I have four devices that share NMEA data. What a mess if you try to wire it all together.

Then I learned that Blue Seas makes a NMEA buss bar - just like for electrical circuits.

Just $15 or so, and each device gets neatly wired to the NMEA IN/or/OUT side of the bus (labled even!).