Topic: 998 NMEA2K Question

[fishesman]

I'm currently running both a 998c and a Garmin 541s on my offshore boat. I had planned to display side image and sonar on the 998 and GPS map data on the Garmin, but after using the 998 the Garmin drives me crazy. The map image lacks detail and is very cartoonish. I'm considering purchasing a second 998 to replace the 541s, but I'm a bit confused how Humminbird handles NMEA2K networks. One thing I like about the Garmin is how easily it networked with my Lowrance LMF200 fuel flow sensor. Currently, my NMEA2K network consists of the Garmin, the fuel flow sensor, and a VHF radio. Do I have to purchase the Humminbird NMEA2K module in order to display fuel flow data on my 998 or do I only need the module for more complex setups that link multiple units? If I purchase a second 998 I don't necessarily need them to communicate with one another, I just need at least one unit that will display fuel flow and one unit that can send GPS coordinates to my VHF radio.

Thanks

[freezerfiller]

I've been trying to get ready for this myself.  I want to hook up a fuel flow sensor to my unit, but I have the i-pilot link on my ethernet as opposed to a second unit.   I think you would need the black box to convert your NMEA system to the HB ethernet, and when you get the second unit, you would need the 5 port ethernet switch.  Both of which seem to be a bit cheaper on Amazon than from HB, although neither are cheap.  Don't count on my post, please wait for someone who knows to chime in, but that is my best guess based on internet research.

[Humminbird_Greg]

fishesman,
I don’t think that we can display fuel flow data on our units at this time.
You would need the NMEA2K Adapter box to bring in any data to your Humminbird from an NMEA2K network.  We do not output data to the NMEA2K network, so your VHF radio would need to accept NMEA0183 data from our GPS Receiver to work.

[fishesman]

Thanks everyone. Sounds like HB has a lot of catching up to do when it comes to networking.

[freezerfiller]

I pulled my 998 out tonight and ran it in simulator, and HB Greg is right.  There's no fuel flow input in the NMEA section.  I'm hoping that could be repaired in a software update as that is a valuable tool for any boat that does any distance cruising.  I'm going to put it on the wishlist.  Greg, if there is any need for a guinea pig for this, I'm only an hour away.  This is a definite void in the NMEA section IMO.