How to add information/inputs to the C70?

[matthewmiller01]

All,

Now that I have figured out the chartplotting aspect of my C70, I want to use it's functionality more. I would have thought that all of the Smartcraft information would be fed to the C70 out of the factory, but I suppose that was a poor guess. Here's what I would like to find out.

How do I add the engine monitoring functionality from my 5.0 MPIs in my C70? What type of wiring harness (part numbers would be great) would I need?

Also, with my current inputs (only GPS), will I be able to use the Course Deviation Indicator (CDI) or "rolling road" function if I input waypoints or do I need something else?

Can I use my current depth sounder and input that signal to my C70 for the graphical display or must I add another, separate depth transducer? Again, wiring harnesses/part numbers would be great if anyone has them.

Thanks!

 

[CJ Martin]

The only way to get the Smartcraft engine data to display on your C70 is to use a MercMonitor, which can output NMEA data the C70 can then read. The twin engine MercMonitors were around $1K the last time I checked.

The C70 can display the CDI, check your manual for this and if you are missing the manual you can download one from RayMarine.

Not sure what other graphical display you are talking about so can't help you with that one.

-CJ

 

[matthewmiller01]

The only way to get the Smartcraft engine data to display on your C70 is to use a MercMonitor, which can output NMEA data the C70 can then read. The twin engine MercMonitors were around $1K the last time I checked.

Not sure what other graphical display you are talking about so can't help you with that one.

-CJ

Thanks.

Are you talking about the Vessel View screen? My 290 didn't have that originally. I was thinking about adding it, but I thought it would be cheaper to display the same information on the C70. Is this not true? Also, is there there information on one that isn't available on the other? Are you saying I have to add the Vessel View to be able to see the information on the C70?

The graphical display I was talking about was the bottom contour and depths.

 

[CJ Martin]

MercMonitor is not VesselView - it is a guage sized LCD display. Right now it is the only device that outputs NMEA data from the propriety SmartCraft data bus. The VesselView does not do this. It sounds like you have the same SC1000 gauges I do - in that case, the MercMonitor would replace the Speedo in your helm. It's a mod I've considered but do not feel it is worth the cost.

More on both the VesselView and MercMonitor here:

http://www.mercurymarine.com/precis...tataglance/components/information_display.php

-CJ

 

[matthewmiller01]

I have seen used Vessel View screens for a little over $1000 too. So that doesn't seem like it would be cost effective. Crap. I don't have a problem with any of my current gauges, so I don't really want to switch any out. I do have the Smartcraft tachometers.

So what I gather is:
- It would cost about the same to replace a my speedo for a MercMonitor to be able to display the engine info on my C70. For the same price (approximately) I could buy a Smartcraft Vessel View and have a better (IMO) display of the information anyway.
- CDI should work if I put in some waypoints to track.

Does anybody have any information on whether or not the installed depth transducer can feed to the C70 (either directly or with some type of interface)?