Connecting GPS to VHF

[mherrcat]

Can a GPS Smart Antenna be connected directly to a DSC equipped VHF radio?

Seems the info I have been able to find indicates the GPS antenna is connected to a chartplotter and then the chartplotter connected to the VHF. I do not have a chartplotter and would prefer not to have to buy one to get a GPS signal to the VHF. Is there some signal transcoding or conversion function that is happening in the chartplotter that prevents a direct connection between the GPS antenna and the VHF?

Specifically I am looking at installing a Standard Horizon GX2150 (Matrix+) VHF radio. Will probably also use a Standard Horizon GPS antenna.

[stiffwind]

I have an old Garmin Map76 handheld unit. It has a built in plug connection that allowed me to rig a plug-in to the vhf/dsc radio. So if I had to make an emergency call, or if someone on the boat had to make such a call, you can just plug the handheld unit into the connection to the vhf and position coordinates will be relayed to the receiver. So it is a functional alternative to purchasing a chartplotter.

[hellosailor]

Oh, f the sales hyperbole, there's no such thing as a "smart antenna".

Either it is an antenna, or an all-in-one "puck" style GPS. If it is a puck and it puts out NMEA sentences that your DSC VHF reads, that's an NMEA or RS-232 serial connection and yes you can connect it.

If it is a "smart antenna" buy the rest of whatever that pitchman is selling, because antennas are as dumb as any other post, and anyone who tries to sell you a smart one is trying to sell you something.

[mherrcat]

Whatever...

Further communication with Standard Horizon indicates that the "smart" (or otherwise...) antenna can connect directly to the VHF radio if the six-pin connector on the antenna cable is removed and the necessary wires connected to the VHF via a terminal block or hard-wiring.

[SEMIJim]

Originally Posted by mherrcat

Whatever...

No, not "whatever." HS is right. The term "smart antenna" refers to a GPS antenna with a GPS receiver built in. It's not an "antenna," per se, it's a GPS receiver with integral antenna.

Anyway, as you found out...

Originally Posted by mherrcat

Further communication with Standard Horizon indicates that the "smart" (or otherwise...) antenna can connect directly to the VHF radio if the six-pin connector on the antenna cable is removed and the necessary wires connected to the VHF via a terminal block or hard-wiring.

Yes. I read that somewhere--either on their site or in the 2150's User's Manual. Btw: You'll also have to power it up. You'll want to fuse it when you do that. You might also want to put a switch on it so you can shut it off.

But...

Reconsider before going to the expense of a SH "Smart Antenna." For very little more you can get a chart plotter, then you'll be able to plot incoming DSC and AIS targets, as well.

Jim