Connecting GPS to outboard motor

[Moonwalker]

I have a Suzuki 90 4stroke. The agent told me that you can connect it with Lawrence GPS to display fuel consumption and other data. Is this also possible with Garmin 178C or Furuno 585? If someone has connection diagrams will be appriciated.

[benri]

I connected my DF140 to a lowrance via a LowranceNET. I presume you could do the same with Garmin or Furuno using their proprietary networks but be prepared - it's not so straightforward. You might need to cannibilise some cables, etc.
I however also connected a multi function gauge to reduce all clutter from the GPS screen and I think it's the best way to go. You may wish to follow this link http://store.brownspoint.com/detail.asp?product_id=990C0-88001-KIT You can program this gauge to show you any data the engine is ending - miles per gallon, temp, fuel flow rate, tachometer, etc. 

[skip]

The key protocol is NMEA which is an open standard for passing data from things like engines and instruments to guages, DSC VHFs etc. The current standard is NMEA 2000 so see if your Garmin support data input, but I think you'll find you can't do it as the unit needs to have a page for digital data. This is where the Lowrance's score high.

[Moonwalker]

Thanks will check it out. The Furuno has a navigation page for sure but will check the manual first.

[Moonwalker]

Looks like both garmin and Furuno use NMEA0183 while DF90 uses NMEA2000.
@benri - about the multifunction gauge, do you have to pass a new cable to motor or connect it with unused wires in console?

[benri]

Basically there are 2 options:
Option 1- Connect directly to the motor. To do this you will need to buy an extra harness to cannibilse since you will end up with 2 female connectors at the engine.
Option 2 - Connect at the tachometer (under the console). To do this you will disable the warning lamps on the tachometer and use the warnings on the multifunction gauge.
I went for the first option.

[Moonwalker]

Ok thanks - My basic requirement is fuel consumption. Do both wiring give same readings?

[benri]

Yes they are in fact both branches off the same main harness - just different connectors.

[Moonwalker]

Thanks again

[fishfinder]

for sure it isn't possible with the 178c cause I had one and now I've changed to Lowrance.

[BIKRI]

bellaw lili 

[Moonwalker]

The 178C is quite good as GPS and basic sounder. With its sounder I used to read up to 400m with no current.

[venere]

Moonwalker, what transducer you have linked with the 178c?

[Moonwalker]

It was the transducer that came with box - airmar throughhull but dont know model. I removed it now since I have another fishfinder.

[Moonwalker]

Update - The new Garmin 421 and 521 GPS have NMEA2000. Anyone have experience on these new models?