NMEA vs. Non NMEA

[granitetech]

I am looking at replacing my stock JBL radio on my 2011 AR240 with a Fusion MS-RA70NSX. there is a cheaper version without NMEA. Why would i need NMEA is it worth the 50$ difference?

 

[TimW451]

If I recall correctly there are three different RA70 head units. The N adds NMEA and the NSX add Sirius XM (in addition to NMEA). so look for the one without letters at the end.

 

[zipper]

This is an install with NMEA compatability on an AR230.

 

[Zizzou 192]

NMEA 2000 devices connect to each other through a NMEA cable to share info together in a network. This would be simple and great if yamaha jetboats / engines / instrumentation used this standard. To my knowledge, they still do not.

I put the non NMEA RA-70 in my 192 to replace the notoriously complicated and unreliable factory clarion head unit. Would probably have gotten the Sirius XM version in retrospect. There is enough stuff to do on a boat besides managing playlists with weak cellular data and FM interference. Also bought the separate ANT remote. I can confirm it is idiot proof and works great to control volume from the helm.

 

[granitetech]

Thanks everybody for the information. So it looks like NMEA enables you to spend even more money on really cool stuff. Stuff that I will now have to justify to the Admiral and Financial officer. Great

 

[biffdotorg]

The biggest reason I bought the RA70-NSX was for XM radio. As it's only $30/summer to not have to be the DJ or tie up my phone. And that Fusion unit will mix XM stations. So I can create multiple mix stations based on who is in the boat. Right now, I think it's only $30 for the NSX over the N or base model.

The NMEA functionality is nice for the wired remote that Fusion offers. This NMEA remote has the exact same display as the head unit itself. Unlike the cheaper wireless remotes which do not have a display at all. It's a non issue if all you want to do is skip tracks and volume. For us, we like having the display at water level.

I do have the added benefit of connecting it to my Simrad GO7 through NMEA, but was unsure if that benefit was worth it. Honestly, once the NMEA network cable is installed for the remote, all it takes is a t-connector and cable. Then radio info would show up on my Simrad, and depth/water temp would show up on my Fusion remote (supposedly)

That's what it gets you. You decide if it's worth it. Good luck.

 

[tabbibus]

Oh I like the idea of XM. Was it simply plug and play or did you have to install something for the satellite radio antenna?

 

[biffdotorg]

Oh I like the idea of XM. Was it simply plug and play or did you have to install something for the satellite radio antenna?

Ya you add the $42 XM tuner kit off of Amazon, Crutchfield or SXM that comes with an antenna as well. Many times a person can get that kit for free from SXM if you cut a deal.

 

[tabbibus]

Ya you add the $42 XM tuner kit off of Amazon, Crutchfield or SXM that comes with an antenna as well. Many times a person can get that kit for free from SXM if you cut a deal.

So if my RA70 is the N version, but not the NSX, I could I just add the antenna or do I have to change the head unit as well?

 

[biffdotorg]

So if my RA70 is the N version, but not the NSX, I could I just add the antenna or do I have to change the head unit as well?

No SXM for you, sorry. Unless you buy an external XM radio tuner that connects through FM or line in. But it's not the integrated SXM like the X models can do.

 

[Tjw961]

I'd go with the nmea2K/XM model. That's what I did and for me was the right direction. Now that I've put in my nmea2000 backbone into my 2010 242 I've already extended it almost all the way around the boat making hooking up remote panels to the Fusion easy, one on back, my wife has one on her side of the boat as well so she can channel check if need be. Also you can with the right equipment purchases tie in your MFD, 2way radio, etc with ease and bring it all together for functionality that is possible.

Also to note, if your original gauge start going, you have option to go with other options instead of buying Yamaha's expensive and sometimes hard to find ones. And don't forget about the Yamaha GPS and it's cost. That can go nmea2K as well when it's time to replace it. $50 difference, seems like a no brainer to me now that I've been doing some of this stuff. I plan on keeping my boat for a long time, so that factors in as well.