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Pub. 988-0152-061
Addendum I
Additional Instructions for
Lowrance M68i S/Map
Your sonar/GPS unit, the M68i, functions exactly like the M68 de-
scribed in the manual provided (part 988-0152-031). In addition, the
M68i contains a communications port for NMEA 0183 output. The in-
structions for connecting data cables and setting up the communica-
tions port appear in this addendum. The back page also includes a cor-
rection note for an error in the M68 manual.
NMEA 0183 Cable Connections
NMEA is a
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gram most suited to your brand of radio or other device. If your device manual indicates an RS-232 connection (i.e., a computer), remove the resistor and diode and connect using Wiring Diagram B. Most other connection types (TTL; NMEA + and NMEA –; differential) will re- quire Wiring Diagram A. Recommended Tools and supplies Recommended tools for this job include: wire pliers or wire stripper and a wire cutter. Required supplies for this job include: two gray (18 gauge) or blue (16 gauge) wire n
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Twist the appropriate wires together, making sure that the exposed ends make good contact. Secure the wire ends with wire nuts, then wrap each wire nut securely with electrical tape to protect against moisture, as shown in the figure on the right. After taping the wire ends individually, wrap the entire connection with electrical tape as shown. This will help protect from moisture and prevent the wires from breaking contact. Wiring Diagram "B" If your VHF radio or other device requires t
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For Wiring Diagram B installations, remove the Uniden adapter seg- ment at the end of your data cable as shown at left. Snip off the end of the cable protected by the black heat-shrink. At right, we have used clear heat-shrink for clarity, so you can see the diode and resistor pro- tected within. Remove this portion of the cable. After you've removed the adapter segment, use wire pliers to expose the ends of the five remaining wires in the cable. Cut off the black, blue and white wires, th
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When the data cable is connected to your VHF radio, all you have to do is plug it into the sonar/GPS unit. Attach the data cable's plug to the accessory socket on the right side of the back of your unit's case. Communications Port Activation Now that you have your devices connected, here's how to make them communicate. This unit can connect to either an accessory such as a speed or temperature sensor or a NMEA 0183 data cable. In order to use the Communications Port for NMEA data, you first need
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If you need additional assistance in configuring the unit to communicate with another device, consult the factory; customer service phone num- bers are in the back of the unit's manual. To set Com Port Configuration: 1. Press MENU|MENU|↓ to SYSTEM SETUP|ENT. 2. Press ↓ to COMMUNICATIONS PORT|ENT. A menu appears with a drop-down Baud Rate selection box highlighted. The menu also contains an on/off checkbox to activate NMEA Output, and a button that activates the Configure NMEA command (described
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A menu appears showing the prefixes of the available NMEA sentences. A check mark next to a prefix means the prefix is in use. Use ↑ ↓ → ← to select a prefix, then press ENT to turn off the prefix. (Press ENT again to check the box and turn a prefix on.) NOTE: The names of the NMEA sentences are abbreviated in this menu. These are the functions of the various selectable prefixes: • GLL transmits latitude and longitude of present position, time of position fix, and status. • GGA transmits time, p
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Correction On page 69 of the M68 manual (part 988-0152-031), step 1 for entering Ice Machine mode is incorrect. It should read as follows: To enter the IceMachine mode: 1. From the Full Sonar Chart page, press PAGES|↓ to FLASHER|EXIT to switch to the normal Flasher page. This addendum supplements the manual M68, part number 988-0152-031. Pub. 988-0152-061 © Copyright 2004 All Rights Reserved Printed in USA 022704 Lowrance Electronics, Inc. 8
