232 Output question

[Webb]

Can you run the R232 line from your GPS into both the autopilot and the engine monitor at the same time? Or is the signal attenuated such that it won't work for both units.

Autopilot (Digitrak) is manditory, Dynon EMS is optional and I don't have a glass panel.

Only reason for asking is fuel calculations.

Now's the time to cut long and store, or crimp and attach.

[Brantel]

Crimp and attach. Common practice to tie 2 or 3 devices (receive lines) on the same transmit line. As long as everything speaks the same protocol and baud rate, your golden.

[GTWreck]

I've done this from my Garmin 396 to the following devices:
1. Dynon D10A
2. JPI FS-450 Fuel Flow
3. TruTrak Pictoral Pilot

Works great. I haven't had any problems with any of these reading from the same signal wire. Someone else may come along and tell me that I'm crazy for doing it this way, but I figure that since the garmin is the only one writing signal on the wire and the other 3 do only reads, it shouldn't matter much.

[Webb]

Originally Posted by Brantel

Crimp and attach. Common practice to tie 2 or 3 devices (receive lines) on the same transmit line. As long as everything speaks the same protocol and baud rate, your golden.

Ok - Garmin 430, Digitrak II, and Dynon EMS. Golden??

[Brantel]

You should be in great shape. Check the manuals to be absolutely sure.

[Webb]

Originally Posted by Brantel

You should be in great shape. Check the manuals to be absolutely sure.

Somthing tells me that this is one of those.......you know it's OK but hold your breath when you turn it on.......grit your teeth...and hope for no smoke....

Based on the fact that the R232 is an output line and the AP and EMS are just receiving input, it shouldn't be an issue. Worse case.....430 output too low and I cut the EMS lead. I don't think that is going to happen since the leads are so short anyway.....

As always, I'll report back later when I get the guts to flip the switch.......

[Bob Martin]

Webb,
I agree all the 232 lines can be connected together and work, with notes from others, but....
I have the dynon D10A not the EMS so this may not apply.
Dynon updates the D10A vis the RS232 input line and it is required to disconnect the RS232 line from everything else while updating.
So read the manual as it pertains to updating and the associated wiring before you jump into a final configuration.
Hope it helps.

[Ironflight]

Originally Posted by Webb

Something tells me that this is one of those.......you know it's OK but hold your breath when you turn it on.......grit your teeth...and hope for no smoke....

There's no worries about smoke Webb - it's common and accepted practice to split the serial line to multiple devices. the reason people say to "check the manuals" is for the protocols - the signal LEVEL will be just fine, but you'll need to make sure that all the devices have a common language that they will understand. Most common GPS's put out NMEA183, so MOST devices understand that. But some companies think they're special and will only understand their own proprietary code. So you'll have to open up all the manuals and compare data format tables to find what is common.

Paul

[Webb]

Originally Posted by Bob Martin

Webb,
I agree all the 232 lines can be connected together and work, with notes from others, but....
I have the dynon D10A not the EMS so this may not apply.
Dynon updates the D10A vis the RS232 input line and it is required to disconnect the RS232 line from everything else while updating.
So read the manual as it pertains to updating and the associated wiring before you jump into a final configuration.
Hope it helps.

According to Dynon, if you only have an EMS-D10 without magnetic heading from an EFIS, the HSI page will not be functional. You should connect a the R232 transmit line connection from the GPS to pin 19 on the Dynon. It will give you on fuel endurance info (range, MPG, etc..) on the fuel page and GPS info (track, ground spreed, course, etc..) on the HSI page. There is no need to break the connection when doing PC updates. You just hook up the serial port to the EMS-D10 and away you go. I'm hopeful that I won't have to do updates, however the thought of having programed checklists is preferable.

[Webb]

Originally Posted by Ironflight

There's no worries about smoke Webb - it's common and accepted practice to split the serial line to multiple devices. the reason people say to "check the manuals" is for the protocols - the signal LEVEL will be just fine, but you'll need to make sure that all the devices have a common language that they will understand. Most common GPS's put out NMEA183, so MOST devices understand that. But some companies think they're special and will only understand their own proprietary code. So you'll have to open up all the manuals and compare data format tables to find what is common.

Paul

Like the "secret" handshake - I'll check out the code to make sure that everything shakes hands. I'm probably good to go.

The "smoke" was one of those expressions. I'm not really worried about that, just expressing the proverbial "keeping my fingers crossed".