Description
The FURUNO IF-NMEA2K2 is a compact bidirectional interface converter used when a boat contains both NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183 electronics. Rather than replacing otherwise useful equipment simply because it uses an older data standard, the converter translates supported navigation data between the two networks. It is particularly valuable during refits where a modern Furuno MFD, autopilot or sensor must exchange data with an existing VHF, AIS, GPS, sounder or other NMEA 0183 device.
- NMEA 2000 ↔ NMEA 0183 conversion: Translates supported navigation messages between the modern CAN-bus standard and traditional serial NMEA 0183 equipment.
- Four configuration modes: Installation mode is selected by wire configuration, eliminating the need for a separate programming tool for basic setup.
- Standard and high-speed operation: Includes high-speed modes intended for applications such as AIS and autopilot data where faster NMEA 0183 communication is required.
- Useful for mixed-generation refits: Lets new network equipment work with legacy devices that would otherwise be isolated by incompatible data interfaces.
- Firmware support through Furuno systems: Furuno provides software history and update procedures for supported NavNet environments, so the converter can remain serviceable within a maintained system.
Why NMEA Conversion Is Necessary
NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 are not electrically or logically interchangeable. NMEA 0183 is a serial point-to-point style interface built around text sentences, while NMEA 2000 is a multi-device CAN-bus network using standardized PGNs. A simple splice or passive adapter cannot reliably translate between them. The IF-NMEA2K2 contains the electronics and software required to receive one format and generate the supported equivalent in the other.
Bidirectional Data Flow
The converter is designed to pass selected data in both directions, subject to the supported NMEA sentences and NMEA 2000 PGNs. Typical applications include moving GPS position, heading, navigation, speed or AIS-related data between generations of equipment. Not every possible sentence or PGN is translated, so the Furuno installation manual should be checked when a specific data item is essential to the installation.
Four Operating Modes
Furuno designed the IF-NMEA2K2 so basic configuration does not require a laptop or programming interface. One of four modes is selected through the installation wiring. In addition to normal-speed operation, high-speed modes support equipment such as AIS and autopilots that use faster serial data rates. The correct mode depends on the specific NMEA 0183 device and the information that must cross the interface.
24 V CAN-Bus Compatibility Depends on Version
Later IF-NMEA2K2 units identified by a blue NMEA 2000 connector can be installed on certain drive-by-wire steering systems using 24 V CAN-bus networks. Earlier versions with a black NMEA 2000 connector are rated for a lower voltage range. This is an important service distinction: when replacing or reusing an older converter, do not assume every physical IF-NMEA2K2 has the same supply-voltage capability.
Planning a Mixed Electronics Network
A converter should be treated as a deliberate bridge, not as a substitute for good network design. Decide which device is the authoritative source for GPS, heading, speed and navigation data; then verify that the required message is supported in the direction you need. This prevents duplicated or conflicting data sources and avoids the common problem of installing a converter only to discover that a proprietary or unsupported message is not translated.
What’s in the Box
- IF-NMEA2K2 interface converter
- Attached / supplied interface wiring as configured by Furuno
- Installation documentation
Specifications
- Function: NMEA 2000 / NMEA 0183 interface conversion
- Direction: Bidirectional for supported data
- Configuration: Four selectable operating modes
- NMEA 0183 speeds: Standard and high-speed modes depending on configuration
- Typical high-speed applications: AIS and autopilot interfaces
- Voltage note: Later blue-connector versions support selected 24 V CAN-bus applications; earlier black-connector versions have lower voltage limits
- Compatibility: Data conversion limited to supported NMEA sentences/PGNs listed by Furuno
- Application: Refits and mixed NMEA 0183/NMEA 2000 installations
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