Furuno & NMEA output

[CanCanCase]

My computer expertise ends when I leave dry land. So I've got this cool little HP NetBook computer, and it's running a variety of chart viewing and plotting software. The computer only has USB ports available.

On the boat my GPS antenna is connected to my Furuno plotter, sounder, etc. via NavNet. Is there an easy way to plug in to one of the ports on the plotter (or sounder or the other sounder display) labeled, "data 1", "data 2", etc. and get an NMEA GPS signal out to the USB port of the laptop?

In the old days, Furuno gear had a serial port, so I was under the impression I could plug a serial to USB cable into the plotter and be all set... but that, of course, is a no go since there isn't a serial port anywhere on my boat!

Any boat electronics experts hanging about today? I think this should be a relatively simple connection to make, but RatShack is, of course, useless...

-Case

[Chaps]

Not an expert but you need a 0183 - USB adapter/multiplexer like this:

http://www.blueheronmarine.com/Detail.bok?no=6351

This one is specifically for Airmar - USB connections but if you look around you'll find generic adapters.

[CanCanCase]

Not an expert but you need a 0183 - USB adapter/multiplexer like this:

http://www.blueheronmarine.com/Detail.bok?no=6351

This one is specifically for Airmar - USB connections but if you look around you'll find generic adapters.

No multiplexer needed. Just a serial to FURUNO cable. It seems Furuno ditched the standard DB-9 serial interface in favor of their own connector - either 6 or 7 pin - that can be easily adapted to serial, and then via software and a cable to USB.

Install is clean now that I have the double adapted cable zip tied together and buried in the head liner... All that's there is a USB plug laying on the dash. NMEA from Furuno port 2 or 4 works brilliantly with any nav software out there.

- Case