SeaTalk is a protcol used by most Raymarine equipment. In order for Coastal Explorer to use the information sent with SeaTalk, it must be converted to NMEA 0183 first. Raymarine sells an adapter called the "PC/SeaTalk/NMEA Interface Box" (or E85001) that performs the translation.

The interface box connects to the SeaTalk equipment and a serial port on your PC. If your PC does not have a serial port, you will need to connect the interface box to a USB Serial Adapter which can then be plugged into one of your PC's USB ports.

Once everything is hooked up correctly, the interface box will convert the SeaTalk information from your Raymarine GPS receiver, depth sounder, water temperature sensor, water speed log, wind instrument, electronic compass, autopilot, rudder angle sensor, and maybe others. The box will also translate any NMEA 0183 information sent to it by the PC into SeaTalk information to send to those instruments.

Online manual: Owner's Handbook

Manufacturer's web site: www.raymarine.com