Overview

The Simrad 000-15939-001 is a bi-directional NMEA 0183 to NMEA 2000 interface that lets older NMEA 0183 equipment share data with a NMEA 2000 backbone through a Micro-C connection and a bare-wire pigtail.

It runs off the NMEA 2000 network supply and operates from 9 to 18 V DC, drawing 2 LEN (0.48 W, 40 mA at 12 V). The interface is rated IP67 and is specified for operating temperatures from -15 C to +55 C, which suits typical helm and console installs where spray, vibration, and washdowns are part of life on board.

On the NMEA 0183 side, the baud rate is selectable from 4,800 up to 115,200, so you can match common legacy devices as well as higher-speed talkers. Sentence handling can be set from a compatible network display or MFD, which helps when you only want a specific set of data moving between systems.

Key features

• Bi-directional conversion between NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 networks.
• NMEA 2000 Micro-C (male) connection with a bare-wire pigtail for the NMEA 0183 side.
• NMEA 2000 powered: 9 to 18 V DC operating range, 2 LEN (0.48 W, 40 mA at 12 V).
• Selectable NMEA 0183 baud rates from 4,800 to 115,200.
• IP67 rating and -15 C to +55 C operating temperature range.
• Sentence configuration available through a compatible network display or MFD.

Installation and setup

On the NMEA 2000 side, this interface installs like a normal network device: add the supplied T-connector into the backbone, then plug the Micro-C connector into the drop port. Make sure your backbone is properly powered and terminated, and leave enough service loop so the cable is not pulling on the connector when the boat is pounding.

The NMEA 0183 pigtail uses a standard color set: black is NMEA 0183 ground, yellow is Rx_A, green is Rx_B, white is Tx_A, brown is Tx_B, with bare drain/shield conductors. Match your device’s talker outputs to the interface receive pair, and the interface transmit pair to your device’s receive inputs, keeping grounds common per your equipment wiring diagrams.

Electrical and system integration

Because it is powered from the NMEA 2000 network, no separate power feed is normally needed beyond a correctly fused and powered backbone. Budget 2 LEN on the bus and confirm you have clean 12 V network power at the backbone under load, especially on smaller boats where voltage drop can show up quickly.

Once on the network, the interface will appear in the device list of a compatible display. Set the correct NMEA 0183 baud rate for the connected equipment and adjust sentence handling so you are only moving the data you actually want between the 0183 side and the NMEA 2000 side.

Use cases on board

This interface is a good match for boats that already have a NMEA 2000 backbone but still rely on NMEA 0183 gear, such as legacy navigation sensors, older instruments, or electronics that exchange position, heading, depth, or wind data over 0183 wiring. It also works the other direction when a NMEA 2000 network needs to feed a NMEA 0183 listener.

What’s included

• NMEA 0183 interface cable with inline converter module and Micro-C connector
• NMEA 2000 T-connector