GPS antenna for smartcraft gage

[David]

I bought a Merc Monitor multi function gage in 2020 and the speedometer function has never worked. Usually I monkey with it for a while, give up, and just go boating. After this year's monkeying I now think the GPS antenna is not sending a signal to the gage. It would be nice to buy another antenna and plug it in, but the Merc antenna is almost $800 at best

Antenna part number 8M0091565

If I buy a non Mercury NMEA antenna, will my wiring harness plug into it?

Other than price, are there features that I should look for in an antenna?

[WaterZebra]

I bought a Merc Monitor multi function gage in 2020 and the speedometer function has never worked. Usually I monkey with it for a while, give up, and just go boating. After this year's monkeying I now think the GPS antenna is not sending a signal to the gage. It would be nice to buy another antenna and plug it in, but the Merc antenna is almost $800 at best

Antenna part number 8M0091565

If I buy a non Mercury NMEA antenna, will my wiring harness plug into it?

Other than price, are there features that I should look for in an antenna?

Anything "plug and play" compatible with SmartCraft can be $$$$. GPS speedometers are pretty straightforward. Instead of going the SmartCraft route I went with an independent Sierra GPS speedo with a Veethree antenna. Be careful with the Veethree pin connector diagram wiring. They are confusing to read. That was the only hang up with Veethree. Have you checked your antenna location? They don't receive satellite signals very well buried underneath fiberglass or metal structures. Surface mounts are best. I made a little weather "hat" for my antenna out of a fake carbon fiber car antenna fairing.

[David]

The antenna is under the deck of my SS2000. I know of a Grandsport with same antenna under the deck and that one works. But I could try moving mine. I went with the Merc Monitor as it can read mpg. I was curious what prop/rpm/speed would be most fuel efficient.

[WaterZebra]

The antenna is under the deck of my SS2000. I know of a Grandsport with same antenna under the deck and that one works. But I could try moving mine. I went with the Merc Monitor as it can read mpg. I was curious what prop/rpm/speed would be most fuel efficient.

There's a ton of GPS antennas for sale out there. Most have a USB interface. I'm banking on the idea that the Smartcraft harness is not USB. Check interface configuration and power supply. Compare your old antenna to what's for sale out there.

[RiverRat71]

Try Livorsi. They might have something compatible with Smartcraft. RR

[powerabout]

is it standard nmea 0183, then you can check it with a laptop ( usb to serial adapter)?

[David]

It's not a USB connection. I can call a local Livorsi dealer and see what I can find out.

[powerabout]

It's not a USB connection. I can call a local Livorsi dealer and see what I can find out.

sure but unless you have a laptop with a serial port you need a serial to usb adapter to test it.

[RiverRat71]

It's not a USB connection. I can call a local Livorsi dealer and see what I can find out.

Call Livorsi directly & speak with Fred Ortega. He was great help for me when I set up my GS with Vantage View gauges to work with Merc Smartcraft & my Opti. RR

[JasonRS]

Here is the gps page in my livorsi vantage view owners manual. This is from around 2012, hope it helps somehow
Unfortunately the pics are sideways!

[MercRoy]

I wired a basic antenna I ordered off Amazon around $30 2 years ago
it has to be NMES 0183 compatible
it’s way to wire up if u follow directions within smart craft manual
power and ground wire along with two signal wires from the antenna

[MercRoy]

Correction NMEA 0183