The Ultimate Guide: Integrating B&G with Simrad and Lowrance
The Ultimate Guide to Integrating B&G with Simrad and Lowrance Systems
Marine electronics have come a long way — and one of the biggest advantages for boaters today is the ability to connect and integrate different systems seamlessly. If you’re running B&G instruments alongside Simrad or Lowrance displays, you’ll be glad to know that these systems share a common backbone: NMEA 2000 networking.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to build an integrated network using B&G, Simrad, and Lowrance components — ensuring full compatibility and smooth communication across your vessel.
⚓ Why B&G, Simrad, and Lowrance Work Together
B&G, Simrad, and Lowrance are all part of the Navico Group, which means their products are designed to share data and work together through the same communication standard — NMEA 2000 (N2K). This makes it possible to create a single, unified network that displays data across multiple screens and systems.
With a properly configured NMEA 2000 network, you can share:
- Wind and depth data from your B&G H5000 or Triton2 instruments
- GPS and speed data from Lowrance sensors or antennas
- Radar, AIS, and autopilot data across Simrad MFDs and B&G Zeus³S displays
This cross-compatibility allows you to mix and match components without losing the sailing-specific features that B&G is known for.
🧭 What You Need for NMEA 2000 Integration
To connect B&G, Simrad, and Lowrance products on the same network, you’ll need a few essential components:
- NMEA 2000 Backbone Cable: The main cable that runs through your boat, linking all devices together.
- T-connectors: Used to attach each device to the backbone.
- Terminating Resistors: Placed at both ends of the network to maintain signal stability.
- 12V Power Connection: Powers the entire network.
- Drop Cables: Short cables that connect individual devices (e.g., H5000 CPU, wind sensor, chartplotter) to the T-connectors.
All three brands use the same NMEA 2000 connectors and cables, so you can safely connect B&G instruments to Simrad and Lowrance networks using standard Navico-branded or third-party NMEA 2000 components.
🌬️ Integrating B&G H5000 and Wind Sensors
The B&G H5000 system is at the core of many performance sailing setups. When integrated via NMEA 2000, it can share and receive data from compatible Simrad and Lowrance devices, allowing your system to act as one unified platform.
Example integration setup:
- B&G H5000 CPU connected to the NMEA 2000 backbone
- B&G WS320 Wireless Wind Sensor sending wind speed and angle data
- Simrad NSS Evo3S display receiving wind and depth data
- Lowrance Point-1 GPS antenna providing position and heading data
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This setup allows all displays to show synchronized navigation and sailing data — no extra software required.
🛰️ Tips for a Smooth Integration
- Label every cable and connection before installation — it saves major time later.
- Keep the network under 100m total cable length for optimal NMEA 2000 performance.
- Use proper T-connectors rather than “Y” adapters to avoid signal issues.
- Check firmware compatibility — update your B&G, Simrad, and Lowrance devices to the latest version before connecting.
- Power only one point on the NMEA 2000 backbone — multiple power sources can cause interference.
🔌 Recommended Products for Building Your Network
At Suncoast Marine & Auto, we carry everything you need to build a reliable NMEA 2000 network and get the most out of your B&G system:
- B&G H5000 CPU
- B&G WS320 Wireless Wind Sensor
- NMEA 2000 Starter Kit and Backbone Cables
- GPS Antennas & Sensors
🛥️ The Benefits of Integration
Once your B&G, Simrad, and Lowrance systems are fully networked, you’ll enjoy a faster, smarter, and more reliable navigation experience. Data from every sensor and display becomes unified, allowing you to make real-time decisions with confidence — whether you’re racing, cruising, or fishing offshore.
Plus, integration helps eliminate redundant instruments, reduces wiring clutter, and ensures every system onboard “speaks the same language.”
🛒 Ready to Build Your Network?
Set sail with a seamless, fully integrated marine electronics system. Shop our selection of B&G H5000 components, NMEA 2000 cables, wind sensors, and GPS antennas — everything you need to connect your navigation setup with confidence.
👉 Explore B&G integration products at Suncoast Marine & Auto.
Learn how to connect your B&G system with Simrad and Lowrance electronics using NMEA 2000 networking. Discover what cables, sensors, and setup tools you need for a seamless integration that keeps your data accurate and your navigation efficient.