Garmin question

[nate.]

I found a Garmin 545 at a local west marine for $699. They were discontinued and replaced by the 546. The 546 is almost $1200. What's the difference in the 2 units?

[1bandit]

About $501, just kidding the 546 is nmea 2000 compatible so you can display engine functions if you have a suzie or etec.

[ifishinRI]

Displays what engine functions on a 546 ?? I have 2002 Suzuki DF70 motor on my Sea Pro SV1700. Will that hook up or is it too old ???

I just posted a question tonight about selecting a new GPS for a boat I am outfitting.

Thanks in advance for your answers................

[wirenut]

Displays what engine functions on a 546 ?? I have 2002 Suzuki DF70 motor on my Sea Pro SV1700. Will that hook up or is it too old ???

I just posted a question tonight about selecting a new GPS for a boat I am outfitting.

Thanks in advance for your answers................

[wirenut]

No it is not compatible with a 2002.I think 2005 or newer.

[Chisox]

About $501, just kidding the 546 is nmea 2000 compatible so you can display engine functions if you have a suzie or etec.

One of the "bad" aspects of Garmin units is that, even though you CAN display engine functions, the screen is setup for an I/O, and can't be re-configured...even on a 5212.

[aftergolf]

About $501, just kidding the 546 is nmea 2000 compatible so you can display engine functions if you have a suzie or etec.

One of the "bad" aspects of Garmin units is that, even though you CAN display engine functions, the screen is setup for an I/O, and can't be re-configured...even on a 5212.

That I believe is incorrect. The people using the new NMEA 2k monitor have complete info on the MFD for the outboard info. We may be thinking about 2 different things though.

[greg]

About $501, just kidding the 546 is nmea 2000 compatible so you can display engine functions if you have a suzie or etec.

One of the "bad" aspects of Garmin units is that, even though you CAN display engine functions, the screen is setup for an I/O, and can't be re-configured...even on a 5212.

That I believe is incorrect. The people using the new NMEA 2k monitor have complete info on the MFD for the outboard info. We may be thinking about 2 different things though.

I think I see where he is coming from. The data boxes you can display on the garmin mfd's are pretty inflexible. You can't customixe them to any meaningful (or satisfying) degree.

You can however get the GMI10 which is a small LCD display of just n2k data. That you can customize.

With Garmin, it's always something.