Basics - NMEA2000 (N2K) is a new protocol to exchange information between marine electronics components.  Most people are intimidated by it as the various manufacturers have not done a good job at explaining how it all works.  We'll try to do that here.  I will start with this statement - N2K is unbelievably easy.  If you start to overthink things and get confused please refer back to that statement. 

A N2K network is basically a length of N2K cable with a N2K power source and a terminator on each end.  That's it.  Now that the network is established you can pull a terminator off the end, add a N2K "T" connector, pop the terminator back on the end of the "T" and run a device (such as a N2K GPS antenna) off the bottom of that T.  All N2K T's work the same, most are labeled. Basically the T will carry the network across the horizontal part (as you view "T" in a senten

hese the terms "Networking" and "Interfacing" are often confused. Lets define them.

• Networking - This is a proprietary protocol for multi-function displays to exchange information and share sensors. Basically, it allows two or more displays from the same manufacturer to connect to each other with a simple network cable so whatever you are able to see on one display you are able to see on the other. Networking allows you to share complex data such as radar information, fishfinder data, weather data, etc. A few years ago networking did not exist, so if a radar antenna was connected to a display it would only be able to be used from that display. With modern networks the radar c an be plugged into one display but controllable and viewable from another. Networking is very useful on boats with multiple stations, or in cases where the owner simply wants the flexibility to view any system component on any screen.

• Interfacing

GX2200 Gray NMEA Out + to Garmin Brown RX + (NMEA IN +)

GX2200 Brown NMEA Out - to Garmin Black NMEA Ground – 

If you want connect the Garmin GPS output.

SH Blue In+ to Garmin Blue Out + 

SH Green In- to Garmin NMEA Ground Black 

You will need to change the Communications Settings in the Garmin for Port 1 to NMEA HS (High Speed) data. You will also need to change the NMEA Baud rate in the GX2200 to 38400 (High Speed) in the General Setup Menu - NMEA In/Out.