Lowrance HDS-5 or 7 displaying AIS via NMEA 0183?

[MarkSF]

I am trying to get my Lowrance HDS-5M to display AIS targets that the Standard Horizon GX2150 is putting out via NMEA 0183.

Having searched the forums, what I have gleaned is that this should definitely work, or should definitely NOT work, depending on who you believe.

So is there anyone WITH a HDS-5 or 7 that is showing AIS data via NMEA 0183?

That would be nice to know, that at least it SHOULD work.

The Lowrance documentation (FAQ, manuals, etc) is hopeless.

Thanks!

[BarryL]

Hey,

Those units should be able to display AIS information. See page 107 of the user guide:

Vessels
Controls settings used to monitor vessels in your
area with an AIS receiver. The Vessels feature
makes it easier to navigate safely through high
traffic areas.
To access the Vessels menu, select Vessels from the
Settings menu and press enter.
MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity)
Used to input your MMSI number into the unit.
To input MMSI number:
1. Highlight MMSI on the Vessels menu
and press enter.
2. Use the keypad to input the MMSI
number and press enter.
Display
Allow you to select what vessels will be shown on the display. That helps you
customize the screen so you can view only desired vessels.
Display options
All Displays all vessels in the area around your vessel
None Eliminates all vessels from the display
Moving Displays vessels that are in motion
Dangerous
Show only vessels that likely will be coming into close
proximity of your vessel; based on CPA (Closest point of
approach) and TCPA (Time to closest point of approach)

===

The NMEA 0183 port can be set at 4800 or 38400 baud, so it should work with the GX 2150.

Note that I don't have either of those units. I have an older Lowrance LMS 337 C Df unit that does not display AIS information.

Barry

[MarkSF]

So it works now. You have to follow the wiring diagram on the Standard Horizon website, for wiring the GX2150 to the 5m and 7m. Ignore anything Lowrance tell you.

I now have AIS targets on the VHF, and on the chartplotter. There is an adjustable proximity alarm on both devices. The VHF gets GPS co-ords from the chartplotter (it needs these for both AIS and DSC).

I don't know how to check that DSC targets from the VHF will appear on the chartplotter. Need to wait for an emergency DSC call I guess.

Also installed an Airmar DST800 triducer and NMEA 2000 network, so speed, depth, and water temp appear on the chartplotter, all from the one transducer.

Now I'm ready for sailing season

[ambianceack]

How was the install with the Airmar triducer? I have a Datamarine transducer that I would like to replace using the existing hole. Do I have to fair out a new hole or can I just unscrew the datamarine and insert the airmar? How did you keep the water from coming into the boat?

[MarkSF]

Originally Posted by ambianceack

How was the install with the Airmar triducer? I have a Datamarine transducer that I would like to replace using the existing hole. Do I have to fair out a new hole or can I just unscrew the datamarine and insert the airmar? How did you keep the water from coming into the boat?

My old IMI transducer through-hull was 1/8" smaller than the new one. The Airmar takes a 2" hole. So the hole had to be enlarged.

You can only change the through-hull at haulout.

If you can find a drawing of the Datamarine through-hull you could compare it to the Airmar one, if you are lucky the transducers might be interchangeable.