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AIS Install NMEA2k/0183

3555 Views 29 Replies 9 Participants Last post by KimBP, 4 mo ago

FrenchPython

Discussion Starter · 4 mo ago

Finally got around to install the new AIS:

AISLink Marine AIS System with Ocean Signal MOB | ACR Electronics

The AISLink CB2 Class B+ marine AIS system features faster reporting rate and higher output power than prior generation Class B AIS Systems. Combining with the Ocean Signal MOB Locator Beacon, this is the best AIS system that includes man overboard safety.

www.acrartex.com

Went the splitter route instead of getting a second antenna.

Okay so NMEA 2000 right ? no problem.. except that my vhf is IC-M422 which is NMEA0183..
MANUAL : http://www.icomcanada.com/products/marine/ic-m422/Marine_IC-M422 Instruction Manual.pdf

great..

so now (correct me if im wrong) my options are:

1. Get a new VHF whose interface works with NMEA2k ~$150-200
eg: Icom M330 Compact Fixed Mount VHF | The GPS Store

2. Change the whole thing into NMEA0183 instead of 2k. which means getting a new antenna and toss out the splitter, and network cables.. ~$100

3.Try my luck on one of these converters ? ~$200

Amazon.com: Yacht Devices Boat NMEA 0183 to NMEA 2000 Gateway (YDNG-03N) for Yacht and Boat Network - NMEA 2000 Micro Male : Electronics

www.amazon.com

main | iKonvert NMEA 2000®-0183 Gateway Converter (ISO)

iKonvert NMEA 2000®-0183 Gateway Converter (ISO)

www.gemeco.com

Would love some guidance.
looks like keeping my vhf and going to NMEA0183 is the cheaper option.. but is it the right choice ?

Thanks.

Edit: vhf is currently connected to LOWRANCE elite7, which has its own gps. nmea slot on the chart ploter is not being used.

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colemj

· #2 · 4 mo ago

Don't do #2.

What problem are you having, or what are you trying to do? If your VHF is currently connected to the Lowrance NMEA0183, it can stay connected. You just connect the AIS to the Lowrance's NMEA2000. Well, technically you create a NMEA2000 network and connect the AIS and Lowrance to that.

That AIS also has an NMEA0183 port if you need it to send/receive 0183 data to/from something.

Alternately, I think the Lowrance can internally convert and output 2000-0183 (and maybe 0183-2000).

Mark

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colemj

· #4 · 4 mo ago

eherlihy said:
The AISLink CB2 (the one that you posted the link toward - OUCH! $1K)

That $1000 includes two AIS MOB units. I recently paid $300 each for two of those, so the AIS transponder was only an extra $400. Great deal IMO - I would have probably replaced our XB-8000 if that was available at the time I bought the MOB's.

Mark

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colemj

· #7 · 4 mo ago

FrenchPython said:
So you are saying that I dont need to mess with the vhf at all ?
I connect the Lowrance to the Ais via nmea2k 'drop in cable' and all is good ?
eg: https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-NMEA-2000-backbone-cable/dp/B00183QWK0
That would be amazing.

🙏

Yes, I think this is correct. Our VHF is connected to the plotter by 0183, and our plotter and AIS to the network by 2000.

However, you can't just connect the AIS to the plotter with a drop cable. You need a NMEA2000 network that consists of a terminated powered backbone that both the AIS and Lowrance connects to. If you don't already have a 2000 network, then you will need this: Simrad NMEA 2000 Micro-C Backbone Network Starter Kit

Connect the T's together, put a terminator on each end of the T chain, run power to one T, the AIS to another T, and the plotter to the third T.

You can reconfigure this to be convenient, as long as you keep the same relative topology. For instance, you could connect a T directly to the plotter (or AIS), put a terminator on one end of that T, run a cable to the other two T's connected together, put a terminator on one of those T's, and connect the power and AIS (or plotter) to the other.

Or anything similar to the above to make installation more convenient.

Mark

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colemj

· #17 · 4 mo ago

jimlindaevans said:
My chart plotter has both NEMA 183 and 2000. I had the AIS using NEMA 183, but set to a higher data rate. You should not use a dumb 3 db splitter to save an antenna. You lose 3 db in noise figure (sensitivity) in both the AIS and VHF receivers. A VHF transmitting through and imperfect splitter into the AIS will not be good. A VHF with a built in AIS handles the antenna sharing downstream in the RF circuitry. A seperate whip AIS or VHF antenna is cheap.

I'm not sure they even make passive splitters anymore. All of the ones sold for AIS are active splitters, and have <1db insertion losses. It is almost assured that one will lose at least 1db in a separate antenna coax run unless it is a very short run of higher end coax, and definitely lose much more than 3db equivalence of useful range of a rail or arch mounted second antenna (a usual placement of a second antenna).

Combo VHF/AIS units do not handle the antenna sharing in the RF circuitry. They just use an internal active antenna splitter the same as the external ones. If you are concerned about antenna splitters, do not get a combo VHF/AIS unit unless it uses two separate antenna connections.

Mark

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colemj

· #21 · 4 mo ago

The Lowrance is a budget range plotter. I don't know anything about it, but it might not have AIS display capabilities. That would be a shame, since it doesn't cost anything to add it, and AIS is very important nowadays.

What does the manual say about displaying AIS? Is there a section describing what NMEA2000 PGN's or NMEA0183 sentences it supports?

Under the NMEA2000 menu somewhere, is there a submenu to select data sources?

Mark

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colemj

· #22 · 4 mo ago

MarkofSeaLife said:
NIMHO

My Plotter is connected to the AIS, not to the VHF.

My VHF is connected to my AIS too, but independently to the plotter.

Mark

It is common to connect the plotter and VHF to get GPS data to the VHF for DSC. Many VHF's today come with internal GPS's, but that is pretty recent.

Mark

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colemj

· #24 · 4 mo ago

MarkofSeaLife said:
Mine is the AIS to the VHF by NMEA.

That works too, but the OP didn't have an AIS until just now.

Mark

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