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AIS Install NMEA2k/0183

3590 Views 29 Replies 9 Participants Last post by  KimBP, 
FrenchPython
Finally got around to install the new AIS:

www.acrartex.com

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 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
www.amazon.com

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

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 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
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
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
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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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MarkofSeaLife
colemj said:
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
Click to expand...

Mine is the AIS to the VHF by NMEA.
AIS to Plotter by USB.
The plotter, I should have disclosed is a pc 💻 laptop running OPENCpn. So it probably makes my comments irrelevant.
But I remember there was a reason why connecting the VHF was difficult.
This will NOT be the ops solution but might help him in some way.

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colemj
MarkofSeaLife said:
Mine is the AIS to the VHF by NMEA.
Click to expand...
That works too, but the OP didn't have an AIS until just now. ;)

Mark
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K
I would first verify the plotter can detect the AIS at the NMEA2000 network. I'm quite sure somewhere it can list all datasets including where they originate from.
Can you e.g. configure the Lowrance to use GPS data from the AIS?

Of course there is the risk that this Lowrance doesn't support showing AIS, but I think it is more probable that some setting need to be tweaked. Now that almost all boats transmit AIS positions it can be quite a mess to look at the plotter, so it makes sense to have a disable feature.

You can also try locating your own boat at e.g. wesselfinder.com. Then at least you know your AIS can transmit (i.e. antenna cabling is not that bad).
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FrenchPython
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
Click to expand...
Plotter is connected to AIS via nmea2k
plotter is also connected to VHF via nmea0183
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FrenchPython
KimBP said:
I would first verify the plotter can detect the AIS at the NMEA2000 network. I'm quite sure somewhere it can list all datasets including where they originate from.
Can you e.g. configure the Lowrance to use GPS data from the AIS?

Of course there is the risk that this Lowrance doesn't support showing AIS, but I think it is more probable that some setting need to be tweaked. Now that almost all boats transmit AIS positions it can be quite a mess to look at the plotter, so it makes sense to have a disable feature.

You can also try locating your own boat at e.g. wesselfinder.com. Then at least you know your AIS can transmit (i.e. antenna cabling is not that bad).
Click to expand...
colemj said:
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
Click to expand...
Thanks, will look into this
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SanderO
FYI.... I have a Horizon GX2200 (w/ AIS receive) , a Raymarine C80 plotter shows, AIS targets and radar targets.
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FrenchPython
Not at the boat yet but manual doesnt mention anything about AIS:
pages 42-47

ill fiddle with tit when I get home
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K
Maybe have a look at

[Deleted by Mod. sorry, we can't do that link]
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