vyv_cox
Well-known member
Thanks, should have known. Long time since I installed mine.
Adding AIS to current VHF network
- Thread starter andylipsberg
- Start date
mullet
Active member
I might have missed something but it doesn’t look as if the specifics of this question have been answered in any detail.
I have an AIS600. It connects to the N2K net, the plotter connects to the N2K net, that’s how data are shared. I’m not familiar with your VHF but mine is also on the N2K network and uses that for DSC calling via the AIS data and the plotter UI.
The AIS requires 12v supply (it has a proprietary multi-pin cable) and its own GPS signal (not networked GPS). Mine has an antenna plugged into it, glued to the under deck and seems to get a quick and accurate signal. To transmit it also requires the N2K network to be powered up, not just the AIS.
In terms of radio signal cables: the VHF connects to the AIS with an interconnect, the AIS connects to the VHF antenna. Signal splitting is built into the AIS 600.
It is definitely more expensive than other options but when buying Garmin kit I factor in their exceptional after-sales service. I recently had an aging Garmin black box VHF whose fist mike cable was degrading (crumbling insulation, still working though). I enquired about buying a spare cable or mike - these were no longer available; instead Garmin insisted on replacing the whole VHF and all peripherals (Mike, remote speaker) with a brand new one free of charge. Garmin would have to do something catastrophic for me to stop buying their products after that.
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PaulRainbow
Well-known member
I've never had to fit an external GPS to an Emtrak AIS, except when fitting to steel or ally boats.
I didn't say buy one just because it has an internal GPS. The internal GPS in the Emtrak AIS is just one of several things that makes it better than the AIS600
PaulRainbow
Well-known member
Completely agree about Garmin support, it's exceptional, that's why i usually recommend them. In this case though, i think the AIS 600 isn't a good buy.
DrSpock
Active member
I disagree and would never pick an AIS unit with a built-in GPS. You can always install the external GPS right next to the unit if you want to so actually is much more flexible.
Hacker
Well-known member
Why is that more flexible? Are you a qualified marine electrician?
jwilson
Well-known member
I installed an Emtrak B953 5 watt transceiver inside on my boat 2 years ago, easy to fit, worked perfectly straight away to two plotters, one NMEA0183 and one NMEA2000. It did later fail but sent it back to Emtrak and it was very promptly returned repaired.
mullet
Active member
That’s fair enough; TBH I have no idea about the current cost nor relative value of the AIS600, I’m not up to speed on that - and there are limits!
Sandy
Well-known member
You might struggle finding an AIS unit without a built-in GPS.
PaulRainbow
Well-known member
That's nonsense !
If you would never use an AIS with built in GPS you'll be struggling to find one.
How is it more flexible to have an external GPS only ? All AIS with internal GPS have the option of using an external GPS, i've never needed to use one though.
In post #20 you said "I've had to install external GPS antennas on a number of occasions due to dropout or accuracy issues." How was it you had issues and had to fit an external GPS, when you would never use one with an internal GPS ? Methinks you're being dishonest.
Plum
Well-known member
My experience is the total opposite to yours. I am currently running 4 devices, including an AIS, that have built in GPS receivers, all mounted below decks, without any problems.
Sandy
Well-known member
I'm always surprised how far you can get a GPS fix inside a building.
On the rare occasions I fly my handheld GPS is always on and working.
On the rare occasions I fly my handheld GPS is always on and working.
Alicatt
Well-known member
Fitted an Em-Trak 952 to my boat under the dashboard of the upper helm. works fine there in testing, I do have a mushroom GPS antenna if needed but not fitted it as the 952 was getting a good signal.
It feeds a Simrad Go9 plotter there and a Garmin Echomap 95SV at the lower helm via a N2000 network that includes the Standard Horizon GX2400 VHF, both the GX2400 and the 952 have separate VHF antennas on either side of the boat, AIS to Port, VHF to Starboard.
There is also a mushroom GPS antenna on the radar arch but I'm blowed if I can find what it is connected to, the cable is split under the dash with two separate soldered on coaxes going off into the nether regions of the boat
Part of the setup of the Em-Trak is that you must specify where on the boat your GPS antenna is as that is where the location of your boat is taken from.
It feeds a Simrad Go9 plotter there and a Garmin Echomap 95SV at the lower helm via a N2000 network that includes the Standard Horizon GX2400 VHF, both the GX2400 and the 952 have separate VHF antennas on either side of the boat, AIS to Port, VHF to Starboard.
There is also a mushroom GPS antenna on the radar arch but I'm blowed if I can find what it is connected to, the cable is split under the dash with two separate soldered on coaxes going off into the nether regions of the boat
Part of the setup of the Em-Trak is that you must specify where on the boat your GPS antenna is as that is where the location of your boat is taken from.
Metalicmike
Active member
I have ditched my chart plotter and now use open plotter which is installed on a Raspberry Pi (mini computer) which receives Nmea data from my instruments. AIS data is received via a usb dongle and All the information is displayed via OpenCpn which allows me to download charts at a reasonable price and access and input data from my Phone, Laptop and Tablet, I can also attach a touch screen monitor.
It is another learning curve to go through but for me very worthwhile. The raspberry pi is in expensive and I have 2 both programmed the same. Next on my wish list is a VHF set with AIS transmitter.
It is another learning curve to go through but for me very worthwhile. The raspberry pi is in expensive and I have 2 both programmed the same. Next on my wish list is a VHF set with AIS transmitter.
Sandy
Well-known member
VesparMarine kit allows the same, but to be honest I could not be bothered as I am only a 10 X 3 metre spot on a very big ocean.
DrSpock
Active member
It's not nonsense and quite the opposite - limiting the GPS location to where the unit has to be situated is an unnecessary & frankly pointless restriction.
Struggling to find one? No Raymarine AIS units have ever had built-in GPS antennas.
Just because I advise not to use one with an internal GPS doesn't mean customers we install for don't think it's a good idea...
I've had the same issues for MFDs with built-in GPS which is the reason they all have external connections available.
An external unobstructed GPS antenna is always going to offer more reliable performance - as is a dedicated antenna for AIS rather than using a splitter. That is the advice I always give and surprised if you're a professional you think otherwise.
DrSpock
Active member
Measure the accuracy of all four in their different locations and post back. Not uncommon for GPS to work but be inaccurate. If that works for you great and typical of a domestic installation but that doesn't make it the best solution.
Plum
Well-known member
All i said was that my experience is the oposite of yours. All my devices provide a position within the length of my boat so not a problem to me.
Sandy
Well-known member
How accurate do you need to be in a boat sailing at between one and ten knots?
The MK I eyeball takes over when we are in close quarters. As long as we stay clear of the sharp, pointy stuff along the coast, we're happy. On the ocean you really don't need to be that accurate. With a sextant we should know roughly where we were a few times a day.
I can't understand why people get frantic about their GPS position, it is not as it we are dispatching a 'harbinger of death' to hit a building half the planet away.
Disclosure: I gave up membership of the Royal Institute of Navigation on retirement.
DrSpock
Active member
Who said anything about sailing at 1 - 10 knots? The boats we typically work with cruise at 25+
Even at 4 - 6 knots If you're navigating a passage into or out of an unfamiliar or even familiar harbour at night then I would say ideally within the beam of your boat. It's very easy to wander out of a channel into low water using a chartplotter as an aid. Just claiming GPS doesn't need to be accurate so you can install things incorrectly isn't sound advice.
Even at 4 - 6 knots If you're navigating a passage into or out of an unfamiliar or even familiar harbour at night then I would say ideally within the beam of your boat. It's very easy to wander out of a channel into low water using a chartplotter as an aid. Just claiming GPS doesn't need to be accurate so you can install things incorrectly isn't sound advice.
