AIS & C80 - No multiplexor required

[DipperToo]

Following from a thread several weeks ago, I can confirm that I have just fitted an EasyAIS receiver to my Raymarine C80. The fast heading output from the course computer was taken to the 'GPS' input of the EasyAIS which internally multiplexed the fast heading data onto the output. We checked from the C80 system diagnostics page that the fast heading data was still present, and the interface was changed to operate at 34,800 baud.

Unless you have the need to connect more than 1 additional NMEA device to the C Series plotter, then you do not need to buy the a multiplexor with the EasyAIS device. This reduces the overall cost of installing an AIS receiver significantly.

BTW - EasyAIS (manufacturer of EasyAIS also confirmed this would work despite a well known electronics supplier in the UK insisting that I needed to buy an additional multiplexor for £240 where the EasyAIS unit was around £200)

 

[gjgm]

so quite which unit did you buy? And then can you give me an idiots guide to what connections you made.. gps,vhf,c80 etc .. pls

 

[DipperToo]

Bought the EasyAIS box. Very simple connections - NMEA in (2 wires) from the course computer NMEA1 out ( this connector has the fast heading data) - then the NMEA out from the EASYAIS system goes to the NMEA input of the C80 chart plotter. It is a good idea to take the power for the EASYAIS from the same circuit breaker as the C80.

Connect an aerial ( I used a small pushpit one which can then double as a spare for the main VHF) and that ia all the wiring needed. The EasyAIS does come with a harness/socket of about 1 metre. Remember to change the port settings on the C80 froim the menus to select AIS (34800) as the speed.

Stewart

 

[gjgm]

NMEA in (2 wires) from the course computer NMEA1 out ( this connector has the fast heading data) -

umm you lost me !! course computer?

 

[jackh]

Thanks Stewart - I haven't yet had a need to use the multiplexing facility of the Easy AIS, but it's good to know it would work if I ever needed to.