AIS receiver and NMEA 0183

[DipperToo]

Fitted an EasyAIS 2 years ago - very simple and not so expensive. Works really well.

The unit has a multiplexor built-in and I have my fast heading NMEA going into the EasyAIS and the combined output goes to the C80. The C80 as already mentioned needs to be set to the higher speeds. Unfortunately, the C80 NMEA output also has to have the same speed settings as the input. If you use the output for position data for the DSC radio, several Raymarine instruments can output NMEA as can the autopilot.

The speed limitation is also a hassle when trying to transfer waypoints to a handhelp plotter as you have to drop the speed settings first, do the transfer, then set things back to the higher speed.

Hope this helps.

 

[pvb]

Absolutely agree, but if it's all you have to work with in a particular install and you customer wants AIS cheap......

Not sure I follow your logic, the Raymarine AIS250/350 are about as cheap as the Garmin AIS300, but will multiplex in/out at 4800/38400 speeds.

 

[David2452]

I would agree if I could find an AIS 250 at close to the price you quote, if you post the link that's precisely what I will do as I don't care where my customers by their kit from.

 

[pvb]

I would agree if I could find an AIS 250 at close to the price you quote, if you post the link that's precisely what I will do as I don't care where my customers by their kit from.

Try here for starters. And here for the AIS350.

 

[Pagetslady]

I have two AIS engines A Nasa and an AdvanSea both have wires to take NMEA at 4800 and transmit it to the plotter with the AIS data which connects to the one NMEA socket on the C series plotter. the Advansea also has a usb connection so connects to your Laptop which then transmits AiS and GPS to a PC plotter like the Belfield plotter.
Also if you have the Raymarine GPS I think it is the C120 it will output GPS data in either NMEA or Seatalk in which case you can connect the GPS directly to the Seatalk socket on the plotter so no problem with the different speeds,
Remember to set the correct Baud rate in the NMEA settings.
Mike.

 

[pvb]

I have two AIS engines A Nasa and an AdvanSea both have wires to take NMEA at 4800 and transmit it to the plotter with the AIS data which connects to the one NMEA socket on the C series plotter. the Advansea also has a usb connection so connects to your Laptop which then transmits AiS and GPS to a PC plotter like the Belfield plotter.
Also if you have the Raymarine GPS I think it is the C120 it will output GPS data in either NMEA or Seatalk in which case you can connect the GPS directly to the Seatalk socket on the plotter so no problem with the different speeds,
Remember to set the correct Baud rate in the NMEA settings.
Mike.

The problem, Mike, is that the OP needs to output NMEA data from his C80 to his VHF and radar. When you set the C80 to accept AIS data input at 38400baud, the NMEA output speed is also increased to 38400baud, which the VHF and radar won't accept. That's why some sort of multiplexer is needed.

 

[Pagetslady]

I have taken my GPS to the VHF from the GPS NMEA out before it continues to the AiS where it continues to the plotter and it works fine,
Mike

 

[David2452]

Try here for starters. And here for the AIS350.

Excellent, thank you, but being who it is I will check they actually have them before I get over exited.

 

[pvb]

Excellent, thank you, but being who it is I will check they actually have them before I get over exited.

A wise move with most online purchases if spending a few hundred quid!

Incidentally, MES/Cactus also list it at £330.

 

[David2452]

It's not just the money so much though it is important, I have to make sure I co-ordinate delivery with my time allocation & customer expectations. If the chain is let down somewhere then it doesn't do me any favours in the customer confidence dept. Apart from the fact that I have confidence the stuff that's another reason I like Garmin, I have not been let down on delivery at a good price, either bought direct by my customer or through me yet.