Em-Trak B100 question

[PaulRainbow]

I ordered the B100 and happy to hear that I don't necessarily need to drill for the GPS antenna maybe it could even stay in the box... Anyone compared how much the signal degraded below deck of an AWB? My phone and tablet does fine when using them as drag alarm.

Another GPS-question: is the GPS data transmitted trough NMEA0183 and USB? I plan to use the unit both as AIS and external GPS for my tablet by relaying the data by a Raspberry running Openplotter.

Some more USB-woes:

https://www.virtualware.nl/wp-content/uploads/B100-FAQ.pdf
Apparently some more research needs to be done about that Raspberry & USB setup .

Some of post #12 is incorrect. The B100 has an internal GPS processor, but the external antenna must be fitted, i had incorrectly assumed the antenna was also internal. The antenna has worked below decks on several GRP boats where i have installed the B100.

AIS and GPS data is output by NMEA 0183 on port one at 38,400 and port two at 4800 and on USB. To use port 2 a configuration file must be input into the B100 by downloading the file from Em-trak and putting it on an SD card, then putting the card into the slot in the unit.

The config file can be downloaded here: aisb.cfg

 

[prv]

One other thing to consider is that the included GPS antenna comes with ten metres of reasonably substantial cable. If you’re going to mount the AIS in a cabinet somewhere (for example behind the chart table) and stick the antenna to the deckhead immediately above, you’ll either have an awkward coil of cable to deal with or need to be comfortable crimping a new plug onto the shortened cable. Instead, I bought a generic GPS antenna for a few pounds on eBay, with a 1m cable that gives a neater installation. The signal quality reported in the AIS setup program is just as good as with the original antenna.

Pete

 

[PaulRainbow]

The position data can be sent over NMEA0183 - I’m using it to feed my VHF - but I believe you need to reconfigure the firmware to enable it. The Em Trak helpdesk can send you a file which you put on an SD card and insert into the unit. Then you can select in the setup software what sentences you want to emit.

The config software is linked from the Em-trak FAQ on their website now. They will hopefully mention this in the new manuals.

I don’t know if it also sends it over USB; seems quite likely. Might as well ask Em Trak when you contact them for the firmware config file. They‘ve always been quite responsive when I’ve emailed them (had to do so for work a while ago, before I bought my personal one).

It does output via USB.

I‘m not convinced about the built-in GPS antenna. It comes with an external one, and you can mount it below a GRP deck with negligible loss, but I haven’t seen any mention of a built-in that would allow you to leave it in the box.

Pete

There is no internal antenna, it's just a receiver. I thought it had both when i posted #12, it doesn't. As you say, it can be mounted below decks and i've not had any problems doing so.

The B300 and B900 series both have built in GPS receivers and antennas. Some models of B900 also have Wifi, Bluetooth and built in splitters.