Garmin AIS 600 fitting to Fairline Squadron 42

[Bridgeman]

Just a shot in the dark. We are looking at having a Garmin AIS 600 fitted to Fairline Squadron 42. The plotters are 8000 and 5000 series and vhfs also Garmin. As anyone had the AIS 600 fitted on their Squadron? if so where was it sited? Doesn't look like a lot of space under the dash to fit it. Wondered if the flybridge was an option and connect to the network there?
Thanks
Neil

 

[admillington]

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/14012668/Garmin AIS.JPG

On a Squadron 58 but still an idea a where to start....

 

[Bridgeman]

Thanks for reply admillington. It looks like you have a bit more space on the 58. It gives a good idea on photo how it should be though.

 

[jfm]

I've had AIS600 on last 2 boats. You can put the box almost anywhere, but if you want to share a single VHF antenna then the best place for AIS600 is right beside your existing VHF box is easiest for VHF coax cabling - for a simple life you want the coax from your existing VHF unit to plug into the AIS600. Flybridge therefore is unlikely to be an option as the VHF grey box is likely not there

In contrast, if you're fitting a dedicated VHF antenna then the AIS600 can go wherever you can run the antenna coax cable and other connections to. The connections you make to the ais600 are:

1. VHF coax, use existing or new antenna
2. nmea2000. Easy - just find the backbone and add a T piece that will be in the box.
3. 12v switched power obviously.
4. USB connection to your PC to program the thing too, but this can be temporary if you want (I have permanent, to USB socket at side of dashboard)
5. 2-wire connection to a SPST switch on the dash so that you can turn off the AIS tx when you want to be in stealth mode
6. coax connection to a dedicated GPS antenna. This can go under the lower dash, maybe tucked under foredeck, for example, because it can see the gPS signal thru fibreglass usually

You don't need to connect it to the Garmin Marine network (ie the Cat 5/Ethernet).

The ability to run all the above wiring will often dictate location of unit

 

[Bridgeman]

Thanks for reply jfm. Really useful info especially the gps antenna siting. I thought I was going to have to have it on the mast and run cable. I have just found the installation guide in pdf on internet so having a bit of a read tonight.