GPS Antenna for Raymarine “C” & “E” Plotters

[Wandering Star]

I know there have been various threads about suitable replacements for the Raystar 125 antennae’s with the generally recommended solution being the Evermore SA320 using the NMEA input to the plotter. That particular replacement no longer appears to be available and being somewhat stupid, I wondered what other option was available/recommended?

I seem o remember reading somewhere there was AIS solution which provided GPS input as well as AIS information in a combined antenna feeding directly into the NMEA option? Any advice welcomed. AIS would be good but not essential.

Thanks.

 

[pvb]

Take a look at this one - Raystar NMEA aerial

JG Tech is a very good outfit, so the antenna might be somewhat better than the eBay cheapies which are usually suggested.

 

[Hoist]

AIS is possible but you will pull your hair out doing it unless you spend some cash and really know exactly what to buy

The problem is the baud rate or to us normal people the speed that the information is talked at through the network

NMEA 0183 is used for the GPS antenna input on a C or E series with a baud rate of 4800
AIS uses a baud rate of 38400
Your DSC VHF if fitted will probably be 4800 also

The E series can only run it's entire network at one speed so if you set it to 38400 you get AIS but no position and if you set it at 4800 you get position without AIS

I tried for days to put AIS on an E120. The only way I can see it happening is if you use a multiplexer but don't ask me which one. I spoke to raymarine tech support who told me to buy parts that never worked and once I reached the £200 mark and no success I gave up on the idea.

sidenote. The chinese GPS aerials work perfectly fine. I've been using one for 3 years now and at £30 I carry a spare even though its never missed a beat

 

[Wandering Star]

Thanks to both of you. I’ve ordered JG Techs offering as suggested by PVB.

 

[ashtead]

Hopefully it will last longer than a Raystar125 version.

 

[cherod]

Take a look at this one - Raystar NMEA aerial

JG Tech is a very good outfit, so the antenna might be somewhat better than the eBay cheapies which are usually suggested.

and not too expensive either

 

[cherod]

Thanks to both of you. I’ve ordered JG Techs offering as suggested by PVB.

can you let us know how you get on . pls