NASA AIS engine ok but how to export/see it!!

[pcatterall]

Just setting up my navigation 'system' after 2 years.
We used to use the AIS in conjunction with Sea Clear and UK mapping ( visit my harbour) It worked well for us but we are now in the Med so not so usefull.
I can see that the AIS is working as it is flashing and my little GPS ( BU-353) also seems to be working.
My problem is how to get a display.
I have A Garmin 451S and the cards for this area and via anothe rthread am trying to get the mapping on the PC.
I wonder if there is some basic med mapping which I can download and use it to view the AIS info on.
Many thanks for any advice

 

[fergie_mac66]

open cpn takes ais i believe

http://opencpn.org/ocpn/ works with cm93 if you want to look for them of net and you can buy charts that work with open cpn info here

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f134/s-63-official-vector-charts-now-available-125140.html

you can make maps from sea clear and calibrate them from allsort of sources time consuming tho but you have to read the help files and then find the online maps/charts open cpn will read them if you convert them .

 

[rogerthebodger]

Opencpn

Charts

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f117/cm93-download-77905.html

I use Navmonpc to receive AIS (NASA) GPS (USB Mouse) and instruments and multiplex the data to Opencpn using virtual ports

 

[Tranona]

If you already use Imray paper charts it makes sense to also use the Meridian/Imray electronic charts. There is a comprehensive Med portfolio. It comes with charting software, runs on a PC and you can connect your AIS engine to the PC with the serial/USB conversion cable.

 

[affinite]

OpenCPN is perfect for the Med
There is an OpenCPN Plug-In which provides a NASA Marine type "AIS Radar" display which may also work without charts if you really want it to.

I use OpenCPN with CM93 vector charts and AIS input from an Advansea receiver.
Works like a dream and is Opensource/Free !

@Rogershaw - Latest version of OpenCPN 3.2.2 has built in NMEA port multiplexing so perhaps no need for Navmon in future ?

 

[rogerthebodger]

" @Rogershaw - Latest version of OpenCPN 3.2.2 has built in NMEA port multiplexing so perhaps no need for Navmon in future ? "

Thks for that but I do like Navmon style of instruments better than Opencpn and Navmon also keeps a track of AIS static info so it can display the names etc of vessels quicker. Just need to find a way of Navmon sending this info to Opencpn.

 

[ghostlymoron]

As far as I can see from the Garmin/NASA manuals, to display AIS info on your plotter all you need to do is connect the 'NMEA out' on the AIS to the 'NMEA in' on the plotter. No ideas on connecting to laptop but a display at the wheel is what you (we) need. Hope it works!

 

[pcatterall]

Thanks all am trying to download open cpm and charts.
Meanwhile..... can anyone advisehow to connect the AIS to agarmin 451S or my garmin 128 plotter.
s it just blue to blue??

 

[fergie_mac66]

Its a year since i connected ours and no manuals here but seem to remember if you have the wires connected properly . The garmin settings are the crux

Seem to think you have to specify if port is in/out and that it is nmea protocol and not the garmin default ,which is garmin protocol, also the port can be on or off . and the speed / baud rate might need specifying . make sure that they are all on the same port/blue wire

 

[fergie_mac66]

seem to remember there is an option on the 451s to select what sentences that may be for output tho