Standard horizon CP180i and AIS

[Chris.mcc240]

I have the following set up on my centaur.
A standard horizon CP180i with internal GPS linked to a standard horizon radio with DSC not sure of the model “although it’s new ish” without being on my boat but it doesn’t have an AIS display. This I have linked up to a Simrad TP22 tiller pilot and it works well so I must have connected it all up correctly.
As I sail single handed sometimes I have decided I would like an AIS display. I came to this conclusion last year off the east coast in the dark surrounded by a dozen different ships.
What do I need and can anyone recommend a supplier?
I have the following considerations
Is it best to have the display on my chart plotter or will this be too much info on the 5 inch screen I find it a little cluttered sometimes now, but being in the cockpit its really handy.
Option 1 AIS engine
To do this I believe I need to use the signal from my VHF Ariel which is mast mounted but will need a splitter and an AIS engine, which will need to be compatible with my set up . Do I need anything else?
Option 2 AIS DSC radio
Change the radio for one with built in AIS. I assume I will only need one Ariel input so will save on the splitter and won’t need an AIS engine. I’ve seen a standard Horizon GX2100 but will this or any other unit overlay the AIS display on my CP180i chart plotter.
Has anyone else got a similar set up with the same chart plotter?

Option 2 seems cheaper and much simpler to connect with the option of being able to call ships direct. But is the NMEA wiring going to be the same as the radio I installed last year.
I’m sure I could ask a marine chandlers the above but I would like unbiased advice.

 

[Martin_J]

Same plotter as you (at the wheel).. similar SH radio at the chart table.

I connected the NASA AIS engine and the chart plotter displays the AIS targets perfectly... I'd rather not have to try and find AIS targets on a smaller radio screen.

Regarding the aerial.. some use splitters.. I preferred a second aerial on the pushpit (that can function as a 3rd emergency aerial if ever needed).

BTW - SH radio and plotter.... It's great that when you hear a Mayday DSC alert.. the location of it pops up on the plotter with immediate course/distance displayed!

 

[Chris.mcc240]

That seems like a good alternative..
I hadn’t really considered mounting a second Ariel on the push pit I just assumed it would be to low and rough weather might interfere with the reception. I take it you have not had any problems with this?
It would certainly seem to be a cheaper and simpler to install option.

 

[Martin_J]

Hopefully the link below shows what the CP180i displayed when using a pushpit mounted aerial...

Photo of CP180i showing AIS targets

When you hover the cursor above them you see the full details.. Not in this picture though

 

[wooslehunter]

I have a CP180i + NASA engine. I use a pushpit mounted antenna for AIS & the range is fine. Do I really care what's happening 20nm away....

The setup works OK but in my area but the AIS alarm is useless & sounds off almost continually. This is a function of the CP180i & not the NASA engine. I contacted SH & they had not real reply.

I'm in a crowded area with fast moving large vessels - cross channel cats.

The CP180 AIS alarm function the option of:

1. Ignoring everything outside a programmable radius.
2. Alarming when a target comes within the programmable CPA.
3. Alarming when a target's TCPA is less than a programmable time.

So, in my area, if I want to be safe, I have to set the radius in 1 at a few miles. A cross channel cat does 30+knts. So it covers 5nm in 10 mins. I set the CPA alarm at 0.5nm & the TCPA at 15mins. Anything inside 5nm which breachs either of the CPA & TCPA limits sets off the alarm. So, if CPA is 0.1nm but doesn't happen for an hour I don't care but the alarm will sound. Also, if TCPA is less than 15min but CPA is 2nm, again I don't care, but the alarm sounds.

So, in my crowded area the alarm sounds continually & is useless unless I set the ignore radius down & then I miss the fast cats until they are very close.

The MK1 eyeball is still the primary anti-collision aid.

AIS is useful at determining CPA though so course corrections are easier.

What I really need is to sound the alarm when both CPA & TCPA are breached. That way it is useable.

Apart from that problem, it works fine.

 

[V1701]

Yes another here with CP180i, NASA AIS engine and pushpit mounted aerial for the AIS. The pushpit mounted AIS aerial quickly & easily can also serve as an emergency aerial for the main VHF...

 

[ianfr]

Yes another here with CP180i, NASA AIS engine and pushpit mounted aerial for the AIS. The pushpit mounted AIS aerial quickly & easily can also serve as an emergency aerial for the main VHF...

+1

Ian

 

[JeffRobbins]

WatchMate ?

Have you considered one of Vesper Marine's WatchMate AIS displays? It will interface with the NASA and take the clutter off the small plotter.

FYI: I work for Vesper Marine, so if you have any questions let me know

Jeff

 

[stevensuf]

i have the standard horizon 2100 connected to my plotter for ais and dsc and the gps output of the plotter back to the radio, works a treat,you only need one antenna, can dsc direct from the plotter, i would recommend this route for cost and time. It works a treat!