Zeus2 MFD AIS data sources

[richlear]

Hi all,

Hoping one of you experts will be able to help.

I have a Zeus2 MFD with a number of devices attached. recently I had to replace my AIS and while it was not fitted I noticed AIS targets were still being shown on the MFD display. So the first question is where are these targets coming from?

I fitted my new AIS (NAIS-500) a couple of days ago and when I go to Network>Devices in the MFD I see the unit there and I can look at the incoming data. However, it just appears to be GGA/GSV etc, I cannot see any !AIVDM type messages even though I can see AIS targets.

If I use the NAIS USB connection on my laptop I can see that GGA/GSV etc as well as !AIVDO messages are being transmitted.

The NAIS-500 can send out NMEA0183 as well as N2K but I am unsure which is being sent to the MFD.

I cannot see if there is a place in the MFD to look at incoming NMEA0183 messages.

So any thoughts on:
How to determine the source of the AIS messages (if they are not from the AIS)?
Is there a way to look at incoming NMEA0183 data?
Is there another way to look at the incoming N2K !AIVDM type messages?

Thanks

Rich

 

[jwfrary]

Demo mode?
What else is one your network?

 

[Bikerwookie]

Go into network - NMEA 0183 and change the baud rate to 4800. If the ais messages stop they are coming form there. Do you have a vhf with ais fitted too?

 

[Cdicko]

Possibly from the vhf if it has a AIS receiver, what VHF do you have?

 

[richlear]

An update.

Firstly, thanks for the replies.

I have a B&G V50 VHF which has an AIS function and it appears that both this unit and the NAIS-500 are transmitting data to the MFD using N2K. There does not appear to be an NMEA0183 interface. Although both seem to work and gave me identical targets (as might be expected) I cannot see the AIS messages in the data fields on the MFD which is what caused the initial confusion over the AIS message origins.

I guess there is no harm in redundancy like this, I am not seeing duplicate targets or anything weird so I guess I will just leave it as-is for now.

Thanks

Rich

 

[jwfrary]

Rich I would think about turning one of the sources off as your flooding your network with unneeded sentences and you could cause problems in busy traffic areas.

 

[richlear]

Hi Jon, Yeah, good call. I did look at the network load on the MFD and it reports 12% peak but that is with only one AIS target. I will have a play. Thanks

 

[jwfrary]

Hi Jon, Yeah, good call. I did look at the network load on the MFD and it reports 12% peak but that is with only one AIS target. I will have a play. Thanks

If you have fast heading data on the network it’s usually the first to suffer.

even though the new systems can tolerate multiply sources now best practice is to keep it to one. Helps reduce the little bugs cropping up!

 

[Cdicko]

While on the subject of B&G, I’m about to buy a yacht with a Zeus 2, is there a remote app for the iPad?

 

[richlear]

No idea - sorry! There is WiFi connection so possibly....

 

[Cdicko]

No idea - sorry! There is WiFi connection so possibly....

Iv posted on another thread. You need the WiFi-1 module to make the Zeus2 connect to a network. Then the app is "link - connect your boat"

 

[richlear]

Interesting - just so I understand I can run an app on an iPad that mirrors the Zeus or????

 

[Cdicko]

Yes but you have to have the B&G WiFi-1 module connected to your Zeus2 below to enable the Zeus2 to be able to work with WiFi. Once you've installed the WiFi-1 module yes you can mirror the Zeus2

Navico WIFI-1 module | Force 4 Chandlery

 

[richlear]

Thanks, I have something that very much looks like that under my chart table. Will have a poke around when I go done this afternoon.

 

[richlear]

Tried it yesterday and it works a treat! I downloaded an app for my phone called B&G Link. I enabled the WiFi on the Zeus and was able to connect first time. It mirrors the Zeus allowing full control and view of the radar, chart etc. I use a laptop with OPenCPN and a USB GPS puck on my chart table for route planning etc , the Zeus is outside at the helm position. I would like to figure out how to run the software on my laptop, would really help.

 

[Cdicko]

Tried it yesterday and it works a treat! I downloaded an app for my phone called B&G Link. I enabled the WiFi on the Zeus and was able to connect first time. It mirrors the Zeus allowing full control and view of the radar, chart etc. I use a laptop with OPenCPN and a USB GPS puck on my chart table for route planning etc , the Zeus is outside at the helm position. I would like to figure out how to run the software on my laptop, would really help.

that you only needed to enable wifi is great news, i think you can only mirror it on tablets or phones not on windows or mac.

im intested in opencpn, i have a windows lap top. im guessing its not just as easy as connecting the laptop to the wifi-1 module to recieve gps data etc from the zeus and othe b&g instruments thus not needing your usb gps puck??

Out of interest what usb gps puck do you use and does it recieve sat signal from having it at the chart table?

 

[richlear]

I use a Bu353 puck I bought on Ebay for around £30. I have stashed it behind the electrical panel and it works a treat. It has a magnetic base so I just sit is on a small steel bracket. I like the redundancy of having a separate GPS and plotter setup .

 

[North East Skipper]

Hi Guys
I'm struggling with this.
What was the procedure to get the wifi1 talking to the zeus2? I've wired it in using the ethernet cable and socket. The power and signal LEDs light up but the Zeus2 doesn't appear to "see" the wifi1

 

[Koeketiene]

Hi Guys
I'm struggling with this.
What was the procedure to get the wifi1 talking to the zeus2? I've wired it in using the ethernet cable and socket. The power and signal LEDs light up but the Zeus2 doesn't appear to "see" the wifi1

This might be helpful: Wifi Setup - B&G Zeus2 series Installation Manual [Page 38] | ManualsLib

 

[North East Skipper]

This might be helpful: Wifi Setup - B&G Zeus2 series Installation Manual [Page 38] | ManualsLib