[C320-list] AIS

[Pat Tormey]

Just this year I went with Digital Yacht AIS “B” transponder and their antenna switching module. It’s installed under the panel next to the VFH. It’s my understanding that the XMIT is only 2 watts (6-8 miles), so I decided to share the mast antenna for range.

It did require it’s own dedicated GPS Antenna so I had to run a wire to the stern rail for that. I also had to extend the N2K backbone with the SeaTalk converter kit to make my Garmin 7607 chartplotter happy.

Fortunately #1037 was actually designed to make wiring easier.. well easier than any other boat I’ve worked on. 

My advice is to ask the range difference for mast mount vs stern mounted VHF antenna for your AIS650. Might not make any difference anyway.

There is a good AIS article at https://www.milltechmarine.com/faq.htm#a5

Pat

Pat Tormey 
Newport RI
s/v Blue Skies

From: Scott Westwood
Sent: Thursday, May 23, 2019 6:02 AM
To: Catalina List
Subject: [C320-list] AIS

I have Raymarine e95 Chartplotterand misc displays (about 4-5 years old so fairly new) and I am looking into adding AIS.  Just laying ground work (estimating) right now.
Want to go with transceiver (both way).  If I do it, I want both. Looking at the AIS650.  "Looks" simple to install to existing Seatalk network.  Just power, seatalk network connection, and antenna.  

Any experiences out there before I begin digging deep into my next project?


Thanks,




Scott Westwood scottwestwood at bellsouth.net H (919)-362-8538    C (919)-618-7185