[C320-list] AIS

[Mark Cole]

Scott;

I installed AIS on Fiddler’s Green a couple of years ago and think it is a great addition to navigation.  Like Pat, I suggest looking at an antenna splitter if you already have a masthead VHF antenna as the range will be much better than an antenna mounted at deck level.  I went with a Vesper XB800 and the Vesper antenna splitter.  I liked the Vesper product because it will both tie into an existing network, 0183 or 2000, and create a local-area wifi network that allows me to connect my iPad and use it as a backup MFD running all my navigation apps.  Here is a link  <https://c320.org/mediagallery/album.php?aid=341&sort=0&page=1>to an album I posted on the 320 Association website with a little more information.

Mark
Fiddler’s Green, #8
Tacoma, WA

> On May 23, 2019, at 3:52 AM, Pat Tormey <ptormey at 4square.net> wrote:
> 
> 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
>