[CA11] Adding AIS to an old system

[mattklin]

Hello everyone!

Our Dufour is equipped with an oldish Raymarine system that works like a charm except for the fact that there is no AIS. The system includes RL80C, radar, ST40 wind, ST40 bidata, ST6001+ smart pilot, 150G AST course computer, standard Fluxgate compass.

The RL80C is too old for AIS so my thinking is to replace the RL80C with another less old MFD, e.g. C120 or E120, that can overlay AIS. My questions are:
1) Can the C120 or E120 interface with, for example, the new AIS700?
2) Can the C120 or E120 interface with the old Seatalk system, e.g. run the auto pilot that requires bidirectional data transfers, not only reading?
I know my radar could be too old for both C120 and E120, but thats an easy fix.

The Axiom and Quantum 2 is of course tempting but can unfortunately not run the auto pilot without T70155, i.e. a complete rebuild…

Thanks!!

With regards,
/mattias

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Welcome to the Raymarine Forum Mattias,

Q1) Can the C120 or E120 interface with, for example, the new AIS700?
A1. Yes. The MFD's NMEA 0183 Cable will be interfaced to the 38400 BAUD leads of the AIS700.

Q2) Can the C120 or E120 interface with the old Seatalk system, e.g. run the auto pilot that requires bidirectional data transfers, not only reading?
A2) Quite possibly. However, it would be necessary for you to identify the makes/models of each of the devices which are currently interfaced to the display which will be replaced.