A/C/E-Series Classic MFD not plotting AIS targets

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

A/C/E-Series Classic MFD not plotting AIS targets
NOTE: Product software updates may be downloaded via the Support link found in the banner atop most of Raymarine's web pages.

Should the MFD not be displaying AIS target data within a Chart application page, then the following diagnostic steps are recommended:
- Verify that all marine electronics equipment is switched ON ... the MFD neither provides power to nor controls the power state of AIS receivers and transceivers

- Verify that the MFD has been updated with the latest product software update ... (MENU->SYSTEM DIAGNOSTICS->SOFTWARE SERVICES; APP VERSION)

- Verify that the AIS transceiver has been interfaced to the MFD via NMEA 0183 communications protocol

- Verify that the MFD is receiving a GPS position FIX (MENU->GPS STATUS) via its SeaTalk port, SeaTalkng port, or NMEA 0183 interface. The MFD is not typically supplied with GPS data by an AIS transceiver.

- Verify that the Chart application page's/pane's AIS Layer (PRESENTATION->CHART LAYERS->CHART LAYERS) has been configured ON.

- Verify that the AIS Alarms (MENU->ALARM SETUP->AIS ALARMS SETUP->DANGEROUS TARGETS ALARM) has been configured ON

- Verify that the vessel is located within VHF range of a vessel(s) transmitting AIS data ... some installers working in low AIS traffic areas will have an AIS class B transceiver in their tool kit to support such testing.

- A/C/E-Series Classic MFDs must be interfaced to an AIS Receiver/Transceiver in a manner which would support 38400 BAUD NMEA 0183 communications:
----- Verify that the AIS receiver/transceiver's 38400 BAUD NMEA 0183 output leads/terminals have been interfaced to the MFD's NMEA 0183 input leads
----- Verify that the MFD's NMEA 0183 port which has been interfaced to the AIS receiver/transceiver (MENU->SYSTEM SETUP->SYSTEM INTEGRATION->NMEA PORT SETTING) has been configured to AIS 38400.
----- NMEA 0183 devices will not be listed within any MFD diagnostics Device Lists. ------ Verify that the MFD is receiving $AIVDO and/or $AIVDM sentences via the receive (RX) buffer of the NMEA 0183 port which has been interfaced to the AIS receiver/transceiver (MENU->SYSTEM DIAGNOSTICS->EXTERNAL INTERFACES->NMEA PORT; BUFFER; DIRECTION->RX; START BUFFER).
- Check the AIS's VHF antenna VSWR using the Diagnostics tab for the ProAIS2/ProAIS application or with a VSWR meter. The measured VSWR of the antenna w/extensions should have a VSWR between 1.0:1 - 2.0:1.


The MFD's NMEA 0183 Port may be tested by performing a wrap-around test. However, to do so, the MFD must have some valid data (ex. GPS, depth, etc.) to transmit. To do so, the MFD NMEA Cable's NMEA IN+ lead (white) will be interfaced to the MFD NMEA Cable's NMEA OUT+ lead (yellow). Additionally, the MFD NMEA Cable's NMEA IN- lead (green) will be interfaced to the MFD NMEA Cable's NMEA OUT2- lead (brown). After verifying the the MFD is receiving a GPS position FIX (or other data which it can then transmit ... see the instructions above), then the MFD's NMEA 0183 RX buffer will then be monitored to verify that it is receiving data. The MFD's NMEA 0183 Rx buffers may be viewed as follows:

- MENU->SYSTEM DIAGNOSTICS->EXTERNAL INTERFACES->NMEA PORT
- BUFFER;
- DIRECTION->RX;
- START BUFFER

Should NMEA 0183 sentences preceded by RX (receive) appear within the buffer, then the MFD's NMEA 0183 port is deemed to be operational. Should the MFD's NMEA 0183 port be found to not be operational, then the MFD will need to be returned to Raymarine’s Product Repair Center to be bench checked / serviced.

RAYFAQ#