[CA] [CA11] AIS to PC Chart Plotter

[colbournee]

I plan on connecting my AIS to a mini desktop pc running opencpn navigation software via the simplest way which it the mini USB connection. I do not have a Raymarine MFD and I do not have a 183 to USB converter.

The mini PC brick style AC-DC adapter is plugged into a 1000 watt AC inverter. So the PC is actually powered by the DC output from the adaptor.

Is there a potential problem with this setup?


Specifically referring to the warning in the AIS650 manual on page 7


Warning: Do NOT connect a USB
device with an AC power source
Your Raymarine product includes a USB data
connection. To prevent potential grounding problems
and possible damage to equipment:
• Do NOT connect a device with an AC power source
(such as a PC or laptop) via USB to your Raymarine
product.
• If you need to connect external equipment (such
as a laptop) to your Raymarine product via USB,
ensure that the external equipment is powered only
by a DC power source (such as a laptop battery).
• Disconnect any AC power source from the external
equipment before attempting to connect it via USB
to your Raymarine product.

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Welcome to the Raymarine Forum colbournee,

Interfacing the USB port of an AIS650 or AIS700 to a PC which is powered by an AC power source may indeed result in damage to the marine electronics and/or computer. When using an appropriate adapter, isolation is provided to prevent damage to the marine electronics and/or computer. It would typically be recommended that one consider use of SeaLevel's model 2105R Serial to USB adapter to interface the AIS transceiver's 38400 BAUD NMEA 0183 interface to the PC.