[CA] [CA11] Bridging AIS650 to e120-widescreen

[Rom]

Hi All,

We are having an issue with the mentioned link. The AIS unit functions correctly but it isn't speaking to the e120 via the SeaTalkng/NMEA 2000 network. We have thought about speaking linking them VIA nmea 0183 but this is quite difficult due to the cable configuration. Is there anything that we are missing?

On another note, we are not able to carry out the software updates on the e120 widescreen. As instructed, the software is downloaded from the website and placed on the root of the SD card. The unit is rebooted but nothing happens. Again, anyone have any ideas?

Many thanks,
Rom

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Welcome to the Raymarine Forum Rom,

Have you configured the AIS Objects layer ON within the MFD's Chart application? What, if any, other devices have been interface to the SeaTalkng / NMEA 2000 backbone? If there are any other devices which are interfaced to the SeaTalkng / NMEA 2000 backbone, is the MFD communicating with these other devices?

[Rom]

Hi Chuck,

Thanks for the response. Yes the chart AIS overlay is on but it's obvious the AIS isn't speaking to MFD because there are no targets in the list and i believe there should be an AIS icon in the top right hand corner where the radar and position fix icons are, instead there is a grey cross.

all other instruments are connected VIA the seatalkng network and working fine.

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Rom,

Please click here to view a FAQ addressing this subject. As you have indicated that the MFD is communicating with the system's other devices on the SeaTalkng backbone, then the MFD's SeaTalkng / NMEA 2000 communications interface is clearly operational. You have also indicated that you have configured the AIS objects layer ON. It is accordingly recommended that all other relevant items (ex. skip NMEA 0183 and alarms settings) within the referenced FAQ be verified. After having addressed these items, should the problem persist, then it would be recommended that the AIS650 be sent to Raymarine’s Product Repair Center to be bench checked / serviced.

[Rom]

Hi Chuck,

So it seems connecting VIA NMEA0183 has made it work, we are now getting targets and AIS information on the MFD. The only thing which isn't available is the 'silent mode' option but I assume this feature isn't available with the current configuration ( connection via NMEA0183) ? What hasn't worked however is the software update. I am unable to update the software. I am using a raymarine cartography adaptor with a normal micro SD card inserted. Is it possible that the micro SD card isn't compatible?

Thanks again

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Rom,

It should indeed be possible to command the AIS650 into Silent Mode when it has been interfaced to an E-Series Widescreen MFD which has been updated with the final E-Series Widescreen MFD software update (v2.65). The AIS650 must be installed in a manner which would support bi-directional communications between the AIS650 and the MFD (i.e. the AIS650's NMEA 0183 input leads as well as its NMEA 0183 output leads must be interfaced to the corresponding NMEA 0183 Port 2 leads of the MFD). The AIS650's Silent Mode leads must also not be shorted ... as doing so will cause the AIS650 to enter Silent Mode. When the AIS650 is interfaced to a Raymarine MFD other than a C-Series Classic MFD, the Silent Mode leads will not typically be used and will be insulated to prevent shorting/closing the circuit. Finally, it is recommended that the AIS650's software be updated with the latest available Raymarine product software update. The latter update is performed via a SD memory card which will be inserted directly into the AIS650's SD memory card reader. Complete instructions for performing this update may be found on the AIS650 Software Update web page. Any microSD memory card used with the AIS650 must have a capacity of no more than 32GB and must be formatted with a FAT32 file system. Similarly, a CF memory card must be used to update the software of an E-Series Widescreen MFD. The CF memory must have a capacity of no more than 32GB and must be formatted with a FAT32 file system.

[Rom]

Hi Chuck,

Again, useful information. It didn't work this time even with the SD card formatted to the FAT32 file system. Must simply be an issue with the MFD itself.

Rom

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

ROM,

As indicated, the MFD's software cannot be updated with a SD card ... it must be updated with a CF memory card. On may test the operational state of the MFD's memory card reader by either verifying that detailed Navionics cartography can be displayed within the MFD's Chart application. Alternatively, one may verify the operational state of the MFD's memory card reader by attempting to save waypoints stored within the MFD's memory to the CF memory card ... if the MFD is successful, then it will notify the user accordingly.

[Rom]

Hi Chuck,

Yes, I meant CF card. I am using a Raymarine Cartography adaptor into which I put an SD card.

Thanks,
Rom

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Rom,

As indicated previously MFD's software cannot be updated with a SD card ... even if the microSD card is use with the Raymarine cartography adapter. The MFD's software must be updated with a CF memory card.