AIS500

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Welcome to the Raymarine Forum bfiegener,

If properly installed, the MFD will be interfaced via both SeaTalk and NMEA 0183 communications protocol to the autopilot course computer. One may verify that the autopilot is interfaced to the MFD via SeaTalk by examining the MFD's SeaTalk Devices list (MENU->SYSTEM DIAGNOSTICS->EXTERNAL INTERFACES->SEATALK; SEATALK DEVICES). Is the X30 Autopilot Course Computer listed?

Both the AIS500 and X30 Autopilot Course Computer need to pass data to the MFD via NMEA 0183 communications protocol. However, the C/E-Series Classic MFDs feature a single NMEA 0183 port, necessitating that the autopilot's NMEA 0183 output port alone be interfaced to the 4800 BAUD NMEA 0183 input leads of the AIS500. The 38400 BAUD NMEA 0183 Output leads of the AIS500 would in turn be interfaced to the NMEA 0183 input leads of the MFD's NMEA 0183 Cable. The NMEA 0183 output leads of the MFD's NMEA 0183 Cable would then in turn be interfaced to the 38400 BAUD NMEA 0183 Input leads of the AIS500 to support supplying GPS and other system data to 4800 BAUD NMEA 0183 listeners (ex. DSC VHF Radio).

When your AIS is powered ON, it is permitting heading from the autopilot to be passed through to the MFD. Should the autopilot's fluxgate be installed within three feet of objects creating a magnetic field, then it will affect the heading from the autopilot course computer. It is correspondingly recommended that the area of the fluxgate be checked and that you the calibrate and align your autopilot's heading sensor per your autopilot's commissioning guide. After doing so, the vessel should be steered at various headings to ensure that the autopilot's heading matches the vessel's properly calibrated fluid filled compass (should one be installed onboard).