E-120 Version 5.69 Interface to AIS 650

[Captain Rick]

I currently have twin E-120 MFDs and have the SeaTalkhs network along with a wide range of Raymarine electronics . What is the best interface approach for the AIS 650 to achieve maximum functionality?

Thank you in advance for your help!!

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Welcome to the Raymarine Forum Rick,

Please click here to view a FAQ addressing this subject.

[Captain Rick]

Thanks Chuck...I have the Raymarine E55059 NMEA 0183 Multiplexer as well...can the AIS 650 be interfaced via this multiplexer?

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Rick,

Q: I have the Raymarine E55059 NMEA 0183 Multiplexer as well...can the AIS 650 be interfaced via this multiplexer?
A: AIS communications is performed at 38400 BAUD, while most other NMEA 0183 communications occurs at 4800 BAUD. The AIS650 has a built in multiplexer to permit the 38400 BAUD NMEA 0183 output feed from the MFD to output from the AIS650's 4800 BAUD NMEA 0183 output leads, these lead may then be connected to the system's 4800 BAUD NMEA 0183 listeners. Should the system have more than one 4800 BAUD NMEA 0183 talker, then the NMEA 0183 output from the 4800 BAUD NMEA 0183 talkers would be interfaced to the NMEA 0183 input ports of the multiplexer. The NMEA 0183 output port of the multiplexer would in turn be interfaced to the 4800 BAUD NMEA 0183 input leads of the AIS650.

[Captain Rick]

Chuck...I misspoke on the question above ... I was misinformed as to having a 0183 Multiplexer. The NMEA0183 cables on the back of both E120s are interfaced directly to the SMART PILOT. The documents for the Smart Pilot indicate that multiple 0183 devices can be connected to it and the data will flow seamlessly. So can I connect the AIS650 directly to the terminal that are being used by the E120s and share that +/- terminal? Sorry to be such a pain with this.....thank you in advance

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Rick,

Q. So can I connect the AIS650 directly to the terminal that are being used by the E120s and share that +/- terminal?
A. Negative. AIS receivers/transceivers are designed to communicate a 38400 BAUD while Raymarine autopilots are designed to exclusively communicate at 4800 BAUD. As such the NMEA 0183 output of a NMEA 0183 receiver/transceiver may not be mated to the NMEA 0183 input port of a Raymarine autopilot. Should the NMEA 0183 output port 1 of the autopilot be interfaced to the MFD's NMEA 0183 input port, then this connection would have been made to support supplying the MFD with 5Hz or 10Hz heading data updates in support of heading dependent features such as radar overlay, MARPA, etc.. Should this feature still be desired and should an AIS receiver/transceiver need to be interfaced to the same MFD, then it would be necessary to install a programmable NMEA 0183 MUX supporting both 38400 & 4800 BAUD input and support transmission at 38400 BAUD.

[Captain Rick]

Thanks Chuck...so is the Raymarine E55059 NMEA 0183 Multiplexer the solution to this?

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Rick,

Q. So can I connect the AIS650 directly to the terminal that are being used by the E120s and share that +/- terminal?

A. Negative. In this case, it is simply recommended that the leads which are presently connected the MFD NMEA 0183 cable instead be connected to the corresponding 4800 BAUD leads of the AIS650. The leads of the MFD's NMEA 0183 cable would instead be connected to the corresponding 38400 BAUD leads of the AIS650.

[Captain Rick]

Chuck...AIS 650 installed with green status and E120 showing targets. How do I test to ensure my 650 is transmitting?

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Rick,

Q. How do I test to ensure my 650 is transmitting?
A. Please click here to view a FAQ addressing this subject.