How do you connect an AIS to a chartplotter?
Connecting an AIS device to a GPSMAP 3000 series chartplotter over NMEA 0183
- Connect the Blue (Data Out) wire of the GPSMAP 3000 series device to the NMEA In (or Data In) wire of the AIS device.
- Connect the Brown (Data In) wire of the GPSMAP 3000 series device to the NMEA Out (or Data Out) wire of the AIS device.
How do you test a VHF antenna?
You can also test the antenna by disconnecting it from the radio and seeing how its signal weakens or disappears. Slowly reconnecting just the tip of the coax connector should slowly increase the signal.
How do I test a VHF antenna with a multimeter?
This is the most common test because SWR meters are widely available, inexpensive, and easy to use.
- Disconnect the antenna at the masthead.
- Connect the VHF radio to the SWR meter, and the other port of the SWR meter to end of the coax that was connected to the radio.
- Repeat with antenna connected.
Does DSC work without MMSI?
DSC minimizes the time necessary to establish communications, and because the initial call is made on Channel 70, this clears a lot of the DSC radio as the new USCG regulations require. You must obtain a MMSI # (Maritime Mobile Service Identity #) for your DSC radio from Boatus.com.
Do I need MMSI?
The MMSI # is required for ALL AIS transponders to transmit your identity over the air. If you are a US documented or registered vessel and are required to have MMSI # then you are also required to have an FCC Ship Station License & Restricted Radio Operators Permit.
Will a VHF antenna work for AIS?
VHF antennas can work on AIS, yet the frequency of 162 MHz they will be operating at, is at the high end of the operable bandwidth of the antenna, where performance is not ideal. Many of the AIS transmit/receive units are also coming with splitters now, to utilize the same antenna as your VHF radio.
What VHF channel does AIS use?
AIS transponders and receivers use two VHF radio frequencies: 161.975 MHz (AIS1, or channel 87B) and 162.025 MHz (AIS2, or channel 88B). The USCG has asked the Federal Communications Commission to authorize any US vessel to operate AIS on these two channels under its existing ship station license.
Can I connect a GPS to my VHF radio?
It also allows selective, digital communication with other DSC-equipped vessels. When a GPS receiver is connected to the VHF radio, your vessel’s location is automatically included in the transmissions—distress or otherwise. If you need additional motivation to connect a GPS to your VHF radio, just read any boating magazine.
How is latitude/longitude displayed on the VHF radio?
Figure 2: Latitude/longitude and time from the GPS are displayed on the VHF radio after adding a DIY interface box and GPS puck to the boat’s electronics. The green light is the pilot for the interface box. Cdr Ron Schwiesow, JN, has been a member of Colorado’s Boulder Valley Sail & Power Squadron since 1987.
Can you put a GPS receiver on a power bus?
By putting the dedicated GPS receiver on the navigation power bus, you can arrange for it to be on whenever the VHF is on. With a dedicated receiver, you don’t have to tie up your handheld GPS. If you don’t have an existing GPS data stream, you can purchase a relatively inexpensive compact GPS puck receiver.