Getting AIS

After months of research and checking out virtually every option for AIS, I found a great deal on line for an AIS Receiver, so I hit the order button and it's due Tomorrow!

It's an easy install, so I should be able to get it setup into our on board network in less than an hour.

Peggy has been interested in having AIS on board for quite a while, this unit will integrate with the rest of our Garmin System via the NMEA 2000 network.

As we plan on heading up the coast sometime, this will help identify other vessels in the area, certainly ones big enough that we need to be aware of where they are located and what they are doing.

I plan on installing it inside the Nav Station Radio Compartment,

• Disconnect the VHF Antenna Coaxial Cable from the VHF Radio.
• Connect from the VHF Radio to the AIS via the new interconnect cable.
• VHF Antenna Coaxial Cable to the AIS.
• Connect a new NMEA T connector in the NMEA 2000 Backbone which is behind the electrical panel.
• Connect the Drop Cable from the T to the AIS unit. 
• Connect the power cable from the AIS to the a spare circuit breaker, 
• Label the Circuit Breaker 'AUX - AIS', and it should be ready to go.

Using the built in Antenna Splitter makes it easy to install and it will be using the VHF antenna that's at the Mast Head. Saves having to install a 2nd VHF antenna and running cable.

Once installed, we will be able to turn it on when required, not a lot of point having it running when we're heading down the New River, but it'll give us a lot of info about the sea traffic in Port Everglades, or the Port of Miami, and when we're heading to the Bahamas - you might be surprised at the number of ships that head from Port Everglades to the Bahamas and to South America or the Caribbean.



See you on the Water.