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Post by mholguin on Jan 5, 2023 12:29:50 GMT
Greetings all!!! Can somebody identify this unit (attached picture) It is obviously part of the autopilot (cockpit display is ST6000ísh). The boat seems to have a non raymarine GPS unit installed somewhere, attached via NEMA port to a E80 chartplotter, But we want to install an AIS unit. Not sure what would happen if we have 2 GPS connected to the NEMA / Seatalk networks. Thanks in advanced,  |
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Post by Zanshin on Jan 5, 2023 13:41:38 GMT
That looks like the actual autopilot controller, the "brains" of the autopilot system. The cockpit displays and other devices feed into this unit. It is an old system, is there a model number visible (3000 or perhaps 5000)?
If your autopilot is working without this, then it is probably the old controller.
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Post by Charlie-Bravo on Jan 5, 2023 14:09:44 GMT
Adding AIS, if a transponder is desired, a Vesper XB8000 I can recommend, it has its own gps, and data output via nmea 2000/ seatalkNG, and good old 0183 for linking other tech , MFD etc, it can output on 0183 at the same time as 2000 for mixing old with new, and as a bonus also outputs via its own Wi-fi so can be used with phones and tablets at the same time. I also have more than one gps, but the XB8000 likes to have its own, and won’t share it with anything else, and it didn’t upset any existing tech.
It also has a good anchor alarm built in.
A splitter was included with mine, but is usually an extra , (look out for package deals,) if you are going to use the masthead vhf antenna rather than a dedicated ais antenna , dedicated antenna are supposed to perform better, but I favour altitude of antenna for range, plus ease of installation.
Very pleased with mine which has helped avoid many cruise ships tankers and ferries in the Irish sea, some of which move quite fast!
Best gadget on board so far.
CB
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Post by mholguin on Jan 5, 2023 14:45:29 GMT
That looks like the actual autopilot controller, the "brains" of the autopilot system. The cockpit displays and other devices feed into this unit. It is an old system, is there a model number visible (3000 or perhaps 5000)? If your autopilot is working without this, then it is probably the old controller. Thanks for the quick reply! It does not have any serial No. or model No. visible. Will double check this weekend. Marino |
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Post by mholguin on Jan 5, 2023 14:48:00 GMT
Adding AIS, if a transponder is desired, a Vesper XB8000 I can recommend, it has its own gps, and data output via nmea 2000/ seatalkNG, and good old 0183 for linking other tech , MFD etc, it can output on 0183 at the same time as 2000 for mixing old with new, and as a bonus also outputs via its own Wi-fi so can be used with phones and tablets at the same time. I also have more than one gps, but the XB8000 likes to have its own, and won’t share it with anything else, and it didn’t upset any existing tech. It also has a good anchor alarm built in. A splitter was included with mine, but is usually an extra , (look out for package deals,) if you are going to use the masthead vhf antenna rather than a dedicated ais antenna , dedicated antenna are supposed to perform better, but I favour altitude of antenna for range, plus ease of installation. Very pleased with mine which has helped avoid many cruise ships tankers and ferries in the Irish sea, some of which move quite fast! Best gadget on board so far. CB That's an awesome unit that you suggested!. But I feel it's a bit overkill for our club racing, coastal cruising, besides the overall age of our instrument network... But certainly it is not the pricest of all, certainly one to consider. Thanks!!! Marino |
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Post by mholguin on Jan 5, 2023 14:50:53 GMT
That looks like the actual autopilot controller, the "brains" of the autopilot system. The cockpit displays and other devices feed into this unit. It is an old system, is there a model number visible (3000 or perhaps 5000)? If your autopilot is working without this, then it is probably the old controller. Found the actual model!! Raymarine Raytheon Autohelm TYPE 100Thanks!!!! |
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Post by Zanshin on Jan 5, 2023 18:49:43 GMT
That's a bit of an antique - but if it still works, why not use it? Is it actually in use, or not connected?
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Post by mholguin on Jan 6, 2023 12:15:43 GMT
HI! It is actually being used. We bought the boat back in march, fixed all the current equipment we could. Changing the autopilot (or any other equipment is out of range for a while).
My question is, having a working chartplotter (with a yet to be found gps installed) if we add an AIS to the network, having two gps feeds would't cause a mess on the nema/seatalk network??
Marino
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Post by Charlie-Bravo on Jan 6, 2023 12:52:24 GMT
Generally adding a gps shouldn’t upset the plotter, the new gps for the AIS connects to the AIS unit, and that in turn outputs position / target data to other instruments …… well that’s my deduction of it.
You might find a gps hiding in the transom below deck.
CB
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Post by Zanshin on Jan 6, 2023 15:14:42 GMT
HI! It is actually being used. We bought the boat back in march, fixed all the current equipment we could. Changing the autopilot (or any other equipment is out of range for a while). My question is, having a working chartplotter (with a yet to be found gps installed) if we add an AIS to the network, having two gps feeds would't cause a mess on the nema/seatalk network?? Marino No, it won't. I have 3 GPS signals on the Raymarine bus and my chartplotter lets me choose which one to use. |
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Post by shenandoah on Jan 6, 2023 15:38:56 GMT
We run with multiple GPS units and it is no problem. We have Raymarine chartplotter and the Vesper AIS you were recommended earlier.
Running seperately there is no issues at all. If we want to see AIS targets on the chartplotter it works better when we select the Vesper GPS, if your plotter will let you choose. Having multiple GPS units is also a good redundancy for safety.
You mentioned Vesper being overkill because you will be coastal cruising. The importance of AIS is dependent on how much sailing you will do in limited visibility, obviously over night but also fog etc. It is great all the time, but that is when it is really needed. In my experience it is more important when coastal sailing then when far offshore. Put another way, there will be more AIS targets the closer one is to shore and especially approaching popular inlets.
Warm regards,
Chuck
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Post by mholguin on Jan 7, 2023 1:21:17 GMT
Thanks to all of you for valuable information!! This weekend will be spent on the boat (long weekend) working and sailing.
Will try and find the hidden GPS.
It just dawned on me that running together a gps and an AIS should't conflict at all, they have different set of messages. No confusion there, just my ignorance...
As for sailing conditions go, I understand your point, but living in the Caribbean, our main concern should be the traffic, not much near shore..
Thanks Again!!! Will post when we close this item...
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Post by NZL50505 on Jan 16, 2023 0:05:47 GMT
My boat had a hidden GPS / AIS transmitter installed by original owner for anti-theft purposes. It took me ages to find it but it was hidden up under the port side deck. We found it by removing the wooden headlining above the switch panel area and it was slightly forward of that - with wiring back to the loom behind the main switch panel.
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