Data connections overview

The AIS unit includes 2 bidirectional NMEA 0183 connections, as well as NMEA 2000 / SeaTalkng, and USB connections. The AIS unit can multiplex the data received on its NMEA 0183 inputs with its AIS data, and then output this combined data to an external NMEA 0183 device, via the AIS unit’s high speed (38,400) NMEA 0183 output.

ConnectionInputs / OutputsConnectionNMEA 0183ConnectionNMEA 2000ConnectionsNMEA 0183ConnectionSeaTalkngConnectionUSBNMEA 0183PortsMultiplexedBaud rate

It is important to choose the right combination of input and output connections on your AIS unit, in order to exchange the types of data that you require.

The following table shows the types of data that can be exchanged via the AIS unit, for each combination of input and output. As an example of how to use the table below, examine the input listed as NMEA 0183 (4,800) GNSS in the “Inputs” column, in the first row of the table. Reading across that same row, you can see that the GNSS GPS data received on that input cannot be exchanged with the NMEA 0183 (4,800) output, but it can be exchanged with the NMEA 0183 (38,400) output.

Raymarine recommends that an additional external NMEA 0183 or SeaTalkng GNSS (GPS) receiver is used to provide GNSS (GPS) data to your external devices, as shown in the following table:

INPUTS OUTPUTS
(GNSS GPS data sourced from an external GNSS GPS device) (not the AIS unit’s internal GPS receiver)

NMEA 0183

NMEA 2000 / SeaTalkng

USB

4,800 (LO) Baud Rate

38,400 (HI) Baud Rate

GNSS (GPS)

AIS

GNSS (GPS)

AIS

GNSS (GPS)

AIS

GNSS (GPS)

AIS

NMEA 0183 (4,800 Baud)

GNSS (GPS)















NMEA 0183 (38,400 Baud)

GNSS (GPS)















NMEA 2000 / SeaTalkng

GNSS (GPS)















Important

The AIS unit has its own GNSS (GPS) receiver. This GPS data can be multiplexed with the AIS data and output on the high speed (38,400) NMEA 0183 output. However, this feature is intended for diagnostic and troubleshooting purposes only. To prevent potential GPS data conflicts or loops and / or performance issues, the AIS unit’s internal GPS receiver is intended to provide GPS data to the AIS unit only. Therefore, the AIS unit’s GNSS (GPS) receiver should NOT be used to provide GNSS (GPS) data to multifunction displays or any other external device.

Important

To avoid potential data conflicts or loops, avoid connecting the AIS unit to multiple (and different) data buses on an external unit at the same time:

  • Do NOT connect the AIS unit to an MFD via NMEA 0183 and SeaTalkng / NMEA 2000 connections at the same time.

  • Do NOT connect the AIS unit to a VHF Radio via NMEA 0183 and SeaTalkng / NMEA 2000 connections at the same time.

  • Do NOT connect the AIS unit to a PC via NMEA 0183 and USB connections at the same time.

Important

If you are connecting to an AIS-capable VHF Radio, you must first disable the VHF Radio’s AIS function. Refer to your Radio’s documentation for details on disabling its AIS function.

Note