NMEA 0183 connection

The AIS700 can transmit and receive NMEA 0183 data, using the NMEA 0183 wires located on the power / data cable.

ConnectionInputs / OutputsConnectionNMEA 0183ConnectionsNMEA 0183NMEA 0183PortsMultiplexedBaud rate

The AIS unit includes 2 bidirectional NMEA 0183 connections, configured as input/output pairs. One input/output pair is configured for high-speed NMEA 0183 connections (38,400 Baud), and is identified using the “NMEA HI” labels on the power cable wires. The second input/output pair is configured for low-speed NMEA 0183 connections (4,800 Baud), and is identified using the “NMEA LO” labels on the power cable wires.

Note

It is possible to configure the baud rate for each NMEA 0183 port in the ProAIS software. However, this feature is intended for diagnostic and troubleshooting purposes only. The ProAIS2 software can be downloaded from the Raymarine website: www.raymarine.com/software

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.

Typically, the AIS unit’s high speed (HI) (38,400 Baud) output wires are connected to an MFD’s NMEA 0183 input, and configured for 38,400 Baud, which is the Baud Rate required for AIS data transfer. The AIS unit’s low speed (LO) (4,800 Baud) NMEA 0183 input wires are typically connected to a Heading sensor or other NMEA 0183 device, and configured for 4,800 baud rate.

For more information on the possible combination of data connections available on the AIS unit, refer to: Data connections overview

As a general rule, when making NMEA 0183 connections using the AIS unit, be aware of the following:

  • When data (e.g. GNSS) is sent to the AIS unit’s NMEA 0183 input set to a low speed Baud Rate (4,800), it cannot be output on the AIS unit’s NMEA 0183 connection at the same Baud Rate.

  • When data (e.g. GNSS) is sent to the AIS unit’s NMEA 0183 input set to a high speed Baud Rate (38,400), it cannot be output on the AIS unit’s NMEA 0183 connection at the same Baud Rate.

Note

For a list of supported NMEA 0183 sentences, refer to: NMEA 0183 supported sentences

The following illustration identifies the NMEA 0183 input and output connections available on the AIS unit’s power cable:

ConnectionNMEA 0183NMEA 0183wire colors

Wire colour Description

1

Brown

HI OUT +

2

Blue

HI OUT –

3

White

HI IN +

4

Green

HI IN –

5

Purple

LO OUT +

6

Pink

LO OUT –

7

Gray

LO IN +

8

Yellow

LO IN –
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.