Connecting an AIS VHF unit to a plotter

Nos4r2 · 06 January 2012, 16:31

I've got an old Lowrance LCX15 plotter/sounder on my new boat.

It's got an NMEA 0183 'in/out' com port, and an 'out' com port.

If I attach a VHF with inbuilt AIS such as the SH GX2150 or Radio Ocean RO4800 to the in/out com port, will it display the AIS data on the plotter or am I going to have to buy an up to date plotter to do it?

The Lowrance manual isn't clear on it.

willk · 06 January 2012, 16:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

The Lowrance manual isn't clear on it.

Regrettable NOS I can't The help of the problem whose it is strict for problem of the Lowrance manual 1 to be common, but I am recognized. Most users although the oil from the engine is dampened, use those.

willk · 06 January 2012, 16:51

More seriously NOS, I understood that plotters are either AIS compliant or not. My old Raymarine A65 was much recent than that Lowrance and didn't "do" AIS. If the specs don't trumpet the AIS feature, I'd guess you're snookered?

BruceB · 06 January 2012, 16:51

I have all Lowrance kit on my RIB and while I rate it the manuals are rubbish.
AFAIK you can't display AIS info on a pre HDS lowrance unit, certainly this is what I was told on querying them for my LCX-27C and even the HDS units which can display AIS info (I have it on mine) have to have the latest software loaded.

Basically I think you are stffed unless you buy a more up to date unit unfortunately.

Nos4r2 · 06 January 2012, 23:03

Thanks guys.

Lowrance tech support just got back to me as well, and what BruceB said is correct.

I guess I'll be using the VHFs own AIS screen for a bit.

Nos4r2 · 07 January 2012, 22:03

Well, I got to have a look at the Radio Ocean 4700 today (the non-AIS version of the RO4800). IMO it's cheap and tacky. The mic has what appears to be mild steel screws holding it together and the mic clip is made of plastic and part of the mic casing. It looks like it'll break in 5 minutes leaving it impossible to clip the mic onto anything. The controls wobble and feel imprecise. No wonder it's so cheap.

Guess what I won't be buying.

willk · 07 January 2012, 23:13

Well, that's useful info to have. Sorry to point you in the wrong direction, but at least now we know.

BruceB · 07 January 2012, 23:18

Depending on just what AIS info you need and what class of unit you want the ANT200 is cheap as chips and works well.
I put one of these onto the A frame and connected it to the Lowrance HDS and is works well, showing all AIS equipped ships in range overlain on the ploter screen.

Screaming04 · 08 January 2012, 16:49

Somewhat related. I've got one of these Amazon.com: Standard STD-GX2100-B Matrix 25 Watt Fixed Mount AIS VHF Radio with Integral AIS Receiver and Loudhailer (Black): Electronics
I have the AIS fed into my Garmin 541 plotter, but there is a rudimentary graphic display on the VHF itself. It would be certainly better than having none at all. These VHF's have US/International channels so I would imagine they are good on that side of the pond. Great value.

Adrian

Daniel · 09 January 2012, 07:48

The Standard Horizon is a nice peice of kit and should stand up well on a RIB, I fit quite a few.

The Radio Ocean is c**p, and as NOS says, wont last 5minutes on a RIB.