We have an older Standard Horizon GX2150 that uses NMEA0183 to transmit/receive AIS,DSC/GPS data with a chartplotter. Our new chartplotter is a B&G Vulcan 7 FS that only has NMEA2000 connections.
I have seen 3 devices that look like they may fit the bill: (All cost about the same.)
Actisence NGW-1-AIS: (http://actisense.com/products/nmea-2000/ngw-1/ngw-1) May be bought preconfigured for AIS, else need to have update to firmware to pass AIS data. Updates and configuration must be done via PC. AIS data filtered out unless configured for it, if so non-AIS data is filtered out. Selects highest priority source in case of multiple similar source devices. [Edit: Just received an email response from the manufacturer, their product does NOT convert DSC sentences at this time.]
Alltec AMEC NK-80: (http://www.alltekmarine.com/products_detail.php?bgid=11&gid=25) In throry passes all NMEA senetences, but defaults to only 4800 baud, needs reconfiguring via PC to change data rate. Not known if it can select one of many similar sources or if all get passed. [Edit: This one also selects first found (Lowest node number). Passes AIS, DSC and GPS and more. Can be filtered using a PC to configure. Customer service was excellent for the pre-sales phase. This is the unit I ended up purchasing.]
FURUNO IF-NMEA2K2: (http://www.furunousa.com/products/productdetail.aspx?product=IF-NMEA2K2&category=Products+:+NMEA2000+Misc+Items+:+Misc+NMEA2000+Items) Configured by cutting wires. Not know if it can select one of many similar sources or if all get passed. Not known if it can be updated. [Edit: Seems this device also automatically selects the lowest node number (Highest Priority) among similar sources. Can be updated via a PC and serial port.]
All configurable devices require opening up the device and wiring in a serial connection. They can use USB, but then need a serial port emulator for it. Multiple GPS sources may cause confusion in reporting boat's position via DSC, so best if sources can be selected.
Does anyone have experience with any of they devices, or can suggest something better?
Thanks
Chris Wolcott
s/v Pretty Girl
I have seen 3 devices that look like they may fit the bill: (All cost about the same.)
Actisence NGW-1-AIS: (http://actisense.com/products/nmea-2000/ngw-1/ngw-1) May be bought preconfigured for AIS, else need to have update to firmware to pass AIS data. Updates and configuration must be done via PC. AIS data filtered out unless configured for it, if so non-AIS data is filtered out. Selects highest priority source in case of multiple similar source devices. [Edit: Just received an email response from the manufacturer, their product does NOT convert DSC sentences at this time.]
Alltec AMEC NK-80: (http://www.alltekmarine.com/products_detail.php?bgid=11&gid=25) In throry passes all NMEA senetences, but defaults to only 4800 baud, needs reconfiguring via PC to change data rate. Not known if it can select one of many similar sources or if all get passed. [Edit: This one also selects first found (Lowest node number). Passes AIS, DSC and GPS and more. Can be filtered using a PC to configure. Customer service was excellent for the pre-sales phase. This is the unit I ended up purchasing.]
FURUNO IF-NMEA2K2: (http://www.furunousa.com/products/productdetail.aspx?product=IF-NMEA2K2&category=Products+:+NMEA2000+Misc+Items+:+Misc+NMEA2000+Items) Configured by cutting wires. Not know if it can select one of many similar sources or if all get passed. Not known if it can be updated. [Edit: Seems this device also automatically selects the lowest node number (Highest Priority) among similar sources. Can be updated via a PC and serial port.]
All configurable devices require opening up the device and wiring in a serial connection. They can use USB, but then need a serial port emulator for it. Multiple GPS sources may cause confusion in reporting boat's position via DSC, so best if sources can be selected.
Does anyone have experience with any of they devices, or can suggest something better?
Thanks
Chris Wolcott
s/v Pretty Girl
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