Vesper AIS and Garmin interface

[Jim Seamans]

in the wonderful land of NMEA interfaces. Trying to interface a Vesper XB-8000 to my Garmin network which is NMEA 0183. Trying to get the AIS information to show up in the chartplotter.

Has anyone out there accomplished this?

 

[Tim R.]

I have connected a Camino AIS transponder to a Garmin 3206 with no problems.

What model Garmin?

Make sure you have the speed set properly(38,400) and some Garmins require the AIS data to be on one of the two 0183 ports to work properly. Also check your Vesper RXneg 0183 connection. I believe all Garmins require that to go to ground.

 

[Jim Seamans]

Well I think I have found my answer which was provided by Vesper support.

My Garmin port #1 is the high speed 38400 port. I hooked up the vesper NMEA(-) port to the Garmin when it should go to ground. Had the (+) port correct. Will be a few days before I test this out.

Just love wiring NMEA....-)

 

[Tim R.]

Having the neg wire connected wrong is the number one problem connecting NMEA 0183 devices to Garmin. AFAIK, Garmin is the only manufacturer to this.

 

[Jim Seamans]

Tim, letting you know I got the wiring done today before the next cold wave hits.
IT WORKS... hooked up to port 1(38400)

 

[Jim Seamans]

well that was fun today. expecting 7-10" of snow by Monday evening.

Went to the boat and rewired the entire NMEA harness for the Icom 604, 802, DSC and Vesper AIS. Must say it wasn't so bad after laying everything out on paper!! It was just a matter of cutting wires and soldering the LITTLE fine wires to accept connectors.

But everything works now. Have GPS info to both radios and DSC, AIS being display on the Garmin chartplotter....

Now to bottom painting and waxing the hull...

Oh yea, got a problem with the VHF cable or antenna.... SWR is at 3 - not good, but i'm not going up the mast YET...

 

[Bad Obsession]

Oh come on Jim, Tomorrow would be a great day to go aloft! LOL

I am so ready for spring.