Cenkin AIS CP3-BM, will it work with OpenCPN?

[badadim]

Navionics App posted the list of WiFi AIS devices it supports (here) and Cenkin is one of the AIs listed there. I am looking at Cenkin CP3-BW and trying to figure the following:

1. Is there anybody who used this device and can provide feedback?
2. I understand this is only a receiver and it does not provide ship position AIS transmit - is that right?
3. Will this work with OpenCPN on Windows, Linux, Android?
4. What CPC port is for? Can it be connected to NMEA2000 netwrok on board and feed AIS to the MFD?

[bcn]

That part of the "documentation" gives some hope that it might work:

[badadim]

Thank you bcn,

I also contacted Cenkin eBay store with the same questions. Here it is what they answered:

CP3-BW use in transmit AIS ,including AIS-A and AIS-B
CPC connector according to IMO provisions transmit NMEA0183 message,NMEA2000 not tested yet
Compatible with all the NAV APP software on the market,inlcluding OPENCPN.

At this point, I am going to purchase it and give it a try.

[bcn]

And you have a "Pilot-plug" on your ship?

[badadim]

please educate me - Pilot plug? Is this OpenCPN plug-in? Doesn't sound like one...

[bcn]

The devices from Cenkin are intended to be connected/plugged-in into a special receptacle you find on commercial vessels: the Pilot plug. As the name says: where a pilot can plug-in his portable to receive the relevant data for his job.
This is a simple serial connection for NMEA data, but for a specific (physical) plug.
If you look at the different devices at the Cekin page you will have some photos showing the plug.
If your boat does not have this type of connector - and as you are asking about it, this will be the case - those devices don't make sense for you, I fear.

[barnakiel]

It is a pilot plug. Not an ais receiver for leisure boat use.


Mind ais nmea 'pilot' sentences may and will contain plenty of unrelated data which will unnecessarily load your data stream and possibly create issues with most plotters not designed to accept pilot data.


If your aim is to see ais equipped boats in vicinity, skip this one, get something known to work and meet your actual needs.


Cheers,
b.

[badadim]

Thank you all for clarification - I understand what it is now. I was confused by the chart posted by Navionics here and assumed it is a stand alone AIS with build in WiFi which is clearly not the case: https://d2wb2wm9dm62ai.cloudfront.ne...IS_Devices.pdf

Will keep exploring the options.

[barnakiel]

Stuff like this:


Welcome to StandardHorizon.com


GX2200



gets you gps ais and vhf in one with three wire serial nmea connection


About same price with your plug. Proper English manuals and countless units ticking to consult other owners.


b.

[Tupaia]

I just did some investigation for a friend in a similar quandary.

This Quark unit means that you could use OPenCPN on your laptop and wirelessly receive all the data from your instruments.

https://www.quark-elec.com/product/q...alk-converter/

QK-A027 = £82.99

There are other units in their range but my friend has Raymarine instrumentation so it made sense to go for the Seatalk enabled unit.

To receive the AIS signals you also need an aerial or you could use a splitter and use your existing VHF aerial.

https://www.quark-elec.com/product/q...5+meters+cable

AS02-149 = £33.00

Hope this helps, I have no relationship with Quark.