Connection: AIS transponder to USB

[captmikecoin]

Sorry to be a pain in asking what is probably a simple question to you computer gurus but what do I need in the way of hardware to connect an AIS transponder (Icom MA-500TR) with Nmea 0183 at 38400 baud output to a laptop with USB connectors running OpenCPN?

Cheers,
Mike

[verkerkbr]

Originally Posted by captmikecoin

Sorry to be a pain in asking what is probably a simple question to you computer gurus but what do I need in the way of hardware to connect an AIS transponder (Icom MA-500TR) with Nmea 0183 at 38400 baud output to a laptop with USB connectors running OpenCPN?

Cheers,
Mike

It is very simple. You need a serial to usb convertor. There are a lot of these things available, Can be in one unit or incorporated in the cable connector.

Cost are about € 10,-.

But there is a small risk of damage to your computer because of different voltage.

The best way is to use an optical seperated connection. These are available from Actisense. Or a simple magnetic separation is also possible with an Adum4160.

If you use Windows look for a serial/usb convertor with a compatibel chipset.

Bram