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Old 18-05-2012, 07:06   #1
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GPS and AIS

I have loaded my charts into OCPN, have a Garmin handheld GPS and have purchased a stand alone AIS receiver with USB output. I am hoping they all work together. The Garmin works great with my old Mapsource program but Mapsource doesn't support AIS. I also have N Route but that doesn't support AIS either.

My first observation is that when I loaded the AIS software, my computer assigned its COM Port to 21. When I looked at the OCPN AIS set up, it lists Com Ports 3, 8, 9 and Garmin, it doesn't list 21. Will the AIS work? Do i have to re-assign the AIS COM Port to 3, 8 or 9?

I am hoping someone has a similar set up and can help with how everything fits.

Randy
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Old 18-05-2012, 08:14   #2
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Re: GPS and AIS

Randy, ....but the gps is working in O...right?

first off try typing PORT21 in at AIS "None". worth a try.
then a search of the OpenCPN forum
OpenCPN - Cruisers & Sailing Forums
try usb AIS to start. or the model
if that's no use, what Operating system...XP? Win7? Ubuntu? what "AIS software"? which AIS?..are you using Opencpn 2.5 or a beta? stuff like that .

You might end up trying one of the port emulators.
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Old 18-05-2012, 16:57   #3
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Re: GPS and AIS

I'd also be interested in knowing what USB AIS you got.
Are you using the handheld GPS as the GPS for OpenCPN somehow?
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Old 19-05-2012, 04:17   #4
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Re: GPS and AIS

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I'd also be interested in knowing what USB AIS you got.
Are you using the handheld GPS as the GPS for OpenCPN somehow?
I purchased the new Digital Yacht AIS receiver/antenna all in one unit - "Digital Yacht has launched a new AIS product designed specifically for use with PC based navigation systems. The new AIS receiver, called uAIS, connects via USB direct to a PC or MAC and comes with a 5m USB cable. Its integrated antenna makes it a true plug 'n' play AIS solution for your onboard computer."

Just got it yesterday, downloaded the drivers and will be testing it out today. i have been using N Route up till now as i didn't have an AIS

Randy
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Old 19-05-2012, 05:48   #5
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Re: GPS and AIS

Just had a look.. Very cool. Would you please post a review back here when you've had a good chance to play with it if you have time?

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Simon
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Old 20-05-2012, 07:58   #6
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Re: GPS and AIS

Ok, yesterday it rained all day so i couldn't check it out. This morning, I connected everything to the laptop. OCPN did not work with the Garmin G76. i looked on the forum and found a thread about settings on the handheld but did not make those changes yet. i disconnected the Garmin and plugged in the AIS. I am at a residential dock, not in the open water but it picked up a signal from a boat called "Wine and Dive" about 1/2 mile away which was apparently docked. I figure when I get on the ocean, i'll get more targets. The only setting i had to make an OCPN was the COM Port. #21 was listed after i plugged it in (see OP). The ship is listed in a separate window that lists all targets boat name, MMSI, Course, SOG were all listed. i guess it works without a GPS connected. BTW, while both GPS and AIS were connected, N Route worked with the GPS and OCPN worked with AIS

Randy
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Old 22-05-2012, 05:27   #7
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Re: GPS and AIS

update for anyone interested.... I purchased a new USB GPS antenna from WM and installed it instead of re-configuring my Garmin handheld. it worked like a charm and located the boat immediately. this morning, i plugged in the AIS to another COM port and it didn't show any targets. I went to Marinetraffic.com to see if there is anything in my immediate area and it showed 1 target about 2-3 miles away. I then unplugged the GPS to see if there was a conflict between the 2. No target. I'm thinking the line of sight is the problem and my AIS can't see the vessel from where it's docked. I need a target to make sure they are both working.

Interesting side note - in looking on the Digital Yacht website, I found a Technical Support Article written specifically for using the product with Open CPN.

Randy
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Old 22-05-2012, 14:07   #8
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Re: GPS and AIS

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Originally Posted by Odyssey View Post
update for anyone interested.... I purchased a new USB GPS antenna from WM and installed it instead of re-configuring my Garmin handheld. it worked like a charm and located the boat immediately. this morning, i plugged in the AIS to another COM port and it didn't show any targets. I went to Marinetraffic.com to see if there is anything in my immediate area and it showed 1 target about 2-3 miles away. I then unplugged the GPS to see if there was a conflict between the 2. No target. I'm thinking the line of sight is the problem and my AIS can't see the vessel from where it's docked. I need a target to make sure they are both working.

Interesting side note - in looking on the Digital Yacht website, I found a Technical Support Article written specifically for using the product with Open CPN.

Randy
Cool, what model gps antennae did you buy? I think I want one of those. I've been fumbling around with how I'm going to connect my garmin 152 to my laptop. This sounds like a better alternative. All I'm looking for are Long/Lat right? Who cares where it comes from.
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Old 22-05-2012, 14:20   #9
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Re: GPS and AIS

Now for a good AIS USB receiver less than $100. I think I'm going to need a 4 ports USB mux. Next Radar. And a good all weather monitor
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Old 22-05-2012, 14:31   #10
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Re: GPS and AIS

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Cool, what model gps antennae did you buy? I think I want one of those. I've been fumbling around with how I'm going to connect my garmin 152 to my laptop. This sounds like a better alternative. All I'm looking for are Long/Lat right? Who cares where it comes from.
I'm heading to Bimini this weekend so I got one at my local West Marine. they were the only "walk in" retailer that had them in stock. There are many options online but I want to us it this weekend. It is offered by the Rosepoint Navigational Software (but sold without the software) but works with any computer. $79.00, plug and play.

I do allot of night crossing to the Bahamas and there is nothing quite like seeing a huge cargo ship in the distance and not knowing which direction it is going, how fast and oh by the way... it's heading right at you.

Randy
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Old 22-05-2012, 14:44   #11
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Re: GPS and AIS

Quote:
Originally Posted by Odyssey View Post
Interesting side note - in looking on the Digital Yacht website, I found a Technical Support Article written specifically for using the product with Open CPN.

Randy
This one? http://www.digitalyacht.co.uk/files/...%20OpenCPN.pdf
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Old 22-05-2012, 14:47   #12
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Re: GPS and AIS

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Yes, that is the tech article. Here is the receiver/antenna I purchased $245.00 on line
http://www.digitalyacht.co.uk/produc...ducts_id=11679
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Old 22-05-2012, 16:01   #13
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Re: GPS and AIS

Found this AIS. Thinking about it, but I'd really like to see if anyone else has tried it first. I dont know If I inserted that correctly.

ACR Nauticast Receive Only AIS
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Old 22-05-2012, 16:06   #14
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Re: GPS and AIS

Doesn't look plug and play though
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Old 22-05-2012, 16:21   #15
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Re: GPS and AIS

found a splitter for $119

Smart Radio VHF/AIS Antenna Splitter

Probably find something cheaper, but just saying they're out there. I haven't looked for a solution to splitting VHF antennae signal before. I'm sure folks here know more about this than I do.
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