AIS to connect to Simrad nsc8 model

[chrismin]

I am thinking of adding AIS to my simrad NSC8 but don't want to spend too much on the unit, anybody have any ideas on the best way to go, there seem to be so many to choose from.
Any advice appreceiated

[muttskie]

While not the least expensive option, it's hard to do better than Vesper Marine's XB-8000 AIS transponder. It is has NMEA2000 connectivity, Wifi, etc. and Vesper has a proven track record. Your MFD is NMEA2000 capable, I believe, so that would be my suggestion to look into. I installed one recently, along with a NMEA2000 network that includes a B&G Zeus Touch 7 MFD and it works as advertised. As to customer support, I recently had need to ask a question about my unit's configuration options and Vesper responded to my email inquiry immediately.

XB-8000 - AIS Transponder with WiFi