AIS to iPad: how to?

[Mickeyrouse]

We’ve had a Furuno FA50 AIS system on board for about 12 years and have been quite pleased with it. However, the plotter (Furuno 1724 Navnet- ancient- 15 years old) is mounted below decks at the nav station. I do not care for the clutter of instruments mounted at the helm for a number of reasons.
However, I have been carrying an iPad on our recent cruises, enjoying the convenience of Navionics in the cockpit. I would like to have the added convenience of AIS targets appearing on the screen. I realize that not everyone is a fan of the Navionics iPad app, but I’ll make that call. What I’d like to do would be to take some (all?) of the data the FA50 is receiving appear on my iPad and Navionics. I see there are a lot of devices out there that seem to do something generally along these lines, but it’s not clear. Or would it just be simpler to get a newer wifi-ready AIS receiver only? I’m not excited about learning a technology-Seatalk, for example- that is subject to repeated bouts of revision for a fairly (in my case, at least) narrow application. Any suggestions?

[sv_pelagia]

I assume the Furuno AIS system has NMEA0183 output? If yes, take NMEA0183 output to a NMEA-to-wifi bridge (We find the TwinnYakker works well and inexpensive: http://yakbitz.com/TwinYakker.aspx you can add 2nd input such as wind/depth). Then setup Navionics to read in NMEA AIS data via Wifi.

[fogmachine]

Agree that NMEA-to-WiFi gateway is the go; I've used the Yacht Devices NMEA-2000 gadget; they also make a NMEA-0183 model.



https://yachtdevicesus.com/collectio...3-wifi-gateway

[Mickeyrouse]

While I agree that NMEA 0183 is attractive (though I’ve never used it) I find nothing in the Furuno literature to indicate it is NMEA 0183 capable.
Maybe an alternative is a new (cheap) receive-only unit with Wifi capability?

[MikeHoncho]

https://www.milltechmarine.com/TIMEZ...adar_b_30.html

iPad, IAS, backbone and Furuno wireless radar. Works good for me.

[fogmachine]

The docs say IEC61162 but that's the electrical spec for NMEA-0183 (RS-422 serial). But if your FA-50 is attached to Port 1 of the 1724 you should be able to attach a WiFi gateway to Port 2 or to a port of one of your other existing NMEA devices.

Thank Furuno for making it easy to find the documentation for their discontinued equipment.

https://www.furuno.com/en/products/a...Documentations
https://www.furunousa.com/-/media/si...ion_manual.pdf

[Time2Go]

Thumbs up on the Yakker.
I however thought the overlay on a chart plotter
(TZi Boat - IPad) was too dense so
I use an app called “AisRadar” that looks like a radar display
but it is AIS
Well worth the 7 bucks
Cheers
Neil

[Time2Go]

Standard Horizon 2400 to Yakker, 1 wire
+ - to Yakker
That’s all it took

Cheers
Neil

[Pizzazz]

It is not needed to purchase a marine grade serial to WiFi converter. This device from Elfin will do it for $20, available on Amazon.com.

https://www.amazon.com/Serial-Conver...%2C156&sr=8-37

[Jamme]

BoatBeacon — however I’d try it first in your area to verify coverage: https://pocketmariner.com/2020/03/17...ais-navionics/

[sv_pelagia]

Originally Posted by Jamme

BoatBeacon — however I’d try it first in your area to verify coverage: https://pocketmariner.com/2020/03/17...ais-navionics/

Requires cell connection/data?

[verkerkbr]

Originally Posted by Mickeyrouse

While I agree that NMEA 0183 is attractive (though I’ve never used it) I find nothing in the Furuno literature to indicate it is NMEA 0183 capable.
Maybe an alternative is a new (cheap) receive-only unit with Wifi capability?

I'am using a Raspberry Pi 4 with OpenCPN and SignalK data server/multiplexer.
RaspiOS 64 which has a realvnc server as standard. You only have to switch it to on.

With the OpenPlotter Wifi Acces point you have Wifi available.

You only need to install a Vnc reader on other systems, like an Ipad, Chromebook or any other wireless computer system. Then you can handle the RPI screen from your Ipad.

With the SignalK server you can receive nmea183 and with a canbus adapter NMEA2000 an can convert is tyo the SignalK format or NMEA183.

If you a digital Radar antenna of the supported systems, you can also get a radar. overlay on your screen and of course in combination with AIS objects from your transponder.


You can run it as a second navigation system.



Bram

[Emouchet]

You need a way to output your AIS data to a wifi router. Then, you need to latest version of Navionics Boating App for this. Older version did not support any external device connection.

Open the app, go to  Menu > Connect a Device  and follow the instructions to wirelessly connect an external device.

[AlanR]

I have used iNavx with Navionics Charts for several years, and in my opinion it is an excellent program. My AIS receiver is a Quark-elec QK-A023 wireless AIS Receiver. It connects to my iPad via Bluetooth. I expectit will work with your Nav program too.

I have a separate antenna on the pushpit rail, which doubles as an emergency antenna for the VHF radio, and vice versa with the masthead antenna.

Easy to set up, only about two inches square, and low power consumption, it has my recommendation.

Good luck.

[PuttingDoctor]

And now for something completely different!
I’m a pilot and a big fan of “see and be seen.”
For not a huge amount of money you can buy a AIS transponder and have so much detail…. I’m a fan of now Garmin but originally Vesper B-8000.
The functionality is outstanding to iPad and comes with such great added benefits.