Question on connecting AIS transceiver to Zeus 2

[jbinbi]

I am trying to add an emtrak B900 AIS transceiver to my boat. Has a NMEA 2k backbone and Zeus 2 B&G/Lorance/etc. group chartplotter

https://em-trak.com/wp-content/uploa...52-953-954.pdf

The power cable has a breakout for NMEA 0183 leads, and it suggests that these tie into the chartplotter (page 18-19). But the chartplotter is on the NMEA 2k backbone, so is this necessary?

If so, do I connect TX to TX or to RX like 232?

See attached

[Sailmonkey]

Just connect it to the n2k backbone and be done with it. 0183 is only needed for older plotters, computers without a n2k translator, etc

[ScottRhodes13]

Your AIS transceiver probably has its own GPS receiver. If the AIS transciever broadcasts its GPS position on the NMEA 2000 network, and if there are other devices that are listening for GPS position on the network, you might want to tell them which source to listen to -- the AIS transceiver or your existing GPS source.

[smac999]

Forget the nmea 183. Use the nmea 2000 jack and buy the cables and tees needed to connect it.

[FabioC]

I am in the process of a similar installation. I have not completed it yet, so I only looked at it superficially, but in my case, the n2k backbone to which all devices are connected, including the Zeus 2, runs on WiFi, so the new AIS connects through that (you do need an AIS with WiFi support). I thought the WiFi backbone was the B&G recommended way to connect Zeus 2. If you have the n2k bus already implemented on WiFi, stick to that for all devices, Zeus 2 WiFi module is notoriously finicky if attempting multi-bus configurations.

[guyrj33]

Originally Posted by FabioC

I am in the process of a similar installation. I have not completed it yet, so I only looked at it superficially, but in my case, the n2k backbone to which all devices are connected, including the Zeus 2, runs on WiFi, so the new AIS connects through that (you do need an AIS with WiFi support). I thought the WiFi backbone was the B&G recommended way to connect Zeus 2. If you have the n2k bus already implemented on WiFi, stick to that for all devices, Zeus 2 WiFi module is notoriously finicky if attempting multi-bus configurations.

I think you’re confusing wifi with NMEA 2000.

[FabioC]

N2K is the communication protocol between devices. It also colloquially refers to the special standard cable/connector that is used to build the N2K backbone (which in reality has a different name, something like DeviceNET Micro-C).
However, you do not need to connect N2K devices using necessarily N2K cables. In the specific case of the Zeus 2, the WiFi module is a N2K wireless gateway, meaning that it broadcasts/receives N2K communication over WiFi to/from devices with WiFi interfaces (e.g., most radars).
Many AIS transponders have a WiFi connection (e.g., Vesper XB-8000). In that case, simply connect AIS and Zeus 2 over WiFi and forget the N2K [cable] plug on the AIS. The advantage is no additional cabling required and also plug-and-play installation (I guess that depends on the specific AIS model you are using).
The one thing I am not quite sure is whether all Zeus 2 come with the WiFi module, or if you need to add the module as an accessory. Mine came with the boat, so I assume it is always there, but I may be wrong.

[guyrj33]

FabiiC
Zeus2 MFD does not include WiFi, your WiFi interface is connected to your Zeus with wire.
RTFM

[Gripfast]

I connected my Zeus 2 with my Vesper AIS via the NEMA 2OOO backbone. No worries, it sorts it all out by itself.