ST7000 with GPSMAP 742 and AIS

[MGRodems]

I have a Autohelm ST7000 which I love but it is independent of my GPSMAP 742 Chartplotter. I am considering an AIS addition to the boat. I would like to connect all three components, but with the ST7000 autopilot being from the 80s and the GPSMAP being more recent, I would like to know if there will be significant limitations., es[ecially if I connect an AIS transciever.

I assume I have to go with NMEA 0183 because of the ST7000. I was never one for the latest and greatest. If it works, I will be happy with the improvement.

Any advice on my plan? What AIS transciever would you recommend? Since it might be connected over NMEA 0183, would I be able to go with an older AIS?

- Mike on Emerald Isle

[smac999]

buy a nmea 2000 AIs and hook it in via nmea 2000..

you should be able to connect the garmin to the pilot via 183. tx and rx so you get heading and send waypoints.

the garmin probably only has 1 nmea 183 port which is why you want the nmea 2000 ais.

[MGRodems]

So the Garmin can connect to two networks, NMEA 0183 for the Autopilot and NMEA 2000 for the AIS?