Hooking up AIS to OpenCPN

[aroett]

Hello,
Just bought a VHF that has built in AIS. Trying to hook it up to laptop which runs OpenCPN. The laptop we are using is a Toughbook that has a built in GPS. Has anyone done this?
Can OpenCPN output GPS info to the VHF?

Thanks for your time.

Adey

[Vyndance]

Yes through a multiplexer (simple) or through a serial cable that you build using the 0183 output from the radio.

[aroett]

Thanks for the quick reply.
However can you give me more detail on either the multiplexer or how to do through serial.

Thanks

[Vyndance]

I can't help you with the serial cable. I know that it has been done. Here is the Multiplexer and it works perfectly.
ShipModul Marine Electronics

The Manual is here:OpenCPN User Manual | Official OpenCPN Homepage
Then click Supplementary Hardware.....But it doesn't really tell you anything. Are you thinking of using Open CPN as your main electronic navigation?

[sy_gilana]

built in gps? try xport software to route the gps signal to the serial port as well as opencpn, then use pin 3 to take the gps sigal TO the radio and pin 2 to receive the AIS info FROM the radio, pin 5 is ground for both signals on the db9 connector. If you dont have a db9 on the back of the laptop, use a usb to serial adapter.

[stevensuf]

You can do it with a simple 9 pin connector and a 9 pin to usb, ON RS232 DB9 side the pins are 2,3,5. Pin 5 connects ground wires pins 2 and 3 connect in and out respectively. Then connect this to the laptop if no 9 pin connector use a usb to 9 pin rs232.

I did this recently with a standard horizon 2100e, despite what other have said the output of this unit was fine and linked it a to a garmin plotter effortlessly.