VHF FM Radio with AIS

[bobk]

I couldn't find any discussion of this subject using 'search'. So here goes. My Uniden 525 has quit. It no longer receives or transmits. It gets power, and I have swapped antenas so know that is not the issue. So I'm going to replace it and in researching the radios, I see what looks like an attractive Standard Horizon GX2150 Matrix AIS. It's about $300 after rebates.

Has anyone used this AIS feature, and if so, what do you think of it? The radio has a built in GPS and is suppoed to display other vessels information on the face. Seems like this would get cluttered in busy areas. The data is supposed to be able to be displayed on a GPS. Mine is an old Garmin 2010C. Any chance it would work? I've said before that I'm electrically challanged, so any input is welcome.

Bobk

 

[z28jimi]

I looked at the Standard Horizon Matrix, but decided to go with the Garmin 300 AIS model in order to keep everything in the same electronic family. The AIS targets show up on the chartplotter, and so far, have not been a distraction. Maybe in a busy area like Miami or New York or Norfolk, but where we spend our time, it hasn't been an issue. I can see where it would be nice to have the AIS targets pop up during an offshore passage at night or bad weather. Quick and easy way to help make sure things don't go bump in the night.

 

[SeaEric]

If you'd like a "deal" on a good used ICOM VHF, I have 2 available that I just removed from my boat. Both were flush mounted, both are black. Details to follow. Will be posting them here on the forum for sale tomorrow with photos.

I've done some serious editing of my overhead console. I have removed around 10 things that I mostly did not use and looked hap-hazard. They will be replaced by about 3 things that I think I need.

 

[TopHattandTails]

I have the Matrix installed to a Garmin 5212 and the AIS works great. It was a little confusing to wire up, but 1 call to Standard Horizon and they supplied me with the Garmin wiring schematic and I was operational in 15 minutes. Great unit.

 

[bobk]

I have the Matrix installed to a Garmin 5212 and the AIS works great. It was a little confusing to wire up, but 1 call to Standard Horizon and they supplied me with the Garmin wiring schematic and I was operational in 15 minutes. Great unit.

Thanks. Would you expect it to work on a Garmin 2010C?

I found the detailed instruction manual on the internet and it blew my mind. Seemed like it would take your mind off the driving in order to use it. Comments? Is it something that becomes routine as you use it?

Bobk

 

[TopHattandTails]

I'd call Standard Hirizon and ask about comparability, but I think it was a NMEA0183 connection??? The bogeys on the display are not bad. If it drives you nuts its easy enough to turn off. I like the DSC calling feature. Your buddies show up on the plotter, you tap on then, and make a call right from there. The AIS is useful for collisions and has alarms for such. I turn it on and forget about it. If there's an issue it warns me. It is mostly a toy, checking out ship destinations, speeds, etc. but the guy with the most toys wins, right?

 

[bobk]

Thanks guys. The 'guru' i.e. younger guy at West Marine said it would work since the 2010 has a NEMA 0183 input, so I'll give it a go.

Bobk

 

[Blaine Thorpe]

Thanks. Would you expect it to work on a Garmin 2010C?

Bobk

I installed a SiTex AIS unit on my 36C before we sold it. It would not work with my 2010, but did work with my 3206. If I remember right, it was a baud rate issue on the 2010.

I did remove the AIS before we sold it. I just put it on to make the trip south.

Blaine

 

[bobk]

I installed a SiTex AIS unit on my 36C before we sold it. It would not work with my 2010, but did work with my 3206. If I remember right, it was a baud rate issue on the 2010.

I did remove the AIS before we sold it. I just put it on to make the trip south.

Blaine

Ouch, I just ordered it last night. The salesman at West said it would work.... he checked some web site he had available. I better do some fast checking. The order confirmation has not even arrived.

Bobk

 

[Blaine Thorpe]

Ouch, I just ordered it last night. The salesman at West said it would work.... he checked some web site he had available. I better do some fast checking. The order confirmation has not even arrived.

Bobk

Might be too late. See if you can find the operation manual for the unit you ordered and see if the is a specific baud rate needed for communication. Then check the 2010C baud rates available.

If it is different than the SiTex, it could work.

Blaine

 

[TopHattandTails]

Again, if remeber correctly, the 2150 Matrix had 2 choices for baud rate. I'll it $5 on "it'll work".

 

[pmurphy]

The 2250 has two baud rates if you need to use them. I just installed the 2250 and used it extensively over the last 6 weeks on a trip to the Bahamas. It works great. A lot of fun 'looking' at other vessels vitals (length, speed, direction, etc).
The thing that was annoying was that I couldn't find out how to shut off the AIS function when approaching a port when you don't need the AIS. Every boat in the port with an active AIS transponder would cause repeated warnings that had to be cancelled. Not what you want to be doing when you're trying to navigate and maybe having conversations on the VHF or with your crew while docking.
Other than that I think it is a great piece of equipment, particularly for night travel. In conjunction with the radar, it provides another layer of safety.
I'm running it with a Garmin 4012 and the targets pop right up on the screen. Very cool.

 

[bobk]

Again, if remeber correctly, the 2150 Matrix had 2 choices for baud rate. I'll it $5 on "it'll work".

I believe I saw that in the directions. It's due here this afternoon.

Bobk