If you’re thinking about integrating an AIS transceiver with your Raymarine C120 chartplotter, you’re not alone. Many boaters and sailors want to enhance their navigation and safety systems by connecting an AIS transceiver to their existing electronics. The good news is that it is indeed possible to connect an AIS transceiver to a Raymarine C120, and doing so can provide valuable real-time vessel tracking and collision avoidance information.
The Raymarine C120 is a popular multifunction display (MFD) unit that provides chartplotting, radar, and sonar capabilities. While the unit itself does not have built-in AIS functionality, it can be used in conjunction with an external AIS receiver or transceiver to display AIS information on the chartplotter screen.
To connect an AIS transceiver to a Raymarine C120, you will need to ensure that both devices are NMEA 0183 or NMEA 2000 compliant. NMEA 0183 is an older communication protocol used by marine electronics to transmit data between devices, while NMEA 2000 is a newer and more advanced protocol that allows for plug-and-play connectivity.
If your AIS transceiver and Raymarine C120 both support NMEA 0183, you can connect them using standard NMEA 0183 cables. Typically, this will involve connecting the NMEA output from the AIS transceiver to the NMEA input on the Raymarine C120, and vice versa for bidirectional communication.
If both devices are NMEA 2000 compatible, you can connect them using a NMEA 2000 backbone network. This will require a NMEA 2000 backbone kit, which includes the necessary cables, connectors, and terminators to create a network of NMEA 2000 devices. Once the backbone network is set up, you can simply connect your AIS transceiver and Raymarine C120 to the network using NMEA 2000 drop cables.
After the physical connection is established, you may need to configure the Raymarine C120 to receive and display AIS data. This usually involves accessing the chartplotter’s settings menu and enabling AIS functionality, as well as configuring the display options to show AIS targets on the chartplotter screen.
Once everything is set up, your Raymarine C120 should be able to display AIS information such as the positions, names, and other pertinent details of nearby ships in real-time. This can be invaluable for collision avoidance, especially in areas with heavy maritime traffic, and can provide additional situational awareness while navigating.
In conclusion, connecting an AIS transceiver to a Raymarine C120 is not only possible, but it can greatly enhance the capabilities of your navigation system. Whether you’re a professional mariner or a recreational boater, having access to real-time AIS data on your chartplotter can improve safety and peace of mind while out on the water. Just ensure that both your AIS transceiver and Raymarine C120 are compatible and follow the appropriate connection and configuration steps, and you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of integrated AIS functionality on your chartplotter display.
