AIS 300 Replacement with AIS 600

[Lucky Loon]

Guys,
I want to transmit my AIS, and not just receive other AIS information. I have a 2013, R-31 CB that has a Garmin AIS 300. I think "all I need to do" is to change the AIS 300 for an AIS 600. Please give me some guidance on if in my electronic ignorance I am underestimating the scope of this change. If this change is not just plug and play I will need any and all help, please.
Lucky Loon

 

[ixlr8]

You need to run the VHF antenna thru the 600 or add another VHF antenna. Some folks say it makes no difference, others say you should add an antenna just for the AIS. I don't know how much it matters, I am adding an antenna tuned for the AIS frequencies when I do my upgrade. You are also going to need to add a GPS antenna for the 600. The 600 needs an independent GPS input, it can't share GPS data from another source.

 

[knotflying]

Besides adding an additional VHF antenna the 600 also requires an additional GPS antenna that attaches directly to the AIS 600 unit.

 

[ixlr8]

Besides adding an additional VHF antenna the 600 also requires an additional GPS antenna that attaches directly to the AIS 600 unit.

The 600 has a splitter built into it so you can run the existing VHF antenna thru the 600, lots of folks install it this way. The 600 should come with a patch cord to get from the 600 to the VHF radio so you can plug the VHF antenna directly into the 600. For optimum performance, you should add another VHF antenna just for the 600, preferably one that is tuned to the AIS frequencies.

 

[walldog]

You will also need a MMSI number to give to the dealer to program the AIS600. It cannot be user programmed. A seller will assist you in the information needed. The installation is plug and play. We bought our first one for our 27 on a cruise to Houston from Port Isabel on the Gulf ICW. The tugs we encountered suggested that it would be a good thing for us to have transmit and receive AIS. Good Choice for safe travels.

 

[knotflying]

Besides adding an additional VHF antenna the 600 also requires an additional GPS antenna that attaches directly to the AIS 600 unit.

The 600 has a splitter built into it so you can run the existing VHF antenna thru the 600, lots of folks install it this way. The 600 should come with a patch cord to get from the 600 to the VHF radio so you can plug the VHF antenna directly into the 600. For optimum performance, you should add another VHF antenna just for the 600, preferably one that is tuned to the AIS frequencies.

Sorry, they must have changed the installation requirements. Originally you needed to also install a separate VHF antenna.

 

[Swansboro Dave]

Just did the same on my 29 (upgrade to AIS 600).
Was not difficult at all....
And I technology challenged. Pretty much "Plug and Play"....and provided instructions easy to understand.

Just be aware, to configure the AIS, you need to connect to your PC first, using the provided software, and configure the unit to your boat specifications. You cannot "program" the AIS unit without the PC interface.

Other than that....A piece of cake.

The only issue I encountered....My Garmin VHF also had a AIS function...Until I deactivated the VHF AIS.....I had issues (i.e. the boat was tracking itself...and setting of collision alarm).

 

[Paul Elliott]

On our R-27 I swapped out the AIS 300 for the AIS 600 transponder. It was a tight fit, but I found room near where the 300 had been installed. We are using the existing VHF antenna -- same connections as with the 300. Rather than try to pull a new cable for the GPS, I secured it in the same compartment as the transponder, right under and against the fiberglass deck. It works fine, but I suppose if someone were sitting on top of it there might be a problem.

 

[Todd]

Unless they have changed recently you need a PC to program, or have dealer do it, Apple computers will not work.

 

[Lucky Loon]

Thanks to everyone. Based on the comments you gave, I did replace the AIS300 with an AIS600. The AIS600 comes with a GPS antennae and cable which I mounted behind the dash near the AIS600, and it works fine there. The 600 has a larger mounting footprint and has topside and bottomside cable connections. I added a 2" thick spacer between the 600 and the mounting board that the 300 was mounted on to allow enough room for the 600 to fit in the same spot. Using the Garmin-supplied CD it is easy to connect to the 600 with a laptop and enter the ten or so pieces of information if you choose to program the 600 yourself. Garmin clearly states that FCC laws require a dealer to program the 600 and that the programming CD is supplied only so that the owner can verify correct numbers have been entered into the 600.

 

[Rocky]

Which AIS Transceiver model did you install that comes with the software, splitter and the dedicated GPS Antenna?

Thanks!!