Garmin AIS Upgrade

[snestler]

Has anyone upgraded from a Garmin AIS 300 to an AIS 800? I would like to do this to on my 2015 C28 to go from receive only to transmit/receive. Is it a ‘plug and play’ swap out? Or is it more involved than that? Thanks!

 

[Bruce Moore]

Bumping post delayed in moderation queue.

 

[rschindler]

I installed an 800 on my R27. It is basically plug and play as far as the cable connections. However, you need to download the install program from Garmin. You need this because you have to put your MMSI number into the 800. We used a laptop to download the install and connect to the chartplotter. You can call Garmin or go to Garmin on-line to learn the process.

 

[snestler]

Thanks @rschindler. Good to know. My understanding is that the seller of the AIS device will program my MMSI into it, after I fill out a form for them. (They won't even sell it to me without doing that.)

 

[dexmot74]

I did this upgrade. Very easy and straight swap.

 

[Rocky]

I installed the Garmin AIS800 on my R29.
I agree it was a very straightforward install. The instructions are good.

The unit doesn't require an external GPS antenna, however since I mounted mine low in the hull (near the Water Heater) i chose to add one and mounted it under the "Dash" just forward of the helm.

Remember to shut off the AIS on your Garmin VHS or you'll see your own boat on the screen all the time....🙂

One other thing, every time I update my software, the AIS800 shuts itself off and I need to manually re-boot it by pulling the fuse for a few seconds.

I hope that helps!

Rocky

 

[SJI Sailor]

Exactly the same as Rocky. The optional antenna was needed to get a good signal but worked 100% when simply cooked up next to the AIS 800, did not have to route it outside. And the same that it has to be restarted (I just pull the fuse) after a Garmin firmware update.

 

[SJI Sailor]

Exactly the same as Rocky. The optional antenna was needed to get a good signal but worked 100% when simply coiled up next to the AIS 800, did not have to route it outside. And the same that it has to be restarted (I just pull the fuse) after a Garmin firmware update.

 

[SJI Sailor]

Exactly the same as Rocky. The optional antenna was needed to get a good signal but worked 100% when simply coiled up next to the AIS 800, did not have to route it outside. And the same that it has to be restarted (I just pull the fuse) after a Garmin firmware update.

 

[SJI Sailor]

Exactly the same as Rocky. The optional antenna was needed to get a good signal but worked 100% when simply coiled up next to the AIS 800, did not have to route it outside. And the same that it has to be restarted (I just pull the fuse) after a Garmin firmware update.

 

[SJI Sailor]

Exactly the same as Rocky. The optional antenna was needed to get a good signal but worked 100% when simply coiled up next to the AIS 800, did not have to route it outside. And the same that it has to be restarted (I just pull the fuse) after a Garmin firmware update.

 

[dexmot74]

I installed the Garmin AIS800 on my R29.
One other thing, every time I update my software, the AIS800 shuts itself off and I need to manually re-boot it bu pulling the fuse for a few seconds.

I hope that helps!

Rocky

Mine does the same thing. Annoying when I forget!

 

[dexmot74]

I installed the Garmin AIS800 on my R29.
One other thing, every time I update my software, the AIS800 shuts itself off and I need to manually re-boot it bu pulling the fuse for a few seconds.

I hope that helps!

Rocky

Mine does the same thing. Annoying when I forget!

 

[gswearin]

I did this on my R29 as well. Very easy to do, even for me!!
In hindsight however, I wish I had gone with the Vesper Cortex. My radio is thigh-high and I ended up installing a Garmin wired handset so I can actually see the station. The Cortex would have solved both problems for only slightly more $$.

 

[gswearin]

I did this on my R29 as well. Very easy to do, even for me!!
In hindsight however, I wish I had gone with the Vesper Cortex. My radio is thigh-high and I ended up installing a Garmin wired handset so I can actually see the station. The Cortex would have solved both problems for only slightly more $$.

 

[gswearin]

I did this on my R29 as well. Very easy to do, even for me!!
In hindsight however, I wish I had gone with the Vesper Cortex. My radio is thigh-high and I ended up installing a Garmin wired handset so I can actually see the station. The Cortex would have solved both problems for only slightly more $$.

 

[gswearin]

I did this on my R29 as well. Very easy to do, even for me!!
In hindsight however, I wish I had gone with the Vesper Cortex. My radio is thigh-high and I ended up installing a Garmin wired handset so I can actually see the station. The Cortex would have solved both problems for only slightly more $$.

 

[Traxxas]

If any of you guys want to sell your old AIS 300s, send me a PM. Id like to be able see the bigger vessels on my chart potter when in the open.

 

[Bruce Moore]

I've deleted the duplicate posts and references. Continue with the OP's topic.

Cheers,

Bruce

 

[Haifisch]

I removed the 300 and replaced with the Vesper (now Garmin owned) and the VHF handset.

You don't need the handset, for the AIS function to work, but it is a sweet radio with some extra cool functions and having it on the pillar rather than near my left knee makes it easier to use. The sound quality is great.

It was an easy install, using some of the same cables. Targets popped right up on the MFD and you can verify your transmission on Marinetraffic.com.

It has some monitoring features and other stuff that comes in handy, plus it can be remote programmed with your MMSI (But I let the dealer handle that before I picked it up.)

I kept my Garmin VHF and now use both if I need to.