Vesper Cortex AIS install

[cliffm]

The captain and I are eagerly awaiting the May delivery of our September 2021 ordered R27OB.

We have enjoyed many hours of "mods" performed by the "Channel Surfing" crew! We have pre-bought a Rocna-10, and are shopping for Mantus Anchor Guard & S1 swivel.

We have many items "squirrelled" away, as we have downsized from a 2006 Carver 36MY. Obviously we'll be "scaling down" further!

Adding AIS is something we'd like to accomplish soon after delivery. Having been caught in the Fog bank, returning to Elliot Bay Marina, from Paulsbo, hearing the commercial Vessels horns, radar blips, but having only 10' of visibility, was a serious "pucker factor.

For those who have installed the Vesper Cortez M1 and opted to "not" install the handset (just yet) I have a few operational questions;

Without handset, therefore no DCS or VHF calling, did you connect the VHF antenna anyway? then patched back to the "factory" Standard Horizon VHF radio.

The anchor watch alarm? does it need an external speaker attached to the Vesper Cortez M1 if no handset connected? or does the alarm trip/sound only on the cell phone app? Anyone add the alarm speaker and shut-off button?

Does the Vesper Cortez M1 come supplied with a sperate GPS unit? or is it internal like the Garmin MFD chart plotter? if separate and mounted inside/behind dash panel, does the Garmin MFD now reference Vesper Cortez M1 GPS for heading and positioning?

Those who did get/use the handset and looped the VHF the "factory" VHF antenna, does it "play nice" with Vesper Cortez M1 unit, or did you replace with the Vesper VHF antenna?

As always, thanks for the access to the growing knowledge base of information, especially from/for the DIY inclined groups.

 

[srhawk454]

If you are looking to buy Cortex M1, contacting Milltech Marine @206-299-2217 and talking to Doug Miller might be the best way to get your questions answered. He can also provide you the list of installers unless you want to do it yourself.

 

[Submariner]

I second for Doug at Milltech Marine. Shoot him an email. He's super responsive. I bought my Vesper XB 8000 AIS from him, and my 5G LTE/WIFI router/antenna.

 

[cliffm]

If you are looking to buy Cortex M1, contacting Milltech Marine @206-299-2217 and talking to Doug Miller might be the best way to get your questions answered. He can also provide you the list of installers unless you want to do it yourself.

Thanks! I was hoping to do myself, after watching "channel surfing" video, just looking for owner DIY feedback on what additional items required and or compatibility issues.

 

[cliffm]

I second for Doug at Milltech Marine. Shoot him an email. He's super responsive. I bought my Vesper XB 8000 AIS from him, and my 5G LTE/WIFI router/antenna.

Thanks, it was your video that inspired my DIY upgrade. Just looking for feedback on the compatibility issues or other hurdles encountered, additional items. I'll contact Doug!

 

[Submariner]

I second for Doug at Milltech Marine. Shoot him an email. He's super responsive. I bought my Vesper XB 8000 AIS from him, and my 5G LTE/WIFI router/antenna.

Thanks, it was your video that inspired my DIY upgrade. Just looking for feedback on the compatibility issues or other hurdles encountered, additional items. I'll contact Doug!

Thanks!!

I took a glance at the install manual for the Cortex unit.
Looks like you'll need to connect it to the following:
- Nema2k bus
- Dedicated GPS Antenna (required, for the AIS portion).
- VHF Antenna (the cortex is a VHF splitter)
- Power
- External speaker
Wifi antenna (short flexible antenna).
Cell antenna (to be mounted externally somewhere).

Page 7 illustrates the connectivity requirements.
https://downloads.vespermarine.com/...ub_Installation_Guide_English_DEC21_WEBv2.pdf

Of the above items, the challenges I see is placement. Finding a spot on the boat to fit it (page 8 of the above document). Second challenge would be the GPS and Cell antenna placement. The other items should be straight forward and relatively easy.

 

[FlyMeAway]

We installed the Vesper Cortex on our R-31CB (although by "we," I had a local yard do the legwork). I've added a few thoughts on your questions below. If you haven't already read it, I also think the install/user manual is a great resource prior to buying: https://downloads.vespermarine.com/docs ... _WEBv2.pdf

Also, Doug sold Milltech Marine (good for Doug for partially retiring!). The guy he sold it to is supposed to be good, but he isn't Doug. One thing about Vesper is that their customer service is exceptional. E-mail them and you should get a good response.

But here's some answers to your questions based on 9 months or so of using it.

Without handset, therefore no DCS or VHF calling, did you connect the VHF antenna anyway? then patched back to the "factory" Standard Horizon VHF radio.

Yes, you have to do this because it uses the VHF antenna for AIS send/receive. You can also install a dedicated AIS antenna, but using the Vesper's splitter and one antenna is probably sufficient for most applications. HOWEVER, the type of VHF antenna you have will matter, as some are better tuned for AIS than others.

Doug has a good write up on this (scroll down to section 2): https://www.milltechmarine.com/VHF-Ante ... _b_32.html

What is missing a bit from Doug's write-up is that an antenna can't really be fully optimized for both AIS and VHF. I think for most coastal cruising / PNW applications, it's fine to have one antenna that's slightly less optimal for VHF -- the slight drop in VHF range is ultimately irrelevant from a safety standpoint.

So, antennas really matter and some are better than others.

The anchor watch alarm? does it need an external speaker attached to the Vesper Cortez M1 if no handset connected? or does the alarm trip/sound only on the cell phone app? Anyone add the alarm speaker and shut-off button?

I believe it only sounds on your app unless you have the external speaker. Ours is in a cabinet and we have not heard it sound, but this is a good question for the Vesper team.

Does the Vesper Cortez M1 come supplied with a sperate GPS unit? or is it internal like the Garmin MFD chart plotter? if separate and mounted inside/behind dash panel, does the Garmin MFD now reference Vesper Cortez M1 GPS for heading and positioning?

AIS requires an independent, on-board GPS. We ended up running an external GPS antenna (you have to use Vesper's) because signal where we mounted it (in a cabinet below the helm) didn't have sufficient signal for the AIS to function. For positioning, I believe you can tell the plotter whether to use its internal GPS or the one from the NMEA2K network (which would be the Vesper). I'm not sure whether the Vesper or our autopilot has the better heading sensor, and I think we generally left that to the autopilot.

Those who did get/use the handset and looped the VHF the "factory" VHF antenna, does it "play nice" with Vesper Cortez M1 unit, or did you replace with the Vesper VHF antenna?

Vesper does make a dual use antenna (as do Shakespeare and many others). I don't know which factory VHF antenna is used with your boat, and Doug's write up (which I reference above) is probably critical reading for this. If the stock/factory VHF antenna is really terrible up at the 162mhz for AIS, you might want to replace it. But if it has a slightly wider range and is already tuned to the high end of VHF, you might be ok.

Since your boat doesn't come with AIS, it would be interesting to know what antenna Fluid Motion uses. My boat came with AIS (receive), and while I haven't double-checked the antenna we've had pretty good performance with the Cortex so I haven't really dug into it.

 

[cliffm]

We installed the Vesper Cortex on our R-31CB (although by "we," I had a local yard do the legwork). I've added a few thoughts on your questions below. If you haven't already read it, I also think the install/user manual is a great resource prior to buying: https://downloads.vespermarine.com/docs ... _WEBv2.pdf

Also, Doug sold Milltech Marine (good for Doug for partially retiring!). The guy he sold it to is supposed to be good, but he isn't Doug. One thing about Vesper is that their customer service is exceptional. E-mail them and you should get a good response.

But here's some answers to your questions based on 9 months or so of using it.

Without handset, therefore no DCS or VHF calling, did you connect the VHF antenna anyway? then patched back to the "factory" Standard Horizon VHF radio.

FlyMeAway, thank you for your input. I've read that Doug sold the company, and that the new owner, was a previous Vesper sales guy.

thanks for your input

Yes, you have to do this because it uses the VHF antenna for AIS send/receive. You can also install a dedicated AIS antenna, but using the Vesper's splitter and one antenna is probably sufficient for most applications. HOWEVER, the type of VHF antenna you have will matter, as some are better tuned for AIS than others.

Doug has a good write up on this (scroll down to section 2): https://www.milltechmarine.com/VHF-Ante ... _b_32.html

What is missing a bit from Doug's write-up is that an antenna can't really be fully optimized for both AIS and VHF. I think for most coastal cruising / PNW applications, it's fine to have one antenna that's slightly less optimal for VHF -- the slight drop in VHF range is ultimately irrelevant from a safety standpoint.

So, antennas really matter and some are better than others.

The anchor watch alarm? does it need an external speaker attached to the Vesper Cortez M1 if no handset connected? or does the alarm trip/sound only on the cell phone app? Anyone add the alarm speaker and shut-off button?

I believe it only sounds on your app unless you have the external speaker. Ours is in a cabinet and we have not heard it sound, but this is a good question for the Vesper team.

Does the Vesper Cortez M1 come supplied with a sperate GPS unit? or is it internal like the Garmin MFD chart plotter? if separate and mounted inside/behind dash panel, does the Garmin MFD now reference Vesper Cortez M1 GPS for heading and positioning?

AIS requires an independent, on-board GPS. We ended up running an external GPS antenna (you have to use Vesper's) because signal where we mounted it (in a cabinet below the helm) didn't have sufficient signal for the AIS to function. For positioning, I believe you can tell the plotter whether to use its internal GPS or the one from the NMEA2K network (which would be the Vesper). I'm not sure whether the Vesper or our autopilot has the better heading sensor, and I think we generally left that to the autopilot.

Those who did get/use the handset and looped the VHF the "factory" VHF antenna, does it "play nice" with Vesper Cortez M1 unit, or did you replace with the Vesper VHF antenna?

Vesper does make a dual use antenna (as do Shakespeare and many others). I don't know which factory VHF antenna is used with your boat, and Doug's write up (which I reference above) is probably critical reading for this. If the stock/factory VHF antenna is really terrible up at the 162mhz for AIS, you might want to replace it. But if it has a slightly wider range and is already tuned to the high end of VHF, you might be ok.

Since your boat doesn't come with AIS, it would be interesting to know what antenna Fluid Motion uses. My boat came with AIS (receive), and while I haven't double-checked the antenna we've had pretty good performance with the Cortex so I haven't really dug into it.

 

[srhawk454]

Based on my research (not an actual experience), these two antennas are among the best:
1. Morad antenna https://www.morad.com/collections/anten ... 159-hd-ais
2. Shakespeare antenna https://www.amazon.com/Shakespeare-6500 ... B010F6B692
From what I understand, getting one of these installed might be a game changer for performance. Factory stock antennas are not tuned for AIS transmit; they are VHF antennas thus the perf can be iffy. As @FlyMeAway pointed out, having performant antenna would be important.

 

[Submariner]

The captain and I are eagerly awaiting the May delivery of our September 2021 ordered R27OB.

We have enjoyed many hours of "mods" performed by the "Channel Surfing" crew! We have pre-bought a Rocna-10, and are shopping for Mantus Anchor Guard & S1 swivel.

Congrat's on the new boat!!
I've toyed with the idea of adding an anchor swivel, but currently I do not have one.

With the Rocna 10 anchor, it does fit the stock bow roller. The Mantus Anchor Guard I think is worthwhile. Without it, the point of the Rocna is really close to the bow of the boat. If you pull the anchor all the way up, tight, into the windlass, you'll have like, an inch to spare on the point of Rocna against the stainless steel plate on the bow of the boat. After a couple of months I ended up with my first dimple from the tip of the Rocna making contact with the bow of the boat. This was why I went with the Mantus anchor guard.

For an anchor swivel, It would add length between the windlass and the Rocna. I don't think I have that space.

Look at this picture where the chain comes out of the windlass and attaches to the anchor.
https://www.letsgochannelsurfing.com/anchor?pgid=kxcomm4t-6df3a083-7559-4326-850a-c85efebc725b

There's the anchor, the anchor shackle, 2 links of 5/16" chain, and the rest is in contact with the gypsy. It may be possible to fit a swivel in 2 chain lengths. It's certainly possible to modify the bow roller to push the anchor further forward to create the space necessary (Salty Bliss did this on their RT27-OB by drilling new holes in the bow roller to push it further out).

We anchor a lot and have spun around quite a bit. With 50' of chain and 200' of 8-plait rode, In the Pacific Northwest, I'm usually anchoring in 20-40 feet of water, and usually for only 1 or 2 nights. So all my chain is usually on the bottom. As I retrieve the anchor, when I get to the chain, I give it some time to spin (untangle itself) before the anchor comes out of the water. It's never a lot of twist. I've just not had a problem with the chain kinking up on me from too many twists.

 

[cliffm]

The captain and I are eagerly awaiting the May delivery of our September 2021 ordered R27OB.

We have enjoyed many hours of "mods" performed by the "Channel Surfing" crew! We have pre-bought a Rocna-10, and are shopping for Mantus Anchor Guard & S1 swivel.

Congrat's on the new boat!!
I've toyed with the idea of adding an anchor swivel, but currently I do not have one.

With the Rocna 10 anchor, it does fit the stock bow roller. The Mantus Anchor Guard I think is worthwhile. Without it, the point of the Rocna is really close to the bow of the boat. If you pull the anchor all the way up, tight, into the windlass, you'll have like, an inch to spare on the point of Rocna against the stainless steel plate on the bow of the boat. After a couple of months I ended up with my first dimple from the tip of the Rocna making contact with the bow of the boat. This was why I went with the Mantus anchor guard.

For an anchor swivel, It would add length between the windlass and the Rocna. I don't think I have that space.

Look at this picture where the chain comes out of the windlass and attaches to the anchor.
https://www.letsgochannelsurfing.com/anchor?pgid=kxcomm4t-6df3a083-7559-4326-850a-c85efebc725b

There's the anchor, the anchor shackle, 2 links of 5/16" chain, and the rest is in contact with the gypsy. It may be possible to fit a swivel in 2 chain lengths. It's certainly possible to modify the bow roller to push the anchor further forward to create the space necessary (Salty Bliss did this on their RT27-OB by drilling new holes in the bow roller to push it further out).

We anchor a lot and have spun around quite a bit. With 50' of chain and 200' of 8-plait rode, In the Pacific Northwest, I'm usually anchoring in 20-40 feet of water, and usually for only 1 or 2 nights. So all my chain is usually on the bottom. As I retrieve the anchor, when I get to the chain, I give it some time to spin (untangle itself) before the anchor comes out of the water. It's never a lot of twist. I've just not had a problem with the chain kinking up on me from too many twists.

(2) things I like about the Mantus S1 swivel;
1- it swivels and yet is rated "as strong" as the "chain", but does add a bit of length, and you're right, its going to be tight!
2- it adds weight (can't remember the number, but i think its in the 4-6lbs range, which is like having more chain!

after adding the swivel to our last boats 33lb "delta style" our "bite/hold" on the 11ton behemoth, was improved!