I have read some very favourable reviews of these and might be buying one.
I tried the Quark one last year and was sufficiently disappointed request my money back. The AIS via wifi worked fine, but the claimed NMEA 0183 mux feature did not. So I paid twice the price of the dAISY for not much extra benefit. A number of buyers posting on Quark's own forum had similar issues.
Cheers, Graeme
I have the Daisy (non NMEA version), and used it for my recent foray to QLD and back. It hooks in perfectly to Memory map (although you will need to upgrade to the Pro version), but I have also tested it into a Raspberry PI as well.
I have 2 VHF antennas, 1 as a spare so I fitted a VHF splitter (Jaycar) on the spare, using 1 output for the Daisy and the other for the AM/FM. Leaves the standard VHF antenna alone.
Uses bugger all power, I just ran it off the USB on my laptop.
I have the Daisy (non NMEA version), and used it for my recent foray to QLD and back. It hooks in perfectly to Memory map (although you will need to upgrade to the Pro version), but I have also tested it into a Raspberry PI as well.
I have 2 VHF antennas, 1 as a spare so I fitted a VHF splitter (Jaycar) on the spare, using 1 output for the Daisy and the other for the AM/FM. Leaves the standard VHF antenna alone.
Uses bugger all power, I just ran it off the USB on my laptop.
A bit off-topic, but I note you mention using a Raspberry PI. I've just acquired one (not for boating use) so I am wondering how you use the PI on your boat - do you run Memory Map with it, or something else?
I originally brought the PI to play with at home. By default it was setup as an entertainment device. Testing the Daisy with the PI consisted of plugging in the Daisy and outputting the data stream to the screen using Python.
Currently I have Memory map (with a puck style USB GPS device) loaded on a netpad running XP or luggable Win7 laptop (with a copy of all my work) that I take with me on trips.
I had thoughts about putting the PI on the boat to replace the windows boxes, but it looked like being a hassle to get maps etc. So I am now thinking about using a Kangaroo mini PC or similar running windows so I can still use memory map and the existing AIS setup. Nothing concrete yet. I also need to think about integrating any instruments when I get some.
You can have it with or with NMEA output
I bought one of these, with the NMEA output, after reading this thread.
I have it wired to my Raymarine MFD plotter & it works great - couldn't be happier :)
Search for "OpenPlotter". It will run OpenCpn plus a whole lot of good stuff on a Raspberry Pi 3.
Mike
Search for "OpenPlotter". It will run OpenCpn plus a whole lot of good stuff on a Raspberry Pi 3.
Mike
I have a Raspberry Pi3 running the latest beta OpenPlotter & OpenCPN with all the good gear hooked up to sensors for water temps, fridge temps, float & PIR switches, cameras, roll & pitch etc etc. This runs 24/7 & sends me messages if there is water in the bilge or the fridge gets above a certain temp etc. Just keeps getting better.
I got rid of the laptop & now have a Win 10 Intel Axiom Mini PC (12v) with a roof mount flip down monitor which has Memory Maps & heaps of other boating apps as well as all the Google stuff.
Search for "OpenPlotter". It will run OpenCpn plus a whole lot of good stuff on a Raspberry Pi 3.
Mike
I have a Raspberry Pi3 running the latest beta OpenPlotter & OpenCPN with all the good gear hooked up to sensors for water temps, fridge temps, float & PIR switches, cameras, roll & pitch etc etc. This runs 24/7 & sends me messages if there is water in the bilge or the fridge gets above a certain temp etc. Just keeps getting better.
I got rid of the laptop & now have a Win 10 Intel Axiom Mini PC (12v) with a roof mount flip down monitor which has Memory Maps & heaps of other boating apps as well as all the Google stuff.
Excellent, thanks for that. Just one question, how do you stop the equipment on the nav table flying about the cabin?
Excellent, thanks for that. Just one question, how do you stop the equipment on the nav table flying about the cabin?
Double sided tape is a great invention!!
The laptop is no longer there, replaced by a mini PC screwed to the wall, the mouse has a "spot" & anything else is held in by the fiddle on the edge.
Hi all
Very interested in getting one of these but (excuse the technical ignorance) how do I get the Daisy with NMEA 0183 to connect/talk to my Raymarine ES127 with SeaTalk NG?
Apologies if this is a simple question...
Gos
Hi all
Very interested in getting one of these but (excuse the technical ignorance) how do I get the Daisy with NMEA 0183 to connect/talk to my Raymarine ES127 with SeaTalk NG?
Apologies if this is a simple question...
Gos
You have NMEA0183 Input & Output connections to your ES127. [Jeez would I like one of those!!!].
You only need the 2 input wires into your MFD from the Daisy + a power supply
You don't use SeaTalkNG for this.
All the info is in your manual or have a look on pp 40 here: raymarine.app.box.com/s/pqt5r5bu3b0jfzesld6glbzk9sk92enx/file/30601610563
You are best off using the inputs 5 & 6 (the Orange / White & the Orange / green wires coming out of your MFD)
Make sure you set the baud rate to 38400 in your setting in your MFD.
Cheers,
Larry
Hi all
Very interested in getting one of these but (excuse the technical ignorance) how do I get the Daisy with NMEA 0183 to connect/talk to my Raymarine ES127 with SeaTalk NG?
Apologies if this is a simple question...
Gos
You have NMEA0183 Input & Output connections to your ES127. [Jeez would I like one of those!!!].
You only need the 2 input wires into your MFD from the Daisy + a power supply
You don't use SeaTalkNG for this.
All the info is in your manual or have a look on pp 40 here: raymarine.app.box.com/s/pqt5r5bu3b0jfzesld6glbzk9sk92enx/file/30601610563
You are best off using the inputs 5 & 6 (the Orange / White & the Orange / green wires coming out of your MFD)
Make sure you set the baud rate to 38400 in your setting in your MFD.
Cheers,
Larry
Hi Lazzz
Thanks mate for the detailed reply! Yes i probably should go to the manual more often lol Sounds like it should be easy enough so AIS here I come.
Cheers
Gos
Total novice at this stuff, forgive my ignorance. But f I want to have AIS and plotters in the future, what do I need to install on the masthead while its down?
I just have an old VHF antenna at the moment. Was going to replace it with a new basic one but what do I really need for the modern era?
Total novice at this stuff, forgive my ignorance. But f I want to have AIS and plotters in the future, what do I need to install on the masthead while its down?
I just have an old VHF antenna at the moment. Was going to replace it with a new basic one but what do I really need for the modern era?
Replace the masthead one with a good one and use the old one on the stern for the AIS.
Total novice at this stuff, forgive my ignorance. But f I want to have AIS and plotters in the future, what do I need to install on the masthead while its down?
I just have an old VHF antenna at the moment. Was going to replace it with a new basic one but what do I really need for the modern era?
A normal VHF antenna on the masthead can be used for both VHF radio and AIS, you just add in a splitter at the radio/AIS unit end. AIS/VHF antenna atop the mast will give best range.
Down below we carry a spare VHF antenna with rail mount and cable ready to go, that can be used if the rig came down.
Using a splitter can cause problems with VHF reception/broadcasting and as the splitter cost [$300] much more than a dedicated AIS antenna its better to go to the dedicated AIS antenna.
Try GME AW364A at whitworths 69901N Pp30. $40
I have one of these mounted on my solar panel frame at 3m above water and I have had no problems and in fact have seen ships on my plotter that were over the horizon.
Using a splitter can cause problems with VHF reception/broadcasting and as the splitter cost [$300] much more than a dedicated AIS antenna its better to go to the dedicated AIS antenna.
Try GME AW364A at whitworths 69901N Pp30. $40
I have one of these mounted on my solar panel frame at 3m above water and I have had no problems and in fact have seen ships on my plotter that were over the horizon.
Yes having the antenna high will just get more contacts further away. Far enough away that they will not effect you. The problem eventually will be a congested screen in areas where AIS has become compulsory.
Using a splitter can cause problems with VHF reception/broadcasting and as the splitter cost [$300]
Yes not particularly cheap, but I have no issues with reception or broadcasting with my VHF using a splitter.
Right, I see the AIS antenna doesnt need to be high but for VHF I should still get a new one for the mast right? I am thinking this one:
www.whitworths.com.au/gme-ae31-vhf-masthead-antenna
Then i can use the old one off the transom for AIS when the time comes.
Further.... a plotter will need GPS right, but the GPS antenna doesnt need to be up top? It can be on top of the cabin?
Right, I see the AIS antenna doesnt need to be high but for VHF I should still get a new one for the mast right? I am thinking this one:
www.whitworths.com.au/gme-ae31-vhf-masthead-antenna
Then i can use the old one off the transom for AIS when the time comes.
Further.... a plotter will need GPS right, but the GPS antenna doesnt need to be up top? It can be on top of the cabin?
Metal masthead antenna is ideal. VHF is line of sight so masthead will give the best range. GPS antenna needs to be low as practical and as stable a position that's possible for accuracy. Pushpit, cabin top etc. I use a GPS puck on a galvanized washer near the nav table under the side deck.
no such thing a cheap AIS what's you life worth....... if you are after a cheap one then don't bother buying one at all and don't sail out of the sight of land.
I have a Vesper XB8000 with their supplied splitter, I'm still using the original aerial, my kit came with a supposedly special aerial. Anyway I have not noticed any degradation of VHF reception, I can hear Newcastle from the Port Hacking some days. Running past Botany Bay heads, it is nice to know the commercial vessels can see you, even in bad viz days with no wind and you chugging along at 5 knots and the big boys doing maybe 18!
just saying
no such thing a cheap AIS what's you life worth....... if you are after a cheap one then don't bother buying one at all and don't sail out of the sight of land.
Eh? People sailed the oceans for eons without them, and we survived.
Personally I'm still happy without one as I prefer to keep a lookout anyway. Containers, logs, fish traps and dark clouds don't carry AIS. I don't think I've ever actually had to alter course for a ship more than a couple of in 10,000 miles + of offshore sailing anyway, and we had those well and truly under visual monitoring for a long time before that.
Our chances of dying when doing an offshore passage appear to be practically identical to our chances of dying at home. The greatest risk to most sailors is the usual things like heart disease and dementia.... one wonders whether you're actually more at risk by stressing your heart about getting run over by a tanker than by it actually happening.