Can AIS data be... re-used...

[Mitchell31]

Hi Futuno-eksperts...

I have a vx2 and a fap-50, and it works. The previous owner of my boat also installed a Lowrance Elite ti7 sounder/fishfinder.

As I find the AIS icons hard to see on the vx2 screen, I wonder if the AIS-data can be distributed to both units? If so, what do I need to do?

Thanks in advance for any tips.

 

[Johnny Electron]

The Vx2 is best connected to the FA50 AIS by Ethernet. If the other unit will accept AIS via 0183 it would be a simple wiring using the 0183 data provided by the FA50 on the power/data cable. If the other unit is NMEA 2000, you will need an 0183 to NMEA 2000 converter like the Furuno IF-NMEA2k2.

 

[Mitchell31]

Thanks, Johnny. -Just to be sure: is there additional wires inside the power cable TO the fa-50? That are carrying 0183 data (the Lowrance unit accept 0183)? So a simple soldering task, provided I find out which wires to match...?

 

[Johnny Electron]

Yes, the FA50 power cord also has NMEA 0183 wires for AIS output. (white + and blue -)
You will find the full detailed wiring shown on page S-1 of the manual. Yes, it is a basic soldering job in your case.