AIS Install on Garmin 4010

[Tim & Dave Kinghorn]

We connected a Comair AIS Multi unit to our Garmin 4010 GPS. The multi unit receives two channels and has a built-in antenna splitter (with amplifier). The VHF antenna goes into the AIS and out to the VHF radio.
It does not transmit our position.

The connection to the Garmin is through the NMEA 0183 cable. For the 4010, this provides four input signals and two outputs. Each of the pairs are twisted and color coded (see page 16 installation manual not the Owner's Manual). White = + and Orange/White =-. We connected the + and - from the AIS to the + and - (A and B) for port 1 of the four input ports. We powered the AIS with its own power through a fuse and a toggle switch.

However, to get the data displayed on the GPS, you have to configure the GPS to accept the data. See the Owner's Manual p. 30. Go to the Garmin Web Site to get or view a copy.

l. From home go to configure go to communications go to NMEA 0183 setup.

2. Select Port type (input). Go to input 1 (there are four inputs). Select the high speed setting. The normal setting is too slow for the AIS input.

3. From Home go to configure go to other boats (vessels).

4. Turn AIS on to allow the GPS to display the data. Power the AIS receiver.

To view information about the boats your unit is monitoring, select information from the home screen go to other boats (p.26 owner's manual). Select AIS Lists to see the MMSIs of boats or names.

It goes together easily, but the manuals assume the steps they list are easy to follow, but it can be off-putting when they start talking about output sentences, etc. However, it did go together easily, and it works!

Tim & Dave Kinghorn