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Installation instructions for Brookhouse NMEA multiplexer model AISC

General

This addendum describes connections and features of multiplexer model AISC where they are

different from the standard Brookhouse NMEA 0183 multiplexer. Please use the comprehensive

manual for the standard model for descriptions of general subjects such as the setup procedure,

USB connections, the optional LCD, backup switching etc.

Model AISC is specifically aimed at connection of an AIS receiver and other NMEA talkers to

Raymarine chart plotters, but there are many other uses as well. In this quick installation guide,

connection to a C- or E-series chart plotter is assumed. For use whith other than Raymarine C/E

series chart plotters, ignore the colour-coding on the front-label of the multiplexer and substitute

“chart plotter” for “C-series” or “C/E”.

For C-series AIS support a software upgrade is available from Raymarine. The baudrate of the

NMEA port of the chart plotter has to be set to 38400 (AIS).

For the connection of the C-series display to the Brookhouse multiplexer a cable with a special 5-

pin connector is required, Raymarine product code R08004.

Brookhouse NMEA multiplexer model AISC is supplied pre-configured, i.e. it is not necessary to

execute the setup procedure, unless one or more of the extra features are required, such as

filtering or conversion of NMEA sentences or a different baudrate conversion option is required.

We recommend to install the multiplexer first without setup to check if all functions are working.

The setup procedure is described elsewhere in this installation instruction.

Connections

Make sure that the wires are inserted in the correct screw terminals that correspond with the

descriptions on the front label of the multiplexer. A mistake can easily be made if looking at the

connector and label from an angle. Count the terminal screws and corresponding descriptions

from the end of the connector if in doubt.

Power supply: 9-35V. For practical reasons, power may be obtained from the Raymarine

Seatalk connector. If the Seatalk option has not been installed in the mux, do not connect the

Seatalk signal wire, just power (red +, black -). Also see Seatalk below.

AIS receiver or transponder:

Signal wire +  NMEA CH4 IN A (e.g. for SR161 or NASA AIS receiver to pin 2 of 9-pin

D-sub)

Signal return -  NMEA CH4 IN B (e.g. for SR161 or NASA AIS engine pin 5 of 9-pin D-

sub connector)

The number of AIS receivers and transponders used with Brookhouse multiplexers is steadily

growing. Unfortunately the output signal characteristics of the various models differ significantly.

The multiplexer’s NMEA input for AIS is, like the other NMEA inputs, opto-isolated. Opto-couplers

used at the high bit-rate of 38400 bps require an input signal strength that falls in a narrower

range than e.g. a computer serial port. To cater for the various AIS receiver and transponder

models that are on the market today, the AIS input port of Brookhouse multiplexer AIS models

can be configured as follows to allow different signal strengths and signal characteristics.

Under the large green main multiplexer connector an insulated white wire can be found. This wire

is external, the mux enclosure does not need to be opened! The white wire can be used to adapt

the input resistance of the AIS input port for certain AIS receivers and transponders. If this

applies, remove the heatshrink insulation and combine the wire with the AIS output signal wire in

NMEA IN 4 A of the multiplexer.

1 2 3 4 5 6

Summary of Contents

Page 1 - Connections

Installation instructions for Brookhouse NMEA multiplexer model AISC General This addendum describes connections and features of multiplexer model AI

Page 2

This adaption is not necessary for the popular Smart Radio AIS receivers such as the SR161. For Nasa AIS receivers the white wire is required. For

Page 3 - Baudrate Conversion options

Note: This is the standard wiring method. The baudrate of the NMEA output from the C- or E-series is converted by the mux from 38400 to 4800 bps, allo

Page 4

with AIS data automatically filtered out. This option is very useful in the following situation: If an auto pilot is connected to the 4800bps mux outp

Page 5 - Backup GPS

Computer serial port pin 3  “Yellow C-series NMEA OUT” Computer serial port pin 2  TxD Computer serial port pin 5  “Brown C-series NMEA Out

Page 6 - Compact LCD

NMEA, e.g. to 2.1, which is required by some auto pilots. The NMEA format can also be made compatible with some older repeaters and other instruments.