5
Complete an action, based on the network type:
• In a NMEA 0183 system, connect the yellow wire
(Accessory On) to the power ground, and install a
switch (not included) between the yellow wire and the
power ground.
NOTICE
Turning off the switch prevents the device from draining
the battery when the engine is off.
• In a NMEA 2000 system, the device automatically powers
on and off with the system, and you do not need to
connect the yellow Accessory On wire.
Connecting a VHF Antenna
To transmit and receive AIS information, the AIS 800 must be
connected to external VHF antenna (not included). The device
has an internal antenna splitter that allows VHF and AIS to
share a single antenna.
1
Mount the VHF antenna (sold separately) according to the
installation instructions provided with the antenna.
NOTE:
You can purchase a VHF antenna extension cable.
Go to
or contact your Garmin dealer.
2
Connect the VHF antenna cable to the VHF ANT port on the
Garmin AIS 800 device.
NMEA 2000 Device Connections
NOTICE
If you are installing a NMEA 2000 power cable, you must
connect it to the boat ignition switch or through another in-line
switch. NMEA 2000 devices will drain your battery if the NMEA
2000 power cable is connected to the battery directly.
In a NMEA 2000 system, the device automatically powers on
and off with the system, and connecting the yellow Accessory
On wire is not necessary (
Connecting the Device to Power
).
If you are unfamiliar with NMEA 2000, you should read the
“NMEA 2000 Network Fundamentals” chapter of the
Technical
Reference for NMEA 2000 Products
. Go to
.
Item
Description
Compatible NMEA 2000 chartplotter or other device
Garmin AIS 800 device
Ignition or in-line switch
NMEA 2000 power cable
NMEA 2000 drop cable
12 Vdc power source
NMEA 2000 terminator or backbone cable
Item
Description
NMEA 2000 T-connector
NMEA 2000 terminator or backbone cable
NMEA 0183 Device Connections
This diagram illustrates two-way connections for both sending
and receiving data. You can also use this diagram for one-way
communication.
To receive information from a NMEA 0183 device, refer to items
and when connecting the Garmin device.
To transmit information to a NMEA 0183 device, refer to items
and when connecting the Garmin device.
For either NMEA 2000 or NMEA 0183 systems, refer to item
when making the basic power connections (
), (
Connecting the Device to Power
).
Item
Description
12 Vdc power source
Power/NMEA 0183 cable
Optional switch (not included)
1
Accessory On switch (not included)
2
Wire Garmin Wire Color
Garmin Wire Function
Red
Power
Yellow
Accessory On (NMEA 0183 systems)
Black
Power ground
Purple
RxA (+)
Gray
RxB (-)
Blue
TxA (+)
Brown
TxB (-)
Green
Silent mode (optional)
1
Status LEDs
LED
State
Description
VHF TX
Solid
A connected VHF radio is transmitting.
Error
Solid
The device has encountered a critical error.
You can connect the device to a computer, and
use the Garmin AIS 800 setup software to view
detailed information about the warning
condition.
SRM
Flashing Reserved for future use.
1
Connecting the green wire to the power ground with a switch (not included)
provides a toggle to temporarily revert to silent mode (receives only, does not
transmit).
2
In NMEA 0183 systems, use the switch to power off the device when the boat
engine is off, to avoid draining the battery.
3