Overview

The Garmin 010-02087-00 is an AIS 800 black box transceiver that receives AIS targets and broadcasts your vessel data so other boats can see you on their AIS and chartplotter screens. It transmits at 5 W (Class B, SOTDMA) and runs on 12 to 24 Vdc (2 A max) with a 5 A fast-acting fuse.

It includes an internal GPS antenna and a built-in VHF antenna splitter, so one VHF antenna can be shared between AIS and a connected VHF radio. The housing measures 175 x 142.3 x 54.5 mm (6.9 x 5.6 x 2.1 in.) and weighs 414 g (0.9 lb), which makes it easier to tuck behind a helm, under a nav station, or in an electronics locker where it stays dry and has ventilation.

The unit is rated IPX7 and has a compass-safe distance of 40 cm (15 3/4 in.). Operating temperature range is -15 to 55 C (5 to 131 F).

Key features

• Class B SOTDMA AIS transceiver with 5 W transmit power (can be reduced to 1 W when commanded by authorities)
• 12 to 24 Vdc input (2 A max); current draw is less than 400 mA at 12 Vdc and less than 250 mA at 24 Vdc
• Built-in GPS with a dedicated port for an optional external GPS antenna when reception is limited
• Internal VHF antenna splitter to share a single antenna between AIS and a connected VHF radio
• NMEA 2000 connectivity (LEN 2) plus NMEA 0183 wiring for integration with a wide range of displays and instruments
• USB connection for programming and setup from a computer
• Optional silent mode input supports a switch to stop transmitting while still receiving AIS data

Installation and setup

Mount the unit where it will not be submerged and where air can circulate around it. Keep it away from heat sources and extreme compartments; the operating range is -15 to 55 C. For compass accuracy, maintain at least 40 cm of separation from a magnetic compass.

Before it can transmit, the AIS 800 must be programmed with your vessel MMSI and static data. Once an MMSI is assigned, it cannot be changed without a factory reset. If you want a dedicated silent mode switch at the helm, the unit supports a simple toggle input (switch not included).

Antenna, GPS, and placement notes

A VHF or AIS antenna is required. For best AIS performance, use an AIS antenna or a VHF antenna tuned for AIS frequencies with VSWR 2:1 or less at 162 MHz. When the VHF radio is transmitting through the shared antenna, AIS reception pauses during that transmit time, which is normal behavior for a shared-antenna setup.

The internal GPS works best when the unit is mounted above the waterline and spaced at least 20 cm (7.9 in.) from cables, metal objects, and other electronics. In metal-hulled boats, plan on using an external GPS antenna connected to the GPS antenna port.

For RF exposure considerations, install the antenna so people can remain at least 2.48 m (97.64 in.) from it during transmission when using an omni-directional 6 dBi antenna.

System integration and compatibility

Use NMEA 2000 to share AIS targets and vessel information with compatible chartplotters and displays over the backbone. The AIS 800 also supports NMEA 0183 connections for installations that use legacy wiring. In a NMEA 2000 network, the unit can follow the network power behavior, while the main power connection is still required at the device.

Use on board

This is a good match for boats that run in shipping lanes, coastal traffic, or busy fishing grounds and want AIS visibility on their navigation display without adding another screen at the helm. It also fits refits where you want AIS transmit and receive, a built-in GPS, and an antenna-sharing path to an existing VHF radio.