4 Enter your ship name, call sign, dimensions, vessel type, and

MMSI number (Assigning an MMSI Number to the AIS 800,

AIS 800
page 1).
5 Select Save data to AIS 800.
INSTALLATION NOTE: The data is lost if the AIS 800 device is turned off.
You must select Save data to AIS 800 to permanently save
INSTRUCTIONS your data.
6 Select File > Exit.
Important Safety Information Assigning an MMSI Number to the AIS 800
1 Launch the AIS 800 setup software.
WARNING
2 In the Connection and Status window, select a COM port
See the Important Safety and Product Information guide in the from the drop-down list.
product box for product warnings and other important
information. 3 Select Connect.
4 In the Static Data window, enter your nine-digit MMSI
CAUTION number in the MMSI Number field.
Always wear safety goggles, ear protection, and a dust mask
NOTICE
when drilling, cutting, or sanding.
You cannot change the MMSI number after you assign the
NOTICE MMSI number to your boat. If you assign an incorrect MMSI
When drilling or cutting, always check what is on the opposite number, you must return the device to the manufacturer for a
side of the surface. factory reset.
5 Select Save data to AIS 800.
FCC Compliance
Tools Needed
NOTICE • Drill
In the USA, it is prohibited under FCC regulations to enter
• Drill bits appropriate for the surface and hardware
incorrect or improper data, and it is prohibited for any person
other than the manufacturer or the installing dealer to input • Phillips screwdriver
MMSI number. • Pencil
It is a violation of the rules of the FCC to input an MMSI number
that has not been properly assigned to the user, or to otherwise Mounting Considerations
input any inaccurate data in this device.
NOTICE
Assigning Data to the Device This device should be mounted in a location that is not exposed
You must program the AIS 800 device with a valid vessel MMSI to extreme temperatures or conditions. The temperature range
number before installing the device on your boat. The device for this device is listed in the product specifications. Extended
operates in silent mode without a valid MMSI number. In silent exposure to temperatures exceeding the specified temperature
mode, the device receives AIS signals, but does not transmit range, in storage or operating conditions, may cause device
position data. You can program the device to transmit static failure. Extreme-temperature-induced damage and related
vessel data including the vessel name, call sign, type, and consequences are not covered by the warranty.
dimensions, which can include the location of your boat's GPS
antenna. • You must mount the device in a location where it will not be
submerged.
Installing the AIS 800 Software on Your Computer
• You must mount the device in a location with adequate
1 Go to www.garmin.com/AIS800, select Software, and ventilation where it will not be exposed to extreme
download the .zip file to your computer.
temperatures.
2 Connect the included USB cable to your computer and the For optimal internal GPS reception:
USB port on the AIS 800 device.
• You should mount the device in a location where it is above
NOTE: While you program with the USB cable, you may
the water line when the ship is in the water.
need to disconnect all other cables from the AIS 800 device
to prevent a ground loop between the computer and your • You should mount the device as far as possible, at least
vessel power. 20 cm (7.9 in.), from cables, electronics, metal objects, and
other potential sources of GPS interference.
3 Double-click the .exe file, and follow the on-screen
instructions. • If you mount the device in a boat with a metal hull, you must
connect the device to an external GPS antenna (sold
Programming the AIS 800 separately).
Before the device can be used on a boat, it must be
• If possible, you should mount the device horizontally, with the
programmed with a unique MMSI number and with additional
face of the device pointing upward or vertically with the LEDs
vessel-specific static data. The MMSI number must be
facing upward. The GPS is most sensitive in these positions.
programmed by an authorized marine electronics dealer or
installer. VHF Antenna Mounting and EME Exposure
Before you can program the device, you must install the AIS 800
software on your computer (Installing the AIS 800 Software on WARNING
Your Computer, page 1). Radio operators with cardiac pacemakers, life-support
machines, or electrical medical equipment should not be
1 In the program, select the Static data tab. exposed to excessive radio-frequency (RF) fields, because the
2 In the Connection and Status window, select a COM port RF field may interfere with the function of their medical
from the drop-down list. equipment.
3 Select Connect.
June 2019
190-02422-91_0D
 CAUTION NMEA 2000 Device Connections
®

This device generates and radiates radio frequency (RF)

NOTICE
electromagnetic energy (EME). Failure to observe these
guidelines may expose people to RF radiation absorption If you are installing a NMEA 2000 power cable, you must
exceeding the maximum permissible exposure (MPE). connect it to the boat ignition switch or through another in-line
switch. NMEA 2000 devices will drain your battery if the NMEA
Garmin declares a MPE radius of 2.48 m (97.64 in.) for this
®
2000 power cable is connected to the battery directly.
system, which was determined using 5 W output to an omni-
directional, 6 dBi gain antenna. The antenna should be installed If you are unfamiliar with NMEA 2000, you should read the
to maintain a distance of 2.48 m (97.64 in.) between the antenna “NMEA 2000 Network Fundamentals” chapter of the Technical
and all people. Reference for NMEA 2000 Products. Go to www.garmin.com
/manuals.
Mounting the Device
NOTICE
If you are mounting the device in fiberglass, when drilling the
pilot holes, it is recommended to use a countersink bit to drill a
clearance counterbore through only the top gel-coat layer. This
will help to avoid cracking in the gel-coat layer when the screws
are tightened.
Before you mount the device, you must select a mounting
location and determine the mounting hardware needed for the
surface.
NOTE: Mounting hardware is included with the device, but it
may not be suitable for the mounting surface.
1 Place the device in the mounting location and mark the
location of the pilot holes.
2 Using a bit appropriate for the surface and the mounting
hardware, drill a pilot hole for one corner of the device. Item Description
3 Loosely fasten the device to the surface with one corner and Compatible NMEA 2000 chartplotter or other device
examine the other three pilot-hole marks. AIS 800 device
4 Mark new pilot-hole locations if necessary. Ignition or in-line switch
5 Remove the device from the mounting surface.
NMEA 2000 power cable
6 Drill the appropriate pilot holes for the other three marks.
NMEA 2000 drop cable
7 Secure the device to the mounting location.
12 Vdc power source
Connection Considerations NMEA 2000 terminator or backbone cable
Connecting the Wiring Harness to Power NMEA 2000 T-connector
1 Route the wiring harness to the power source and to the NMEA 2000 terminator or backbone cable
device.
2 Connect the red wire to the positive (+) battery terminal, and
connect the black wire to the negative (-) battery terminal. NMEA 0183 Device Connections
®

This diagram illustrates two-way connections for both sending

Connecting a VHF Antenna and receiving data. You can also use this diagram for one-way
1 Mount the VHF antenna (sold separately) according to the communication. To receive information from a NMEA 0183
installation instructions provided with the antenna. device, refer to items , , and when connecting the
NOTE: You can purchase a VHF extension cable. Go to Garmin device. To transmit information to a NMEA 0183 device,
buy.garmin.com or contact your Garmin dealer. refer to items and when connecting the Garmin device.
2 Connect the VHF antenna to the VHF ANT port on the AIS
800 device.
Connecting the Device to a Remote GPS Antenna
This device must receive GPS information for proper
functionality. The device includes an internal GPS antenna. If
your mounting location does not provide good GPS reception,
you can install a remote GPS antenna (not included) and
connect it to the device.
1 Follow the instructions provided with your external GPS
antenna to install it on your boat correctly.
2 Route the GPS antenna cable to the back of your device,
away from sources of electrical interference.
3 Connect the GPS antenna cable to the GPS ANT port on Item Description
your device. Power source
Power/NMEA 0183 cable
Silent-mode switch (optional, not included)

2
Wire Garmin Wire Color Garmin Wire Function Type PGN Description
Red Power 129795 AIS addressed binary
message
Yellow ACC on
129797 AIS binary broadcast
Black Power ground message
Purple RxA (+) 129798 AIS SAR aircraft
position report
Gray RxB (-)
129802 AIS safety related
Blue TxA (+) broadcast message
129809 AIS class B "CS" static
Brown TxB (-)
data report, part A
Green Silent-mode (receive only),optional 129810 AIS class B "CS" static
data report, part B

Appendix
Status LEDs
Specifications LED State Description
Dimensions (W x H x D) 175 x 142.3 x 54.5 mm (6.9 x 5.6 x VHF TX Solid A connected VHF radio is transmitting.
2.1 in.)
Error Solid The device has encountered a critical error.
Weight 414 g (0.9 lbs.) You can connect the device to a computer, and
Operating temperature From -15° to 55°C (from 5° to 131°F) use the AIS 800 setup software to view
range detailed information about the warning
condition.
Storage temperature range From -20° to 75°C (from -4° to 167°F)
SRM Flashing Reserved for future use.
Water rating IEC 605290 IPX71
Warning Solid The device detects a warning condition. You
Power input 12 to 24 Vdc, 2 A max. can connect the device to a computer, and use
Current draw 12 Vdc: less than 400 mA the AIS 800 setup software to view detailed
24 Vdc: less than 250 mA information about the warning condition.
Fuse 5 A, 125 V fast-acting RX Only Solid The device is in silent mode or not ready to
NMEA 2000 LEN 2 transmit.
Transmit power 5 W (1 W remote switchable by NOTE: The AIS 800 device does not transmit
authorities) without a GPS signal or an MMSI number,
when the AIS base station commands a quiet
Antenna port impedance 50 ohm time, or when the device encounters a critical
Wireless frequency/protocol 162 MHz @ 37 dBm nominal error.
Compass-safe distance 40 cm (15 3/4 in.) TX Flashing The device is sending an AIS message.
RX Flashing The device is receiving an AIS message.
NMEA 2000 PGN Information Power Solid The device is ready to transmit and receive.
Type PGN Description VHF TX, Solid When these four LEDs are illuminated, the
Error, device is connected only to a computer for
Receive 059392 ISO acknowledgment Warning, programming by a USB cable.
059904 ISO request and Power.
060928 ISO address claim
126208 NMEA: Command, NMEA 0183 Sentences Supported
request, acknowledge
group function Sentence Definition
126992 System time ACA AIS Regional Channel Assignment Message
Transmit 059392 ISO acknowledgment ALR Set alarm state
060928 ISO address claim GGA Glocal positioning system fix data
126208 NMEA: Command, RMC Recommended minimum specific GNSS data
request, acknowledge SSD AIS ship static data
group function TXT Text transmission, general purpose
126464 PGN list VDM AIS VHF data-link message
126996 Product information VDL AIS VHF data-link own-vessel report
129038 AIS class A position VER Version
report
VSD AIS voyage static data
129039 AIS class B position
report
129040 AIS class B extended
Testing for Interference from LED Lights
position report LED lighting from sources such as navigation lights,
searchlights, floodlights, interior and exterior lights, and
129041 AIS aids to navigation
(AtoN) report adornments can interfere with your AIS 800 device. Radio
interference can cause poor reception, jam radio signals, and
129794 AIS class A static and create a safety hazard in emergency situations. You should test
voyage related data
for LED interference before mounting the VHF antenna.

1 The device withstands incidental exposure to water of up to 1 m for up to 30 min. For more information, go to
www.garmin.com/waterrating.

3
 NOTICE
If your LED lights interfere with the AIS 800 device, you must
mount the VHF antenna farther away from the LED lights, or use
non-jamming lights.
1 Turn off all LED lights.
2 Turn on your chartplotter and AIS 800 device.
3 Observe the moving AIS targets on the chartplotter screen for
at least one minute.
4 Turn on all LED lights.
5 Observe the moving AIS targets on the chartplotter screen for
at least one minute.
If most of the moving AIS targets disappear from the screen,
the LED lights interfere with the AIS 800 device reception.
© 2018 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries
Garmin and the Garmin logo are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries,
®

registered in the USA and other countries. These trademarks may not be used without
the express permission of Garmin.
NMEA , NMEA 2000 , and the NMEA 2000 logo are registered trademarks of the
® ®

National Marine Electronics Association.

TA-2018/3459

support.garmin.com