but does not transmit, vessel data) by means of a toggle switch

(not included) (Connecting the Device to Power, page 2).

GARMIN AIS™ 800 Installing the Garmin AIS 800 Software on Your Computer
1 Go to garmin.com/AIS800, select Software, and download
INSTALLATION the .zip file to your computer.
2 Connect the included USB cable to your computer and the
INSTRUCTIONS USB port on the Garmin AIS 800 device.
NOTE: While you program with the USB cable, you may
Important Safety Information need to disconnect all other cables from the Garmin AIS 800
device to prevent a ground loop between the computer and
WARNING your vessel power.
See the Important Safety and Product Information guide in the 3 Double-click the .exe file, and follow the on-screen
product box for product warnings and other important instructions.
information. Programming the Garmin AIS 800
CAUTION Before the device can be used on a boat, it must be
programmed with a unique MMSI number and with additional
To avoid possible personal injury, always wear safety goggles, vessel-specific static data. The MMSI number must be
ear protection, and a dust mask when drilling, cutting, or programmed by an authorized marine electronics dealer or
sanding. installer.
To avoid possible personal injury or damage to the device and Before you can program the device, you must install the Garmin
vessel, disconnect the vessel's power supply before beginning AIS 800 software on your computer (Installing the Garmin AIS
to install the device. 800 Software on Your Computer, page 1).
To avoid possible personal injury or damage to this device and
1 In the program, select the Static data tab.
vessel, only install this device when the vessel is on land, or
when properly secured and docked in calm water conditions. 2 In the Connection and Status window, select a COM port
from the drop-down list.
NOTICE 3 Select Connect.
When drilling or cutting, always check what is on the opposite 4 Enter your ship name, call sign, dimensions, vessel type, and
side of the surface to avoid damaging the vessel. MMSI number (Assigning an MMSI Number to the Garmin
AIS 800, page 1).
FCC Compliance
5 Select Save data to AIS 800.
NOTICE NOTE: The data is lost if the Garmin AIS 800 device is
In the USA, it is prohibited under FCC regulations to enter turned off. You must select Save data to AIS 800 to
incorrect or improper data, and it is prohibited for any person permanently save your data.
other than the manufacturer or the installing dealer to input an
MMSI number. 6 Select File > Exit.
It is a violation of the rules of the FCC to input an MMSI number Assigning an MMSI Number to the Garmin AIS 800
that has not been properly assigned to the user, or to otherwise 1 Launch the Garmin AIS 800 setup software.
input any inaccurate data in this device. 2 In the Connection and Status window, select a COM port
from the drop-down list.
Assigning Data to the Device
3 Select Connect.
WARNING 4 In the Static Data window, enter your nine-digit MMSI
When programmed with a valid MMSI number, this device number in the MMSI Number field.
allows you to transmit AIS signals with vessel position data. This
device is meant to enhance situational awareness and may not NOTICE
prevent vessel collisions in all circumstances. It is your You cannot change the MMSI number after you assign the
obligation to be aware of your surroundings and to ensure safe MMSI number to your boat. If you assign an incorrect MMSI
operation of the vessel. number, you must return the device to the manufacturer for a
factory reset.
CAUTION
5 Select Save data to AIS 800.
You must program the Garmin AIS 800 device with a valid
vessel MMSI number before installing the device on your boat. Tools Needed
By default, the device operates in silent mode until you program • Drill
the device with a valid vessel MMSI number. In silent mode, the • Drill bits appropriate for the surface and hardware
device receives, but does not transmit, AIS signals with position
data. You can program the device to transmit static vessel data • Phillips screwdriver
including the vessel name, call sign, type, and dimensions, • Pencil
including the location of the vessel's GPS antenna.
You can program the device to transmit vessel position data and
Mounting Considerations
static vessel data including the vessel name, call sign, type, NOTICE
dimensions, and the location of the vessel's GPS antenna. It is This device should be mounted in a location that is not exposed
also possible to temporarily revert to silent mode (only receives, to extreme temperatures or conditions. The temperature range
for this device is listed in the product specifications. Extended
TA-2018/3459

March 2021 GUID-61A42529-ECEC-4B79-9F77-A5D87D90A579 v5

exposure to temperatures exceeding the specified temperature Connection Considerations
range, in storage or operating conditions, may cause device
failure. Extreme-temperature-induced damage and related Device Ports
consequences are not covered by the warranty.
• You must mount the device in a location where it will not be
submerged.
• You must mount the device in a location with adequate
ventilation where it will not be exposed to extreme
temperatures.
For optimal internal GPS reception:
• You should mount the device in a location where it is above
the water line when the ship is in the water.
• You should mount the device as far as possible, at least
20 cm (7.9 in.), from cables, electronics, metal objects, and
other potential sources of GPS interference. Item Description
• If you mount the device in a boat with a metal hull, you must USB to connect a computer to program the device
connect the device to an external GPS antenna (sold NMEA 2000
®

separately).
Power and NMEA 0183
®

• If possible, you should mount the device horizontally, with the

face of the device pointing upward or vertically with the LEDs VHF antenna (not included, but required)
facing upward. The GPS is most sensitive in these positions. VHF radio (optional)
VHF Antenna Mounting and EME Exposure External GPS antenna (optional)
WARNING
Radio operators with cardiac pacemakers, life-support Connecting the Device to Power
machines, or electrical medical equipment should not be
exposed to excessive radio-frequency (RF) fields, because the WARNING
RF field may interfere with the function of their medical When programmed with a valid MMSI number, this device
equipment. allows you to transmit AIS signals with vessel position data. This
device is meant to enhance situational awareness and may not
CAUTION prevent vessel collisions in all circumstances. It is your
This device generates and radiates radio frequency (RF) obligation to be aware of your surroundings and to ensure safe
electromagnetic energy (EME). Failure to observe these operation of the vessel.
guidelines may expose people to RF radiation absorption
exceeding the maximum permissible exposure (MPE). CAUTION
After installing the device and programming a valid vessel MMSI
Garmin declares an MPE radius of 2.48 m (97.64 in.) for this
®
number, you can temporarily revert to the default silent mode
system, which was determined using 5 W output to an omni- (only receives, does not transmit) using a toggle switch (not
directional, 6 dBi gain antenna. The antenna should be installed included) (Connecting the Device to Power, page 2). While
to maintain a distance of 2.48 m (97.64 in.) between the antenna operating in silent mode, the device does not transmit AIS
and all people. signals.
Mounting the Device Four wires (red, black, green, and yellow) provide the basic
power connection.
NOTICE
If you are mounting the device in fiberglass, when drilling the 1 Route the wiring harness from the device POWER (and
pilot holes, use a countersink bit to drill a clearance counterbore NMEA 0183) port to the battery .
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.
3 Loosely fasten the device to the surface with one corner and 2 Connect the red wire to the positive (+) battery terminal.
examine the other three pilot-hole marks. 3 Connect the black wire to the power ground on the
4 Mark new pilot-hole locations if necessary. negative (-) battery terminal.
5 Remove the device from the mounting surface. 4 Connect the green wire to the power ground with a switch
(not included) between the green wire and power ground, to
6 Drill the appropriate pilot holes for the other three marks. provide a toggle , switch to revert to the default silent
7 Secure the device to the mounting location. mode (optional).

2
5 Complete an action, based on the network type: Item Description
• In a NMEA 0183 system, connect the yellow wire NMEA 2000 T-connector
(Accessory On) to the power ground, and install a
NMEA 2000 terminator or backbone cable
switch (not included) between the yellow wire and the
power ground.
NOTICE NMEA 0183 Device Connections
Turning off the switch prevents the device from draining This diagram illustrates two-way connections for both sending
the battery when the engine is off. and receiving data. You can also use this diagram for one-way
communication.
• In a NMEA 2000 system, the device automatically powers
on and off with the system, and you do not need to To receive information from a NMEA 0183 device, refer to items
connect the yellow Accessory On wire. and when connecting the Garmin device.
To transmit information to a NMEA 0183 device, refer to items
Connecting a VHF Antenna and when connecting the Garmin device.
To transmit and receive AIS information, the AIS 800 must be For either NMEA 2000 or NMEA 0183 systems, refer to item
connected to external VHF antenna (not included). The device when making the basic power connections (Assigning Data to
has an internal antenna splitter that allows VHF and AIS to the Device, page 1), (Connecting the Device to Power, page 2).
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 buy.garmin.com 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
Item Description
and off with the system, and connecting the yellow Accessory
On wire is not necessary (Connecting the Device to Power, 12 Vdc power source
page 2). Power/NMEA 0183 cable
If you are unfamiliar with NMEA 2000, you should read the Optional switch (not included)1
“NMEA 2000 Network Fundamentals” chapter of the Technical
Accessory On switch (not included)2
Reference for NMEA 2000 Products. Go to garmin.com/manuals
/nmea_2000.
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.
Item Description
Error Solid The device has encountered a critical error.
Compatible NMEA 2000 chartplotter or other device You can connect the device to a computer, and
Garmin AIS 800 device use the Garmin AIS 800 setup software to view
detailed information about the warning
Ignition or in-line switch condition.
NMEA 2000 power cable SRM Flashing Reserved for future use.

NMEA 2000 drop cable

1 Connecting the green wire to the power ground with a switch (not included)
12 Vdc power source
provides a toggle to temporarily revert to silent mode (receives only, does not
NMEA 2000 terminator or backbone cable 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
LED State Description PGN Description
Warning Solid The device detects a warning condition. You 126996 Product information
can connect the device to a computer, and use 126998 Configuration information
the Garmin AIS 800 setup software to view
detailed information about the warning 129038 AIS class A position report
condition. 129039 AIS class B position report
RX Only Solid The device is in silent mode or not ready to 129040 AIS class B extended position report
transmit.
129041 AIS aids to navigation (AtoN) report
NOTE: The Garmin AIS 800 device does not
129794 AIS class A static and voyage related data
transmit without a GPS signal or an MMSI
number, when the AIS base station commands 129795 AIS addressed binary message
a quiet time, or when the device encounters a 129797 AIS binary broadcast message
critical error.
129798 AIS SAR aircraft position report
TX Flashing The device is sending an AIS message.
129802 AIS safety related broadcast message
RX Flashing The device is receiving an AIS message.
129809 AIS class B "CS" static data report, part A
Power Solid The device is ready to transmit and receive.
129810 AIS class B "CS" static data report, part B
VHF TX, Solid When these four LEDs are illuminated, the
Error, device is connected only to a computer for Receive
Warning, programming by a USB cable.
and Power. PGN Description
059392 ISO acknowledgment
Connecting the Device to a Remote GPS Antenna 059904 ISO request
This device must receive GPS information for proper 060928 ISO address claim
functionality. The device includes an internal GPS antenna. If 126208 NMEA: Command, request, acknowledge group function
your mounting location does not provide good GPS reception,
you can install a remote GPS antenna (not included) and 126992 System time
connect it to the device.
1 Follow the instructions provided with your external GPS NMEA 0183 Sentences Supported
antenna to install it on your boat correctly. Sentence Definition
2 Route the GPS antenna cable to the back of your device, ACA AIS Regional Channel Assignment Message
away from sources of electrical interference. ALR Set alarm state
3 Connect the GPS antenna cable to the GPS ANT port on GGA Global positioning system fix data
your device. RMC Recommended minimum specific GNSS data
SSD AIS ship static data
Appendix TXT Text transmission, general purpose
Specifications VDM AIS VHF data-link message
Dimensions (W x H x D) 175 x 142.3 x 54.5 mm (6.9 x 5.6 x VDL AIS VHF data-link own-vessel report
2.1 in.) VER Version
Weight 414 g (0.9 lbs.) VSD AIS voyage static data
Operating temperature range From -15° to 55°C (from 5° to 131°F)
Storage temperature range From -20° to 75°C (from -4° to 167°F) Testing for Interference from LED Lights
Water rating IEC 605290 IPX71 LED lighting from sources such as navigation lights,
Power input 12 to 24 Vdc, 2 A max. searchlights, floodlights, interior and exterior lights, and
adornments can interfere with your Garmin AIS 800 device.
Current draw 12 Vdc: less than 400 mA
Radio interference can cause poor reception, jam radio signals,
24 Vdc: less than 250 mA
and create a safety hazard in emergency situations. You should
Fuse 5 A, 125 V fast-acting test for LED interference before mounting the VHF antenna.
NMEA 2000 LEN @ 9 Vdc 2
NOTICE
Transmit power 5 W Class B, SOTDMA (1 W remote
switchable by authorities) If your LED lights interfere with the Garmin AIS 800 device, you
must mount the VHF antenna farther away from the LED lights,
Antenna port impedance 50 ohm
or use non-jamming lights.
Wireless frequency/protocol 162 MHz @ 38 dBm maximum
Compass-safe distance 40 cm (15 3/4 in.) 1 Turn off all LED lights.
2 Turn on your chartplotter and Garmin AIS 800 device.
NMEA 2000 PGN Information 3 Observe the moving AIS targets on the chartplotter screen for
Transmit at least one minute.
PGN Description 4 Turn on all LED lights.
059392 ISO acknowledgment 5 Observe the moving AIS targets on the chartplotter screen for
at least one minute.
060928 ISO address claim
If most of the moving AIS targets disappear from the screen,
126208 NMEA: Command, request, acknowledge group function
the LED lights interfere with the Garmin AIS 800 device
126464 PGN list reception.
126993 Heartbeat
© 2018 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries

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.

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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.

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© 2018 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries support.garmin.com