[RichH]

I would like to connect my new AIS (Smart Radio SR161) receiver to my mac (running MacENC).

Question1?? The AIS output is 9 pin (4 + 5) serial port. The Keyspan input is 8 pin Mini-D connection. Mac stores/shops no longer offer the 9 pin serial to mini-DIN8 adapters.
Can I just 'solder'-up from a standard 9 pin serial cable, splice in an 8 Pin Mini-DIN? ... and I suppose just leave the ground wire 'float'?

Question2?? Have been using successfully a Keyspan 2 port serial to USB adapter .... Is this going to work with both GPS *and* AIS input?

[GPSNavX]

Another option is to use a Keyspan Highspeed Serial Adapter and then run the GPS receiver through the SR-161 AIS receiver (See Milltech Product page). That way you will only use one USB and Serial port connection.

If you do use the above connection, then just set the GPS panel Settings drawer Port to KeySerial1, Rate 38400. Set the AIS panel Settings drawer to "Use GPS Port".

[RichH]

Thanks for the info.

But what you recommend seems to involve even more 'adapters'.
I guess what I really dont want is to have an octopus of several pounds of wires and adapters 'hanging' and coiled all over a nav. table/station.
Would not the keyspan 4-port adapter http://www.keyspan.com/products/usa49wg/ be the 'simplest' plug and play device (notwithstanding the price)?

Thanks.

[GPSNavX]

Yes the 4 port Keyspan adapter will work just fine. You will select the GPS and AIS receiver ports in the GPS panel and AIS panel Settings drawers respectively. Rate 4800 and 38400.

Another option would be a ShipModul Miniplex lite which supports connection of up to 3 NMEA inputs including an AIS receiver.