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If you encounter an issue with AIS showing on your display (navigation software or chart Plotter) then you should follow this procedure.   1 – Issue with a Chart Plotter/VHF Radio If you cannot display AIS targets on your Chart Plotter or VHF radio, then follow this: If you have connected your AIS to your Chart Plotter/VHF Radio via NMEA 0183 wires, then you must make sure that you have used the NMEA 0183 38400 baud wires (Orange + & Brown – for Digital Yacht AIS Transponders). The second step is to check your Chart Plotter / VHF Radio settings. The best solution here isRead More →

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AIS Transmission/Reception depends on the AIS Class A Class B AIS transponder transmit at 2 watts whereas a Class A Transponder at 12.5 watts. The Class B+ SOTDMA transponder transmits at 5 watts. This difference in power has a huge impact on the transmission range of each transponder.   For a Class B AIS transponder, the transmission range is usually 5 to 7 miles in perfect conditions. This means using a good VHF antenna, placed as high as possible and clear of other antennas. The cables and connectors must also be in good conditions. For a Class B+ 5W SOTDMA, it typically transmits at upRead More →

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One of the most common questions we are asked by our AIS customers, is “what antenna should I use for my AIS ?”, so we thought we would post a short article to provide an answer on VHF Antenna Options for AIS. Basically there are two VHF antenna options for AIS; fit a second dedicated VHF antenna a suitable distance from the vessels main VHF antenna. Or alternatively, use the main antenna for both VHF and AIS by fitting a special device called a “Splitter”. Generally our recommendation for yacht owners who want to fit an AIS, is to use a “Zero Loss” splitter likeRead More →

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The AIS system works on two channels in the VHF frequency range and in order to receive or transmit AIS information it is necessary for the AIS unit to be connected to a VHF antenna. One option is to fit a VHF splitter such as our SPL2000, which allows both the VHF radio and the AIS to use the boat’s main VHF antenna. The other option is to fit a second VHF antenna which is then just connected to the AIS. Any VHF antenna can be used, although some antennas are “AIS tuned” to get maximum gain on the two AIS channels and also haveRead More →