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If you see anything in the Messages section of the proAIS2 Diagnostics page, then these are just temporary warnings and usually nothing to worry about, it is when critical events happen that you need to worry and these appear in the Alarms section and invariably also cause a change in LED status and one or more green ticks changing to red crosses. The two most common messages you will see are…. 1) RX 1 / RX 2 DSC start / Stop message This message indicates when one of the AIS receivers has started/stopped a DSC channel management listening period. Class B equipment is required toRead More →

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All Class B and Class B+ AIS transponders can transmit the True Heading of the vessel as part of the dynamic data they transmit to other vessels; MMSI Number, Position, COG, SOG, etc. If received most charting systems will plot the AIS target with both the COG and True Heading vector displayed, useful when the vessel is stationary and COG becomes unstable/inaccurate. Our AIT2500 and AIT5000 units can receive the True Heading (HDT or THS sentences) data via their Low Speed NMEA 0183 Input (Yellow+ and Green- wires) or via PGN#127250 Vessel Heading on NMEA 2000. However, not all NMEA 2000 systems will transmit TrueRead More →

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A flashing RED Status LED indicates a high VSWR reading or potentially a Power Amplifier fault. For the flashing RED Status LED issue, with the 12v power turned off to the AIS Transponder, I would visually inspect the BNC antenna connector on the AIS and make sure there are no signs of connector damage. Then connect up whichever VHF antenna you have the most confidence in. Now power ON the AIS Transponder and immediately join its wireless network and bring up the web interface before the unit has got a GPS position fix and tried to transmit or use ProAIS2 if your AIS transponder don’tRead More →

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If you think that your AIS transponder is not transmitting your position then this procedure might help you. The first step is to check if your AIS transponder is actually transmitting. If you are then sure that your AIS transponder is not transmitting then the next part explains you the factors to check.   1 – Check if your AIS is transmitting or not   With ProAIS2 or iAISTX/AIT5000 Web Interface Using the proAIS2 configuration software or the iAISTX/AIT5000 web interface allows you to see if the GPS position is OK. You can monitor the AIS reception of other vessels. As well as ensure thatRead More →

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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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If you are unable to connect your AIS transponder USB, then you should follow this section. The USB drivers are automatically downloaded with ProAIS2. I am sure your USB drivers and proAIS2 software are fine, the key issue is the power up sequence. Please power cycle the transponder in the following manner, which works every time when you have it connected to a PC…. Turn off the 12/24v supply to the transponder and unplug the USB cable Close the proAIS2 software and any other navigation software that uses COM Ports or USB Virtual COM ports Plug in the USB cable – the Red and YellowRead More →

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This article explains how to configure an AIS transponder, either using our proAIS2 software for PC/MAC or with a free Android app called AISConfig. This article is for AIT1500, AIT1500N2K, AIT2000, AIT2500, AIT3000 and Nomad.     1- proAIS2 (available on PC & Mac) The proAIS2 software is included on the CD-ROM-rom supplied with all of our AIS transponders. If you do not have the CD-ROM or your laptop cannot read a CD-ROM, then you can download the software for Windows or for Mac by clicking here. The functionality of the proAIS2 software is the same on Windows or Mac.   Installation of the proAIS2 software,Read More →

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It is important for you to be aware of the limitations of these online sites. As a result, do not assume that you will always be picked up by them. Each of the different online services are only as good as their network of AIS receiving stations. In many cases, these shore stations are operated by AIS enthusiasts/volunteers who have a home/office by the sea. In many areas the coverage is great but there are definitely “holes” in coverage.   One of the good features of the Marine Traffic service, is that you can display the locations of the receiving stations and see if theyRead More →