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The WiFi icon on the iPhone not showing is the wireless network you are connected to, does not have an internet connection. This is a fairly recent change. On earlier versions of iOS this icon was always displayed and shows a user if they are using WiFi or 4G connection for internet, which is an important thing to know. Most users will be connected to normal home or office wireless networks that have an internet connection. Only a small percentage of iPhone users will have an iAISTX or similar wireless device that does not have internet connection, so having a feature for the majority wonRead More →

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In the original International Product Specification for Class B AIS Transponders, it was dictated that they should be “stand alone” systems that did not require any input from other devices. For this reason, you will not find any AIS Class B transponders that can take their position input from an external NMEA 0183 or NMEA 2000 GPS sensor. I am afraid that you will need to use the supplied GPS antenna with your iAISTX, but if your boat has a GRP hull, then you might be able to install the GPS antenna inside the hull and not go to all the trouble of routing itRead 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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When we get reports like this, it invariably turns out to be Chart Plotter or Application that has a problem – usually software related. The reason for this, is that AIS units do not differentiate between different types of AIS messages; either the regular dynamic ones that include the MMSI number and the position/course/speed of the vessel or the more infrequently transmitted static ones that include the MMSI number, name, dimensions, boat type, etc. and in the case of Class A vessels the voyage data that includes navigation state, destination, ETA, etc. An AIS unit either receives all of the messages or none. In theory,Read More →

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This reset procedure just resets the AIT5000 unit’s wireless interface and does not reset the MMSI number, which can only be carried out by an authorised dealer/distributor. With the AIT5000 unit fully powered up, locate the reset button, which is a small push button next to the wireless antenna. Press and hold this push button for > 10 seconds (recommend 15 seconds to be sure). When you release, you should see the Wi-Fi and Data LEDs change flashing sequence slightly as the unit resets and reboots. Once the AIT5000 has rebooted, all of the wireless and web settings will be back to the factory defaultsRead 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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A coax cable has an inner wire and then the braided shield and a quick and easy way is just to strip the cable back and solder or join using terminal block the Inner wire to the Orange wire and the Outer shield to the Green wire.   However, if you want to make a nicer, more robust solution, you could get one of these…   https://www.adafruit.com/product/2889   and one of these…   https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/AIM-Cambridge-Cinch-Connectivity-Solutions/CPMC-88-1?qs=atelM%2FHH1ECgOOZ43uoOSg%3D%3D   Then the Orange wire would go in the + screw terminal and the Green in the – screw terminal. The BNC connector would be crimped on to the coax cableRead 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 →