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If you don’t receive the NMEA data on your iPad or iPhone, then you must follow this procedure: 1- Close all apps in the background or restart your device.  Always a good idea to shut down your iPad/iPhone device and then power it back up again, as this will close all background apps and ensure all of the right services are running. For more information: https://digitalyacht.net/2018/07/27/background-apps-stopping-wireless-nmea-transmission/  2- Local Network Settings If you are using iOS 14 or higher, make sure the “Local Network” privacy settings are enabled for the app they want to use…. Go to Settings>Privacy>Local Network and make sure that the App isRead More →

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This reset procedure just resets the iAISTX unit’s wireless interface and does not reset the MMSI number, which can only be carried out by an authorised dealer/distributor. To reset the iAIS TX, you must open the product case by removing the 4 screws from the unit. Once the screws have been removed, the base should be carefully disengaged from the top of the case using a small flat blade screwdriver. There are interconnecting cables between the top and bottom of the case, so take care not to separate the two parts completely. There is only one PCB inside and the PCB diagram is shown belowRead 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 →

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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 →

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Our AIS transponders are supplied with a GPS antenna that has a 10m cable terminated in an FME connector (right hand connector in the above image). These connectors are very slim, not much larger than the coax cable and are much easier to route through the boat. We also supply an FME to TNC adaptor for connecting the cable to the transponder (left hand connector in the above image). Today we were reminded of the importance of ensuring this adaptor is firmly screwed on to the cable, when a US customer reported that their AIT2000 had stopped getting a GPS fix. After using the proAIS2Read More →

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  Checking the VHF/AIS Antenna, is the most difficult test. As a result, it is the one that we get the most technical support calls about. Therefore, we thought a blog post on the subject would help.   It is surprisingly common for yacht owners to install an AIS transponder with an antenna splitter and then find that their “old faithful” VHF antenna at the top of the mast is actually not as good as they thought it was. The reason for this, is that the top of the mast is a pretty hostile place. Over time, the antenna will suffer high levels of saltRead More →

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Dear Customer, Once entered and confirmed, the MMSI number on an AIS can only be changed by a technical dealer or by Digital Yacht.  This is a government requirement in many countries to ensure the security of the AIS system. If you need your MMSI number reset or changed, we offer a reprogramming service. The cost for this is £45.00/60€ + Return Shipping + VAT.  If you would like to go ahead with this, please complete and print this AIS PROGRAMMING form with vessel details. If you do not have Microsoft Word or a means of editing Word documents, please print and complete this PDFRead More →