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Since COVID forced many of us to start working remotely, we are seeing an ever increasing demand for our 4G Products. Once installed and working, these products are extremely reliable, but with so many mobile network operators around the world, initial setup can be confusing. To help our customers get up and running as quickly as possible, we have created a new video on configuring our 4G Products. This video is filmed using one of our 4GXtream products, but is equally applicable for our 4GConnect and 4GConnect Pro products, particularly if you have updated to the latest V07.01.02 firmware as detailed in a previous post “ImportantRead 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 →

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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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Our 4GXtream router but also the latest 4G Connect version have a new “Auto-APN” feature that reads the SIM details and selects the correct APN settings for the SIM’s mobile network. APN stands for Access Point Name and are the settings your 4G product needs to pass to the network carrier; AT&T, Vodafone, T-Mobile, etc. in order for the carrier to allocate your 4G product an IP address and connect you to the right secure network. On many networks the new “Auto-APN” feature works very well, but today we had a Vodafone customer contact us who could not get their 4GXtream to connect correctly. TheRead 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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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 £65.00/75.00€ + Return Shipping (+VAT – if applicable) If you would like to go ahead with this, please complete and print the following: AIS PROGRAMMING – for MMSI details. SERVICE RETURN FORM – for return shipping details. If you do not have Microsoft Word or a means ofRead More →