AIS antenna - what type and where best to locate

[estarzinger]

I have been using a splitter for several years. I like it. I have had zero problems with it.

It actually improved my system, because it has a built in SWR meter with a red led it lights if it thinks something is wrong, and once that light came on. The vhf still 'seemed' to be working fine, but there was a problem at the masthead pl259 which was degrading performance. I would not have known without the splitter.

The splinter's designed failure mode is to fail with the VHF connected full time - also in a failure you can just take the cables off the splitter and hook them up to the vhf. Further, I carry a spare/emergency antennae and I like that it is stored in a dry and pristine condition and not sitting outside, so it will be perfect if I need it.

 

[nigelmercier]

... I get mixed reports about VHF splitters...

Yes, some are carp, and some are siht.

 

[Tintin]

I bought a Digital Yacht AIS and they recommended their AIS optimised aerial rather than a splitter although they offer both. It's quite stubby and mounted on the pushpit, from my mooring in Gosport I receive returns from the larger ships moored in Southampton docks and from way down into the Nab anchorages, which I find more than satisfactory.

If anyone would like one of these Digital Yacht ais aerials please let me know by PM as I have one juts taken off my old boat, thanks, chris

 

[Ian_Rob]

Yes, some are carp, and some are siht.

Nigel - is it that further electronics are introduced into an important safety system, or that more cable connections or that there are 4db losses that is the problem from your POV or a combination of all of these? Vesper Marine have a splitter that supposedly has an AIS Receiver Gain of 12dB. Any virtue in this at all?

 

[prv]

My solution was to buy a VHF with an AIS receiver built-in. Only one aerial needed, no splitter - and the added bonus of being able to DSC-call another vessel by picking them from a list rather than manually transcribing an MMSI.

Pete

 

[nigelmercier]

Nigel - is it that further electronics are introduced into an important safety system, or that more cable connections or that there are 4db losses that is the problem from your POV or a combination of all of these?

All of the above, although some have lower insertion loss.