AIS Class B transceiver

[Richard.C]

Looking into adding AIS when I upgrade the MFD's, just wondering if there is a generally better device than others? The Raymarine AIS700 seems to do everything required but comes at a price. Also looked at the Em-Trak devices, these look interesting with a few different options including wifi but also up there in price. I don't have a problem paying these sort of prices as long as I'm really getting a better device. What other options are people using?

Thanks

Richard

 

[PaulRainbow]

The Raymarine AIS is made by Emtrak, but with an inflated price.

 

[Boathook]

I've got the Raymarine AIS700 and very happy with it. When I purchased it I was not aware of Emtrack otherwise I might purchased that.
All my other instruments are Raymarine and all linked up by their seatalk ng system.

 

[julians]

you can get a vhf with an ais transceiver built in, not a bad price really if you needed a new vhf anyway

Simrad RS40B VHF with Internal AIS Transponder | Force 4 Chandlery

we have the version that only has the AIS receiver built in (the RS40 model), it connects to the boats nmea 2k network and the ais targets are visible on the chart plotter

 

[Alicatt]

I have just fitted an Em-Trak 952 but still awaiting the MMSI and ATIS codes for my boat. Small and compact it fitted in under the upper helm dashboard and uses the port side antenna for the VHF and has a good signal from the GPS.

you can get a vhf with an ais transceiver built in, not a bad price really if you needed a new vhf anyway

Simrad RS40B VHF with Internal AIS Transponder | Force 4 Chandlery

we have the version that only has the AIS receiver built in (the RS40 model), it connects to the boats nmea 2k network and the ais targets are visible on the chart plotter

My boat had a Dutch compliant Simrad RS20 fitted, but as I already had a Standard Horizon GX2400 which is Belgian compliant then I fitted that instead, going to put the RS20 up for sale.
Down below are Sailor radios of a certain vintage, don't think that VHF complies with the new regs

 

[Richard.C]

I have just fitted an Em-Trak 952 but still awaiting the MMSI and ATIS codes for my boat. Small and compact it fitted in under the upper helm dashboard and uses the port side antenna for the VHF and has a good signal from the GPS.


My boat had a Dutch compliant Simrad RS20 fitted, but as I already had a Standard Horizon GX2400 which is Belgian compliant then I fitted that instead, going to put the RS20 up for sale.
Down below are Sailor radios of a certain vintage, don't think that VHF complies with the new regs
View attachment 181823

Nice to see an old Sailor radio.

 

[Richard.C]

The Raymarine AIS is made by Emtrak, but with an inflated price.

Makes the decision between those options easy. I may go the Yacht Devices route to get NMEA onto wifi so could go a cheaper Em-Trak option.

 

[ElJames]

Why do you want to tell others where you are going and at what speed I have turned mine off I want to see the chart and my course and any obstacles around me.If I am out and cannot see I engage the Radar It is very annoying more so when coming into a port marina etc and people out for a jolly are transmitting.Don’t waste your money on unnecessary equipment

 

[Boathook]

Why do you want to tell others where you are going and at what speed I have turned mine off I want to see the chart and my course and any obstacles around me.If I am out and cannot see I engage the Radar It is very annoying more so when coming into a port marina etc and people out for a jolly are transmitting.Don’t waste your money on unnecessary equipment

I can see the chart on my plotter ok when using AIS. In fog I have used both radar and AIS as I found it was the only way to see ALL craft.

I fitted AIS back in 2019 so that my Dad could see where I was going to and also for crossing the channel; as I thought that it might become a requirement to go to France.

 

[oldgit]

Depends if it bothers you for other folks to know where you are.
Have in past heard local VTS announcing my presence to commercial traffic and have found that being able to know the postion of both commercial and leisure movements helpful when under way.
Been identified and hailed to give advance warning of about to commence commercial manoeuvring ahead.
Frequently listen to radio warnings to commercial vessels warning of self absorbed yachts wandering all over the place regardless, including into restriction zones after said yachts have not responded to repeated calls from VTS.

 

[Alicatt]

Why do you want to tell others where you are going and at what speed I have turned mine off I want to see the chart and my course and any obstacles around me.If I am out and cannot see I engage the Radar It is very annoying more so when coming into a port marina etc and people out for a jolly are transmitting.Don’t waste your money on unnecessary equipment

As it is mandatory to have one in the areas we sail, the Port of Antwerp uses AIS to schedule the locks and bridges according to traffic

 

[Refueler]

Nice to see an old Sailor radio.

Just removed the slightly smaller Yachting version of that larger Ships VHF radio .... still in perfect working order .....

 

[Refueler]

Why do you want to tell others where you are going and at what speed I have turned mine off I want to see the chart and my course and any obstacles around me.If I am out and cannot see I engage the Radar It is very annoying more so when coming into a port marina etc and people out for a jolly are transmitting.Don’t waste your money on unnecessary equipment

IMHO - its your choice of course - but I think its a pity that you have such a poor appreciation of the system.

As to : "Why do you want to tell others where you are going and at what speed" ..... mmmm Do you have Class A on your boat ? Class A is the only form that has user option to program in destination .... Class B and B+ does not. It only sends out position / course / speed and boat data.

Second : AIS was conceived not only as Identifier Transmission - but importantly also to aid Collision avoidance. Tracking was a secondary aspect that was a development.

For many yachts fitting Radar would be a serious matter .... installing AIS is far simpler and with the increasing number of boats installing - is fast becoming a comprehensive advantage. Of course not detecting all vessels as Radar would ... but its at least a good item to have.

 

[Refueler]

As it is mandatory to have one in the areas we sail, the Port of Antwerp uses AIS to schedule the locks and bridges according to traffic

AIS ? ... I know some areas in EU use ATIS .... an evolution on from AIS.

 

[st599]

AIS ? ... I know some areas in EU use ATIS .... an evolution on from AIS.

ATIS is not an evolution of AIS, it's a data signal on VHF. The AIS evolution is called VDES and is starting to roll out across Europe. The main issue it is causing for UK boats at the moment is that a lot of marinas have moved to a frequency that you can't legally have in the UK.

 

[Refueler]

ATIS is not an evolution of AIS, it's a data signal on VHF. The AIS evolution is called VDES and is starting to roll out across Europe. The main issue it is causing for UK boats at the moment is that a lot of marinas have moved to a frequency that you can't legally have in the UK.

OK .. fair enough ... we'll ignore that AIS is a data signal on VHF frequency ...

 

[Thalassa76]

I fitted a Mcurdo M10, good bit of kit has NEMA2K & wireless

 

[Greg2]

It is worth saying that the MCA bridge watchkeeping courses are very clear that AIS should not be used as a collision avoidance tool because the data is not reliable. Examples of possible inaccuracy include delays in transmission / receiving, inaccurate position and inaccurate data about the vessels. The recommended tool is the MK1 eyeball and radar, particularly the latter in conditions of reduced visibility.

At a practical level AIS can, of course, be a helpful indicator but I guess that many leisure boaters may not be aware of its potential shortcomings.
.

 

[Refueler]

It is worth saying that the MCA bridge watchkeeping courses are very clear that AIS should not be used as a collision avoidance tool because the data is not reliable. Examples of possible inaccuracy include delays in transmission / receiving, inaccurate position and inaccurate data about the vessels. The recommended tool is the MK1 eyeball and radar, particularly the latter in conditions of reduced visibility.

At a practical level AIS can, of course, be a helpful indicator but I guess that many leisure boaters may not be aware of its potential shortcomings.
.

That applies more for Class B ..as that has no slots ... but B+ and A are slotted transmissions.

But yes it is advised that AIS is not used as a Collision Avoidance over that of conventional lookout and Radar methods. But it is still a valuable tool.

 

[st599]

That applies more for Class B ..as that has no slots ... but B+ and A are slotted transmissions.

But yes it is advised that AIS is not used as a Collision Avoidance over that of conventional lookout and Radar methods. But it is still a valuable tool.

B is a slotted transmission too, but uses a different algorithm for choosing a slot (collision detection vs agreement)