AIS Software

dagnar

dagnar

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Guys and Gals,

Can anyone tell me what the best value for money AIS software that is available to run on a boat based PC or Laptop?

I dont want to spend more than £300 if at all possible.

Thanks

M0rt
 
Hi,
Apparently Maptech have a new version of their software coming out for the London Boat Show, they are not talking too much about it at present but apparently the price will be well under £300.
 
I already have the Offshore Nav Light software with a few chart packages, and I really like it, perfect for my needs.

I will definately check out their stand at Excel

Thanks

M0rt
 
[ QUOTE ]
Jeffrey Atwood

RE(3): AIS Data
(msg #1.1.1: Posted Dec 7, 2005 11:20 AM)

reply


We now have AIS worked into our new Chart Navigator Professional product we offer.
I do not have any time estimate as to when this feature will get incorperated into any
of our other lines of software products.

Jeffrey Atwood

[/ QUOTE ]

So we're gonna have to splash out for the Navigator pro option then ...
 
Apparently the version coming to the UK will be a lot less than £300, obviously will not have all the features of the US version.
 
The best I've seen and used is Shipplotter. Its CPA and CPAt display, ship database, chart & "radar" display, GPX stuff which overlays onto the integrated satellite maps which avoids acquiring more digital charts (although you can use them) and just all-round decent software. It costs, currently, only 25 euros + vat and you get a 30 day free trial.
 
ParaHandy,

In the link you supplied it looks as if there is a sample shot of the chart, is that correct, do the charts really look that poor?

Even for Vector based mapping, it is a little poor quality, but it may just be the way the image was transfered to the website.

Thing is im looking for an all round solution, so I can use it as a Chart Plotter as well.

Looks like ill be sticking with the MapTech Raster Charts and Ill wait till the MapTech AIS comes out.

Thanks

M0rt
 
Well.. our tidal data lasted 2years and cost £19.95 to upgrade for the next 2 years ... mind u - we only have the solent area charts... so I don't know if you have to upgrade for each chart set?
In defence of Maptech - it is good, easy to use software, although the lite version is limited I have not had any operational problems with it.
The one niggle I do have with it is that when you get to the edge of a chart it sometimes waits until your off it before moving on to the next ... not handy when your piloting in and want the visual confirmation of where you are - especially when your viewing through the companion way!
 
chrisr,

£20 for 2 years worth of tidal data for all the MapTech Folios with Tidal Information.

Thats £10 per year, I dont think that is expensive at all.

Most chart plotting software does not even include tides

Thanks

M0rt
 
Yes, they are poor but then they cost nothing (freeware). There's nothing to stop you using, I think, Maptech's charts which is what many do as Maptech hadn't a working AIS interface until recently. However, the satellite download in ShipPlotter produces very accurate position "images" (the Solent Forts are visible) and I overlay waypoints and routes onto it using GPX data. I prefer to use a dedicated AIS software for AIS and dedicated chart plotter for navigation as I think that gives me the best of both worlds ....

I almost forgot ... you can connect into other shipplotter users and watch ships plodding along anywhere in the world eg Gjertrud Maersk the largest container ship in the world (370mtrs long) doing her sea trials (she launched on 5th Dec) in the Kasttegat and trundling along at 26.2 knots which she's not supposed to be able to do ... very train spotterish but good fun ...
 
Re: AIS display & the C80

Ok - stupid question time ... does anyone know if the C80 (or anyof the C series) will display AIS data from the NASA AIS engine? I've looked on the raymarine site and it doesn't wave it about as doing so ...
Cos .... (and I blame Lemain for this) we MAY ... get the AIS engine and a C display ... then add a raydome next season (well - later anyway) ...
 
Re: AIS display & the C80

One of the Jan mags shows a new AIS engine which works with a chartplotter, also has a box to enable use of existing VHF aerial. Dont have the mag to hand right now but its Geonav or Standard Horizon I think---well known make anyway.
I asked Raymarine earlier in the year if their stuff could use the NASA engine, they said not.
 
C-series....

Currently, the C-series and E-series don't appear to support AIS NMEA messages. I have a C120 and there's no mention anywhere in the documentation about AIS. However, having said that, the C-series documentation also doesn't mention DSC NMEA input capability, although the 2005 Raymarine catalogue says the C-series (like the E-series) will display DSC messages on screen. So I suppose the answer to your question is you should ask Raymarine direct.
 
Interesting response from Raymarine

[ QUOTE ]
At present, the C-Series cannot display AIS data. The future of the C-Series' ability to display AIS data is uncertain as most AIS receivers output data at a faster rate than the C-Series can handle.

To date, the only set plan for AIS is to add the capability to the E-Series line.

[/ QUOTE ]

So there you have it .... C-Series doesn't have AIS, Offshore Nav lite doesn't have AIS ... so I'll have to go down some other route ... not getting E-series cos a) to expensive and b) to FAT!
 
Re: Interesting response from Raymarine

Maptech or Offshore Nav Lite will have a version of AIS software at the London show apparently.
They are not letting me have too much info and have told me it all will be revealed in January.
 
Not sure that it is in the cheepie range but the Navmaster Superyacht PC chartplotting software interfaces very well with AIS. The s/w will cost you about £900. I have this arrangement and it works very well, mind you I had the software already and got the superyacht upgrade for £250 with the AIS engine. Then there's the cost of charts.......
 
Re: Interesting response from Raymarine

Bit bl*ddy short sighted not to do a press release now, but make the product first available at the boat show. .... cos otherwise I wouldn't be looking at alternatives ... their loss in the end I guess..
 
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