AIS Transponder Digital Yach 1500 or Vestper XB6000

[robbieg]

Looking to install a transponder. I don't need wi if and or NMEA 2000 but an integral gps antenna would make things easier installation wise. The Digital Yacht 1500 would seem to fit the bill but the YM or PBO review was a bit negative on internal gps antenna and seemed to imply that an external anntena was needed.

In my case the unit would be installed just under the deck so only a few mm of gps between it and the sky. I am leaning towards the Digital Yacht 1500 since it is cheaper but has no option for and external anntena if one is needed.

Does anyone used the DY1500-if so any. veiws? The Vesper unit does well in reviews but is 150 more expensive.

Thanks.

 

[wully1]

I've just fitted an AYT 1500 on the inside coach roof just above the nav station. No issues whatsoever with GPS reception.
Had to faff about with the E series plotter to get other ships to show up but I knew the transponder was working as I could see myself on Ships AIS.

Great support from Digital Yacht during installation ( all down to my incompetence)

 

[robbieg]

Thanks-that is helpful.

 

[JumbleDuck]

Matsutec HP-33A? Two hundred quid cheaper than the Digital Yacht one.

 

[PaulRainbow]

A word about fitting GPS internally..............

I have a Garmin N2K GPS mounted under the deck in one of the aft cabin wardrobes. I have a backup Ebay USB GPS under the deck in the saloon. I also have a tablet and phone with built in GPS.

All of these devices work perfectly. The days of fixing GPS on poles and waiting 20 minutes for a fix are, thankfully, in the past.

 

[robbieg]

Thanks. The Duncan Kent article in PBO or YM (I forget which) when he reviewed transponders seemed quite concerned about internal anntena and the Digital Yacht product-hence the request for real life experience. As you say my phone and tablet gps work fine below deck so I find the comments in the review a bit surprising. Anyway just placed an order for the DY ait 1500 so will see how I get on with it.

 

[matthewriches]

I have a digital yacht ait2000 which is a little more advanced and with an external gps but I cannot fault the products. Very good quality and would sit happily in any commercial environment.

 

[richardbrennan]

I have the AIT 2000 and cannot speak highly enough of the service from Digital Yacht. This included coming down to the boat to sort out an installation problem.

 

[Halo]

My gps aerial mounted at the chart table works fine. Would not bother with another external one

 

[ianfr]

I have just fitted the Digital Yacht 1500 in the cabin, seems to start up and know where it is very quickly.

I does stay on "timed out" for about 5 to 6 minutes, but that apparently is because it hasn't transmitted its position. Vessels start appearing almost instantly on the chart plotter however.

My impression is of a well made bit of kit.

Ian

 

[robbieg]

Thanks-that is reassuring. Hopefully mine will do the same.