AIS with Garmin GPSMAP 2106

R

relvidge

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13 Jan 2005
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Any experiences, I want a system integrated with the garmin. Do they display enough useful data? I was looking at the NASA AIS Engine but the recent report in Sailing Today has worried me.

Any thoughts folks.

Seasons Greeting, Happy Sailing (when we get a chance:-)
 
Rob.
I am hoping to be owning a Navman5607 soon, which is AIS compatable, and I am considering adding the reciever.
But I have seen posts recently with mention of AIS catagory A and B, what id the difference, and which one would it be I am most likely to be fitting?
I havent seen the article in Sailing today, what was it about or have you a link to it.
Cheers, C_W.
 
There are 2 different aspects of AIS here.

The A and B refers to the specification of the transmission by the vessel. The "big boys" are obliged to use A, and the B specification was introduced as a cut down version which can voluntarily be fitted by yachts and other vessels. The data sent, the frequency of updates etc... are all less when using the B specification. You will need a separate GPS antenna and a VHF antenna for it to function.

The receiver will pick up both signals and display them. This is irrespective of the make/model chosen.

Some manufacturers make a combined unit, usually called a transponder. There are not many on the market at the moment in the UK; one example is the CSB200, available from various retailers, including: http://www.euronav.co.uk/Products/Hardware/AIS_B/CSB200.htm
(no personal connection). I have decided to wait a little longer before purchasing, as I think they will probably come down in price as the market expands, and have no reason to buy just now.
 
Thealoi.
If I was using a gps chart plotter with easy ais, would I not recieve and transmit similar information to what the csb200 unit would do?
Or is the csb200 for use where it doesent have to be linked into a chartplotter?
I am a little confused.
 
Yes you are confused. I say again. The Easy AIS does not transmit. It only receives. You will see other ships on your plotter but they won't see you. If you want to TRANSMIT you will need a transponder not just a receiver.
 
Thanks boatmike, I understand now.
I suppose I dont really need a system which transmits, as if I can see them it will probably be easier for me to make the first move and GTF out of the way.
Thanks, C_W
 
I think thats the judgement that most of us will probably make. Transmitting on AIS B is a reasonable insurance as long as ships are taking notice. If they are not it does nothing. There is no reason not to transmit on AIS B but assuming the other guy is your enemy and as you put it GTF out of the way /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif is still the best way of living to be old in either case....
 
It's not just helpful in avoiding ships. Last summer someone reported flares at sea. I was off an unfamiliar part of the coast at night and didn't realise for a few minutes when the coastguard was asking for any vessel off a certain small bay that actually I was there. I had to go and check the chart. If I'd had AIS B they could have asked me directly via DSC. There was no casualty, by the way, but if there had been I'd have been very glad to assist.
 
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