AIS

Seastoke

Seastoke

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Not really sure how it works , as we hope to be travelling further afield , one day i would like to have one on board to give out info and receive , if that is the right terms . Can be achieved on a small budget and any recomendaions , thanks SS
 
We had a Comar transceiver with a Shakespeare aerial which we were very happy with, I don't remember price which means it didn't cost much.

We did a lot of night crossings which is when it really came into its own.
 
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AIS can make a great difference to one's enjoyment of a cruise, by reducing stress and the effort of keeping watch. If you have the budget, it may be worth transmitting as well as receiving, but this is not essential but may make adding it later more complicated.

There are simple sets which are easy to use, and others that will use your plotter screen if you have one. Don't be tempted to think that internet AIS via a mobile is a substitute for a ship-borne set because it isn't.

If you know little about it, I would suggest having a look at someone else's set. Even in harbour, you should get an idea of what it can do. This might be better than playing with one at a chandlers, though that is another possibility. I have a Raymarine one connected to my Raymarine unit, but I imagine that they all work adequately.
 
If you want to keep the cost down, buy an AIS transponder with an integrel splitter. You can then use your existing VHF aerial rather than buy and install a new one. A number of members on this forum prefer the redundancy of having separate aerials for VHF & AIS, but this isn't my preference.

N.B. A receiver is cheaper, but will not broadcast your position.
 
Have a look for Matsutec HP528A or HP33a, both are AIS transceivers and come in around £300, you'll need a splitter for your VHF aerial or a second aerial, personally I'd go for a second aerial, possibly mounted on the pushpit which, as RobF says, also gives you redundancy. There's a few sellers on ebay or you may find them cheaper on Gearbest, Banggood or Aliexpress. I've seen some reviews of them with no problems mentioned...
 
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