Digital Yachts Nomad portable AIS - views or experience

[Whitelighter]

Product details here: http://digitalyacht.co.uk/product/nomad/

We run RL series raymarine nav kit so I think adding AIS is simply not possible
My boat partner wants AIS from a 'seen and be seen' point of view when crossing from mainland Spain to the Balearics.

This system is stand alone and uses an ipad/tablet app to display the information. Its possible this could be overlaid onto the Navionics app.

My concerns are:

1) Ipad/tablets tend to have rubbish daylight viewable screens, but I could go below to use.
2) Will the in build stubby VHF aerial give enough range for the AIS to be worth while? Assuming it is externally mounted on the side of the fly bridge coming, so 3m above sea level max.
It does say you can add a full VHF but the point of this is it doesnt require any installation or cable runs
3) What sort of power drain might you expect? the USB power source means we'd either need to add one to the helm or mount the unit elsewhere. I doubt the suggested battery pack would last 10-11 hours

Are there any alternative systems - either with a dedicated screen that are transponder (ive seen a screen version but only that receives, not transmits.

Suggestions welcome

 

[WhiskeyTownRacer]

For alternatives you might find Vesper Marine worth looking at, they appear to do a system with dedicated screen that is both send and receive. I seem to recall Noelex using some of their gear for his new build and has detailed some early experience, he has a thread in PBO section http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?482505-Bestevaer-49. Whilst looking for that link I see there is a similar thread in that section already running, didn't check content but might be worth a look. http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?501433-Reccommendations-for-AIS-Transciever

 

[matthewriches]

I’ve fitted a couple to a few RIBs but wouldn’t have thought they’d be the best for a larger boat design specification.

 

[julians]

What about this

https://www.force4.co.uk/icom-ic-ma...MI7PmN2o642wIVKb7tCh2QvA-5EAQYBCABEgLElPD_BwE

Class b transponder with build in lcd screen, looks ok.

 

[Whitelighter]

I’ve fitted a couple to a few RIBs but wouldn’t have thought they’d be the best for a larger boat design specification.

What has the size of boat got to do with how well AIS works?

 

[matthewriches]

Nothing but not yet put one on a "big boat" as they tend to end up getting an AIT2000 or AIT3000 which is integrated. I understand you may have issues in getting things to integrate though. I think you're application in my opinion would be a device with a built in screen, or as suggested an iPad type affair.

An AIT2000 fixed in the boat with a WLN10HS wifi would give you the same thing as a Nomad but permanently installed with the option to integrate into future equipment.

What has the size of boat got to do with how well AIS works?

 

[Whitelighter]

Yes i'm not keen on the portable nature - hence the question.
I like the look of the Vesper kit, but Ill check out the AIT2000 as well. Do you know if that will overlay on the navionic ipad software

 

[matthewriches]

Not sure on overlay but can test it tomorrow. Most of our classic boats are now being fitted out with AIT2000 and an iKommunicate with router or WLN10 WiFi transmitter and being used with SeaNav as customers seem to like the simple interface for river cruising. Obviously seagoing vessels need a little more technology.

Yes i'm not keen on the portable nature - hence the question.
I like the look of the Vesper kit, but Ill check out the AIT2000 as well. Do you know if that will overlay on the navionic ipad software