In the market for a new chartplotter with virtual AIS display

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RIBW

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Dear All,
[Update of my Jan 2017 post]
"I went to the (2016) So'ton boat show intending to identify a new chartplotter. Both Furuno and the B&G/Simrad outfit advised I wait a year because I wanted to be sure that all AIS sources (e.g Virtual AIS) would be able to be displayed.
It may not matter to some, but down west and across southern Ireland 'fixed' station AIS such as lighthouses are proliferating.
OK, it is not crucial, but when totally virtual buoys start appearing, I don't want to spend further!"

Before I email the contacts given me at So'ton, has anyone identified a chartplotter that complies?

Cheers
Bob
P.S. I am not interested in tablet solutions (just a personal preference)
 
All Raymarine plotters running Lighthouse II and III display VAToNs properly (with a specific symbol) and have done for ages
 
An AIS transmission is an AIS transmission that fact that is contains the same position data for every transmission and a different symbol should make no difference.

Vespermarine handle them and have done for years.
 
Sandy said:
An AIS transmission is an AIS transmission that fact that is contains the same position data for every transmission and a different symbol should make no difference.

Vespermarine handle them and have done for years.
Click to expand...

But not all plotters display virtual AtoNs.
 
Sandy said:
An AIS transmission is an AIS transmission
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No it isn't.

There are in fact 27 different kinds of AIS transmission.

Class A position reports can be type 1, 2, or occasionally 3. Class A static data (ship name etc) are type 5. Early AIS equipment possibly only processed these types, so only ships were visible.

Class B position reports are type 18. They also use type 24 to supply the vessel name and other details. Pretty much all AIS receivers now in use will also display these.

Aids to navigation are type 21. Modern equipment (and older equipment by more conscientious and specialist makers like Vesper) will display these but there's possibly still a lot of installed kit out there that doesn't.

Pete
 
prv said:
No it isn't.

There are in fact 27 different kinds of AIS transmission.

Class A position reports can be type 1, 2, or occasionally 3. Class A static data (ship name etc) are type 5. Early AIS equipment possibly only processed these types, so only ships were visible.

Class B position reports are type 18. They also use type 24 to supply the vessel name and other details. Pretty much all AIS receivers now in use will also display these.

Aids to navigation are type 21. Modern equipment (and older equipment by more conscientious and specialist makers like Vesper) will display these but there's possibly still a lot of installed kit out there that doesn't.

Pete
Click to expand...
Yes... Furuno nn3d does not show AIS SART.
The AIS SART was filtered out because of missing SOG on AIS message, took me more than a year and lots of testing to prove that the plotter received the AIS message. In the end Furuno confirmed but didn't bother to fix their software.
Raymarine i70 does display and raise alert...
 
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RIBW said:
I'll contact Furuno and Simrad and report back, Cheers, Bob
Click to expand...

I wrote to Furuno and my contact tried to help but he did not identify a suitable unit (at less than £2,000).

I also sent 'contact' pages on Simrad and B&G and also an email to info@navico.com after the two contact efforts failed. No reply was forthcoming.

So, apart from the Raymarine option, I am no further forward. Looks like another tedious round of the stands at SIBS trying to find an AIS knowledgeable person.

Or, it could possibly be bodged by using a processor to convert Message 21 data to message 1 or 2? It would look ugly on the screen but at least I would get to keep the SH/C-map combo that suits me well.

Cheers
Bob
 
The Matsutec HP-x28A range offers a 6, 8 or 12" screen plotter with built in AIS transponder.

Had mine nearly two years now, and it has been utterly reliable once it was set up.

I am thinking of upgrading to the HP-1228A which means my HP-628A could be available. In January prices I was quoted were for the HP-828A $588 and the HP-1228A $698. Allow a further 10 - 15% for import costs.

Separately you will need either a dedicated VHF aerial or splitter and a C-MAP Max chart card.

The only downside is that the screen is not brilliant in bright sunshine, but it is responsive and simple to use. The set up instructions miss out some crucial details, but I have these available as an addendum.

Contact Huayang electronics - Susan sales003@huayang-tech.com
 
RIBW said:
... I also sent 'contact' pages on Simrad and B&G and also an email to info@navico.com after the two contact efforts failed. No reply was forthcoming.
Click to expand...
This is not unusual. Navico is rapidly "earning" a reputation as a really terrible provider of customer service.

Here is a copy and paste from a conversation on a reputable blog: 'My experience is that after 1 year of reporting about 20 differents bugs Navico did not even reply to one question. Our (many owners) actual bug list is here (english at the bottom). What I can say is that Navico support do not exist at all. They ask you to complain to your local reseller, whom is unable to solve anything because its firmware bugs most of the time. They do not reply to their resellers either. At this time I suggest all customer to avoid Navico brands (B & G, Lowrance, Simrad) because they are not helping for any bug. Their products are not specifically worse (or better) than other brand, but having no support is not possible for people at sea.'

Last year I spoke to one of the largest dealers in recreational boating navigation kit and asked who provides the best technical service. He said that none of them are as good as they used to be but the very worst is the Navico group who cannot be contacted for technical information even by their own dealers. Last week I spoke to the buyer for a reputable boatbuilder who was forthright in his condemnation of the technical backup and after-sales service provided by all the constituent companies in the Navico group.

I realise that this doesn't directly address the issue you are trying to resolve but I thought you might like to know that you are not the only person who gets no replies from companies in the Navico group.
 
TwoHooter said:
,,,,,,,I realise that this doesn't directly address the issue you are trying to resolve but I thought you might like to know that you are not the only person who gets no replies from companies in the Navico group.
Click to expand...

In a way, it does. I would now need a lot of persuading to buy a Navico product.
I have had very good support from SH on both their radio and their chartplotter. Sadly, the latter is no longer an option.
Cheers
Bob
 
If going to SIBS I suggest that you look to see if Mantsbrite have a stand.
I gave up on a couple of stands ( Cactus etc)at London due to useless assistance & chanced on Mantsbrite who just happen to be in Maldon -14 Miles from me- The lady who demonstrated my AIS & plotter was really proficient in every part with no hesitation, which is what sold it in the first part.
The plotter is a Lorenz the AIS is an Amec it is very professional & installed easily . It has a sound metal casing with excellent sockets etc not in the least " plasticy". I am not so keen on the plotter but then I do not like plotters so that is just me.The AIS coupled up with the plotter very easily with no hassle.
I have not noticed the virtual display but Mantsbrite will certainly advise without any double guessing as they know the products they are selling- unlike some firms
 
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Daydream believer said:
If going to SIBS I suggest that you look to see if Mantsbrite have a stand.
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Thanks for the suggestion. I emailed Mantsbrite and received a speedy reply

First the good news "The [Onwa xx99] plotter will display message 21 as a buoy on the screen".

and the bad news
"Unfortunately we won't have a stand at the SIBS in September".
I'll look into the detail.
Cheers
Bob
 
superheat6k said:
No - apologies I mis read the opening thread, however I have asked Huayang your question.
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They answered promptly as always -

HP-x28A can show all AIS targets which can transmit data .

If someone can point me at a virtual point or AtoN near me (River Hamble) I will see if it shows on the display.

BTW the prices have come down a little - 628A $368; 828A $578; 1228A $678.
 
One would assume a 'Virtual AIS' marker does not actually exist. Bramble post and the Nab certainly do.

I can likely see Bramble post from my mooring on AIS signals so I will have a look for you on Saturday morning.
 
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