Recommended Class B AIS transponder

[Storyline]

Could someone recommend a Class B AIS transponder please ?

I already have a dedicated VHF antenna and GPS installed on the taffrail so just need the transmitter/receiver.
I would like to have the facility of being able to switch the transmitting part off whilst still receiving AIS info.

Thanks for any thoughts.

 

[FWB]

Might be an idea to consider which NMEA your plotter would prefer. 0183 or 2000.

 

[timmygobang]

Could someone recommend a Class B AIS transponder please ?

I already have a dedicated VHF antenna and GPS installed on the taffrail so just need the transmitter/receiver.
I would like to have the facility of being able to switch the transmitting part off whilst still receiving AIS info.

Thanks for any thoughts.

The Raymarine 650 has a good range, you can turn it off via the chart plotter but afraid I don't know if there is a switch on the transponder to do it manually, pretty sure you can find a manual online. From looking at previous threads people will say that you're just paying for the name, and you can find cheaper units.

 

[RAI]

I fitted one from http://www.digitalyacht.co.uk/
Plug and play with SH 300i CP.

 

[prv]

The Raymarine [...]. From looking at previous threads people will say that you're just paying for the name, and you can find cheaper units.

Yep, that's exactly what I'm going to say

As far as I'm aware Raymarine don't have any particular expertise in AIS, and their units are just standard boards from a trade supplier fitted into their own labelled boxes.

Pete

 

[Lucky Duck]

I suspect the main reason for going with Raymarine would be for the connectivity other bits of thier kit.

IIRC Class B transmitters require thier own GPS units rather than using any systems than may already be on board.

 

[Storyline]

Might be an idea to consider which NMEA your plotter would prefer. 0183 or 2000.

The plotter is a Garmin gpsmap 4010 and does both. Have you got a preference for one type ? I was thinking of 2000.

I suspect the main reason for going with Raymarine would be for the connectivity other bits of thier
IIRC Class B transmitters require thier own GPS units rather than using any systems than may already be on board.

I installed the VHF antenna and GPS when I was renovating the aft cabin. The units I used were recommended by Comar. This was around three years ago and they were the leading suppliers at that time. I am now wondering if there are cheaper/better alternatives.

 

[Tex]

Have same set up and about to fit a Digital Yacht AIT2000, it has wiring to allow "Transmit off" switch to be installed.

 

[pvb]

Have same set up and about to fit a Digital Yacht AIT2000, it has wiring to allow "Transmit off" switch to be installed.

I think you'll find that almost all transponders have the ability to turn off transmission.

 

[prv]

I think you'll find that almost all transponders have the ability to turn off transmission.

Yep, but not quite all. There definitely are or have been some on the market which don't have the option, so it's worth checking.

Pete

 

[sailorgirl]

I fitted one from http://www.digitalyacht.co.uk/

+1 for Digital Yacht - and if you are using a PC you can access the GPS so have a back up if ever its needed. In fact we use the DY GPS all the time and keep our old one as a back up as saves power.

 

[Joker]

I bought the Garmin 600 since it had all the extras like splitter and so on. Not too expensive, and works.

 

[Storyline]

I bought the Garmin 600 since it had all the extras like splitter and so on. Not too expensive, and works.

That would seem to work nicely with my Garmin plotter. Can you switch off the transmitter part ?

 

[pvb]

That would seem to work nicely with my Garmin plotter. Can you switch off the transmitter part ?

Yes, you can fit a "silent mode" switch. Virtually every AIS transceiver has this, in fact I don't know of a current one which can't be set to silent.

 

[Storyline]

So, it appears from the replies they are all much of a muchness in terms of price. I was hoping that as the market had matured there would be cheaper versions around. Think I will go for the Comar as I said above, I have already fitted the antenna and GPS that they recommend and I don't really want to split the main VHF aerial.
Thanks for all the replies

 

[pvb]

So, it appears from the replies they are all much of a muchness in terms of price. I was hoping that as the market had matured there would be cheaper versions around.

Prices are dropping. You can get the Comar now for £511 inc shipping from Yachtbits.

 

[Mistroma]

Only cheaper model I've seen was a SeaTraceR Class B AIS Transponder for £486 from Force4. I've haven't seen any reviews or met anyone with a SeaTraceR. I assumed that prices might fall a bit more over the next few months but this might be old stock. I believe that this model has been around for some time. A company on Amazon has a new one for around £446 (just spotted the single review and it wasn't a good one).

 

[pvb]

Only cheaper model I've seen was a SeaTraceR Class B AIS Transponder for £486 from Force4. I've haven't seen any reviews or met anyone with a SeaTraceR. I assumed that prices might fall a bit more over the next few months but this might be old stock. I believe that this model has been around for some time. A company on Amazon has a new one for around £446.

Cheapest I've seen is the Transas, with integral GPS receiver, for £449 from JG Tech.

 

[Storyline]

Saying cheaper, I was hoping for £150-£200. Obviously I am living in fantasy land.

 

[Mistroma]

Saying cheaper, I was hoping for £150-£200. Obviously I am living in fantasy land.

I'm afraid so. I also thought that it might be a good time to buy as prices must have fallen and perhaps reached £300. Decided to stick with my AdvanSea receiver for a bit longer. The 2 from JGTech are tempting though as I have purchased from him before and service was pretty good wrt delivery.