Vespermarine XB-6000 AIS transponder

[KompetentKrew]

I'm surprised the Vesper really needs an external GPS antenna.

I tested £5 USB GPS/GLONAS/ETC dongle a few years ago, and it had already acquired and was accurate to within 4m or 5m by the time I'd opened OpenCPN on my computer. This was inside my flat at the time, which was downstairs in a very solidly constructed building (brick or concrete)l. I remember in the 90's my Garmin GPS III or 12 or whatever taking 20 minutes or more to acquire enough satellites for its position - it's no longer like that.

I have GPS devices working in lockers and the cabin with no external aerial. Maybe it might take a few minutes to acquire if it's an older chip, but I would try it first without the antenna.

Can't remember if Em-Trak are the OEM for Vesper - I think Em-Trak's PC software shows satellite acquisition.

 

[ithet]

I'm surprised the Vesper really needs an external GPS antenna.

I don't think it does judging by my own experience with it.

Can't remember if Em-Trak are the OEM for Vesper - I think Em-Trak's PC software shows satellite acquisition.

They might be similar, possibly using the same device chips. I am sure that the Vesper status page shows satellite status - but it is a long time since I have connected a PC to check anything as it just works!

 

[PaulRainbow]

The Vesper is made by SRT, the parent company of Em-trak. Garmin brought out Vesper. Garmin AIS are also made by SRT.

The software for Garmin and Em-trak AIS looks the same as ProAIS2, but it's a slightly modified version. ProAIS2 won't work with either.

I agree with the comments about the internal GPS. I have fitted lots of Em-trak AIS and never had to fit an external GPS antenna.

 

[dansaskip]

I know my Vesper marine AIS is a different model so this may not be appropriatebut is there no built in AIS configuration programme which you can use to view the AIS status?
I used this on mine when I was troubleshooting my installation - (it turned out to be a problem with VHF antennae) and that is what I would suspect in your case or perhaps GPS antenna? I fitted a vesper external GPS antenna to my set up to ensure a good signal
screen shot of the display screen attached

 

[PaulRainbow]

I know my Vesper marine AIS is a different model so this may not be appropriatebut is there no built in AIS configuration programme which you can use to view the AIS status?

There is nothing built into he OPs AIS to view GPS status etc, the vmAIS i linked to does that and it's also the correct software for your AIS. It will show GPS status, VSWR etc and allow configuration of the AIS.

I used this on mine when I was troubleshooting my installation - (it turned out to be a problem with VHF antennae) and that is what I would suspect in your case or perhaps GPS antenna? I fitted a vesper external GPS antenna to my set up to ensure a good signal
screen shot of the display screen attached