[Capt.Rich]

I am curious if the MacENC will send data from NEMA to the SR261 I have been following the posts on different forums <http://www.panbo.com/archives/2008/01/smart_radio_sr261_pirate_class_a_ais.html><http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SR261/>and if it would work with MacENC? The cost of a Class A is out of my range in cost but would like to be like the big ships and also let the fishing vessels who have a AIS receiver know that I am in the vicinity and my course and speed. Currently have a SR162 and I would not leave the dock without it.
Another thing maybe someone can tell me what is going on, once in a while it shows up AIS contacts in areas of the US and gives distances of 2785 miles. I was able to monitor all traffic going in and out of the Los Angeles area and also New England and New York. What is that all about? Is it getting the info from my connection to the internet or what? I know that I am not receiving a VHF signal that distance and it sure is not propagation because VHF signals are not like HF signals and are short distance. So where am I getting these AIS signals from? Maybe it is a setting that I have done in MacENC.
Any help would be appreciated.

[GPSNavX]

Realize that AIS B transponders are not legal to operate in US waters because they are still pending FCC approval.

Sounds like you were using the MacENC TCP/IP interface (on the "GPS" menu) to NMEA data and connecting to the (now turned off) Sealinks.net AIS server which did have stations in the places you mention.

[Capt.Rich]

As I think back, I now have figured where it came from I run a MacMini onboard and use internet sharing for use with my laptop and can carry my laptop around. I had been doing some research and had open <http://www.shinemicro.com/>and that is where it came from. And yes I did have the TCP/IP on to NEMA.

I don't plan on using the SR261 in the US but when I leave in June it sure would be nice to have. A few months ago there was an article in Sail Magazine about a sailboat that had been rundown by a cargo ship off Brazil. And I know that most cargo vessels don't have much of a watch while far at sea. That is why I bought the SR162 as a defense but I have always been taught that the best defense is a strong offense. And why not send a signal to them letting them know I am close by. But not spend $3,000+ dollars in doing so.
Thank you for your fast reply

Capt. Rich