[GPSNavX]

I am thinking about offering an all in one GPS and AIS receiver..



The unit connects and is powered directly by the Mac's USB port.

Product Specifications -

• Lightweight, compact design
• Rugged and waterproof fiberglass tube resistant to saltwater, vibration per IEC 60945
• Antenna height: 55 inches
• Low 1.2-watt power consumption at 5V DC
• Receives data from as far away as 30 nautical miles
• 16-channel WAAS and EGNOS enabled dGPS integrated into receiver
• Dual frequency: AIS1 161.975 MHz and AIS2 162.025 MHz simultaneously monitored
• Receives all AIS VDL message simultaneously on both channels

US$1,200

Is this price reasonable for an all in one AIS/GPS receiver?

[Yesdog]

Since I'm new to all this, will you plese explain why AIS is beneficial and how information is transferred (into GPXNavX or VHF radio or what?) I do not have radar installed.

Thanks,

Joy Godsey
m/v Pyxis

[Intuition]

As much as the simplicity of having all of this in one unit appeals to me, I probably wouldn't purchase it. Already have four GPS units of various vintage around the boat. If I was starting from scratch this would receive serious consideration.

Folks with other circumstances will have differnt opinions. We're counting down the next four months until we take off for a year's cruising sebattical, so won't have much extra cash for the next 16 months.

Best regards,
Mark

[Intuition]

Others understand the technical side of this better that me, but the practical application is that AIS lets you see the ships around you. Large commercial vessels transmit a radio signal that contains their name, direction, speed and other info. This can be received and displayed on your computerized charting program. Radar is not needed for this system to work.

Best regards,
Mark

[GPSNavX]

Try this link..

http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/enav/ais/default.htm

[Yesdog]

[quote="GPSNavX"]I am thinking about offering an all in one GPS and AIS receiver..

As I understand it, this AIS is a receiver only, pleasure boats not required to transmit AIS information. Correct? Is the (oncoming vessel's) AIS information relayed directly onto the chart that is currently displayed on the GPXNavX software, or does the user switch to another "screen" to view AIS ship information? If displayed on currently viewed charts, does it work with raster and vector, both?

$1200 seems a little pricey. Under $1000 is more affordable for my budget.

Yesdog

[GPSNavX]

Yes on the chart in both GPSNavX and MacENC..

[Yesdog]

Cool. When available? Does installation require an electrician?

[GPSNavX]

AIS receivers are available from several sources. Typically one connects an AIS receiver via a Keyspan to USB serial adapter. The AIS receiver uses a VHF antenna and connects to the 12V boats power.

Both GPSNavX and MacENC support AIS receivers.

[outstripp]

I don't see the point. You can buy all the parts separately for about $400, right?

[GPSNavX]

I don't think you can find a dual channel AIS receiver for under US$450. Then you will still need a VHF antenna, A GPS receiver, coax cable, Keyspan adapter and power. The attraction of the SeaCas is the all-in-one simpliclity.

I agree if you want a single-channel AIS receiver and don't mind a seperate VHF antenna and other connections there are other choices..

http://store.milltechmarine.com/index.html

http://www.allgadgets.co.uk:80/ag/produc..._id=AG3933

[jimh]

A $1,200 unit would be too rich for me. But an AIS receiver that plugged into a USB port would be very cool.

I'd want the second VHF antenna for the AIS to be able to be used as a transmit antenna, as a back up for the VHF Marine radio, when used on a vessel.

Also, for users who are ship-watchers, a different type of antenna might be desirable. It would be fun to have an AIS receiver at home, and I could keep an eye on shipping with a gain antenna (a small yagi) pointed at the waterway.

--Jim Hebert
Beverly Hills, Michigan

[GPSNavX]

You might check out this site..

http://www.aislive.com

[outstripp]

[quote="GPSNavX"]I don't think you can find a dual channel AIS receiver for under US$450. Then you will still need a VHF antenna, A GPS receiver, coax cable, Keyspan adapter and power. The attraction of the SeaCas is the all-in-one simpliclity.
-----

Yeah, you're right. I was thinking about a one channel unit. I got the NASA one and it switches channels pretty fast, it looks like. I already had a Keyspan and a GAM antenna, so they cost me nothing (this time). Had to buy a BNC adapter and PL259 plugs.

I took the whole set plus a USB/GPS and my Powerbook and a 12v battery down the nearest harbor and it worked great with GPSNavX, although I didn't have any large-scale charts. Was able to confirm that my car was in no danger of being hit by a 600' tanker.

Steve

[Intuition]

Has anyone tried this combo GPS/AIS receiver? The price is $539.

http://store.milltechmarine.com/smrasraire.html

They also have a single channel, auto-switching receiver for $199 and a
Two channel receiver for $449.

Mark

[Yesdog]

With the use of the Smart Radio recievers SR161, SR162, and SR162G, is an additional VHF or other antenna required. Does the reciever include connections, or are connections easily available and installed that are compatable with Macintosh?

I'm very interested in purchasing an AIS reciever that can be used in tandem with my GPSNavX software and BSB charts on my G4 Power Book.

Thanks,

Joy

[GPSNavX]

Yes an additional VHF antenna is recommended. It need not be masthead. You would connect the AIS unit via a Keyspan serial adapter (USA19HS).

I would get assistance from someone who has installed marine electronics if you are not familar with connecting power, radio and data connections. The installation is similar to that of a VHF radio.

This page has lots more detail about AIS..

http://www.milltechmarine.com/FAQ.htm

[adjuvantjfoster]

The Smart Radio SR162G AIS/GPS Receiver is about half the price of the one pictured.

I do like the all in one USB connection though.

Any thoughts on relative merits of

1) the original package that started this thread

2) the SR162G

3) A GPS 353 and Nasa engine combo from the GPSNavX store?

[jagasail]

Most (all?) of these appear to output the data as NMEA sentences. Is it possible to connect these up directly to a MiniPlex rather than using the USB port on the Mac? I'm thinking MiniPlexBT and wireless here... I really like the MiniPlexBT and not having my Mac needing cables to talk with my other electronics.

Scot

[GPSNavX]

All of those AIS receivers (NASA, SeaCas, Smart Radio) have RS232 connections. As such they can be connected to the Mac via a Keyspan Adapter or a ShipModul multiplexor (MiniPlex Lite - because AIS data is at 38,400)

I will use a Shipmodul MiniPlex Lite and a Smart Radio AIS receiver and a BU-353 USB GPS.

[adjuvantjfoster]

Take a look at:

<http://www.icanmarine.com/downloads/AISRXYACHT_NY.pdf>

from the <http://www.ican.nf.net/AIShardware.htm> website I stumbled onto while looking for SR161 and SR 162 AIS receivers.

Too bad they didn't use a 16 or 20 channel chip set.....sigh....

John