AIS receiver and display
- Thread starter ssobol
- Start date
Well, the jargon is hype. It is not the first, Watchmate Vision has been around for several years, and I have had it onboard SleepyC for 4+ years. The label on the front of the “monitor” says “Radar”. Radar and AIS are different animals. The data output provided gives the” speed over the ground, the vessel name, mmsi number and the latidude and longitude of any target selected by the user.” That doesn’t show the 2 most important and useful pieces of info one can get from an AIS system --- CPoA and TtCPA (Closest Point of Approach and the Time to Closest Point of Approach) both critical in assessing risk of collision, or as used most often, determining safe passing or crossing distance and approach to CPA speed necessary to reduce proximity to the transmitting vessel.
There last line on that headline page is:
*AIS Radar is an AIS receiver only and does not transmit AIS data. It should not be confused with an AIS transponder or primary surface radar.
It would be nice to know what size screen and what size the monitor is. I think it would be rather disappointing, but who knows. It could be a step up from watching AIS on an iPad or Android device because it would be real time.
Several of the VHF marine radios now have AIS receivers that will give CPA and TCPA readings, and have NMEA output which should make output to your MultiFunction Display (MFD) a breeze. That may be much more functional and informative. Look up Standard Horizon or ICOM for starters.
For close to the $325 price you can get into a good VHF with AIS receive and have a second VHF on board. Duplication, redundancy and multi tasking.
Harvey
SleepyC:moon
There last line on that headline page is:
*AIS Radar is an AIS receiver only and does not transmit AIS data. It should not be confused with an AIS transponder or primary surface radar.
It would be nice to know what size screen and what size the monitor is. I think it would be rather disappointing, but who knows. It could be a step up from watching AIS on an iPad or Android device because it would be real time.
Several of the VHF marine radios now have AIS receivers that will give CPA and TCPA readings, and have NMEA output which should make output to your MultiFunction Display (MFD) a breeze. That may be much more functional and informative. Look up Standard Horizon or ICOM for starters.
For close to the $325 price you can get into a good VHF with AIS receive and have a second VHF on board. Duplication, redundancy and multi tasking.
Harvey
SleepyC:moon
The Standard Horizon AIS receiver/VHF is the same price. An MFD is a few hundred bucks. If you don't have a networked MFD, this NASA unit might be a reasonable alternative.
However, I know nothing about this unit other than what I found on the internet, In my case it using this would be cheaper than updating all the other electronics to get AIS functionality. (I already have two radios.)
To each their own.
However, I know nothing about this unit other than what I found on the internet, In my case it using this would be cheaper than updating all the other electronics to get AIS functionality. (I already have two radios.)
To each their own.
For about the same price you can get several brands AIS B transceivers, which will use your current displays.
Or for a little over $100 more you can get a AIS B transceiver plus small GPS plotter: [urlhttps://www.amazon.com/Matsutec-HP-33A-Transponder-Marine-Navigator/dp/B00MC9Q40M/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1515434547&sr=8-7&keywords=ais+receiver] Matsutec AIS B/GPS [/url]
I don't know about the quality of any of these. The AIS/plotter I noted has only a 4.3" screen.
My Standard Horizon with NMEA to dedicated Garmin Chart plotter works very well...too well to have it on my navigation main screen.
Or for a little over $100 more you can get a AIS B transceiver plus small GPS plotter: [urlhttps://www.amazon.com/Matsutec-HP-33A-Transponder-Marine-Navigator/dp/B00MC9Q40M/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1515434547&sr=8-7&keywords=ais+receiver] Matsutec AIS B/GPS [/url]
I don't know about the quality of any of these. The AIS/plotter I noted has only a 4.3" screen.
My Standard Horizon with NMEA to dedicated Garmin Chart plotter works very well...too well to have it on my navigation main screen.
srbaum
Member
I purchased and installed the Standard Horizon GX2200 in OSPREY last year. The AIS info on the screen of the radio is hard to see (my radio is about 3' to starboard and down from the helm position). The display is tied into my on-dash Garmin Chartplotter and that is where it is really wonderful. The chartplotter sets off an alarm if you are near anything requiring an AIS (or those others that have put transmitters on their boats). The AIS info on screen gives an instant track line and and if you want more info, place your curser on the object and it gives all info about the ship, its course, speed and many other pieces of info about its voyage. Additionally it is a fine VHF radio with many functions. It does have the GPS built in, so programming your MMSI is very easy.
I have a lot of shipping traffic near my home port, so yes, I really appreciate the instant added nav info.
I have a lot of shipping traffic near my home port, so yes, I really appreciate the instant added nav info.
ssobol":3319msio said:
I actually think this may not be a bad idea for someone who does not already have an integrated system. On our Venture 23 I had an excellent Standard Horizon radio with a built-in AIS receiver and it worked well. The only difficulty was that the radio was in the overhead and the screen was very small. This would certainly be a real improvement. One thing that I would like to check if I were going to buy one would be whether it received both class A and class B signals [commercial and recreational vessels]. I'm pretty sure it would but it's worth asking.
I'm rather fortunate at the moment since we have a full Garmin system that is integrated, including the AIS 300 that provides all the information to the 7610. If that wasn't the case but I was already running a fairly recent Garmin MFD I would probably add the AIS 300 rather than go with this standalone unit. I understand the price is more like $500 rather than $375 but I wouldn't have to find space for the separate display and having everything overlaid on the chart plotter cannot be beat.
srbaum
Member
Chimo,
My GPS/Plotter is an older Garmin 546S and it was very easy to wire the Standard Horizon radio to it, so that it would provide the AIS info. Lastly the radio had a rebate from SH for $40. I purchased my radio from thegpsstore.com, free shipping and they provide all of the rebate paperwork with your purchase.
My GPS/Plotter is an older Garmin 546S and it was very easy to wire the Standard Horizon radio to it, so that it would provide the AIS info. Lastly the radio had a rebate from SH for $40. I purchased my radio from thegpsstore.com, free shipping and they provide all of the rebate paperwork with your purchase.
colbysmith
Active member
I hope not. I have the Matsu you referenced in your earlier post, and it does quite well. One of the reasons I got an AIS transmitter was so that the larger commercial guys could see me! In any case my AIS definitely came in quite handy on the Columbia River this past October. One day we were traveling in pretty solid fog and it was quite handy to have the AIS plotting targets, along with the radar. One tug even called me to work out an oncoming pass, so it's very apparent my transmitter works quite well.
ColbyColby the "filtering" is apparently the practice of some large ships choosing not to show Class B target name text on their plotter. A target should still be shown.
Your signal is good...I had to turn my receiver off because too many collision alarms...when near your boat...
The Class B transmitter is 2 watts vs 12.5 watts of A, the Class B
Frequency of transmission:
Class A: Every 2 s if >23 kts; 3.33 s if >5° course change; 6 s if >14-23 kts; 10 s if 2-14 kts; 3 min. if at anchored, moored, or =< 3 kts;
recreational Class B (Carrier sense): every every 30 s (±4 s), subject to slot availability; 3 min. if at anchored, moored,
If the area is crowded, the AIS A. has precedent in the time slots. More information is available from the class A, rate of turn & navigation status. (messages)
"As Class A units take priority over Class B ones, they can reserve a slot resulting in a potential loss of Class B data. As well as transmitting data, CSTDMA devices also receive when to transmit data and information from other ships, AtoNs or base stations. Unlike Class A units using SOTDMA, Class B units don’t reserve future time slots."
On our river systems this is not an issue, since there will not usually be the number of ships to compete. If you are navigating in busy harbors, or choke points, such as the English channel, Panama Canal or Singapore, it may be a factor.
We have seen several tugs which should have had AIS receivers, where we didn't pick up a signal. (receive only)
:smile
Your signal is good...I had to turn my receiver off because too many collision alarms...when near your boat...
The Class B transmitter is 2 watts vs 12.5 watts of A, the Class B
Frequency of transmission:
Class A: Every 2 s if >23 kts; 3.33 s if >5° course change; 6 s if >14-23 kts; 10 s if 2-14 kts; 3 min. if at anchored, moored, or =< 3 kts;
recreational Class B (Carrier sense): every every 30 s (±4 s), subject to slot availability; 3 min. if at anchored, moored,
If the area is crowded, the AIS A. has precedent in the time slots. More information is available from the class A, rate of turn & navigation status. (messages)
"As Class A units take priority over Class B ones, they can reserve a slot resulting in a potential loss of Class B data. As well as transmitting data, CSTDMA devices also receive when to transmit data and information from other ships, AtoNs or base stations. Unlike Class A units using SOTDMA, Class B units don’t reserve future time slots."
On our river systems this is not an issue, since there will not usually be the number of ships to compete. If you are navigating in busy harbors, or choke points, such as the English channel, Panama Canal or Singapore, it may be a factor.
We have seen several tugs which should have had AIS receivers, where we didn't pick up a signal. (receive only)
:smile
colbysmith
Active member
I think all the commercial vessels I saw on the Columbia (and Snake) Rivers were transmitting. However, several of us were surprised that this was not the case at Isle Royal. While the largest passenger ship out of Houghton (I forget her name) was transmitting on AIS, the smaller ship out of Grand Portage was not. Nor were some smaller "taxi" service boats. Many other private "yachts" in both Lake Michigan and Superior, and the Mississippi River, also transmit AIS. Really is a nice aid. I have used information gleaned from my AIS receiver (repeated on my chartplotter) to make calls and ascertain movement or anchorage of other vessels. And while I hope others see me, I've had just as much use out of it when I'm solo for my wife to follow me. This worked great at Isle Royal, where there was very limited cell service. However, not so well on the Snake and Columbia Rivers, but there I had cell service. That other information you provided is interesting. And I can see it somewhat on my chartplotter. Since my AIS transmitter stands alone (I do not have it connected to any of my other electronics), my own boat shows up on my chartplotter, and lags behind my actual position, catching up every 30 secs or so. (This is because my VHF also receives AIS signals, and is connected to my chartplotter. Interestingly, the VHF screen does not show my boat, because it recognizes my MMSI in my AIS signal, however it still repeats that to my chartplotter, which doesn't differentiate the MMSI. Clear as mud? lol).
(This is because my VHF also receives AIS signals, and is connected to my chartplotter. Interestingly, the VHF screen does not show my boat, because it recognizes my MMSI in my AIS signal, however it still repeats that to my chartplotter, which doesn't differentiate the MMSI. Clear as mud? lol).Colby, the lag on your plotter from your AIS has to do with that the B series only transmits every 30 seconds. My Standard Horizon had to go back to the factory to be "modified" so that it would not alarm from my AIS transducer. It was right after that that Standard Horizon made mfg changes in the 2200 and then the 2300 came out soon after that.
I too, use the AIS for family to follow me on the internet AIS site, BoatWatch. I have used that to confirm that I am transmitting an AIS signal, but as you have noticed I'm sure, that can run up to several minutes behind where I actually am. Not an issue for family following, but for me that is too much lag for navigational purposes.
Harvey
SleepyC :moon
I believe that can be addressed in either the AIS menu on your plotter, or in the VHF AIS filter menu.
I too, use the AIS for family to follow me on the internet AIS site, BoatWatch. I have used that to confirm that I am transmitting an AIS signal, but as you have noticed I'm sure, that can run up to several minutes behind where I actually am. Not an issue for family following, but for me that is too much lag for navigational purposes.
Harvey
SleepyC :moon
colbysmith
Active member
Interested in finding more AIS sites and tried plugging in www.boatwatch.com, and it returned a msg that the site was expired? Was that the correct URL?
colbysmith":eq33olwk said:
Colby, I just pulled up the BoatWatch app on my phone. It is working and current, (checked the PT ferry position), but when I put www.boatwatch.com into google, I get the expired domain notice, and "If you are the owner, click here to renew" message. Wonder if the app can work without the .com section working?
Harvey
SleepyC :moon
I use Shipfinder. Not because I think it is the best or anything, but just because it is the first AIS app I found for my iPhone.
I have looked at Marinetraffic.com. However, I have noticed that some of the position reports for moving vessels can be many hours or even DAYS old. Not much help if you want to use the site for traffic avoidance.
Picking a ship at random off FL, the site showed it moving at 13.4 kts. But the report was 11h 46m old.
Picking a ship at random off FL, the site showed it moving at 13.4 kts. But the report was 11h 46m old.
For world wide I like:Marinetraffic.com
It receives satellite positions, and if you want precise update there is a subscription service which will watch your fleet world wide...
All of these depend on some shore system--many are volunteers. Thus you may get erratic data. Also even satellite systems may be obscured by weather, heavy rain sea conditions etc.
It receives satellite positions, and if you want precise update there is a subscription service which will watch your fleet world wide...
All of these depend on some shore system--many are volunteers. Thus you may get erratic data. Also even satellite systems may be obscured by weather, heavy rain sea conditions etc.
Hi,
Newbie question, just picked up a nice used 22 cruiser, still pinching myself. It has a very basic VHF that I would like to upgrade to a unit with AIS and GPS, will this only receive AIS, or will it also transmit AIS? I initially thought this would be a good piece of safety equipment as we are in a busy harbor, but then I'm reading here that positioning lags, is that correct? I imagine it would also be useful if we need to send out a distress call, but I've also contemplated getting an epirb if / when we do some extended trips.
Newbie question, just picked up a nice used 22 cruiser, still pinching myself. It has a very basic VHF that I would like to upgrade to a unit with AIS and GPS, will this only receive AIS, or will it also transmit AIS? I initially thought this would be a good piece of safety equipment as we are in a busy harbor, but then I'm reading here that positioning lags, is that correct? I imagine it would also be useful if we need to send out a distress call, but I've also contemplated getting an epirb if / when we do some extended trips.