Alaska Trip Purchases

[BRAZO]

Purchased a Matsutec HP-33A 4.3" Color LCD Class B AIS Transponder Combo High GPS Navigator today - shipping from China. $399.00 free shipping. Looking forward to trying it out on the way to Alaska in June.

Also, bought a New Sea-Me Active Radar Reflector for $175.


Probably not required but partially satisfies my geek needs!

Just under 2 months and we'll be on our way - can't wait to get on the water!

 

[thataway]

That looks very interesting especially for the price. I wonder if this unit is FCC approved (not "to FCC specs")? I doubt that anyone would ever ask in AK. But that is a good question to ask when buying electronics from China.

Let us know how it works!

 

[hardee]

Brazo, Cool find. Congrats, let's check it out at Friday Harbor.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

 

[journey on]

I can't take an AIS position report and translate it to a meaningful message directly. I need to see it on a chart. Does this instrument output the AIS data on NMEA 0183/200 or USB so that it can be fed to a plotter?

That graphical chart display is what makes AIS so handy for me.

An ad says the GPS has NMEA 0183 data. It also says that they sell fighing net AIS beacons. That would be wonderful if everybody used them.

Boris

 

[BRAZO]

Brazo, Cool find. Congrats, let's check it out at Friday Harbor.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

Hi Harvey

Our CD22 might be able to make it (stored in Blaine) - but we are still stuck in Wisconsin.

 

[BRAZO]

I can't take an AIS position report and translate it to a meaningful message directly. I need to see it on a chart. Does this instrument output the AIS data on NMEA 0183/200 or USB so that it can be fed to a plotter?

That graphical chart display is what makes AIS so handy for me.

An ad says the GPS has NMEA 0183 data. It also says that they sell fighing net AIS beacons. That would be wonderful if everybody used them.

Boris

Yes, the unit outputs NMEA 0813 AIS & GPS. Plan is to feed OpenCPN and/or Nobeltec. It has received very good reviews on a few forums. I wanted a receiver but for the little extra it was worth getting the transponder also. Another toy to play with while cruising to Alaska at 6kts.

 

[hardee]

you are going to like the AIS. I found that in Canadian waters, Vessel Traffic Service monitors both A & B series AIS, which means they can see you/me.

IO have a real pet peeve about AIS though. Many users do not have the vessel size info included in the reporting data output by the AIS. Also, frequently there is not a vessel name and if I try to contact them with the DSC through their MMSI, they do not answer. Makes it hard to get/pass info. Most Class A's have names and respond, usually on VHF 13, It;s the "Recreational" boaters who put AIS in so everyone can know where they are and then pay no attention to their bridge instrumentation.

I'm sure you know, that for the AIS, you need to have the FCC Station Radio License, right? Because it requires a registered MMSI #.

Sorry we won't get to see you at Friday Harbor. Keep us posted on when you are launching, and we still might get to help test it out.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon