AIS Receiver Round Up
by James W. Hebert
Below is an brief summary of AIS receivers currently available.
Dual Parallel Receivers
These dual-receiver AIS receivers receive both AIS channels simultaneously. Because of the nature of AIS transmissions, reception of both channels simultaneously insures the best possible collection of AIS data. In addition to providing two receivers which must operate independently without interference to each other on closely spaced channels, the units have to collect the data from each channel, buffer it, and output the data onto a single serial output.
Comar Systems
- Location: U.K.
- Website: http://www.comarsystems.com/
- Product: AIS-2-NMEA
- Product Page: Imported by Milltech Marine
- Price: $370
- Output: NMEA-0183 compatible
- Features: This model was newly introduced in January 2008. Comar makes several AIS receivers.
Milltech Marine
- Location: Bellevue, Washington
- Website: http://www.milltechmarine.com/
- Product: Smart Radio SR162 AIS Receiver
- Product Page: http://www.milltechmarine.com/SR161.htm
- Price: $399
- Output: Serial data
- Features: The company also makes an antenna splitter device which permits the AIS receiver to share the vessel's main VHF antenna when receiving and to isolate the AIS when transmitting on the main VHF radio.
ICOM
- Location: Bellevue, Washington
- Website: http://www.icomamerica.com/
- Product: MXA-5000 AIS Receiver
- Product Page: http://www.icomamerica.com/en/products/marine/navigation/mxa5000/
- Price: $450 from some retailers
- Output: NMEA-0183 data
- Features: The device includes an antenna splitter device which permits the AIS receiver to share the vessel's main VHF antenna when receiving and to isolate the AIS when transmitting on the main VHF radio. A data multiplexer is also included. Dual data outputs are provided.
Raymarine
- Location: Bellevue, Washington
- Website: http://www.raymarine.com/
- Product: AIS250 Receiver Module
- Product Page: Link
- Price: $1,1200
- Output: NMEA-0183 data
- Features: The device includes an antenna splitter device which permits the AIS receiver to share the vessel's main VHF antenna when receiving and to isolate the AIS when transmitting on the main VHF radio. The device also has a NMEA-0183 data multiplexer which is helpful in aggregating data streams to and from the device to other connected devices.
SeaCAS Collision Avoidance at Sea
- Location: Seattle, Washington
- Website: http://www.seacas.com/
- Product: Safe Passage AIS 100
- Product Page: http://www.seacas.com/oscomm/ais_100pg.php?
- Price: $699, but currently on sale for $629
- Output: Serial data, USB
- Features: The USB connectivity for computer use is interesting. USB cables have a maximum length of 5-meters. The device is self-powering when a USB cable is connected, otherwise it needs the usual 12-Vdc supply. There are also more expensive units available which provide their own GPS receiver and a separate VHF antenna suitable for shipboard use.
em-trak
Single Receiver Units
These AIS receivers receive both AIS channels but only one at a time. Because of the nature of AIS transmissions, in some circumstances these receivers may miss transmitted data or have to wait a significant amount of time to catch the next transmission.
EasyAIS
- Location: Germany
- Website: http://www.easyais.de/
- Product: EasyAIS
- Product Page: This product is believed to have been superceded but may still be available from some dealers.
- Price: about $290 in equivalent Pounds Sterling in UK. US Price unknown.
- Output: RS-232 line driver with enhanced ESD performance
- Features: The company also makes an antenna splitter device which permits the AIS receiver to share the vessel's main VHF antenna when receiving and to isolate the AIS when transmitting on the main VHF radio.
Milltech Marine
- Location: Bellevue, Washington
- Website: http://www.milltechmarine.com/
- Product: Smart Radio SR161 AIS Receiver
- Product Page: http://www.milltechmarine.com/SR161.htm
- Price: $189
- Output: Serial data
- Features: This single channel unit listens to the AIS frequency with the best signals. This unit is the lowest priced, and it has been on the market for some time. Its actual manufacturer is Smart Radio of China
NASA Marine LTD
DISCLAIMER: This information is believed to be accurate but there is no guarantee. We do our best!
Copyright © 2008 by James W. Hebert. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited!
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Author: James W. Hebert
This article first appeared March 23, 2008.