AIS Radar?

simmons0 · 11 May 2005, 20:51

Have just noticed an AIS Radar going for £225 in a magazine.

What is it?

From reading the website: http://www.nasamarine.com/AIS/AIS.html im guessing its picks up on signals sent only by ships carying AIS. How many ships carry it?

Harry

brucehawsker · 11 May 2005, 21:38

Hi Harry,

Big ones! Won't stop you hitting Blue Ice on a dark night, nor a buoy

Bruce

simmons0 · 11 May 2005, 22:04

In the dark you'd see the lights on Blue Ice, and buoys dont move.

We were thinking it would have been very nice to have when we were heading out into the channel in fog.
Do most/all ships carry ais?

gingercoastie · 11 May 2005, 22:50

all ships over 300grt or passanger carrying vessels must have. other boats are optional.

But be ware that it can be turned off, not that I am saying it ever is, but things do break.

Richard B · 12 May 2005, 00:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by simmons0

In the dark you'd see the lights on Blue Ice

Pleased to hear that!

ScottyDog · 12 May 2005, 07:57

I have been told by a couple of dealers that the AIS (and also the Navtext receivers) are not fully waterproof and there was grave concern for their reliability if mounted on a RIB console. Otherwise seems like a better option than having nothing for boats without radar but as Gingercoastie mentions there is a chance the 'active' signals may not be generated at some point making faith in the system less than 100%. Still, they are only small, easily fitted and seem to work well most of the time. The next generation should have A and B AIS, with leisure and smaller commercial craft being able to use transmitters to send out all this heading info, should make for a busy screen with lots of animated sprites whizzing around ! Maybe even icons for different types of boats ! Information overload ! It will also be possible to hook them up to a chartplotter and see everything in relation to the chart too, this is available if using the black box type AIS receivers and a laptop/PC with some chartplotting software.

wavelength · 12 May 2005, 11:12

tried to get one for test/evaluation for magazine but was told by NASA in no uncertain terms it ain't waterproof.

Arctic RIB · 12 May 2005, 20:14

I know nothing about radar but am wondering about a basic setup for a Pro 12 or 16 man. I only need it for rocks and reefs. Anyone know roughly how much it might cost me and does it have any effect on people being in such close proximity to the crew?

codprawn · 12 May 2005, 20:52

In most tests I have read Raymarine come out as the best - really good kit.

I would be VERY carefull about the way you mount the radome - would you stand in front of a microwave oven with the door open???

As long as it is above your head when in use it will be ok as the beam is quite narrow close in.