AIT1000 AIS Transceiver

Channel Ribs · 01 June 2011, 08:40

I have just been setting one of these up for a customer, and felt the urge to post as I am really impressed.

I am not a fan of windows but we keep a PC just for jobs like this and the ProAIS software that is supplied as part of the package installed easily enough and works very well, giving control of every aspect of the unit as well as showing GPS and AIS status in a clean way.

The unit itself is really well designed and built, with easy connections. My one quibble would be the lack of PL259 for the VHF antenna connection, we always advise people to go for a second dedicated antenna since this then provides an emergency backup for the radio if needed; so the connector should either the a standard one or an adapter should be included.

Everything else needed for the installation is included. The GPS antenna is super-small and worked fine indoors! It is small enough to lose in a cup of tea.

For less than 500 quid (with a 2nd VHF antenna included) this is a great way to add both AIS receive and transmit you your RIB.

biffer · 01 June 2011, 08:48

Just done a Raymarine 500 ais that has separate pl259 but I bet it was £500

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Channel Ribs · 01 June 2011, 08:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by biffer

Raymarine 500 ais that has separate pl259, but I bet it wasn't £500

The Raymarine badge and PL259 bring the cost up to about 900 quid!

biffer · 01 June 2011, 08:58

Don't think the matey minded. He had two e120 touchscreens. St70+ radar ais two VHF sounder seame. Yes on a rib

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bingomike · 02 June 2011, 00:34

Does it also connect to icon radio and garmin plotter?

Also is price excluding vat?

Cheers
Mije

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Channel Ribs · 02 June 2011, 07:48

We would recommend using a separate arial rather than a splitter to your Icom, but yes these connect easily to your Garmin.

Our price is 429.00 ex vat delivered, but because the way duty paid goods work it will still come in at under 500 pounds. (VAT is not payable on post, packing or any config work we do before delivery).

Erin · 02 June 2011, 08:18

Think I looked at one of those at the Jersey boatshow. Just a pity it's still only NMEA 0183 and not N2K

Channel Ribs · 02 June 2011, 08:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erin

Just a pity it's still only NMEA 0183 and not N2K

That is where the Garmin equivalent stands out, the extra 150 quid gets you N2K.

bingomike · 03 June 2011, 08:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erin

Think I looked at one of those at the Jersey boatshow. Just a pity it's still only NMEA 0183 and not N2K

Does that make a lot of difference? Still trying to get my head around the difference - as long as my Garmin and Icom talk to it does it it lower any functionality or is it just a forward compatability issue?

Mike

Channel Ribs · 03 June 2011, 08:59

I would say you are right about forward compatibility. For example Garmin plan to make the AIS transmissions fully controlled & configured via their N2K plotters, but as of yet you still need a PC to plug in for that.

The common sense thing is to fit gear that has the most up to date networking, that way it wont be left behind. But weigh that up against budget and where else the x quid could go.

Erin · 06 June 2011, 17:09

The great advantage as far as I see it is much simpler wiring. No tiddly fragile wires to join together and no worrying about baud rates or wire colours. N2K has to be the way forward for setting up and programming devices connected on the network too.

gotchiguy · 06 June 2011, 17:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erin

The great advantage as far as I see it is much simpler wiring. No tiddly fragile wires to join together and no worrying about baud rates or wire colours. N2K has to be the way forward for setting up and programming devices connected on the network too.

We don't have an N2K port, the Seatalk 2 is now taken too, so it is going to have to be NMEA 0183.

martini · 06 June 2011, 17:13

And system updates as well if everything's one make. I like the way my AIS software updates when I stick an SD card in the plotter

Pikey Dave · 06 June 2011, 20:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by gotchiguy

We don't have an N2K port, the Seatalk 2 is now taken too, so it is going to have to be NMEA 0183.

You can add multiple devices to Seatalk 2

gotchiguy · 07 June 2011, 23:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

You can add multiple devices to Seatalk 2

Once you have converted the E to C and bought a hub along with power cable, yes. Not worth it. The AIT1000 will plug straight in - or at least that's the theory!

Pikey Dave · 08 June 2011, 07:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by gotchiguy

Once you have converted the E to C and bought a hub along with power cable, yes. Not worth it. The AIT1000 will plug straight in - or at least that's the theory!
Heed the avatar & Self-confessed Luddite

Heed the signature

gotchiguy · 08 June 2011, 08:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

Heed the signature