Anyone use AIS system?

[MikeCC]

Originally Posted by BruceB

Is there such a beast similiar to the NASA stand alone unit but waterproof and suitable for mounting on an open console?

Comar do one but I'm fairly sure it's not waterproof. However, they are quite expensive (like £600) so you may as well use a cheap chartplotter.

I saw another one recently, but don't recall manufacturer but guess it wouldn't be cheap either.

Don't forget, for AIS purposes you wouldn't need a full chart - you're only interested in what's around you.

[BruceB]

I have two plotters fitted already, really looking for a stand alone small unit like the NASA that has its own display and is at a reasonable price.
I don't think the Lowrances I have will take an input from an AIS engine although I could be wrong?

[MikeCC]

Originally Posted by BruceB

I don't think the Lowrances I have will take an input from an AIS engine although I could be wrong?

Yes, only the newer Lowrance models will do AIS.

[BruceB]

The lowrance manuals are really pants, which ones will take an AIS input and what would I need to fit it?

[BruceB]

The new Icom 505 with AIS looks interesting, anybody got more info on how it connects and whether it will display onto a lowrance LCX-27?
I would as cheap buying one of these and selling my almost new 505 than paying for a seperate unit plus it will take up no more room on the console.

[Jon Brooks]

Yes does look good from the out set but you have to remember to have the radio in "scan" for it to pick up the AIS info.
The radio has the two AIS channels programmed in. You tag the channels and then scan. If it is scanning it will pick up the info and output it.
This means if you are talking on the radio of picking up radio traffic you will not be getting AIS at that time.

So they do not work like a normal AIS unit and pick up the info all the time and output it.

This could be a failing and not give the results expected.

Good idea though.

[BruceB]

So its a distinct operation to set it to scan rather than constantly scanning?
How do I find out if my plotter will accept and display the data? There is little or no information out there that can be found.....

[Jon Brooks]

yes has to be a concious act to make it work, not a background task.

You could try calling Simrad as they are now the lowrance people.

Most Garmin and Standard Horizin kit now have AIS overlay as standard.

[BruceB]

I contacted navico today and they have confirmed Lowrance LCX plotters don't accept AIS input. There may be a product update next year to accomodate this but not at the moment, and no guarantees it will happen!
I have been looking at the various stand alone versions and only Furnuno and Simrad seems to be around that are waterproof and stand alone with screen.
They are both rather expensive, any other that anybody knows of?

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by BruceB

They are both rather expensive, any other that anybody knows of?

Finally got around to wiring up my Garmin to an Easy AIS. Easy AIS was recommended to me by Garmin at the boat show rather than the NASA one due to quality and ease of setting up. After a bit of faffing around because Garmin and Easy AIS use different terminology for NEMA wires, it was plug and play. How sensitive is it, well with the range set at 0.5 miles the alarm goes off everytime the Gosport ferry crosses the harbour. What did suprise me is the number of small boats and yachts transmitting AIS.

How useful is it? well for a rib wandering around the Solent, it's only a "nice to have" and you won't want the alarm turned on or it will be constantly activating. However on the yacht for cross channel trips knowing were and how far away the big boys are is definately worth while.

Btw, had the chance to look at the NASA AIS at the boatshow. It's tiny, the screen is about the size of a fag packet (cigarettes for our colonial friends) black / white display and not waterproof according to there website.

Pete

[Nasher]

Originally Posted by BruceB

I contacted navico today and they have confirmed Lowrance LCX plotters don't accept AIS input. There may be a product update next year to accomodate this but not at the moment, and no guarantees it will happen!
I have been looking at the various stand alone versions and only Furnuno and Simrad seems to be around that are waterproof and stand alone with screen.
They are both rather expensive, any other that anybody knows of?

As Jon has already said, since some of the units were developed, and AIS has become more available Navico have been buying up companies and now own Simrad as well as Lowrance. I'm convinced the update mentioned will be more of a 'Badge Engineering' solution.

What do you think Jon?

Nasher.