I've had a Vesper Watchmate Vision transponder on my yacht for 8 years and still love all the features. The wifi along with the Vesper app on our mobile devices is just the best. We've easily upgraded the firmware when new versions were released. One up-grade, in particular, gave us a spectacular new feature - an anchor watch. I swear if that was the only thing the unit did I'd buy it just for that alone! I'd previously tried all the app store anchor watch apps and never felt safe and secure with any of them.
I bought a used sailboat in Panama. I spend the winters on it. The boat has no MMSI number on it's radio. It is registered in Panama, so I can't get one from the US Coast Guard. At the local Maritime office (Bocas del Toro) I think the guy didn't know what it was! The national Maritime web sites are impenetrable and geared entirely to ships weighing 100s of tons. Is there any international service that grants MMSI numbers?
The 2 most important considerations in selecting which type of AIS device(s) you will install on your boat are geography and the size and type of your vessel. Most countries, including the USA, have laws and guidance regarding the type of AIS device that may either be required (for commercial and passenger vessels) or recommended (for pleasure craft). Some countries make use of AIS transponders, not just receivers, mandatory for vessels over a certain size limit and transiting certain waterways.
The selection is getting really good fast now. Lots of different features. The well-known known brands may be better such as Em-trak 3x the price of never heard of it. Similar issues about features like silence till authorized queries etc make this a wide field.
After working in communications maintenance for 38 years and doing extensive testing on VHF splitters for law enforcement agencies, I would recommend not using a splitter in any installation. There is always some attenuation of the VHF radio signal , some more than others. Instead I suggest using a dedicated antenna for each.
On ais specifically discussing with an fcc licensed technician the larger issue was use of the vhf overloading the listening abilities of the ais, so keydown = your ais not able to communicate. So the trouble of the ais specifically tuned antenna is an improvement 2 ways.
Funny I was looking for class B then found a class A that was less. Solutions are so wide it is hard to answer as most makes assumptions of existing equipment not bare build.
Thanks for your discussions. The deeper I get into ais like a rabbit hole haven't found the end. Just have to make choices.
As always I appreciate your videos - thanks!
Glad you like them!
I've had a Vesper Watchmate Vision transponder on my yacht for 8 years and still love all the features. The wifi along with the Vesper app on our mobile devices is just the best. We've easily upgraded the firmware when new versions were released. One up-grade, in particular, gave us a spectacular new feature - an anchor watch. I swear if that was the only thing the unit did I'd buy it just for that alone! I'd previously tried all the app store anchor watch apps and never felt safe and secure with any of them.
Thanks for sharing Ian, appreciate it. Got to use the Vesper anchor watch feature more often.
I bought a used sailboat in Panama. I spend the winters on it. The boat has no MMSI number on it's radio. It is registered in Panama, so I can't get one from the US Coast Guard. At the local Maritime office (Bocas del Toro) I think the guy didn't know what it was! The national Maritime web sites are impenetrable and geared entirely to ships weighing 100s of tons.
Is there any international service that grants MMSI numbers?
The 2 most important considerations in selecting which type of AIS device(s) you will install on your boat are geography and the size and type of your vessel. Most countries, including the USA, have laws and guidance regarding the type of AIS device that may either be required (for commercial and passenger vessels) or recommended (for pleasure craft). Some countries make use of AIS transponders, not just receivers, mandatory for vessels over a certain size limit and transiting certain waterways.
Thanks Doug for adding to the discussion.
Hi Jeff,which ais do you recommend transponder buoy for identifying fishing nets
Is there really such a product? Wasn't aware.
The selection is getting really good fast now. Lots of different features. The well-known known brands may be better such as Em-trak 3x the price of never heard of it. Similar issues about features like silence till authorized queries etc make this a wide field.
After working in communications maintenance for 38 years and doing extensive testing on VHF splitters for law enforcement agencies, I would recommend not using a splitter in any installation. There is always some attenuation of the VHF radio signal , some more than others. Instead I suggest using a dedicated antenna for each.
Thanks Henry for your input, appreciate it.
On ais specifically discussing with an fcc licensed technician the larger issue was use of the vhf overloading the listening abilities of the ais, so keydown = your ais not able to communicate. So the trouble of the ais specifically tuned antenna is an improvement 2 ways.
Videos are very informative.
Glad you think so!
Any experience with the Si-Tex MDA-5? Seems to have many features including built in splitter at a great cost point.
Hi PJ, no experience with the Si-Tex MDA-5, let us know if you've installed this AIS aboard your boat.
Great knowledge
Thanks Javier.
It would be nice when you say one device is less or more expensive if you could include price range of percent above or below the other.
Here is a current link as the prices do change, www.pysystems.ca/shop/navigation/ais/
Funny I was looking for class B then found a class A that was less. Solutions are so wide it is hard to answer as most makes assumptions of existing equipment not bare build.
As long as others are squaking
Yep, good point other boats have to be transmitting via AIS.
AIS is awesome. Just activate the silent switch and no one will know where you are fishin’. Haha
Good tip!