AIS function on I Com vhf

Skip Boyer

Active Member
Sep 24, 2015
193
Lake Guntersville Al,
Boat Info
1998 500DA Sundancer, 1999 Maxum 2800, 1998 270 Sundancer, Oliver Hazard Perry FFG-7
Engines
Twin Detroit 6V92TA
So i purchased and installed a new I Com M506 VHF radio. I have read the enclosed manual, searched the internet as well as u tube and i cannot get the AIS to function on this unit. The screen opens up with menu selection but thats it. Any help please ?
 
Have you "plugged in" your MMIS number? Or is it receive only?
 
The Standard Horizon vhf needs to be receiving an active AIS signal to show any sign it is functioning. I had the same issue after I installed one on our 280. You may be running into the same predicament.
 
I have my MMSI number loaded into the unit and it shows correctly. I am ruffly 1000 ft from the state port and no more than a mile to open waters. I would think i should show somebodys AIS signal.
 
Is the range setting adjusted out far enough?
 
I would think so, i have it set at 24 miles. Not a thing showing on the screen.
 
You might try installing the MarineTraffic app or going to their website. It would show you AIS signals in your area as long is there is a shore site nearby. That would probably clear up whether there are any currently active AIS vessels nearby you should be seeing.
 
I links mine via N2k to my plotter and radar and works perfect once I loaded my. Umber. Side note, you only get one change to load your number correctly.
 
Problem solved.....almost. I contacted I Com and they ran the serial number on my unit. My serial number starts with 11... This prefix IS NOT AIS unit. Contacted the seller on Amazon and they refuse to do anything to help even tho they advertised this unit to be AIS. So im going to have to buy another unit. Defiantly wont be from the same seller. Thanks for all the help of forum members.
 
Garmin does that too - as if model numbers are a limited resource??

There's fairly hefty price difference. If you paid the AIS price but didn't get it, I'd raise a stink.
 
Problem solved.....almost. I contacted I Com and they ran the serial number on my unit. My serial number starts with 11... This prefix IS NOT AIS unit. Contacted the seller on Amazon and they refuse to do anything to help even tho they advertised this unit to be AIS. So im going to have to buy another unit. Defiantly wont be from the same seller. Thanks for all the help of forum members.

Contact Amazon directly. If the seller mis-advertised the product amazon should either twist the seller’s arm for a return refund, or may make you whole. I had a similar situation with a $500 red dot sight the seller specifically said would fit, and refused to take it back when it didn’t. Amazon ended up giving me a full credit.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
112,948
Messages
1,422,804
Members
60,930
Latest member
Ebrown69
Back
Top