Choosing AIS

[Alex F]

I'm trying to choose an AIS Transponder unit based on the features. So far I have the following units on the list:


Digital Yacths AIT2000
AMEC-CAMINO-108W
Vesper Marine XB-8000
Sitex
EM-TRAK
Raymarine AIS650

One of the puzzles I have is where to display the data. I understand that the simplest way would be just connect it to one of my E-Series Classic displays or to my HS Network Switch, so both MFDs can display the AIS data. However, I have a lot of data on both displays and feel a need for dedicated display to minimize cluttering the screen.

Do you guys think it's a good idea to add an iPad and invest in the WiFi capable AIS Transponder hoping that by running Navionics App to have AIS overlay on it?

Any thoughts or recommendations? Any feedback on WiFi units? Did you have any trouble getting non-RM AIS unit integrate with your RM components?

 

[1956olds]

I bought a new vhf gx2150 with ais,i know its not the same but it has a nice screen and it does what i need it to,coupled with gps and radar i dont think i would need anything more.Just a thought.

 

[tdschafer]

Alex,
The first thing that comes to mind is the heat and iPad display. I remember reading on here that several members have had the iPad shut down due to overheating. I'm sure that you've given this some consideration already & maybe with your new bridge AC it may not be a problem but I just wanted to point it out.
Otherwise it sounds like a pretty good & cost effective idea.

I bought a new vhf gx2150 with ais,i know its not the same but it has a nice screen and it does what i need it to,coupled with gps and radar i dont think i would need anything more.Just a thought.

Olds,
I think Alex wants a transponder too so that he shows up on other boats AIS displays. I bought the AIS VHF Jim had on sale at BOE last year but it is only a receiver, not a transponder.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Todd

 

[Henry Boyd]

I don't think the transmitter portion of the transponder provides any displayable data. I've got the SH 2150 hooked up to the C80 and the amount of additional data is really not that large even around busy areas like Boston Harbor.

Henry

 

[Alex F]

Alex,
The first thing that comes to mind is the heat and iPad display. I remember reading on here that several members have had the iPad shut down due to overheating. I'm sure that you've given this some consideration already & maybe with your new bridge AC it may not be a problem but I just wanted to point it out.
Otherwise it sounds like a pretty good & cost effective idea.




Olds,
I think Alex wants a transponder too so that he shows up on other boats AIS displays. I bought the AIS VHF Jim had on sale at BOE last year but it is only a receiver, not a transponder.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Todd

Todd,

You're correct on both counts. The two main issues with iPads or iwhatever devices are exposure to heat and water. 99% it's not an issue on my bridge. Also, let's keep in mind that primary AIS integration is with on board systems, where something like an iPad is additional form of displaying the AIS data, which by default will always be available on MFDs.

And yes, I'm only interested in transponder units.

I don't think the transmitter portion of the transponder provides any displayable data. I've got the SH 2150 hooked up to the C80 and the amount of additional data is really not that large even around busy areas like Boston Harbor.

Henry

Henry,

That's good to hear, but I'm sure the screen cluttering varies by area. For this reason I was looking in to filtering features as well.

Going with simple approach and hook it up to my HS Network Switch is definitely on the table, and it could be the preferred option. The biggest challenge for me is to choose a unit, b/c based on the overall installation approach I need to choose a unit to support necessary features. E.g. if I go with iPad route, then I need WiFi capable AIS, which of course is more money. Otherwise, I can go with much simpler unit for less money.

 

[alnav]

Do you guys think it's a good idea to add an iPad and invest in the WiFi capable AIS Transponder hoping that by running Navionics App to have AIS overlay on it?

Any thoughts or recommendations? Any feedback on WiFi units? Did you have any trouble getting non-RM AIS unit integrate with your RM components?

Alex, I don't believe the Navionics app will accept any external inputs. I use iNavX (www.inavx.com) that can utilize the full NMEA data stream. I get the data from my E120s via SeaTalk to a ShipModul multiplexer that connects via ethernet to my boat's wi-fi router. The multiplexer will accept an AIS signal for when I get around to adding it.

 

[Alex F]

Alex, I don't believe the Navionics app will accept any external inputs. I use iNavX (www.inavx.com) that can utilize the full NMEA data stream. I get the data from my E120s via SeaTalk to a ShipModul multiplexer that connects via ethernet to my boat's wi-fi router. The multiplexer will accept an AIS signal for when I get around to adding it.

Al,

You might be right about Navionics. But, those units with WiFi capabilities will have a free App dedicated to properly display AIS data on iPads. I saw few being advertised, but don't have first hand experience.

I assume you have an AIS, how do you find it working with your E120s? Do you get too much clutter on the screen and wish there was a dedicated display for AIS, or is it very manageable?

 

[alnav]

Al,

You might be right about Navionics. But, those units with WiFi capabilities will have a free App dedicated to properly display AIS data on iPads. I saw few being advertised, but don't have first hand experience.

I assume you have an AIS, how do you find it working with your E120s? Do you get too much clutter on the screen and wish there was a dedicated display for AIS, or is it very manageable?

I think the apps that come from the AIS vendors only provide a simple polar display without the capability to integrate with charts, so you sort of give up a fused picture when you go that way, which may be fine for you. I like an integrated picture better.

I have not installed AIS on my boat as yet, just have a place to put it so I can't comment on screen clutter as it relates to the Raymarine presentation, but, if you are using radar overlays already, I think of the addition of AIS as just providing somewhat of an enhanced radar return. I have used AIS in much larger displays but which also have many more forms of symbology overlaid in addition to AIS so I may be a poor judge of what might bother you.

 

[Alex F]

I think the apps that come from the AIS vendors only provide a simple polar display without the capability to integrate with charts, so you sort of give up a fused picture when you go that way, which may be fine for you. I like an integrated picture better...

Having an integrated picture is actually one of the main intensives to go with MFD approach as primary and have an iPad as secondary display, if needed. I'm just trying to determine if it's worth the trouble and extra money.