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AUTOMATIC IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM (AIS)

What is AIS?

Automatic Identification System (AIS)  is the name given to an international maritime communications protocol developed back in the late 90s. AIS is now one of the most widely used and significant navigation safety technologies since the introduction of radar. The system was originally developed as a collision avoidance tool to enable commercial vessels to ‘see’ each other more clearly in all conditions and improve the helmsman’s information about his surrounding environment.

AIS uses GPS and VHF radio technologies to automatically communicate between vessels allowing vessel identity, position, course and speed (and other data) to be shared to other AIS users within range. These could be vessels, aircraft, coast stations or satellites. A single AIS transmission (message) can contain up to 27 pieces of information and can be used to carry numerous different types of data.

AIS forms an important part of a toolbox of aids to navigation. Information received via AIS can supplement and improve radar information and therefore is a valuable aid to assist in collision avoidance. It’s affordable, easy to install and also easier to interpret for leisure users compared to small radar systems. An AIS transponder is a mandatory fit on all vessels greater than 300 tonnes or carrying 12 or more passengers.

If you want to learn more about AIS, please click on the button below

Benefits of AIS

CPA and TCPA

Most navigation system can calculate the Closest Point of Approach (CPA) of every AIS target and also the Time to CPA (TCPA). The navigation system can trigger an audible and visual alarm when dangerous targets are detected.

See around corners

Useful to see around corners vessels, AtoNs, rescue Craft, etc. AIS is a low power and low cost alternative to radar for small boats.

Identification

Receive MMSI number, vessel name and boat type of all AIS equipped vessels. Useful to find any of your friends’ boats.

Collision Avoidance

Receive clear and regular position reports of all AIS equipped vessels in your area. You can identify and make a DSC radio call to a dangerous vessel using their MMSI number.

Emergency services and port authorities are using AIS for surveillance, safety with quick and easy vessel identification. Also, your friends and family can use online AIS services to track your trip/race from home.

Types of AIS

Digital Yacht’s extensive range of AIS products provides solutions for every type of boat, from an open cockpit RIB to a SOLAS Super Tanker. An AIS which sends and receives data is known as a  transceiver (or often called a transponder) . There are also simple devices called  AIS receivers  which pick up transmissions and decode for displaying on a compatible chart plotter or PC based navigation system – or even an iPad or tablet.

TRANSPONDERS

• Class B AIS Transponder
• Class B+ 5W AIS Transponder
• Class A AIS Transponder

Class B AIS Transponder  is for recreational craft installation and is a simplified, lower powered 2W transceiver which is normally a black box and uses a connected chart plotter to display local AIS targets. It transmits every 30 seconds regardless of vessel speed and can’t transmit additional data like destination port.

Class B+ AIS   Transponder  (also called Class B SOTDMA) is a new standard that utilises SOTDMA format transmissions which offer a 5W power output (2.5 x more powerful than a regular Class B), a guaranteed time slot for transmission in busy traffic areas and faster update rates depending upon the speed of the vessel. It’s ideal for ocean sailors requiring the best possible performance and future proof satellite tracking applications, fast power boats and smaller non-mandated commercial vessels.

Class A AIS Transponder  must have a dedicated (and type approved) display to show the location of nearby AIS targets and transmits at 12.5W. Data is sent at up to every 2 seconds depending upon the vessel speed and the display also allows for data to be inputted to the transmission such as vessel destination. A Class A device is normally used on commercial vessels as its Type Approved to IMO specifications.

If you don’t know which AIS transponder or receiver to choose, then you can fill in this questionnaire, which will recommend a model for you.

TYPES OF AIS

• AIS base stations

ATON (Aids To Navigation)  is an AIS transceiver specifically for use on marine infrastructure and buoys to provide real time hazard alerts as well as live monitoring data such as weather, sea and lantern status. ATON transmissions can be displayed on compatible chart plotter and ECDIS systems and allow a buoy or structure to be positively identified as well as the ability to display local wind, tide or metrological data.

AIS SART (Search And Rescue Transmitter)  is a homing beacon designed for use in an emergency. When activated an AIS SART transmits its GPS position using AIS in a special SART message. This message is recognised by the AIS display systems on other vessels (and potentially on shore) as an emergency message and generates an alarm.

An AIS SART can be used to locate a life raft or lifeboat in an emergency situation. Available in vessel versions (SART) or personal versions (PLB) with the difference being size and range. An AIS SART with its position close to the waterline and limited 2W output would typically have a maximum range of 5-6NM. A PLB device would typically have a range of 2-3NM.

AIS base stations  are fixed (non-mobile) stations that port authorities use to monitor and control vessel traffic. Major ports and harbours install these systems to give additional control over local AIS users. These base stations can also control other AIS devices with the ability to turn other AIS devices on or off, reserve time slots for special transmissions, control which time slots mobile AIS devices use and even control the power level of AIS transponders.

Digital Yacht also manufacture many accessories

Such as AIS alarms, interfaces for AIS and Zero-Loss VHF antenna-splitter allowing the VHF antenna to be shared with an AIS receiver/transponder and with a VHF radio.

Discover our products

The most extensive AIS Receiver range of any Marine Electronics manufacturer, with a model to suit every application.

Transponders

Our range of AIS transponders include Class A, Class B and Class B+ units for Commercial and Pleasure vessels.

Splitters & Antennas

All our VHF antennas and Zero Loss VHF splitters for any AIS receivers and transponders.

• AIS Beacons

Our AIS Beacons products such as an AIS Sart, an MOB beacon and an AIS alarm box.

• Accessories

Our AIS accessories such as AIS internet base station, passive GPS antenna and interfaces for Class A AIS

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How to configure our AIS

How to configure an ais transponder.

The first section explains how to configure an AIS transponder with the web interface. This section is for the iAISTX, iAISTX Plus and AIT5000. The next section explains how to configure an AIS transponder with ProAIS2 or AISConfig and this is for AIT1500, AIT1500N2K, AIT2000, AIT2500 and AIT3000.

How to configure an iAISTX, iAISTX Plus, Nomad 2 or AIT5000

In order to facilitate the use and configuration of our AIS transponders, our new AIS transponders now have a built-in web interface. This is the case for the Nomad 2, iAISTX ,  iAISTX Plus  and  AIT5000  (since March 2020). These devices create a WiFi network on board and configure themselves by connecting to WiFi. The configuration of the transponder can therefore be done through a computer, a tablet or even a smartphone and most importantly, no software is required. Our other transponders can only be configured through a computer by connecting the USB and downloading a specific software (ProAIS2).

If you have an AIT1500, AIT2000, AIT2500 or Nomad, then you must go to the next section.

After installing and powering the device, here is the procedure to configure the AIS transponder through the web interface.

1 – How to access the web interface

You need to connect to the WiFi network created by the AIS transponder (network name: DY-AIS-xxxx) . If the WiFi network has a password, then the password is: PASS-xxxx (xxxx is a 4-digit code unique to your device and is the same as the 4 digits on the WiFi network name).

Then, open a web browser (Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.) and either enter the IP address of the transpondeur…

http://192.168.1.1

…or if your device supports Bonjour/mDNS you can enter the following URL…

2 – Vessel details

This is the section in which you enter the MMSI and Static data to program the transpondeur. The MMSI number can only be programmed once, so particular care should be taken to check that it is correctly typed in. All other data can be changed at any time. You need to enter your boat dimensions and an approximative location of the GNSS antenna.

Once you are happy that all your boat’s static data has been entered correctly, remembering to double check the MMSI number, click the “Update Vessel Details” button and the details will be stored in the AIS unit.

3 – Vessel details

By default, the AIS transponder is in “Access Point” mode, that means it creates its own password protected wireless network and automatically provides network settings to any device that connects to it (via DHCP). You can change the default network name and password, if required, and the wireless channel that the unit uses (Channel 1 by default). For the rest of the network settings, we recommend that you do not change anything.

If you want to merge the AIS’s WiFi to an existing WiFi network on board, please read the unit manual which you can  download from here.

Once everything is configured for the network settings, click on “Update Settings” button and the unit will save the new settings and restart (it takes about 30 sec).

4 – AIS Status and Selent Mode

5 – View NMEA data and product firmware

Thanks to the web interface, you can also display the NMEA 0183 frames broadcast by the WiFi of the AIS transponder. You have to click on the “View data” button at the top of the web interface. If you have connected instruments to the NMEA 0183 input of the  AIT5000 , you will also be able to see the data of these instruments in this page.

At the bottom of the web interface, you can update the product when an update is available. Simply select the file in your computer or tablet with “Choose File” and then click on “Upload Firmware”.

How to configure an AIT1500, AIT1500N2K, AIT2000, AIT2500, AIT3000 or Nomad

This article explains how to configure an AIS transponder, either using our proAIS2 software for PC/MAC or with a free Android app called AISConfig. This article is for AIT1500, AIT1500N2K, AIT2000, AIT2500, AIT3000 and Nomad.

1- proAIS2 (available on PC & Mac)

The proAIS2 software is included on the CD-ROM-rom supplied with all of our AIS transponders. If you do not have the CD-ROM or your laptop cannot read a CD-ROM, then you can download the software for Windows  by clicking here  or for Mac  by clicking here . The functionality of the proAIS2 software is the same on Windows or Mac.

Installation of the proAIS2 software, also installs the USB drivers and we recommend not plugging the transponders USB cable in to the PC/Mac until after you have installed proAIS2. Once the installation is complete, plug the USB cable in to the computer to complete the USB driver installation. The transponder receives enough power from the USB connection to power the processor and ancillory circuitry required to configure the transponder, however the GPS will not get a fix, the NMEA interfaces will not be working and the transponder will not transmit while on USB power.

For more information on installing proAIS2 on a Mac, please refer to a previous article  by clicking here. 

Digital Yacht are not the only company that supply proAIS2 with transponders, but to our knowledge, we are the only company to produce a video showing how to configure and diagnose Class B transponders with it. So we hope that not only Digital Yacht users but owners of other brands will benefit from this video. To find out how to use the proAIS2 software to configure an AIS transponder, please

2- AISConfig (available on Google Play Store)

The AISConfig app is a free application that can be downloaded from the Google Play Store. You can download it  by clicking here . The AIS transponder must have a built-in WiFi interface (such as Nomad, AIT3000, etc.) or must have a NMEA WiFi server (such as WLN10, WLN30, NavLink2) to be configured with the app.

Initial programming of the unit with your boat’s MMSI, vessel details, etc. plus monitoring of the LEDs, key performance criteria and switching Silent mode ON/OFF can all be done from the App.

To find out how to use the  AISConfig  app to configure an AIS transponder, please watch the video below:

• Digital Yacht

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AUTOMATIC IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM (AIS)

What is AIS?

Automatic Identification System (AIS)  is the name given to an international maritime communications protocol developed back in the late 90s. AIS is now one of the most widely used and significant navigation safety technologies since the introduction of radar. The system was originally developed as a collision avoidance tool to enable commercial vessels to ‘see’ each other more clearly in all conditions and improve the helmsman’s information about his surrounding environment.

AIS uses GPS and VHF radio technologies to automatically communicate between vessels allowing vessel identity, position, course and speed (and other data) to be shared to other AIS users within range. These could be vessels, aircraft, coast stations or satellites. A single AIS transmission (message) can contain up to 27 pieces of information and can be used to carry numerous different types of data.

AIS forms an important part of a toolbox of aids to navigation. Information received via AIS can supplement and improve radar information and therefore is a valuable aid to assist in collision avoidance. It’s affordable, easy to install and also easier to interpret for leisure users compared to small radar systems. An AIS transponder is a mandatory fit on all vessels greater than 300 tonnes or carrying 12 or more passengers.

If you want to learn more about AIS, please click on the button below

Benefits of AIS

CPA and TCPA

Most navigation system can calculate the Closest Point of Approach (CPA) of every AIS target and also the Time to CPA (TCPA). The navigation system can trigger an audible and visual alarm when dangerous targets are detected.

See around corners

Useful to see around corners vessels, AtoNs, rescue Craft, etc. AIS is a low power and low cost alternative to radar for small boats.

Identification

Receive MMSI number, vessel name and boat type of all AIS equipped vessels. Useful to find any of your friends’ boats.

Collision Avoidance

Receive clear and regular position reports of all AIS equipped vessels in your area. You can identify and make a DSC radio call to a dangerous vessel using their MMSI number.

Emergency services and port authorities are using AIS for surveillance, safety with quick and easy vessel identification. Also, your friends and family can use online AIS services to track your trip/race from home.

Types of AIS

Digital Yacht’s extensive range of AIS products provides solutions for every type of boat, from an open cockpit RIB to a SOLAS Super Tanker. An AIS which sends and receives data is known as a  transceiver (or often called a transponder) . There are also simple devices called  AIS receivers  which pick up transmissions and decode for displaying on a compatible chart plotter or PC based navigation system – or even an iPad or tablet.

TRANSPONDERS

• Class B AIS Transponder
• Class B+ 5W AIS Transponder
• Class A AIS Transponder

Class B AIS Transponder  is for recreational craft installation and is a simplified, lower powered 2W transceiver which is normally a black box and uses a connected chart plotter to display local AIS targets. It transmits every 30 seconds regardless of vessel speed and can’t transmit additional data like destination port.

Class B+ AIS   Transponder  (also called Class B SOTDMA) is a new standard that utilises SOTDMA format transmissions which offer a 5W power output (2.5 x more powerful than a regular Class B), a guaranteed time slot for transmission in busy traffic areas and faster update rates depending upon the speed of the vessel. It’s ideal for ocean sailors requiring the best possible performance and future proof satellite tracking applications, fast power boats and smaller non-mandated commercial vessels.

Class A AIS Transponder  must have a dedicated (and type approved) display to show the location of nearby AIS targets and transmits at 12.5W. Data is sent at up to every 2 seconds depending upon the vessel speed and the display also allows for data to be inputted to the transmission such as vessel destination. A Class A device is normally used on commercial vessels as its Type Approved to IMO specifications.

TYPES OF AIS

• AIS base stations

ATON (Aids To Navigation)  is an AIS transceiver specifically for use on marine infrastructure and buoys to provide real time hazard alerts as well as live monitoring data such as weather, sea and lantern status. ATON transmissions can be displayed on compatible chart plotter and ECDIS systems and allow a buoy or structure to be positively identified as well as the ability to display local wind, tide or metrological data.

AIS SART (Search And Rescue Transmitter)  is a homing beacon designed for use in an emergency. When activated an AIS SART transmits its GPS position using AIS in a special SART message. This message is recognised by the AIS display systems on other vessels (and potentially on shore) as an emergency message and generates an alarm.

An AIS SART can be used to locate a life raft or lifeboat in an emergency situation. Available in vessel versions (SART) or personal versions (PLB) with the difference being size and range. An AIS SART with its position close to the waterline and limited 2W output would typically have a maximum range of 5-6NM. A PLB device would typically have a range of 2-3NM.

AIS base stations  are fixed (non-mobile) stations that port authorities use to monitor and control vessel traffic. Major ports and harbours install these systems to give additional control over local AIS users. These base stations can also control other AIS devices with the ability to turn other AIS devices on or off, reserve time slots for special transmissions, control which time slots mobile AIS devices use and even control the power level of AIS transponders.

Digital Yacht also manufacture many accessories

Such as AIS alarms, interfaces for AIS and Zero-Loss VHF antenna-splitter allowing the VHF antenna to be shared with an AIS receiver/transponder and with a VHF radio.

Discover our products

The most extensive AIS Receiver range of any Marine Electronics manufacturer, with a model to suit every application.

Transponders

Our range of AIS transponders include Class A, Class B and Class B+ units for Commercial and Pleasure vessels.

Splitters & Antennas

All our VHF antennas and Zero Loss VHF splitters for any AIS receivers and transponders.

AIS Beacons

Our AIS Beacons products such as an AIS Sart, an MOB beacon and an AIS alarm box.

• Accessories

Our AIS accessories such as AIS internet base station, passive GPS antenna and interfaces for Class A AIS

• Automatic Identification System (AIS)
• Navigation sensors
• Internet on board
• Portable Navigation
• AIS Transponders
• AIS Receivers
• VHF Splitters & Antennas
• AIS Accessories
• Multisensor
• NMEA Interfaces
• NMEA to Wi-Fi Servers
• NMEA 2000 Cables
• SeaTalk Interfaces
• USB Converters
• 4G/5G Internet Access
• Hi Power Long Range Wifi
• PC Accessories
• TV Antennas
• PC Software
• Apple & Android apps
• Antenna Mounts
• Connectors + Adapters
• Internet Access
• PC Navigation
• Product Manuals
• Product Firmware
• Technical Notes
• Utilities and tools
• Software and utilities
• USB drivers
• Get Support
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• How to configure our AIS
• How to configure our 4G products
• How to create an NMEA 2000 network
• How to configure apps & software
• Technical FAQs
• Products with NMEA 2000 interface
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