Marine gps ais receiver

Types of marine GPS AIS receivers

Marine GPS AIS receivers are vital tools for navigation and safety on the water. They receive Automatic Identification System (AIS) signals from nearby vessels, providing real-time information about vessel traffic. This technology helps prevent collisions and enhances situational awareness.

Marine GPS AIS receivers come in various types, each catering to specific needs and enhancing maritime safety and navigation. Here are some types of marine GPS AIS:

• Class 1 AIS receivers: These receivers are designed for commercial vessels, especially those operating in busy traffic areas. They not only receive AIS signals but also transmit their information to nearby vessels. This two-way communication enhances safety by allowing all vessels to be aware of each other's presence.
• Class 2 AIS receivers: These are the most common types of GPS AIS receivers. They are installed on leisure boats and smaller commercial vessels. Class 2 receivers only receive AIS signals. They provide information on surrounding traffic, helping boaters make informed decisions. This class of receivers comes in handheld and fixed-mounted varieties, catering to different space and budget requirements.
• Integrated AIS receivers: These receivers are combined with other navigation equipment. For instance, they might be combined with GPS plotters or radar systems. This integration provides a comprehensive overview of the marine environment on a single screen, simplifying decision-making for the crew.
• Wireless AIS receivers: These GPS AIS receivers connect wirelessly to other onboard systems. They eliminate the need for multiple cables, reducing clutter and simplifying installation. Wireless receivers can transmit AIS data to onboard tablets or smartphones, providing flexibility in monitoring vessel traffic from different locations.
• Active and passive AIS receivers: Active receivers, like Class 1 and Class 2 receivers, actively transmit information about the vessel. On the other hand, passive receivers only receive AIS signals without transmitting any information. This makes them suitable for applications where privacy is a priority.

Despite the differences, all marine GPS AIS receivers improve navigation and ensure safety at sea. By selecting the appropriate type, users can tailor the technology to their specific needs, creating a safer and more efficient marine experience.

Specifications and Maintenance of Marine GPS AIS Receiver

Specifications of Marine GPS AIS Receiver

• Frequency

  Every AIS receiver works on VHF frequencies. The VHF channels 2021 and 2025 are used for safe communication, but the 161.975 and 164.025 MHz are used for AIS communication.

• Output Data

  The AIS receiver outputs NMEA0183 data. This is standard for all GPS and AIS receivers. The data includes the ship's GPS position, course, speed, name, and other relevant information.

• Power Supply

  Marine AIS receivers are divided into two: battery-powered and those that get their power from the boat's electrical system. The ones that get their power from the boat's electrical system have a voltage of 12 or 24 volts.

• Integrated GPS

  Integrated GPS allows for real-time tracking and precise navigation by providing accurate position data, even in challenging environments. It enhances situational awareness by displaying the user's vessel's real-time position on the chart, allowing for safe navigation and collision avoidance. This feature enables users to track and navigate their vessels precisely, ensuring safety and efficiency in maritime operations.

• Display

  Some AIS receivers include a built-in screen that shows nearby vessels and their information. However, many don't have a display, which is why a compatible chart plotter or GPS is needed onboard to show the AIS data.

• Integration

  Integration allows the AIS data to be combined with the vessel's navigation system, radar, or chart plotter. This enables comprehensive situational awareness by displaying AIS information alongside navigational data, facilitating collision avoidance and enhanced decision-making.

• Active and Passive

  Active receivers transmit information about the vessel, while passive receivers only receive AIS signals. Active receivers are more expensive and require installation.

• Channel Capacity

  Marine AIS receivers have different channel capacities. This capacity determines how many AIS signals the receiver can process simultaneously. Receivers with higher channel capacity can handle more traffic density and are ideal for busy shipping areas.

• Environmental Protection

  Marine AIS receivers are designed to withstand harsh maritime conditions. Features like water and corrosion resistance, as well as protection against electromagnetic interference, ensure reliable performance in diverse marine environments.

Maintenance of Marine GPS AIS Receiver

Marine GPS AIS receivers require regular maintenance for optimal performance and reliability. Here are some essential maintenance tips.

• Inspection: Regular visual inspections of the AIS receiver and its components are essential to ensure proper functionality. Check the receiver, cables, and connectors for damage, wear, or corrosion. Environmental factors like moisture, salt, and extreme temperatures can affect the system's performance. Also, inspect the antennas for physical damage and ensure they are correctly positioned without obstacles that could interfere with the AIS signals.
• Cleanliness: Keep the AIS receiver and its components clean and free from dirt, dust, and salt residues. Use a soft, damp cloth to clean the receiver's surface and antennas. Avoid abrasive materials or harsh chemicals that could damage the equipment. Regular cleaning prevents corrosion and maintains optimal performance.
• Software Updates: Regularly check for firmware and software updates from the manufacturer for the AIS receiver. These updates often include bug fixes, performance enhancements, and new features. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to install the updates, ensuring the receiver operates optimally and remains compatible with industry standards.
• Electrical Connections: Periodically check the electrical connections of the AIS receiver to ensure they are secure and free from corrosion. Loose or corroded connections can cause signal loss or system failure. Clean the connectors carefully and apply anti-corrosion compounds if recommended by the manufacturer.
• Antenna Maintenance: The quality and condition of the AIS antennas directly impact the system's performance. Regularly check the antennas for physical damage, such as cracks or corrosion. Ensure the antennas are correctly positioned without obstacles that could interfere with the AIS signals. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for periodic cleaning and maintenance of the antennas to ensure optimal signal reception and transmission.
• Data Integration Check: If the AIS data integrates with other onboard systems (e.g., radar, chart plotter, or navigation software), periodically verify the data integration and compatibility. Ensure the data formats and connections are correctly configured for seamless communication between the AIS receiver and other systems. This ensures the integrity and reliability of the received AIS data for situational awareness and decision-making.
• Functional Testing: Periodically perform functional tests to ensure the AIS receiver operates correctly. Test the receiver's response to simulated AIS signals and verify that it processes and outputs the data accurately. This helps identify potential issues or deviations from expected performance, allowing timely maintenance or repairs.

How to choose marine gps ais receiver

The marine GPS AIS receiver is a vital instrument on board that provides safety, navigation, and situational awareness. When selecting the best AIS GPS receiver for a boat, consider the following:

• Data Transmission

  The AIS receivers have two data transmission options. The VHF radio transmits and receives the AIS data, while the GPS provides location data. The combination of both allows for real-time tracking of vessels' locations and movements in the surrounding area, enhancing maritime safety and navigation.

• AIS Class

  The Class A is designed for commercial vessels, while Class B is for leisure boats. For example, a large commercial ship requires a Class A AIS GPS, whereas a sailing yacht or small motorboat would suffice with a Class B.

• Integration

  The AIS receiver should integrate with existing onboard systems like GPS, radar, and chart plotters. The integration allows for a unified display and functionality of the various systems. The integration can be either NMEA0183 or NMEA2000. NMEA0183 is a point-to-point connection with a one-to-one connection of devices. NMEA2000 is a multi-drop connection with many devices connected to a single network.

• Display

  A dedicated display screen shows AIS data like target vessels, course, speed, and CPA (Closest Point of Approach). The data is crucial for making informed decisions while navigating busy waters. The dedicated display screen is suitable for areas of high traffic vessels, while a chart plotter is enough in less traffic zones.

• Power Supply

  The AIS GPS requires a power supply of 12V-24V. The receiver can be powered from the boat's electrical system. Also, consider the power consumption. Low power consumption receivers are ideal as they do not drain the boat's battery.

• Range and Sensitivity

  Higher sensitivity receivers have a longer range and can pick up weaker signals. They are suitable for areas with high traffic or in places where there are lots of fishing boats.

• Legal Requirements

  Some countries have laws that require certain vessels to use Class A AIS receivers. Check with local authorities for regulations regarding AIS installation and use.

• Budget

  The AIS receivers come in different prices. The Class A receivers are more expensive than the Class B receivers. Also, consider additional costs like installation and integration with existing systems.

How to DIY and Replace Marine GPS AIS Receiver

Installing a marine GPS AIS receiver is not complicated. Here are the steps to follow:

• Choose the right location

  The first step is to choose the right location where the receiver will be installed. The location should be dry and safe from water splashes. Also, the spot should be safe from extreme temperatures and near the existing equipment like the VHF radio and the GPS.

• Connect to the power supply

  Find out the available power supply connections at the installation site. Ensure the voltage and the power supply are compatible with the marine GPS ais receiver.

• Connect to the existing systems

  Connect the marine GPS ais receiver to the GPS and the chart plotter. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and use the available NMEA0183 or NMEA2000 connections.

• Test the system

  After making all the connections, turn on the receiver and test whether it is working. Ensure it is displaying the correct information and communicating with the other connected systems.

Q and A

Q1. What is the difference between GPS and AIS?

A1. GPS provides the exact position of the vessel, while AIS allows communication between vessels and provides information about nearby vessels.

Q2. Can users operate GPS and AIS simultaneously?

A2. Yes, users can operate both systems simultaneously. They serve different purposes and complement each other.

Q3. Is AIS available on small recreational boats?

A3. Yes, AIS is available on small recreational boats. It was initially developed for commercial shipping but is now accessible for recreational use.

Q4. Does AIS require a license to operate?

A4. No, no license is required to operate AIS. It is a mandatory system on certain vessels, such as those over 300 tons, fishing vessels over 24 meters, and passenger vessels.