AISWatchMate | News | Where to buy? | About us | Contact us
AISWatchMate | News | Where to buy? | About us | Contact us
Yes. You can take the output from the AISWatchMate and send it directly to your computer's serial port. If you have charting or navigation software that accepts AIS data then you can run your computer at those times when you wish and still have the benefits of the AISWatchMate. In addition, by using the AISWatchMate's ability to merge data streams you may be able to reduce the number of serial connections to your computer by merging both GPS and AIS data within the AISWatchMate.
Yes. If you have a chart plotter that accepts AIS data, you can hook it up in basically the same way you can do with a computer. Of course, consult the owner's manual for your chart plotter for the specifics.
AIS transponders are required on all ships over 300 tons when operating internationally and 500 tons when operating domestically. Passenger ships are required regardless of their destination. This means that nearly every commercial vessel will have one. In addition, many yachts and other vessels voluntarily carry an AIS transponder. Each year more and more vessels are equipped with AIS because of the obvious benefits.
The AISWatchMate has been specifically designed to work with class B transponders. Together they create the ideal AIS collision avoidance system. You'll be broadcasting your position to all other vessels in your vicinity as well as being able to take active action to avoid collisions. If class B transponders aren't available in your area yet, you can start now with an AIS receiver and easily upgrade later to a class B transponder when they become available.
Class B transponders broadcast your position but do not provide any type of display for received AIS information. Without this you may be relying entirely on someone else to watch out for you and other vessels may not have a sophisticated warning system like the AISWatchMate.
The AISWatchMate works especially well with class B transponders and the combination makes the ultimate AIS collision avoidance system. You'll have the enhanced safety benefits of broadcasting your position along with the advanced warning, filtering, and prioritisation capabilities of the AISWatchMate.
There are advantages to going either way. With a splitter you can use your current masthead antenna. You'll probably get the most range this way. But a splitter may cost more than another antenna and having a second VHF antenna is a good idea as a backup anyway. We've found that a second antenna mounted on an aft rail or arch works very well with a range of about 20 miles offshore. However, installation is often much easier when using an existing antenna and a masthead antenna will be mounted as high as possible. If you do choose to use a splitter, we strongly recommend you choose a splitter that is designed for AIS.
VHF signals are line-of-sight and increased height will certainly increase range. However, an antenna mounted on the stern rail will still work nicely if that is the way you choose to go. Keep in mind that most large ships have their antennas mounted quite high. If you want to use a masthead antenna, you can use a splitter to share your existing masthead VHF antenna.
Along with the AISWatchMate display comes a trunnion bracket for mounting it above or below a shelf. It also comes with a cut-out template and sealing gasket for flush mounting the display in a bulkhead or panel. A 2m (6.5') power/data cable with watertight connector, a protective cover and installation instructions are also included.
AIS data is transmitted from vessels at a variety of rates. Class A ships send position updates every 2-10 seconds depending on their speed. Class B sends every 30 seconds. Some information, such as the vessel's name and size, are sent every 3 minutes. The AISWatchMate continuously updates bearing, range, CPA, and TCPA for every vessel whenever a new position is received from the vessel and also whenever your vessel moves. In addition, the AISWatchMate displays the time that has elapsed since each vessel has sent its last update. This is useful to help you determine the currency and accuracy of the data presented.
Please contact one of our dealers or Vesper Marine if you are interested in purchasing an AISWatchMate.