Designed to work with any AIS receiver or transponder with unique integration features for the AISWatchMate Transponder.
To simplify installation you can share an existing VHF antenna by using this splitter. The unit removes the need for a separate VHF antenna for an AIS receiver or transponder and allows a single antenna to be shared with a VHF radio.
This is an excellent solution when it is difficult to install an additional antenna or you wish to share an existing VHF antenna and maximize your AIS range.
This Vesper Marine splitter is specifically designed for use with both AIS receivers and transponders.
All other AIS splitters introduce significant signal loss, but this unique Vesper Marine splitter is the only one that provides signal gain - improving AIS reception and increasing range. This is because the Vesper Marine splitter has a built-in low noise amplifier. This is especially useful as more and more lower power Class B AIS transponders and SART's are installed.
In addition to the amplification provided by this splitter, when used with your existing antenna you can optimize the range of your AIS transponder because the antenna is also mounted as high as possible.
To install the splitter you will need two appropriate length 50 ohm patch cables with standard PL-259 plugs. One patch cable included, 2m (6.5ft) long.
Simple connections
No adapters or special patch cords needed for VHF/AIS. Uses standard PL-259 patch cables (1 x 2m (6.5ft) cable included).Easy installation
Very compact and easy to install with built-in mounting flanges.LED status indicators
4 status LED's (power, VHF transmit, AIS transmit, antenna quality).AM/FM radio connection
Provides AM/FM radio connection. An optional cable with a standard "Motorola plug" is available to make installation easy. Plugs directly into almost all car or marine stereos.VHF-in-use indicator
VHF-in-use indicator appears on the screen of the AISWatchMate Transponder (WMX850) whenever the VHF radio is being used. This unique feature indicates when AIS traffic is delayed due to the antenna being in-use by the VHF radio.Fail-safe VHF priority
VHF radio always has priority and the VHF can always transmit even if the power to the splitter fails.Antenna quality monitor indicates if there is a problem
The unique antenna quality LED will indicate a problem with the antenna, cable or installation.Low power consumption
Very low power consumption designed to save your battery power.12 or 24 Volt supply
Designed to work with either 12 or 24 volt supply.Waterproof
IPx7 rated. High quality rugged construction made specifically for marine use.High performance
The Vesper Marine SP160 Splitter has higher performance than any other AIS splitter, whether it's used with an AIS receiver or transponder. It’s also been designed to be used with other manufacturers AIS receivers and transponders making it very versatile.
One easy to install junction box
This new splitter provides a convenient and intelligent junction box for VHF, AIS and AM/FM break out points. Using the SP160 allows instruments like AISWatchMate to be easily installed with a single tidy coaxial cable run to each device with only one cable to your shared VHF antenna.
Outstanding receive performance
The unique design of the SP160 means it doesn't have the signal loss associated with other AIS splitters ensuring you can achieve full performance from your VHF radio and AIS WatchMate (or other AIS receiver or transponder).
Improves AIS receive range
The SP160 improves AIS receive range by providing amplification to the AIS signal resulting in much higher AIS sensitivity - especially useful for receiving the growing number of 2W Class B AIS transceivers.
| Frequency Range | 156MHz to 163MHz |
| Operating temperature | -25°C to +55°C (-13°F to 131°F) |
| Environmental | Watertight (USCG CFR-46, IPx7) |
| Power Supply | 12 - 24 VDC, <0.8W nominal |
| Overall Size (incl connectors) | 135mm Long x 107 Wide x 56 Deep (5 5/16” x 4 1/4“ x 2 1/4”) |
| Maximum VHF power | 25W |
| Maximum AIS power | 12.5W |
| VHF & AIS Connectors | SO-239 (UHF). Requires two appropriate length standard 50 ohm patch cables with PL-259 plugs (1 x 2m (6.5ft) included). |
| AM / FM Connector | BNC, optional 2m (6') cable available BNC to Motorola plug |
| Patch Cable | 1 x provided as standard. 2m (6.5ft) long 50 Ω cable with PL259 connectors. |
| Insertion Loss | VHF RX 1.5dB / VHF TX 1dB / AIS TX 1dB |
| AIS Receive Gain | 12dB |
| AIS Sensitivity, with AISWatchMate Transponder (WMX850) | -119 dBm, 6dB improvement |
Z1039
Specifications may change due to product improvements.