Hi Tom,
You probably already know this, but even with a class B transponder you'll still need some way to display received info.
The multiplex receivers work well and work much better than the single channel units. But they may only deliver every other message (if the ship is transmitting every two seconds, they deliver data every four). They do scan to determine which channel is best. They also receive all AIS messages but some other single channel only receivers may not handle class B, nav aids, safety messages, etc.
When looking for a display I'd recommend seeing if it computes CPA, how many targets it can handle and whether its AIS receiver can be upgraded later to a class B transponder when they become available.
Jeff
Quote:
Originally Posted by
I'm considering installing an AIS. I'd really like a transceiver but
haven't been able to find one for less than around $4k with all you
need to install it. Receive only units seem to be around $700 by the
time you add some kind of display an antenna splitter or antenna and
a receiver. Multiplexing single channel receivers are reasonably
priced but I would assume they aren't as robust as two channel units
and I still need a display. In my case running a laptop all the time
is too expensive in terms of amps. I gather that class B transceivers
are coming to the US market "real soon now". So, is anyone in the
group using AIS? How do you like it? Are you using a receive only or
xmit/rec unit? Does anyone know when the B units will be out and
what kind or prices they'll have? What else should I know that I'm
too ignorant to ask? (ABOUT AIS only, please  )
Cheers,
-- Tom.
Links I thought were interesting:
http://vespermarine.com/index.shtml
http://www.milltechmarine.com/
http://www.si-tex.com/ |