Well, AIS = Autmomatic Identification System
In stead of repeating others there is somegood info at:
http://www.uais.org/87BStory.doc

And as always I jumped in a bit too soon a small year ago.
I "only" installed an AIS receiver where the AIS transponder is
getting cheaper and almost reasonable.
I bought the nasamarine engine thats connevted to a serial port of my
pc. Together with SeaClear nav software the system is complete and
functions well. I see my map, my own position, others together with
the info I want presented.
I still have to scrape the maps from my cracked Tsunamis '99 into
Seaclear first but that's another matter.

They also carry the nasamarine ais-radar, horribly wrong name of
course but it is nifty. It has its own screen you can put up in the
cockpit. take a look at
http://www.nasamarine.com/AIS/AIS.html

When you're interested in a transponder (so you'll be seen by others
with a receiver or a transponer and that are awake) take a look on
ebigchina site
http://smartradio.ebigchina.com/sdp/...369-74856.html

There are quite a few nav programs that support AIS. I use SeaClear
now but I'm looking for a prog that can use my Transas World Folio
2000 so I won't have to copy and paste that much...
But I'm not complaining..

Regards,
Len
S/v Present


On 18 Oct 2005 10:07:14 -0700, "~^ beancounter ~^"
wrote:

"what is "AIS" ? "

or, is it a proprity (sp?) freq or
system the "web page" owns??

thanx !!

In article .com,
"~^ beancounter ~^" wrote:

What are some opinions and methods sailors are
utilizing these days, in open ocean/offshore
anti collision measures? Are folks/sailors using
good radar systems with alarms (if so what brands)
or just post and conduct regular watches, utilize
radar reflectors, etc? ... Ween i say "open ocean/off
shore" i mean crossing oceans, 20-30 days of straight
sailing, etc...


thanx...


That's what AIS is good for......

Me

I would take a look at installing an "active radar reflector" such as
the Sea-Me unit ( http://www.sea-me.co.uk/index.html ). It amplifies
and retransmit received radar signals to make you a much bigger target
on the other ship's radar. That way the other ship's computerized
anti-collision systems will wake up and take notice.

These are quite popular in the UK and really seem to work. I've got one
on my boat (British built). I have a feeling these are not strictly
legal in the US and I don't turn mine on except when offshore. The unit
also has a red light at the nav station that lights (and can be hooked
to an alarm) whenever radar is sweeping the boat. Cost is about $700,
it uses little power, and requires just a 12"x1" antenna at the top of
the mast.

I have no connection with this company other than being a happy
customer (it's really fun to look like a 300' ship). I also keep a good
watch!

Carl

"Carl" wrote in message
oups.com...

I would take a look at installing an "active radar reflector" such as
the Sea-Me unit ( http://www.sea-me.co.uk/index.html ). It amplifies
and retransmit received radar signals to make you a much bigger target
on the other ship's radar. That way the other ship's computerized
anti-collision systems will wake up and take notice.

These are quite popular in the UK and really seem to work. I've got one
on my boat (British built). I have a feeling these are not strictly
legal in the US and I don't turn mine on except when offshore. The unit
also has a red light at the nav station that lights (and can be hooked
to an alarm) whenever radar is sweeping the boat. Cost is about $700,
it uses little power, and requires just a 12"x1" antenna at the top of
the mast.

I have no connection with this company other than being a happy
customer (it's really fun to look like a 300' ship). I also keep a good
watch!

Carl

Why do you have the feeling it's not strictly legal in the US?

--
"j" ganz @@
www.sailnow.com

In article ,
"Capt. JG" wrote:

"Carl" wrote in message
oups.com...

I would take a look at installing an "active radar reflector" such as
the Sea-Me unit ( http://www.sea-me.co.uk/index.html ). It amplifies
and retransmit received radar signals to make you a much bigger target
on the other ship's radar. That way the other ship's computerized
anti-collision systems will wake up and take notice.

These are quite popular in the UK and really seem to work. I've got one
on my boat (British built). I have a feeling these are not strictly
legal in the US and I don't turn mine on except when offshore. The unit
also has a red light at the nav station that lights (and can be hooked
to an alarm) whenever radar is sweeping the boat. Cost is about $700,
it uses little power, and requires just a 12"x1" antenna at the top of
the mast.

I have no connection with this company other than being a happy
customer (it's really fun to look like a 300' ship). I also keep a good
watch!

Carl

Why do you have the feeling it's not strictly legal in the US?

For the simple reason that there haven't been many of these type units
Type Accepted in the USA. Type Acceptance is REQUIRED for any
electronic emiting device sold in the US. The process of Type Acceptance
will decide if the device is Licenseable or would come under the Part 15
Rules.

Bruce in alaska
--
add a 2 before @

"Bruce in Alaska" wrote in message
...
In article ,
"Capt. JG" wrote:

"Carl" wrote in message
oups.com...

I would take a look at installing an "active radar reflector" such as
the Sea-Me unit ( http://www.sea-me.co.uk/index.html ). It amplifies
and retransmit received radar signals to make you a much bigger target
on the other ship's radar. That way the other ship's computerized
anti-collision systems will wake up and take notice.

These are quite popular in the UK and really seem to work. I've got one
on my boat (British built). I have a feeling these are not strictly
legal in the US and I don't turn mine on except when offshore. The unit
also has a red light at the nav station that lights (and can be hooked
to an alarm) whenever radar is sweeping the boat. Cost is about $700,
it uses little power, and requires just a 12"x1" antenna at the top of
the mast.

I have no connection with this company other than being a happy
customer (it's really fun to look like a 300' ship). I also keep a good
watch!

Carl

Why do you have the feeling it's not strictly legal in the US?

For the simple reason that there haven't been many of these type units
Type Accepted in the USA. Type Acceptance is REQUIRED for any
electronic emiting device sold in the US. The process of Type Acceptance
will decide if the device is Licenseable or would come under the Part 15
Rules.

Bruce in alaska
--

Checked their home page and it seems they have vendors all over the planet
including San Diego:

Honor Marine Communications
2120 Main Street
San Diego
CA 92113

Tel: 619-233-7666

On 23 Oct 2005 09:33:24 -0700, "Carl" wrote:


I would take a look at installing an "active radar reflector" such as
the Sea-Me unit ( http://www.sea-me.co.uk/index.html ). It amplifies
and retransmit received radar signals to make you a much bigger target
on the other ship's radar. That way the other ship's computerized
anti-collision systems will wake up and take notice.
///
I have a feeling these are not strictly
legal in the US and I don't turn mine on except when offshore.
///
Carl

I can't imagine why this device would be legislated against.
It is quite analogous to wearing reflective garments at night when
riding a bike.

Brian Whatcott Altus OK

excellent ... than you carl

The enhanced reflector is nice but not on my wishlist.
I think it's much more important to see others early than being seen
by others. The interesting part is the radar-detection-feature.
That made me think... why not use a police-radar-detector that costs
like usd 50,= ? Ok, add a few bucks to make it waterproof...
Thanks for getting me started.

Len
S/v Present


On 23 Oct 2005 09:33:24 -0700, "Carl" wrote:


I would take a look at installing an "active radar reflector" such as
the Sea-Me unit ( http://www.sea-me.co.uk/index.html ). It amplifies
and retransmit received radar signals to make you a much bigger target
on the other ship's radar. That way the other ship's computerized
anti-collision systems will wake up and take notice.

These are quite popular in the UK and really seem to work. I've got one
on my boat (British built). I have a feeling these are not strictly
legal in the US and I don't turn mine on except when offshore. The unit
also has a red light at the nav station that lights (and can be hooked
to an alarm) whenever radar is sweeping the boat. Cost is about $700,
it uses little power, and requires just a 12"x1" antenna at the top of
the mast.

I have no connection with this company other than being a happy
customer (it's really fun to look like a 300' ship). I also keep a good
watch!

Carl

i would state "see and be seen" is a logical
goal...some of my bias will be from my flying
expierences....the tool looks good to me...(see-me-unit)...