AIS OVERVIEW

What is AIS?

AIS, or Automatic Identification System, is a maritime navigation safety communications system standardized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). It is a "black box" that uses two marine VHF channels to automatically send and/or receive vessel information, including identity, type, position, course, speed, and navigational status. This information is sent as NMEA serial data sentences. Once received, these sentences must be interpreted and displayed by a chartplotter, computer or other device.

How is AIS information displayed?

The US Coast Guard describes AIS very well:

"Picture a shipboard radar or an electronic chart display that includes a symbol for every significant ship within radio range, each as desired with a velocity vector (indicating speed and heading). Each ship "symbol" can reflect the actual size of the ship, with position to GPS or differential GPS accuracy.

By 'clicking' on a ship symbol, you can learn the ship name, course and speed, classification, call sign, registration number, MMSI, and other information. Maneuvering information, closest point of approach (CPA), time to closest point of approach (TCPA) and other navigation information, more accurate and more timely than information available from an automatic radar plotting aid, can also be available. Display information previously available only to modern Vessel Traffic Service operations centers can now be available to every AIS user..."

What are the differences between Class A AIS transponders, Class B AIS transponders and AIS receivers?

Where can I find out more detailed information about AIS for recreational or commerical vesels?

See the US Coast Guard (USCG) site on AIS: http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/ais.htm

For AIS USCG Guidelines, Recommendations and Standards, go to: http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/enav/ais/AIS_standards.htm

Which VHF channels or frequencies are used with AIS?

AIS transponders and receivers use two VHF radio frequencies: 161.975 MHz (AIS1, or channel 87B) and 162.025 MHz (AIS2, or channel 88B).

The data is encoded using phase modulation, so you wont hear anything if you tune your VHF radio to 87DB or 88B.

The Federal Communications Commission has authorized any US vessel to operate AIS on these two channels under its existing ship station license.

What do NMEA standard AIS messages look like?

Here is a typical NMEA standard AIS AIVDM data packet:

!AIVDM,1,1,,A,14eG;o@034o8sd

What are the types of NMEA AIS messages?

W hat types of ships are required to transmit AIS?

Just about every large commercial vessel will have an AIS transponder. Currently, AIS is mandatory for:

• All ships of 300 gross tonnage and upwards engaged on international voyages
• Cargo ships of 500 gross tonnage and upwards not engaged on international voyages
• Self-propelled vessels of 65 feet or more in length, other than fishing vessels and passenger vessels certificated to carry less than 151 passengers-for-hire, in commercial service
• Passenger vessels, of 150 gross tonnage or more
• Towing vessels of 26 feet or more in length and more than 600 horsepower, in commercial service
• Passenger vessels certificated to carry more than 150 passengers-for-hire

The USCG has proposed new rules. The implementation date for those vessels covered by this rulemaking, but not currently required to have AIS, would be no later than 7 months after publication of the final rule, which the Coast Guard hopes will be sometime in 2010. These rules will expand AIS requirements to: All commercial vessels 65 feet or more in length including fishing vessels and vessels carrying passengers regardless of the number of passengers

• Vessels carrying 50 or more passengers (whether for hire or not)
• Vessels carrying 50 or more passengers (whether for hire or not)
• Vessels carrying 12 or more passengers for hire and capable of speeds in excess of 30 knots
• Dredges and floating platforms operating near or in commercial channels or shipping fairways
• Any vessels carrying or engaged in the movement of certain dangerous cargos

What is the AIS reception range for receivers and transponders?

Since AIS uses the same VHF frequencies as marine VHF, it has similar radio reception capabilities – which is basically "line of sight". This means that the higher your VHF antenna is mounted, the greater the reception area will be. Reception from Class A vessels that are 20 or even 30 miles away on open water is not uncommon.

Class B transponders use lower power for transmissions, therefore you can expect Class B vessels to be acquired when they are 5 to 10 miles away.

Note that AIS has a major advantage over radar since it can "see" ships within radio reception range that are behind large objects, such as other ships or points of land.

What are the different AIS data types?

Static Data	Maritime Mobile Service Identity ( "MMSI") number
	IMO number.
	Call sign and name.
	Type of ship.
	Length and beam.
	GPS Antenna location.
Voyage Related Data	Draught of the ship.
	Cargo information
	Destination
	Estimate Time of Arrival (hereinafter called "ETA")
Dynamic Data	Position of the vessel.
	Coordinated Universal Time (hereinafter called "Time in UTC".)
	Time in UTC".) Course Over Ground (hereinafter called "COG").
	Speed Over Ground (hereinafter called "SOG").
	Heading
	Rate of turn
	Navigational status
Dynamic Reports	Speed of the ship
	Status of the ship
SRM	Alarm
	Safety

What position and static information is transmitted and how often is it sent?

Transponders send out position updates based on the speed over ground (SOG) of the vessel. Updates occur at different intervals depending on whether a Class A or Class B transponder is used.

Class A AIS transponders broadcast the following information every 2 to 10 seconds while underway, and every 3 minutes while at anchor:

• MMSI number - unique referenceable identification
• Navigation status - "at anchor", "under way using engine" or "not under command"
• Rate of turn - right or left, 0 to 720 degrees per minute * Speed over ground - 1/10 knot resolution from 0 to 102 knots.
• Position accuracy - differential GPS or other and an indication if RAIM processing is being used
• Longitude - to 1/10000 minute and Latitude - to 1/10000 minute
• Course over ground - relative to true north to 1/10th degree
• True Heading - 0 to 359 degrees derived from gyro input
• Time stamp - The universal time to nearest second that this information was generated

In addition, the Class A AIS unit broadcasts the following static data every 6 minutes:

• MMSI number - same unique identification used above, links the data above to described vessel
• IMO number - unique referenceable identification (related to ship's construction)
• Radio call sign - international call sign assigned to vessel, often used on voice radio
• Vessel name - name of ship, 20 characters are provided
• Type of ship/cargo - there is a table of possibilities that are available
• Dimensions of ship - to nearest meter
• Location on ship where reference point for position reports is located
• Type of position fixing device - various options from differential GPS to undefined
• Draught of ship - 1/10 meter to 25.5 meters (note "air-draught" is not provided)
• Destination - 20 characters are provided
• Estimated time of Arrival at destination - month, day, hour, and minute in UTC

Class B AIS transponders also provide static vessel information every six minutes however the information only includes:

• MMSI
• Radio call sign
• Vessel name
• Length and beam of vessel
• Type of vessel

AIS RECEIVERS

What are the differences between single-channel and dual-channel AIS receivers?

Nearly all stand-alone AIS receivers available today are dual-channel, and all receivers in Class B AIS transponders offered by Milltech Marine are dual channel.

Generally, you will acquire new vessel targets sooner with dual-channel receivers and you will also get the full information about a vessel in a shorter period of time.

Dual-channel receivers can receive all AIS broadcast information from both AIS channels simultaneously and consolidate the information from both channels into a single data stream. These are true dual radio receivers.

In practical use, it can take up to 12 minutes for the SR161 (a single-channel receiver) to acquire the full static information broadcast from an AIS transponder. Dual channel receivers pick up all transponder broadcasts, therefore the maximum time to pick up the full static information broadcast is 6 minutes.

The SR161 also picks up position updates from transponders less often than the dual channel receivers since it only picks up every other broadcast. For Class A transponder broadcasts, this is normally not a noticeable issue however with the new Class B transponders - which broadcast with less power (which means less distance) and position updates broadcast less often - there may be a noticeable delay in receiving a position update. For example, if a Class B vessel is travelling slower than 2 knots you would only see position updates every 6 minutes instead of every 3 minutes with a dual channel receiver.

Position updates for Class B transponders are broadcast less often than Class A transponders. Vessels going less than 2 knots transmit position updates every 3 minutes while vessels traveling more than 2 knots transmit position information every 30 seconds. For this reason it is recommended that you consider purchasing a true dual channel parallel AIS receiver if you plan to use the AIS receiver in an area where Class B transponders are in use.

For a comparison of the AIS receivers available from Milltech Marine, click here to see a comparison chart.

What AIS information will be received?

AIS receivers (whether as a standalone receiver or in a Class B transponder) are "black box" devices that receive all AIS data transmitted. They then send this data to the display device (chartplotter, computer application, dedicated display, etc.) It is up to the display to interpret and show the AIS information in graphical or alphanumeric form. This is why it is important to make sure that your display device and/or software is AIS-enabled and that any relevant updates or upgrades have been installed.

AIS TRANSPONDERS

Will Class B AIS work with my chartplotter or computer?

All of the Class B AIS Transponders offered by Milltech Marine will work with any AIS-enabled chartplotter with NMEA 0183 RS422 input (nearly all current-model plotters)

If your computer has a serial port (DB9) you can typically connect directly using the serial cable provided with the transponder. Today, few, if any, desktop or laptop computer come standard with serial port connections. A Serial-to-USB adapter, such as the Sabrent FTDI is then used to connect to the compter's USB port.

Can I use my existing GPS for my new Class B AIS transponder?

Class B AIS units will not accept any GPS NMEA data input from an external receiver. The specifications for Class B AIS requires a discrete and dedicated GPS system because the unit is transmitting the vessel position and must synchronize with the AIS network.

The Comar CSB 200 must use its own internal GPS receiver and a compatible external powered LNA (Low Noise Amplifier) GPS antenna (such as the AMEC AGGRESSOR-111-C ).

Through its NMEA and serial connections, the CSB 200 outputs both AIS and GPS data. It may be possible to use the GPS data for one of your other systems (e.g. DSC VHF radio), eliminating the need for other GPS systems. Through software settings, GPS can be filtered from the outgoing data, if needed.

Should I use a dedicated antenna for Class B AIS or a Class B AIS/VHF radio antenna splitter?

Antenna splitters simplify installation and reduce cable runs. Signal loss is minimal (<3dB) and is far outweighed by the advantages of an antenna optimally located at the highest point available (sailboat masthead, power yacht cabin top or arch).

NOTE: Be sure to use a splitter specifically designed for Class B AIS. Splitters designed for use with AIS Receivers are not compatible with AIS Transponders.

What information do I need to provide with my Class B AIS transponder order?

. FCC regulations require Class B AIS units to be programmed with vessel information before shipping to US addresses. . The information enetered during programming is called the Vessel Static Information and consists of:

• Number and Registration information
• Call Sign
• Vessel Name
• Vessel Owner Name
• Type of vessel
• Location of GPS on vessel

Milltech marine works to make it as easy as possible for you to complete you Class B AIS order:

• Milltech Marine provides programming free of charge
• To make it more convenient for you to provide vessel information, we have prepared this quick and easy online form. Please complete and submit at time of order. If you prefer to not use the online form, you can download the Vessel Static Information form and fax (425-484-6218) or email.

We are required to have proof of valid MMSI, so please also send a copy of the issuing document. If you do not have a copy of your MMSI assignment, contact the issuing authority or organization. To search the FCC licensing database, click here. For BoatUS information, click here.

When using a Class B AIS transponder, can I turn transmission of my vessel information on and off?

Yes, all of the Class B transpo0nders offered by Milltech Marine -- the Comar CSB 200, the AMEC CAMINO-101 and the ACR Nauticast-B -- allow the installation of a manual switch for turning AIS data transmission on and off.

How do I know if my Class B AIS is transmitting?

If the Class B transponder's indicator LEDs show power ON and do not show an ERROR or TIMEOUT, then it is almost certainly transmitting your data.

Class B transponders have very effective automatic self-diagnostics. For example, the Comar CSB 200 is equipped with built-in Integrity Testing. The tests run continuously or at appropriate intervals simultaneously with the standard functions of the equipment. The tests detect any failure or malfunction that will significantly reduce integrity or stop operation of the CSB200 unit. See the product documentation for complete information on product diagnostic options.

The self-diagnostic tests include:

• AIS TX malfunction (synthesizer not locked and TX time-out not exceeded)
• Antenna VSWR exceeds limit
• Rx channel 1 malfunction (synthesiser not locked)
• Rx channel 2 malfunction (synthesiser not locked)
• Internal GNSS not in use
• No valid SOG information
• No valid COG information
• Background noise > -77dBm
• GPS failure
• VSWR exceeding maximum allowed level
• Input voltage out of specified range

Can large vessels with Class A AIS filter out Class B AIS?

No. At minimum, your class B transmissions will always show up on the Class A display as a target.

Even though my Class B AIS is transmitting, why do some vessels with AIS not see my vessel name?

Some older Class A equipment that has not been updated will not properly receive NMEA AIS Sentence Type 24. This is your vessel's static data. You still display as a target.

Commercial vessels will sometimes set display so that only the Class B target symbol shows and must be cursored over to display alphanumeric information (MMSI, speed, heading, etc.). They do this to differentiate between SOLAS Class A vessels (very large commercial vessels with slow rate of turn) and smaller Class B vessels.

ANTENNA SPLITTERS

Will any antenna splitter work with AIS?

No, it must be an active splitter designed specifcally for AIS and for the type of AIS (receiver or Class B) that you are using.

A passive "T" splitter will not work. (These typically result in the splitter locking onto the VHF radio as soon as the microphone is keyed.)

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using an Antenna Splitter?

Based on our extensive on-the-water testing and use, AIS VHF Antenna Splitters have several advantages and very few diadvantages:

• Antenna Splitters allow you to share your existing VHF antenna with your AIS receiver or transponder and your VHF radio.
• They simplify installation and reduce cable runs.
• Signal loss is minimal (<3dB) and is far outweighed by the advantages of an antenna optimally located at the highest point available (sailboat masthead, power yacht cabin top or arch) and free of obstructions.
• The Comar and Smart Radio antenna splitters offered by Milltech marine are very dependable.

Can I use an antenna splitter with Class B AIS?

Yes, but it must be a splitter specially designed for a transponder. Splitters designed for use with AIS receivers, will not work with AIS transponders

What if the splitter fails?

We have found splitter failures to be very rare. Comar and Smart Radio active antenna splitters offered by Milltech Marine are designed to default to the VHF radio. If the splitter loses power or expereinces some other form of failure, the mechanical relay switches to allow VHF radio transmission and reception.

How dependable are antenna splitters?

They are extremely dependable. Over the past 4 years, we have seen less than five failures out of thousands of the SR and Comar antenna splitters Milltech Marine has sold.

PLANNING, SELECTING AND INSTALLING AN AIS SOLUTION

What should I consider when making my AIS decision?

Your decision process will be easier if you consider these questions at the outset:

• Is your vessel subject to AIS carriage requirements by the USCG or other body? Will it be in the near-future?
• What is your budget?
• Will you be making long crossings?
• Will you be traveling in high-traffic waters?
• Is your current chart plotter or navigation software AIS capable? (Check the manual or contact the manufacturer)
• Are you (or will you be) adding a new chartplotter, PC or other navigation upgrades?
  • If so, will you be moving to NMEA 2000?
  >What will you use for AIS display? Will you use more than one display? (This will help you select the types of interfaces needed, such as USB)
  • Chartplotter
  • PC
  • Dedicated display (such as AIS WatchMate)
• If you are a crusing sailing vessel, do you need to consider power budget in your display choice?
• Have you a suitable location for mounting an additional VHF antenna?
  • Elevated?
  • Clear of obstructions and other antennas?
  • Reasonable installation path and length for coaxial cable run?
• If you are a US vessel, will you be traveling outside of US waters?
  • If yes, do you have an FCC-issued MMSI (or ship station license)?
• Is your power system 12 or 24vdc?

Should I get a receiver or transponder?

For most installations, a transponder provides better value. With Class B AIS you get:

• AIS Receiver
• AIS transmitter
• Additional GPS receiver and antenna
• Control of when you transmit you vessel location and information

Can I use an existing marine VHF antenna with an AIS receiver or transponder?

Yes, you can use a splitter to share your existing VHF antenna to your VHF/DSC radio and your AIS receiver. You must use an active splitter that automatically disconnects the signal to the AIS receiver if a transmission is detected from the VHF radio.

Milltech Marine sells a three active VHF Antenna Splitter solutions. NOTE: The Comar AST 100 Splitter is the only product that can be used with an AIS transponder. If you use a common T-splitter and then broadcast on the VHF radio, it is possible that you could damage the AIS receiver.

Since you have two receiving devices on one antenna, you may also experience some small amount of signal degradation. While broadcasting on the VHF radio, you will likely see some interruption of incoming AIS signals. Since AIS broadcasts from each ship are repeated every few seconds, this is not normally noticeable in your tracking software.

For best performance, use a dedicated VHF antenna that is mounted away from your VHF radio antenna. This will mean less interference and will allow both the AIS device and the VHF radio receiver to get maximum receiving distances. Milltech Marine sells an excellent VHF antenna specially designed for use with AIS devices. See our products page for more information.

What type of VHF antenna do I need for my AIS receiver or transponder?

The VHF antenna should fulfill at least the following requirements:

• type: Vertical radiator
• Antenna gain: 3 dB or similar
• Impedance: 50 ohms

Will an AIS receiver work with my network solution onboard?

All networks that can handle NMEA serial input at 38400 baud and process VDM serial data will be able to handle AIS data. Ask your network provider for further information.

What are the basic steps to install an AIS receiver?

The typical AIS receiver has three connections:

One: Antenna
Most AIS receivers use a BNC connector for the VHF antenna connection. If you need to connect to typical VHF radio antenna cable that uses a PL-259 / SO-239 connector, you'll need an SO-239 to BNC adaptor. These are available from Milltech Marine's online store.

Two: Data
Some models have a 9 pin serial port which can be connected to a computer serial port using a standard serial cable, which is typically included with the receiver. If your computer doesn't have a serial port, you can use a USB to serial adapter to make the connection. We recommend the Sabrent FTDI USB to serial adapter and offer it as an accessory in our online store. The Comar AIS-2-USB and AIS-MULTI products and the AMEC CYPHO-101 and 101G use a USB connection to interface with a computer. The Comar AIS-2-NMEA product and AMEC CYPHO-101E have data cables with leads that can be connected to a computer serial port or a chart plotter NMEA input port. The Comar AIS-MULTI and the AMEC CYPHO-101 and 101G also have data cables to connect to a NMEA-based chart plotter.

Three: DC Power
The Comar AIS-2-USB AIS receiver is powered via the USB port. Once these connections have been made, simply configure your marine navigation software or chart plotter to utilize the new serial port connection as an incoming "listener" serial data stream. Note that AIS receivers use 38400 baud by default so be sure you configure your software program or chart plotter appropriately. For the SR162G or AMEC CYPHO-101G, you will need to also connect the GPS antenna and make sure it is placed in a location that has a clear path to the sky. Please see the product installation documentation for full details on installing your AIS device.

ALL ABOUT MMSI

What is an MMSI

MMSI or Maritime Mobile Service Identity is a unique nine-digit number identifying your vessel.

Who issues MMSI?

If your recreational vessel will be traveling outside of US domestic waters (inlduing Canada, Mexico and the Bahamas), you will need an MMSI assigned by the FCC.

Under the terms of international treaty, the FCC assigns MMSI to commercial and recreational US-flagged vessels participating in the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). The FCC assigns MMSIs in accordance with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Radio Regulations and periodically notifies the ITU of assignments made to vessels traveling or communicating internationally.

If your recreational vessel will not travel outside of US domestic waters, it does not require an FCC-issued license. You may obtain an MMSI by contacting either BoatUS, Sea Tow Service International, Inc., or United States Power Squadrons.

If your vessel requires licensing by the FCC after you have obtained an MMSI number from BoatUS, Sea Tow Service, or United States Power Squadrons, that MMSI number cannot be used during the application/licensing process when you file with the FCC. MMSI numbers issued by other authorized entities are valid only for ship stations that do not have FCC-issued licenses. The FCC will issue you a new MMSI number.

How is an MMSI used?

MMSI are programmed into marine radio equipment to provide

• a unique, internationally standardized number for contacting a vessel in cases of distress or safety, regardless of the radio system involved
• a common method for authorities to gain useful information concerning a distress incident
• a common number for billing and settlement of accounts for public correspondence.

Upon receiving a distress alert containing an MMSI, authorities such as the U.S. Coast Guard may use the MMSI to find out background information about the vessel (e.g., owner's name, intended route, and other radio equipment on board) and to help determine whether the alert is false. Thus, an accurate MMSI database can help to protect lives and property at sea by reducing the time it takes to locate vessels in distress.

Do I need an MMSI?

The FCC rules as well as the ITU Radio Regulations require vessel owners to obtain an MMSI prior to using Class A or Class B AIS, a digital selective calling (DSC) radio or an INMARSAT ship earth station.

To use an AIS transponder, must the vessel have an MMSI?

Yes. Class B AIS transponders will not function if an MMSI number has not been programmed into the transponder's system. FCC regulations require Class B AIS units to be programmed with vessel information before shipping to US addresses.Milltech Marine provides this service free of charge.

How do I obtain an FCC-issued MMSI?

Recreational users voyaging outside of US waters need to apply for an "SA - Ship Recreational or Voluntarily Equipped" license. There are several steps:

ONE: Register for an FRN

Go here to register online with the FCC and receive an FCC Registration Number (FRN).

An FRN is a 10-digit number that is assigned to a business or individual registering with the FCC. This unique FRN is used to identify the registrant's business dealings with the FCC and will ne used during the licensing process.

Registering online is the fastest way to receive your FRN. You will receive your FRN immediately after submitting your registration information.

Two: Log in ti FCC website

Once you have a FRN, login here.

THREE: Apply for SA license

Go here to apply for the SA license

Federal users can obtain MMSI assignments from their agency radio spectrum management office in accordance with Section 6.6 of the NTIA Manual.

US Coast Guard users operating DSC or AIS equipment under official orders can obtain an MMSI through Commandant (CG-652) in accordance with Commandant Instruction M2000.3D, Section 11.D.

U.S. Coast Auxiliary surface vessel operators should request assignment of MMSIs using the same method as for a U.S. Non-Federal user. Obtaining MMSIs for DSC-equipped VHF Handhelds

What do the numbers in an MMSI mean?

All ship MMSIs use the format MIDXXXXXX where in the first three digits represent the Maritime Identification Digits (MIDs are three digit identifiers ranging from 201 to 775 denoting the administration (country) or geographical area of the administration responsible for the ship station so identified. See the ITU Table of Maritime Identification Digits. Ships ) and X is any figure from 0 to 9.

Note: Ships transmitting with an MMSI not starting with the digits 201-775 are likely doing so improperly, and may be subject to FCC or USCG enforcement action)

Other MMSI include:

Groups of Ships: Group ship station call identities for calling simultaneously more than one ship use the format 01M2I3D4X5X6X7X8X9 , where the first figure is zero and X is any figure from 0 to 9. The MID represents only the territory or geographical area of the administration assigning the group ship station call identity and does not prevent group calls to fleets containing more than one ship nationality. No process currently exists to assign non-federal group ship station identities. However, users having an MMSI assigned by FCC license, all of which have a trailing zero, may create a group identity by inserting a zero before the identity and removing the trailing zero (e.g. a user having an MMSI of 366123450 is allowed to use the group identity 036612345). The U.S. Coast Guard group ship station call identity is 036699999.

Coast Radio Stations (Base Stations): All coast or base stations use the format 0102M3I4D5X6X7X8X9,where the digits 3, 4 and 5 represent the MID and X is any figure from 0 to 9. Groups of coast radio stations use the same format. The combination 0102M3I4D506070809 is used to address all 00MIDXXXX stations within the administration. The combination 010293949506070809 is used to address all VHF 00XXXXXXX stations worldwide. These two special combinations are not used in the United States. The U.S. Coast Guard group coast station identity is 003669999.

Search and Rescue Aircraft AIS and DSC equipment used on search and rescue aircraft use the format 111213M4I5D6X7X8X9 where the digits 4, 5 and 6 represent the MID and X is any figure from 0 to 9. In the United States, these MMSIs are currently only used by the U.S. Coast Guard.

AIS Aids to Navigation (AtoN) AIS used as an aid to navigation uses the format 9192M3I4D5X6X7X8X9 where the digits 3, 4 and 5 represent the MID and X is any figure from 0 to 9. In the United States, these MMSIs are reserved for the federal government.

Craft Associated with a Parent Ship: AIS and DSC equipment used on craft associated with a parent ship, such as a launch, uses the format 9182M3I4D5X6X7X8X9 where the digits 3, 4 and 5 represent the MID and X is any figure from 0 to 9. No provision currently exists for using these identities in the United States.

AIS Search and Rescue Transmitter (SART): AIS search and rescue transmitters (SART) use the format 917203X4X5Y6Y7Y8Y9, where the digits 4 and 5 are assigned by the International Association for Marine Electronics Companies (CIRM) and refer to the SART manufacturer, and digits 6, 7, 8 and 9 are sequential digits assigned by the manufacturer identifying the SART.

USING AIS WITH A CHARTPLOTTER

Does my chartplotter support AIS?

Today, most chart plotters models released within the past 5 years support the connection of an AIS receiver or transponder and are able to display AIS targets. For further information contact your supplier or the manufacturer and ask about AIS support in their product., or consult the product's manuals.

How do I know which AIS transponders of receivers will work with my chartplotter?

Is it possible to connect my AIS receiver or transponder to a chart plotter?

We do not recommend using Smart Radio AIS receivers with most chart plotters since Smart Radio uses RS232 serial signals which are not compatible with the great majority of chart plotters which expect true NMEA RS422 electrical signals. While some customers have been able to use Smart Radio AIS receivers with some brands of chart plotters, other customers have not been successful or have experienced failures at time of installation or in some cases months after the install. Smart Radio AIS receivers do work well with computer serial connections and the AISWatchMate.

Therefore we now only support the connection of a NMEA Standard chart plotter to the following AIS devices: * Comar AIS-2-NMEA AIS Receiver * Comar AIS-MULTI AIS Receiver * Comar SLR 200 Receivers * AMEC CYPHO AIS Receivers * Comar CSB 200 AIS Class B Transponder * ACR Nauticast-B AIS Class B Transponder Kit

USING AIS WITH A COMPUTER

How can I use the data stream from an AIS receiver or transponder?

Many modern computer-based marine navigation software packages, such as Rose Point Coastal Explorer and Nobeltec Visual Navigation Suite 9.0 or higher, can be configured to interpret the incoming AIS data stream and convert the information into human readable information. These packages also support plotting nearby ships on digital charts and can show your position (via a separate GPS) in relation to the other vessels in the area that have AIS transponders.

How do I connect my AIS device to my computer via USB?

In order to connect a USB AIS device use a Serial-to-USB adapter such as the Sabrent FTDI, you must install the correct USB drivers. While the operating system may recognize your AIS device and automatically install the correct drivers, we recommend manually installing the drivers to lessen problems. It is a simple and straightforward process. Please follow all directions below.

ONE: INSTALL USB DRIVERS

Your navigation application software needs to access the USB device. It does this in the same way as it would access a standard COM port by using a Virtual COM port (VCP) driver. With the VCP driver installed, the USB device will appear as an additional COM port.

To ensure that you have the latest USB drivers, download the files from the USB chipmaker's website using the links below. Select the drivers appropriate for your operating system. (For easiest installation, select the .exe file, if available.

 

 

 

 

Run the installation programs before connecting the USB device. Once the installation program completes, reboot your computer to ensure the correct drivers are loaded. Note: Install the drivers only one time. They will then be automatically used each time you connect your USB device.

TWO: CONNECT USB

Once the drives have been installed, make sure the VHF antenna and power connections (if not powered via USB) are properly connected to the AIS unit. Plug the USB device into an available USB port on your computer. You should see a message that the device has been found and the device is ready to be used.

THREE: IDENTIFY COM PORT USED BY THE USB DEVICE

Once the device and driver are installed, confirm which COM port is being used by the USB device. You must know which COM port is being used in order to correctly set up applications that interact with the USB device. Use the following steps to identify the COM port.

Windows 7

1. Click on the Start button(lower left-hand corner of your screen)
2. Click on Control Panel
3. If using Windows 7 Category view, in the Control Panel window:
   
   • Select Hardware and Sound
   • In the Control Panel > Hardware and Sound window, select Device Manager in the Devices and Printers sub-menu
4. If using Windows 7 icon view, in the Control Panel > All Control Panel Items window:
   • Select Device Manager
     

Windows Vista

1. Click on Start button
2. Click on Control Panel
3. Click on System and Maintenance. Note: If you're viewing the Classic View of Control Panel, you won't see this link. Simply double-click on the Administrative Tools icon and proceed to Step 4.
4. In the System and Maintenance window, click on the Administrative Tools link near the bottom of the window.
5. In the Administrative Tools window, double-click on the Computer Management icon.
6. When the Computer Management utility opens, click on Device Manager on the left side of the window, located toward the bottom of the list under the System Tools heading.
7. Device Manager should now appear on the right side of the Computer Management window. Note: If you don't see Device Manager listed, you may need to click on the |> next to System Tools

Windows XP

1. Click on the Start button (lower left-hand corner of your screen)
2. Click on Control Panel
3. In the Control Panel window, select System
4. Click on Hardware
5. Click on Device Manager

All Windows versions
Once in Device manager:

1. Click on the plus sign (+) next to "Ports (COM & LPT)."
2. If the AIS device is installed properly, you will see "Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port (COMx)" for Prolific devices or for other devices such as the FTDI chipsets you may just see "USB Serial Port (COMx)". Note that x is the number of the COM port assigned to the AIS unit. In our examples here the Prolific port is COM8 and the FTDI port is COM10.
3. Write down the COM port number for future reference.

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CONFIGURING NAVIGATION SOFTWARE FOR USB AIS

Rose Point Coastal Explorer 2009

To make sure that Coastal Explorer 2009 knows where to receive AIS and GPS data, you must configure the COM Ports. Note: Although the "Auto Detect" feature will often properly detect and set the port, we recommend the manual option for complete control over settings and fewer possible issues.

To set up your AIS and other devices such as GPS, you will need to:

• Select a COM port from the list.
• Select the appropriate Interface from the drop down list.
• Select a baud rate if necessary.
• Select the appropriate Listener, Talker, and Repeater option

Follow these steps:

1. Select Tools from the top menu
2. Select Configure Vessel and Electronics from the Tools dropdown
3. In the widow that opens, click on Data Ports in the Category menu
4. Select Port Settings
5. In the Instrument Ports window that opens, select the Communications Port (COMx) where "x" is the port number noted in the steps above.
6. In the same window's right-hand Port Settings menu, for AIS or combo AIS-GPS devices, set:
   1. Interface to NMEA 0183
   2. Baud Rate to 38400
   3. Click on checkbox for Listener
7. For a separate GPS input via USB, set:
   1. Interface to NMEA 0183
   2. Baud Rate to 4800 (NOTE: Some GPS units use a different baud rate. Consult the GPS documentation if in doubt.)
   3. Click on checkbox for Listener.
   
   Nobeltec and Other Navigation Programs
   The process is similar in that you must select the appropriate COM port and ensure that the port is set as a listener or input port and the port is set to the correct 38400 baud rate.
   
   

TROUBLESHOOTING

If you have a problem with a USB AIS device:

1. Unplug and then plug in the device.
2. If the computer prompts you for a device driver, repeat this step
3. Run Windows Update to obtain the latest fixes. When this is complete, plug in the USB AIS device to see whether it is now installed correctly.
4. In some cases a reboot may be necessary if there are driver conflicts or other issues.
   
   

    

Using HyperTerminal In Windows XP

1.  From the Start menu, go to Programs>Accessories>Communications>Hyper-Terminal.

2. Double-click the HYPERTRM.EXE icon.



The Connection Description dialog box appears.

3. Type a name for the connection in the Name field, choose an icon, and click OK.



The Connect To dialog box appears.


4. Select Direct to COM"x" from the Connect Using drop down menu (depending on
which COM port you are using) and click OK



The COM Properties dialog box appears.

5. Configure the COM Properties with the following settings:
- Bits per second: 38400
- Data bits: 8
- Parity: None
- Stop bits: 1
- Flow control: Hardware

6.  Click OK.

The HyperTerminal window appears.