Milltech Marine News

June 2023

Any questions about what AIS you should get?

Our AIS Comparison guide is an quick and easy way to sort through the marketing fluff and find the unit that fits your needs best. It has been updated for 2023 and can be found on the AIS Transponder product page or link directly here.

March 2023

Vesper Marine Cortex Gets Long Awaited Software Update

Cortex just got even better. Introducing the new and improved Cortex 2.0 software update. There's a new sleek user interface for Cortex handsets and some big improvements to core VHF functions to ensure you never miss a word. Cortex software 2.0 features new Squelch EQ

automated squelch with manual fine-tuning, omni watch multichannel scanning, and VHF audio recording and playback. Find out more here.

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GPS Tips for AIS Class B Transponders and AIS Receivers

Posted by Doug Miller on 9/26/2011 to Configuration Examples

UPDATE Jan 2012: The AMEC CAMINO-101 now supports using an external GPS so we now offer the product without a GPS antenna. For more info see our blog post here.

Many folks looking at buying an AIS transponder have questions about the requirement for a GPS antenna and ask if they can use an existing GPS device to supply GPS data to the transponder. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on how you look at it) all Class B AIS transponders must use their own onboard GPS system and are not able to use an external GPS source. So you won't be able to use your chartplotter to feed GPS data to the transponder. Instead you must install a GPS antenna and insure it is attached to the transponder in order for it to work correctly. Some of our transponders e.g. the AMEC CAMINO-101, include a GPS antenna with the transponder so that means you'll get the right antenna. The AMEC GPS antenna also works with other Class B transponders such as the Comar CSB200 or the Vesper Marine AISWatchMate 850 (which has its own internal GPS antenna but some customers prefer to use an external GPS antenna).

Now for a useful tip: when it comes to installing a GPS antenna, we have found that most modern GPS antennas work well under the deck of a fiberglass boat. This means you can often install the antenna behind a storage locker or in some other convenient location and not have to run new cable and drill new holes in your deck to install the new antenna. The best advice we can give is try the antenna out in different locations on the boat and see how it works. Make sure there are no metal fittings directly above the area where you locate the GPS antenna. Most Class B transponders include a GPS diagnostic tool to show satellite reception performance so use that as a guide for getting the best results.

Other tips to keep in mind:

These transponders use a powered GPS antenna with special Low Noise Amplifier. The antenna interfaces with the transponder using 3.3 volts DC. You cannot use a GPS receiver or a non-conforming antenna that does not match the required specifications or one that uses a 5 volt power source. Using the wrong antenna will damage both the transponder and the antenna.
Do not cut the GPS antenna cable. Since this is a powered antenna, if you cut the TNC connector off and attach a new connector and get it wrong you will potentially damage both the antenna and the GPS antenna and void your warranty.
Our AIS transponders use a TNC connector for interfacing with the antenna with the transponder. Don't use an antenna with a BNC connector and try and adapt it for use with a transponder. Chances are good it won't work and / or will cause damage.
Keep in mind that the transponder has the GPS circuitry built into the transponder itself. The GPS connection is for an antenna only. There is no GPS built into the antenna - only an amplified antenna.
If you have questions, contact us and we can make sure you chose the right antenna for your transponder.

Do AIS Receivers Need a GPS?

On a related note, we often get asked what type of GPS is required for an AIS receiver. The answer is: no GPS is required for correct operation of an AIS receiver. An AIS receiver simply decodes AIS transponder transmissions and converts these into NMEA data sentences which are output via the receiver's data port(s). It is then up to the chartplotter or computer navigation program to make sense of these sentences. This is where the GPS comes in. The chartplotter or computer program needs to establish your position using a GPS and then uses the AIS sentences from the AIS receiver to calculate the distance and bearing to other AIS-equipped vessels. So it is the chartplotter or computer program that requires a GPS. The AIS receiver does not require a GPS signal to work correctly. That said, some AIS receivers, including the Smart Radio SR161 and the Comar AIS-3R, include a mini-multiplexer that allows users to feed GPS data in on input wires at 4800 baud and the AIS receiver then multiplexes the GPS data with the AIS data and outputs a single data stream at 38400 baud by default with both AIS and GPS sentences. This is a great solution for folks who want to have a single data connection into their computer with both AIS and GPS data.

Once again, if you have questions on how this all works see our online documentation and FAQs in our support area or give us a call.

Happy cruising!

Doug Miller

Milltech Marine

Gerald Riggs

Date 11/23/2011 1:42:32 PM

I recently installed a SR161 AIS reciever. It is configured to work witha Garmin GPSMAP478 at NMEA 4800 baud which was dictated by my VHF radio DSC only working at 4800 baud. The AIS display works well, for the most part, displaying vessels, speed, course etc. However, the GPS is expecting AIS data to be sent at 38400 baud so some of the GPS AIS features are missing such as the AIS SubTab. Garmin support says the 478 is only intended to work with AIS at 38400 baud. So if you must use 4800 baud,

Rudolph Andreae

Date 5/11/2013

I have a Garmin 498 and Standard Horizon GX 2100 with AIS receiver. The AIS needs GPS to see where it is to function. the 498 Garmin and SH GX2100 will not work together. It has been thoroughly tested with both company TS groups and 4 different IT and marine electronics specialists. they will simply not work together. One solution would be a stand alone GPS antenna dedicated to the AIS. Any pointers, suggestions, portents and signs are appreciated

Dan Anders Palmquist

Date 8/22/2013

Hi! Last year I posed questions regarding how to conncet my Standard Horizon 300i with my Amec Camino B class transponder. Problem was that I could not get stable transmissions( rather none) using the GPS signal from 300i. Whatever I did failed. Finally I installed an original Amec GPS antenna and this season this has worked excellently with regards to transmission (and reception), plotter displaying warnings and all kinds of AIS receptions etc. Testing by diagnostics in AMEC says everything OK. BUT: for some to me completely mysterious reason the Tlog in 300i now counts 1/10 Nm literally by the minute (=10 minutes1Nm), sometimes more sometimes less). This only happens when the AIS system is connected, otherwise plotter functions superbly. Correspondence with Horizon people has resulted in advice to clear ram menu, done, effect none. Also I have been advised to upgrade software (next season I will renew my C chart card). Have you ever heard of this? Ideas?? I have tried to stall output from 300i, piut sentences Off etc etc. Even taken away yellow wire (port 3). Both contraptions on baude 38400.

Gpswox

Date 1/19/2016

What a professional information. You really know your game and I would like to have something like that at my shop at http://www.gpswox.com/ What do you think, should I blog about technical things too?

GPS Tips for AIS Class B Transponders and AIS Receivers

Do AIS Receivers Need a GPS?

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Gerald Riggs

Rudolph Andreae

Dan Anders Palmquist

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