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.

Same-day Shipping
If placed by 3:00PM EST, Monday through Friday, most orders ship same-day (excluding domestic Class B AIS which must be programmed before shipping).

We Ship Internationally
Use our online Shopping Cart to make sure your location is served and to check shipping options and costs. For more information, click here. Please call or email with any questions.

em-trak B954 Class B SOTDMA AIS Transponder with Integrated Splitter, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

7 Review(s) Write a Review

Your Price: $1,186.00

Retail Price:$1,318.00

Your Savings:$132.00(10%)

The em-trak B954 is high transmit power (5W SOTDMA) AIS Class B transceiver, with integrated GPS receiver, antenna splitter plus Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support. Each transceiver is ruggedized, water and weather proof (IPx6 & IPx7) and include a FLEXI-FIT bracket system for quick and secure installation. Integrated VHF antenna splitter. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support

Questions about this item? Ask here.

Part Number: ET-430-0015

Availability: In Stock

Quantity

Description
Customer Reviews
Questions and Answers
Features
Specifications
Downloads

Quick & Easy Online Form

Free Class B AIS Programming

FCC regulations require Class B AIS units to be programmed with MMSI and vessel information before shipping to US addresses. Milltech Marine provides this service free of charge.

Common Questions About MMSI

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.
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.
Go here if you do not have an FCC Ships Station License and MMSI and wish to obtain one.

The B954 is a high transmit power (5W SOTDMA) AIS Class B transceiver that is small, light-weight, yet delivers the very best AIS receive and transmit performance so you see more AIS information and targets at maximum range – all achieved with the least power consumption.

The B954 combines WiFi & Bluetooth for seamless wireless connectivity and AIS data streaming to any mobile device or PC as well as a high performance integrated VHF antenna splitter which enables the transceiver to share your existing VHF antenna without any loss of performance. With built in intelligent connectivity, integrated next generation GPS receiver & antenna and a unique FLEXI-FIT bracket system, safe and secure installation is simple.

High transmit power AIS Class B Transceivers
Delivering the very best AIS performance and connectivity
Built-in Intelligent Connectivity
Integrated VHF Antenna Splitter
Integrated next-generation GPS
Integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support
Unique FLEXI-FIT® bracket system, safe and secure installation could not be easier.

CORE TECHNOLOGY | Performance

Core technology continuously developed and proven over many years guarantees you the very best AIS receive and transmit and GPS performance, coupled with the lowest power consumption of any comparable AIS transceiver.

QUALITY ENGINEERED | Reliability

Quality engineered and manufactured with the best components to provide years of continuous, maintenance free operation in even the most extreme environments – impervious and protected against the long-term effects of water, damp, shock, vibration and extreme cold and heat.

PLUG & PLAY | Connectivity

Guaranteed connectivity to any chart-plotter and PC/Phone/Tablet/Watch and navigation app. This ensures you are not limited to any display device or navigation application now or in the future and can maximize AIS related functionality such as weather, MOB, anti-collision, anchor safety, vessel tracking and more.

EASY INSTALLATION

With features such as FLEXI-FIT bracket, integrated GPS antenna, VHF antenna splitter and unlimited connectivity options such as NMEA2000 & 0183. em-trak AIS transceivers are easy to configure and install on any boat.

GLOBAL COMPLIANCE | Certification

em-trak transceivers are rigorously tested and certified for global regulatory compliance. This includes FCC, USCG, Canada and EU test and certification.

24/7 CUSTOMER SUPPORT | Warranty & support

em-trak transceivers are designed and engineered for a life time of reliable operation in even the most extreme environments. This is supported by our best in class global warranty program with 24/7 customer support.

Rating Snapshot

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Average Customer Ratings

4.9

Top of the line

This AIS transponder has all the bells and whistles and performs very well. I typically track pleasure boats at 20 miles, commercial traffic at 30 miles, AToNs at 60 miles, and the record is a oil rig at 178 miles! It puts out a strong SOTDMA signal and have observed large ships alter course to avoid us when we were barely in visual range at night. I use the built-in GPS, have it mounted just below deck, and have not had any GPS issues. Installation was easy, the only issue is that there are multiple cables that plug into opposite ends of the unit, so finding a good mounting location was problematic. Also the wifi didn't work out of the box, I had to plug it into a laptop and use the utility program to re-enable it.

Did you find this helpful? 15 of 15 Found Helpful

Reviewed by: (Verified Buyer) Greg M from Galveston, TX on 8/5/2020

Great unit, but some installation issues

Good accuracy and signal quality, GPS feed was solid. Since the Milltech folks did the configuration it was a "plug in and go" process. Overall I am very pleased, but encountered similar fit issues as reported by the other reviewer. Some is due to the small available space on my boat, so check this on yours before ordering to avoid disappointment. The cables will stick out straight from the box so you will need to allow at least a couple of extra inches on each side, even if you can use right-angle connectors. However, the provided NMEA 0183 cable has a connector (which also has the power leads built in as a secondary cable) that sticks out 3". I looked for a right angle connector version or just one for the power leads (I am using a NMEA 2000 network) but no luck.

Did you find this helpful? 10 of 10 Found Helpful

Reviewed by: (Verified Buyer) Joseph McKinney from Chesapeake Bay, MD on 10/15/2020

Captain

I like the transponder and it works great. I am disappointed that the Bluetooth does not work on my iPad.

Did you find this helpful? 7 of 7 Found Helpful

Reviewed by: (Verified Buyer) Gregory Gegner from Lancaster Virginia on 12/28/2020

n/a

I've installed this in the "e-box" below the fiberglass top on a center console. The built-in GPS antenna works fine in that location. I like the splitter because I didn't want to install a second antenna. It is literally plug and play. There is an iphone app (connects via WiFi - the bluetooth does work with iOS) that allows you to switch the transmit on and off, so if that function is of interest, there is no need to install a physical switch. My only complaint is the size and length of the 12-wire power/data cable. I would have preferred a 2 or 4-wire power cable that I could shorten, as I don't need NMEA 0183 capability. But that would require a bigger box, and I really like the small size of this box. Literally every other piece of electronic equipment on my boat is Simrad (2 MFDs, VHF, sat. compass, auto pilot, radar), but the Simrad box is just too big and this is a more capable unit. It integrates perfectly with the MFDs over NMEA 2000, and targets show up on the charts. This has been a great unit so far, and I would highly recommend it. Milltech was great to deal with. They followed up with me by email right after I placed the order and explained when I would receive it. Highly responsive! I highly recommend them, as well. The only downside for me is that they are on the West Coast, and I'm on the East, so shipping takes a few days. But I would order from Milltech again in a heartbeat.

Did you find this helpful? 5 of 5 Found Helpful

Reviewed by: (Verified Buyer) Jon P from Chesapeake Bay, MD on 6/27/2021

Easy to install, works well with Standard Horizon GX2000 and INavX on an Ipad. Iphone app allows for managing settings. Perfect.

Did you find this helpful? 5 of 6 Found Helpful

Reviewed by: (Verified Buyer) Frank Cobb from Muskegon on 6/1/2021

Great Product

Shortly after ordering I was contacted to provide information so they could start programming, I was impressed by how quickly this happened and with all communication from Mill Tech. While shipping did take longer than expected it was Detroit's USPS fault and plenty of sources to back that up. No fault of Mill Tech's. The B954 was easy to install and get going. Bonus is that if you use a Chromebook you can then integrate AIS with Navionics and you get AIS plus GPS location. GPS location on a Chromebook is something that I have found extremely problematic. So having this solve my GPS Chromebook problem was a very nice plus. I would highly recommend this product and would purchase from Mill Tech again.

Did you find this helpful? 5 of 6 Found Helpful

Reviewed by: (Verified Buyer) Attn Sean McDaniel from Oriental, NC on 1/12/2021

boat owner

Easy to install, works great, all the features are there, the app for it is awesome, no complaints, I like and I recommend.

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Reviewed by: (Verified Buyer) Eron Betan from West Coast on 2/29/2024

Q: Does this unit transmit via WiFi GPS data in addition to AIS?

Asked by: Frank - 8/26/2020

A: Yes, both AIS and GPS sentences are passed in the WiFi datastream providing a high quality position source for your connected mobile device.

Was this answer helpful? 3 of 3 Customer(s) found this Answer helpful.

Answer provided by: Doug Miller (8/26/2020)

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Q: Will this unit send out GPS sentences out via NMEA183 along with AIS to my connected chartplotter?

Asked by: Jerome - 1/14/2021

A: By default, NMEA port 1 is 38400 baud and NMEA port 2 is 4800. Both speeds can be changed. Both ports are bidirectional.
Typically 4800 baud is not fast enough for AIS and all GPS sentences. See the manual for more information: https://www.milltechmarine.com/customer_center/B900-SERIES-USER-MANUAL.pdf

Was this answer helpful? 2 of 2 Customer(s) found this Answer helpful.

Answer provided by: Doug Miller (1/18/2021)

A: Yes, this unit has two NMEA 0183 outputs and both can send AIS and GPS data to other devices.

Was this answer helpful? 2 of 2 Customer(s) found this Answer helpful.

Answer provided by: Doug Miller (1/15/2021)

A: Thank you but just to clarify when you say two outputs, do you mean one 38400 baud and one 4800 baud?
If so, AIS and GPS can both be sent out on both speeds?

Was this answer helpful? 0 of 1 Customer(s) found this Answer helpful.

Answer provided by: Jerome (1/18/2021)

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Q: What is required to connect the em-trak B954 Class B SOTDMA AIS Transponder to my Standard Horizon GX2000? Thanks!

Asked by: Frank - 4/29/2021

A: Basically the steps are the same as what is outlined here:
https://www.milltechmarine.com/AMEC-CAMINO-108-and-Standard-Horizon-GX2000-a-great-low-cost-combo-for-AIS-and-VHF_b_22.html
There are two changes.
1. Use the ProAIS2 software to turn on the GPS sentences.
2. Connect the em-trak NMEA #1 port positive output BROWN to the GX2000 YELLOW AIS positive input wire and connect the em-trak NMEA #1 port negative output BLUE to the GX2000 WHITE AIS negative wire

That should do it.

Was this answer helpful? 0 of 0 Customer(s) found this Answer helpful.

Answer provided by: Doug Miller (4/29/2021)

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Questions about this item? Ask here.

IN THE BOX

1 x AIS Transceiver
1 x Power and Data Cable (2m)
1 x VHF Radio Accessory Cable (1m)
1 x FLEXI-FIT Mounting Bracket – Complete with Screws & Optional Fixing Tape

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATION
Size (w x h x d) – 150 x 115 x 45mm
Weight – 425g
Operating temperature – -25°C to +55°C
Storage temperature – -25°C to +70°C
Ingress protection – IPx6 and IPx7

ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATION
Supply voltage – 12V or 24V DC
Supply voltage range – 9.6V – 31.2V DC
Average current (at 12V) – 280mA
Average current (at 12V) (wireless off) – 280mA
Peak current – 2.5A
Average power consumption (at 12V) – 3.4W
Average power consumption (at 12V) (wireless off) – 2.9W
Galvanic isolation – NMEA 0183 inputs only, NMEA 2000, VHF antenna port

CONNECTORS
VHF antenna – SO-239
VHF radio – SO-239
GNSS – TNC
Power/NMEA 0183/silent mode – 12 way circular multipole
NMEA 2000 – 5 way Micro-C connector
USB – USB Micro-B

DATA INTERFACES
NMEA 0183 – 2 x bi-directional ports
NMEA 2000 – NMEA 2000 Ed 3.101, LEN=1
USB – PC virtual com port for NMEA 0183 data
Wi-Fi – IEEE 802.11 (a/b/g), client and access point mode supported (2 connections in access point mode)
Bluetooth – BT Classic 4.0, 7 concurrent connections

STANDARDS COMPLIANCE
AIS standards – IEC 62287-2 Ed. 2. ITU-R M.1371.5
Product safety standards – EN60950-1 2006 +A11:2009 +A1:2010 +A12:2011 +A2:2013 EN62311:2008
Environmental standards – IEC 60945 Ed. 4
Serial data interface standards – IEC 61162-1 Ed 5.0. IEC 61162-2 Ed 1.0
NMEA 2000 – NMEA 2000 Ed 3.101
GNSS performance standards – IEC 61108-1 Ed 2.0. IEC 61108-02 Ed 1.0

GNSS
Systems supported – GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo
(two of any combination, three including GPS, Galileo)
Channels – 72
Internal/external antenna – Internal or optional external antenna
Time to first fix from cold start – 26s

VHF TRANSCEIVER
VDL access scheme – SOTDMA
Operating frequency – 156.025MHz – 162.025MHz
Channel bandwidth – 25kHz
Receivers/transmitters – 2 x receivers, 1 x transmitter
AIS receiver sensitivity (20% PER) – -111dBm
AIS transmitter power – 5W (+37dBm)

USER INTERFACE
Indicators – Power, transmit timeout, error, silent mode

IN THE BOX

1 x AIS Transceiver
1 x Power and Data Cable (2m)
1 x VHF Radio Accessory Cable (1m)
1 x FLEXI-FIT Mounting Bracket – Complete with Screws & Optional Fixing Tape

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em-trak B954 Class B SOTDMA AIS Transponder with Integrated Splitter, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

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