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Vesper Marine VHF/AIS/FM Antenna Splitter

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Your Price: $259.99
Out of Stock or Not Currently Available
Part Number:VM-SP160

*Discontinued and No Longer Available* 


AIS VHF Antenna Splitter for AIS Transponders and Receivers

At last An Antenna Splitter with Gain Not Loss

Many AIS splitters introduce significant signal loss, some say no loss but this unique Vesper Marine splitter is the only one that provides signal gain - improving AIS reception and increasing range. This is because the Vesper Marine splitter has a built-in low noise amplifier. This is especially important to increase the receive range from the increasing number of low power AIS SART and MOB devices.

In addition to the amplification provided by this splitter, when used with your existing antenna you can optimize the range of your AIS transponder because the antenna is also mounted as high as possible.

To simplify installation you can share an existing VHF antenna by using this splitter. The unit removes the need for a separate VHF antenna for an AIS receiver or transponder and allows a single antenna to be shared with a VHF radio.

This is an excellent solution when it is difficult to install an additional antenna or you wish to share an existing VHF antenna and maximize your AIS range.

This Vesper Marine splitter is specifically designed for use with both AIS receivers and transponders.

You can use this splitter with an existing antenna installation that is in good operating condition. However, for an optimized AIS and VHF antenna system, choose our AIS antenna designed to be shared with VHF radios.

NOTE: The SP160 now includes two VHF cables (one to go to the AIS device, one to go to your VHF radio) so an additional VHF cable is no longer required.

FEATURES:

AIS Sensitivity Gain

The SP160 provides amplification to the AIS signal resulting in much higher AIS sensitivity, improving AIS receive range.

Low power consumption

Very low power consumption designed to save your battery power.

Simple connections

No adapters or special patch cords needed for VHF/AIS. Uses standard PL-259 patch cables (two 2m (6.5ft) cable are now included).

Easy installation

Very compact and easy to install with built-in mounting flanges.

LED status indicators

4 status LED's (power, VHF transmit, AIS transmit, antenna quality).

AM and FM radio connection

Provides AM/FM radio connection. An optional cable with a standard "Motorola plug" is available to make installation easy. Plugs directly into almost all car or marine stereos.

Fail-safe VHF priority

VHF radio always has priority and the VHF can always transmit even if the power to the splitter fails.

Antenna quality monitor indicates if there is a problem

The unique antenna quality LED will indicate a problem with the antenna, cable or installation.

12 or 24 Volt supply

Designed to work with either 12 or 24 volt supply.

Waterproof

IPx7 rated. High quality rugged construction made specifically for marine use.

BENEFITS

High performance

The Vesper Marine SP160 Splitter has higher performance than any other AIS splitter, whether it's used with an AIS receiver or transponder. It has also been designed to be used with other manufacturers AIS receivers and transponders making it very versatile*.

One easy to install junction box

This new splitter provides a convenient and intelligent junction box for VHF, AIS and AM/FM break out points. Using the SP160 allows AIS equipment like AIS transponders or AIS receivers to be easily installed with a single coaxial cable run to each device and only one cable to your shared VHF antenna.

Outstanding receive performance

The unique design of the SP160 means it doesn't have the signal loss associated with other AIS splitters ensuring you can achieve full performance from your VHF radio and your AIS.

Improves AIS receive range

The SP160 improves AIS receive range by providing amplification to the AIS signal resulting in much higher AIS sensitivity - especially useful for receiving the growing number of 2W Class B AIS transceivers.

What's In The Box

  • AIS VHF antenna splitter
  • Installation guide
  • 2m (6.5') Power cable
  • 2 x 2m (6.5') PL259 patch cables

SPECIFICATIONS

Frequency Range156MHz to 163MHz
Operating temperature-25°C to +55°C (-13°F to 131°F)
EnvironmentalWatertight (USCG CFR-46, IPx7)
Power Supply10-32 VDC, <0.8W nominal
Overall Size135mm Long x 107 Wide x 56 Deep (5 5/16" x 4 1/4“ x 2 1/4")
(includes connectors)
Maximum VHF power25W
Maximum AIS power12.5W
CompatibilityFully compatible with all Vesper Marine AIS transponders and receivers. May be used with any other manufacturer's AIS receivers and transponders although some transponders may issue a warning if they attempt to transmit while the VHF is already transmitting.
VHF & AIS ConnectorsSO-239 (UHF). Requires two appropriate length standard 50 ohm patch cables with PL-259 plugs (1 x 2m (6.5ft) included).
AM / FM ConnectorBNC, optional 2m (6') cable available BNC to Motorola plug
Patch Cable2 x provided as standard. 2m (6.5ft) long 50 O cable with PL259 connectors.
Insertion LossVHF RX <1.5dB / VHF TX <1dB / AIS TX <1dB
AIS Receive Gain12dB
AIS Sensitivity with Vesper Marine transponders-119 dBm, 6dB improvement
5 Stars
Vesper Marine Splitter
Wanting to improve the performance of my AIS by getting the antenna as high as possible, I started researching options. Because of antenna separation needs my choices came down to leaving the antenna on a stern rail or sharing the masthead VHF antenna with a splitter. I did considerable research and soon zoomed in on the Vesper. Doug at Milltech was most helpful including helping me work through concerns expressed by the maker of my AIS transponder. I also contacted Vesper with questions - they too were very responsive and helpful. The unit is easy to install, did not cause any signal conflict with my transponder (it's actually designed to address that) and it works very good. I've not been In the open ocean since installing so my observation come from the slip which is tucked up against some cliffs. Nevertheless I'm seeing targets 50 to 60 miles away (actually saw several at 375 to 400, clearly a fluke of some sort) and my signal is being picked up a greater distances. I'd give the service I received Fromm all parties an A+ and the same for the unit
Did you find this helpful?  10 of 11 Found Helpful
Reviewed by: (Verified Buyer)  from Southern California. on 12/10/2013
5
5 Stars
Capatin/USN retired
Vesper VHF/AIS splitter works great. Using it with Vesper Watchmate 850, what a great addition. Using masthead (65') antenna, have received AIS information from ships 90 miles away! This is thew first trip with AIS and makes watches so less stressful, highly recommended!!
Did you find this helpful?  6 of 8 Found Helpful
Reviewed by:  from Hobe Sound, FL. on 6/27/2011
5
5 Stars
great product!
I found this product easy to install, with very low power consumption. Works as advertised, provides 15+ mile range for my AMEC-101 AIS via 3' whip at masthead. Bonus FM antenna works amazingly well. I used inexpensive Seadog PL259 cables between the AIS, VHF, and the splitter.
Did you find this helpful?  3 of 4 Found Helpful
Reviewed by:  from Seattle, WA. on 4/26/2011
5
5 Stars
Dr
The first Vesper antenna splitter sent had a fault in the form of an internal short. Milltech Marine responded promptly and professionally to rectify the problem by sending a replacement immediately. I installed the replacement splitter and have tested it several times in the brief period since. It seems to work perfectly with my masthead VHF antenna and has increased the range at which vessels are visible to AIS over what had been the case with an antenna located on my stern pulpit.
Did you find this helpful?  2 of 3 Found Helpful
Reviewed by: (Verified Buyer)  from San Diego. on 12/18/2019
5
5 Stars
Going to Mexico
We had removed the dual antennas when we re did the rigging and got a single high gain antenna. We were leaving soon and Doug was very efficient in getting a new splitter to us to allow for the use of a single antenna. It has worked very well down the coast from Seattle to SF. We have great range for both, our AIS visibility and VHF. I would certainly use Milltech again.
Did you find this helpful?  1 of 1 Found Helpful
Reviewed by: (Verified Buyer)  from SF Bay Area. on 9/15/2021
5
5 Stars
Mr.
Works great, very easy to hook up and install, comes with everything you need to run the ais and vhf off one antenna. Getting much better range now that my 4’ ais antenna is down and not interfering with the 8’ vhf antenna, and bc of the height difference.
Did you find this helpful?  1 of 1 Found Helpful
Reviewed by: (Verified Buyer)  from Alaska. on 6/29/2020
5
5 Stars
Captain
Works just like it's supposed to. Easy to wire up and then it just works, very satisfied.
Did you find this helpful?  1 of 2 Found Helpful
Reviewed by: (Verified Buyer)  from Pensacola. on 1/8/2018
5
5 Stars
boat owner
Easy to install, increased range for our AIS greatly, Milltech is great to work with and readily provided advice. Highly recommended.
Did you find this helpful?  1 of 2 Found Helpful
Reviewed by: (Verified Buyer)  from Chestertown, MD. on 8/21/2016
5
5 Stars
Mr.
I ordered the SP160 to increase antenna signal and split between Emtrak B100 Transponder AIS and my VHF GPX1400 Standard Horizon. Instantly signal increased and I got AIS signals 20nm away and VHF signals coming in from way up coast. I just need to add the antenna for the FM radio to also enjoy listening to FM radio without the static. Really satisfied with a plug'n'play sollution that delivered all it promised.
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Reviewed by: (Verified Buyer)  from Denmark. on 8/29/2023
5
3 Stars
Mr
Nothing wrong with the unit, it seems to work fine, but why bend the power cable so tightly around the unit during packaging? It still works, but shure got damaged...
Did you find this helpful?  0 of 3 Found Helpful
Reviewed by: (Verified Buyer)  from Belgium. on 10/1/2014
3

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