*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 Range | 156MHz to 163MHz |
Operating temperature | -25°C to +55°C (-13°F to 131°F) |
Environmental | Watertight (USCG CFR-46, IPx7) |
Power Supply | 10-32 VDC, <0.8W nominal |
Overall Size | 135mm Long x 107 Wide x 56 Deep (5 5/16" x 4 1/4“ x 2 1/4") (includes connectors) |
Maximum VHF power | 25W |
Maximum AIS power | 12.5W |
Compatibility | Fully 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 Connectors | SO-239 (UHF). Requires two appropriate length standard 50 ohm patch cables with PL-259 plugs (1 x 2m (6.5ft) included). |
AM / FM Connector | BNC, optional 2m (6') cable available BNC to Motorola plug |
Patch Cable | 2 x provided as standard. 2m (6.5ft) long 50 O cable with PL259 connectors. |
Insertion Loss | VHF RX <1.5dB / VHF TX <1dB / AIS TX <1dB |
AIS Receive Gain | 12dB |
AIS Sensitivity with Vesper Marine transponders | -119 dBm, 6dB improvement |