Overview
The AST 200 Class B AIS VHF Antenna splitter is designed to simplify installation of the CSB 200 Class B Automatic Identification Systems (AIS).
The AST 200 Class B AIS VHF Antenna splitter is designed to simplify installation of the CSB 200 Class B Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) allowing an AIS transponder to share the existing VHF marine antenna with the vessels VHF Radio.
- Simple and quick to install, using a single VHF antenna for both AIS and VHF operation saves installation cost and time.
- Failsafe operation ensures priority to VHF voice & DSC radio operation, even if the splitter power supply fails.
- Additional output available for FM radio antenna connection.
- Simple LED indicators show when VHF voice radio or AIS is transmitting or receiving.
- Includes RF leads for connection with AIS transponder, VHF radio, and a power lead.
- Operation from 12/24 VDC
FAQ
What is AIS?
Automatic Identification System is a ship reporting system. The majority of ships these days are required to fit an AIS transponder so that they automatically transmit data to enable other users to receive this information.
Click here for a full description of the system
What are the benefits of fitting an AIS Receiver?
With an AIS receiver onboard connected to either a compatible Chart Plotter or PC Charting program you can view other vessels within VHF radio range and establish such information as name, current position, course and speed.
This information can then be used to assist safe navigation.
Why are all your COMAR Receivers Dual Channel Parallel?
To ensure that you receive the most up to date information quickly.
Single channel or multiplex receivers will only on average receive half the number of transmissions from other vessels so not giving you a true position of their current location.
What is involved in installing an AIS Receiver?
The AIS signals operate in the VHF marine so the receiver will either need its own VHF Antenna installed, or you can use the Comar ASR 100 antenna splitter that allows you to share your existing VHF Radio antenna with the AIS Receiver.
The data output from the Receiver then needs to be connected to a Chart Plotter via the NMEA cables, or to a PC by the Serial or USB connections.
What NMEA data is sent?
All our receivers output the NMEA message type VDM. By default this is sent at the speed of 38400 baud so your Chart Plotter or PC program must be configured to receive the data at this speed. On some of our receivers you can change the output to 4800 baud.
What range will I receive information from?
AIS reception will be similar to your existing VHF radio reception, typically a minimum of 20 miles in open waters. It has the same characteristics as normal VHF regard its “line of sight” therefore the higher that you place the antenna the larger the range.
Why do the ships names take longer to be displayed?
Information is sent in different message types, the basic information of MMSI, position, course and speed are sent frequently so this information shows first.
The name of the vessel, type of vessel, destination etc are sent less frequently so this information takes longer to show on your display.
