Fleet info - AIS Transceiver

[pogen]

Re: the Nautilus device

This unit (and there is another similar one on the market, I recall) is a much better solution for personal MOB than either PLB or devices AIS-SART devices like the McMurdo Smartfind.

I bought 2 of the Smartfind-type devices before PacCup for over $300 each, and found on testing that no plotters or radios on the present market can properly process their signal to generate an alarm. When I called the USCG rescue center to tell them I was testing this type of device, they had no idea what I was talking about. So, a more generic device like the Nautilus or a HH VHF-DSC-GPS radio kept on your person is the best bet for personal MOB.

Summary

Bad: http://www.mcmurdomarine.com/ais-mob-devices
http://www.kannadmarine.com/en/safelink-r10
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AIS-SART


Good: http://www.standardhorizon.com/inde...FF5498D5C3153D6E29B&DivisionID=3&isArchived=0

http://www.nautiluslifeline.com/buy-now

 

[K38Bob]

There is one handheld portable VHF/DSC/GPS out there than can have the MMSI changed without being sent back to the factory. It's the Nautilus Lifeline Marine Rescue Radio. It's an emergency VHF/DSC radio originally designed for divers and not really intended for routine communication. It's a fully functional VHF with DSC and builtin GPS www.nautiluslifeline.com See the bottom of the SUPPORT/MMSI INFORMATION page for how to easily change the MMSI.

I own a Nautilus Lifeline and have witnessed one in use to recover a lost diver in the open ocean. They are very waterproof and much smaller than the typical VHF/DSC/GPS units. The smaller size makes it much easier to attach to your lifejacket, etc.

Regarding Starbuck's (Tchoupitoulas') question, the Nautilus Lifeline website has instructions on how to get an MMSI for a "Portable Diving VHF w/DSC." And states that "You will be able to login and update the registration at any point to include current locations should they change periodically."

Tom Patterson
Dazzler

I really really really like that radio. 2 issues. One it is much lower power (range) and second is that you can't interrogate it (poll) for location. I've brought both issues up to the manufacturer since I think its a great idea otherwise.

And I agree these GPS VHF DSC handhelds are the best solution for MOB in the gulf for rescue (Self, fleet, CG).

 

[Dazzler]

Back to the topic... Fleet info - AIS Transceiver

David,
I apologize for taking this off topic (Fleet info - AIS Transceiver) and will start a new thread for discussion of "Personal MOB Devises."

Tom

 

[Mewes]

Let me understand this:

When you are racing, in the ocean with your AIS Class A, you are watching only for shipping and fishing traffic.

You never (accidentally) find another competitor nearby (up to 300 miles) who is broadcasting her position via her AIS Class B. Right?

Lucie

 

[JAMcDonald]

Let me understand this:

When you are racing, in the ocean with your AIS Class A, you are watching only for shipping and fishing traffic.

You never (accidentally) find another competitor nearby (up to 300 miles) who is broadcasting her position via her AIS Class B. Right?

Lucie

AIS Class A transceivers are typically for large vessels, not usually used by our size. Class B transceivers have limited range (VHF) and less frequent updating. You won't see a competitor up to 300 miles, more likely 20 if you have a masthead VHF/AIS antenna. You can also turn off your class B transceiver and run in "stealth" (really just listening) mode. Here is a link that explains more than you want to know: http://www.digitalyacht.co.uk/files/Intro_to_AIS_White_Paper_V1_01.pdf

 

[Mewes]

Thanks. I pulled my 300 mile distance from my recent passages with Tiber Beetle. Rob does always have the best equipment installations, which is to say that if I had one on Georgia and I was receiving from a position close to him, I might only "see" ships within 50 miles and he would see 100 miles. Lucie

 

[standardhuman]

Looking at Vesselfinder.com I see Brian Cline's Maris and Elan in the Berkeley Marina. Who leaves his/her vhf radio on when at the dock? David, I see Temerity. Is her radio turned on right now? Why can I see it when I can't find Green Buffalo?

It is strange and can be quite cluttery on the screen when folks are transmitting from the slip. You should be able to see Black Gold all the time as well in Berkeley. You see me because I'm running power draw tests of all the electronivores on board. Seeing if the panels are keeping up day and night.

Maris is 338126374 and should be transmitting fairly continuously through the start.

From my slip in Berkeley I can see the buoys/ nav aides well outside the gate and north of Bonita. This isn't super surprising as it's more or less within line of sight, but as a point of curiosity does anyone know if the USCG does AIS signal repeating for their assets?

 

[Philpott]

So now I've programmed in my MMSI, but the power is not on @ Dura Mater (and that's not an analogy). Does the radio need to be turned on for me to find it on Vesselsearch?

 

[Tchoupitoulas]

Jackie you need an AIS transceiver to show up there. Not just a DSC radio. But it's good your mmsi number is programmed on the radio because if you have to hit the emergency button, Dura Mater and your info will show up through the same system.

 

[Philpott]

Jackie you need an AIS transceiver to show up there. Not just a DSC radio. But it's good your mmsi number is programmed on the radio because if you have to hit the emergency button, Dura Mater and your info will show up through the same system.

I have AIS; it is internal in my new SH GX2200. Brian Cline and I are going to transmit to each other. If you have one I'll transmit to you too. "testing. Testing. This is the Dura Mater calling Tchouplitoulas"

 

[DaveH]

ummm -
I think the "internal" AIS on the SH GX2200 is receive class B only, not a transmitter [or more accurately a transciever].
it also has an internal GPS, which is convenient.

So the good news is you know where you are and who's around you, IF THEY HAVE A AIS TRANSCIEVER.
others still cant see you, nor will you show up on VTS

 

[Philpott]

That's more than I used to have, and for only $318 at the boat show. As long as I know where the big boats are when coming back from Half Moon Bay in dense fog I feel better already. I guess I meant to type: "I'm going to hail Maris". Since I can see her from my boat's slip, if Brian answers I will have learned that something works. It's the little achievements that give me confidence. I would like to know what to do in order for Dura Mater to show up on the AIS chart.

 

[JAMcDonald]

That's more than I used to have, and for only $318 at the boat show. As long as I know where the big boats are when coming back from Half Moon Bay in dense fog I feel better already. I guess I meant to type: "I'm going to hail Maris". Since I can see her from my boat's slip, if Brian answers I will have learned that something works. It's the little achievements that give me confidence. I would like to know what to do in order for Dura Mater to show up on the AIS chart.

Hi Jackie, DaveH is correct. The SH2200 is not an AIS transceiver (transmitter + receiver - clever, no?), just a receiver. To show up on the chart and on other's AIS receivers you have to broadcast your position using an AIS transceiver like the em-trak B100 or one of its many clones in fancier (and more waterproof) garb. And, you will have to add another GPS antenna, as Class B AIS Transceivers cannot by regulation, use GPS location data from another source. My recommendation is consider providing the SH2200 with GPS data from your AIS transceiver, should you choose to add one. You can turn off the internal GPS on the SH2200.

Without a transceiver, you will know where the big ships are and be able to contact them using their mmsi - more like a person to person call. The one time I had to call a container ship in fog in the shipping channel without wind the bridge answered promptly and altered course and speed so as not to decorate themselves with my little boat like a necklace. Very reassuring indeed.

 

[Philpott]

hoo boy, John, that sounds scary. I get it now: here is my MMSI: 338166477; you can program it in to call me and I will answer. Promise. I've set the range for 2 nm and the point of contact for 1/2 nm.

 

[BobJ]

For reference, I am using these two sites to look up boat names etc. though there are many others

http://www.vesselfinder.com/
http://www.marinetraffic.com/ais/home

Here's FCC's station license database, which includes MMSI's obtained from them (but not from Boat U.S.) It's surprising how many apply for station licenses and then let them expire (= most of them). Rags is in there if you're bored and want to go digging. So is NANCY, on Page 29 of the Nancys . . .

http://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsSearch/searchShip.jsp

 

[JAMcDonald]

Well, I'll probably expire before my ship's license does but I suppose it will eventually expire, too. Perhaps some don't cancel their ships license when the vessel is sold. It can't be transferred like the individual license.

 

[JAMcDonald]

hoo boy, John, that sounds scary. I get it now: here is my MMSI: 338166477; you can program it in to call me and I will answer. Promise. I've set the range for 2 nm and the point of contact for 1/2 nm.

Not nearly as scary as hearing a very loud fog horn with no idea where it is, except close. Captain was very professional and cordial. Those suckers appear and disappear quickly! I'll give you a shout when my boat finally gets here and the antenna is installed...

 

[K38Bob]

Not nearly as scary as hearing a very loud fog horn with no idea where it is, except close. Captain was very professional and cordial. Those suckers appear and disappear quickly! I'll give you a shout when my boat finally gets here and the antenna is installed...

You can always give a position report to VTS. They'll be happy to hear from you- including MMSI. Put your radar reflector out too

 

[Mewes]

Oh, yes, Bob. My Mirage license did expire...but it was 10 years on an old unit. I'd like one of the cool new ones.

 

[JAMcDonald]

Ais sart

Re: the Nautilus device

This unit (and there is another similar one on the market, I recall) is a much better solution for personal MOB than either PLB or devices AIS-SART devices like the McMurdo Smartfind.

I bought 2 of the Smartfind-type devices before PacCup for over $300 each, and found on testing that no plotters or radios on the present market can properly process their signal to generate an alarm. When I called the USCG rescue center to tell them I was testing this type of device, they had no idea what I was talking about. So, a more generic device like the Nautilus or a HH VHF-DSC-GPS radio kept on your person is the best bet for personal MOB.

Summary

Bad: http://www.mcmurdomarine.com/ais-mob-devices
http://www.kannadmarine.com/en/safelink-r10
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AIS-SART


Good: http://www.standardhorizon.com/inde...FF5498D5C3153D6E29B&DivisionID=3&isArchived=0

http://www.nautiluslifeline.com/buy-now

I noticed that Digital Yacht now has an add on box to retrofit AIS displays to recognize AIS-SART. YRMV, never seen or used.