GARMIN AIS 800 Class B Automatic Identification System (AIS) Transponder with built-in VHF Antenna Splitter.

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What is AIS and some history?

AIS stands for Automatic Identification System, initially in 2004 it became mandatory for commercial ships over 300 gross tonnage to have a Class A unit. This technology greatly improved situational awareness with vessels sending their name, position, course, speed to other AIS equipped vessels whilst also receiving this data from other AIS equipped vessels. The Class B AIS Transponder was developed later for recreational vessels, allowing them access to similar technology for improved situational awareness on the water.

The early Class B AIS Transponders were 2 watt transmit power (quite low power, max. 10 mile range) whereas these newer AIS 800 units have 5 Watts of transmit power and use SOTDMA technology to ensure they are allocated a transmit slot in busy waterways so their signals aren't "talked over". In comparison the commercial grade Class A units transmit at 12.5 Watts (2.5 times stronger).

External GPS capable

The AIS 800 has a built in GPS receiver which will work below deck on most vessels however an optional external antenna can be supplied in cases where an external antenna is needed this is usually inside steel or aluminium vessels.

NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183 Compatible

The unit can communicate to older NMEA 0183 devices using the coloured wires on the power cable (See the manual) or it will plug directly into an NMEA 2000 network to provide the AIS information to your Multi Function Display (MFD) or Chart-plotter.

Built-in VHF Antenna Splitter

Allows one VHF antenna to function for both the VHF radio and the AIS.

For example on a yacht a VHF antenna on the top of the mast is a great location as VHF range is line of sight, so the higher the better. The splitter in the AIS 800 allows the use of the same antenna for your AIS so the result is that it will transmit and receive to the maximum range on both VHF and AIS from the same single antenna.

Registering your AIS with AMSA

In Australia Class B transponders needs to be programmed with a Maritime Mobile Service Identity number (MMSI) issued by Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and you will find the applicable forms on the AMSA website here. The unit will only operate as an AIS receiver (no transmit) unless a valid MMSI number has been entered. Contact Outback Marine here if you require assistance programming your unit.