AIS transmitter

[Not_Fred_Honest]

What is an AIS transmitter?

AIS transceivers automatically broadcast information, such as their position, speed, and navigational status, at regular intervals via a VHF transmitter built into the transceiver.

Where are they used?

Ships and aircraft

And why am I talking about them?

On small boats and kayaks, ships radars aren't picking them up, even with a radar reflector at distances under 1 mile.





This is the one I have on my sea kayak. Its just to low to the water to be much good.

You can buy hand held VHF radios with AIS receiver.



IC-M94DE Buoyant VHF Marine Transceiver with AIS and DSC

This radio only got battery life of about 10 hours, its a bit too short.

This is the one I have on my sail boat.





Cortex® M1 SOTDMA SmartAIS Transponder

This about £2000, a bit too much for small boat. Its a hard sell when a radar reflector is about £50

Until this technology starts to improve and come down in price, people will just have to scream down the radio and set off a flair if a ship gets too close

 

[Not_Fred_Honest]

I was asked to post a link showing ais in action.

https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/home/centerx:0.5/centery:50.7/zoom:8

 

[Harbal]

I was asked to post a link showing ais in action.

https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/home/centerx:0.5/centery:50.7/zoom:8

I'm sure it's very interesting, but I've been asked not to watch it.

 

[Not_Fred_Honest]

It can be addictive

Its funny none of the border force boats show up on it in the Channel. I cant think why