AIS Class B Transponders/Receivers

EU, BSH, USCG and FCC Approved!

SeaTraceR AIS B Transponder

The SeaTraceR AIS B Transponder from SevenStar was one of the first to be designed following the release of the IEC- 62287-1 specification. It utilises the most sophisticated digital signal processing and software algorithms to implement the required CS-TDMA transmitter and receiver functions. Robust and resilient to the stresses of life at sea, the SeaTraceR is housed in an IP-65 rated aluminium enclosure with matching and versatile mounting hardware, all of which is protected with a sea-water resistant coating under a heavy-duty powder-coat external finish.

Combined with a chart plotter or AIS-enabled radar set, it takes their performance into the next generation - once you've seen it in action, you won't believe you could have sailed without it!

The benefits...

• You can see who else is within your vicinity, even if they are behind another object! (headland, island, ship...)
• You will be visible to any AIS-equipped vessel or coast station within VHF range
• Two-way benefits are far superior to dubious one-way performance of most radar reflectors
• You will see AIS navigation beacons (AtoNs) clearly displayed on your screen
• Consistent and repeatable performance, based on global standards
• Collisions can be easily avoided
• Security monitoring at Ports, Harbours, Marinas
• Hire and charter craft can be easily monitored
• Anti-smuggling, Anti-piracy, Anti-terrorist, Homeland security

How it works...

All you need is a VHF antenna and a GPS antenna (active type) and power of course, in order to transmit and receive AIS data to and from other vessels or navigation systems. (We offer a very neat combines antenna that simplifies installation.) To see the positions and identities of nearby vessels, use the supplied data cable to connect to your plotter, nav station or lap-top PC (NMEA/RS422 and RS232 options are provided). Most plotter manufacturers will have upgrades available that will display AIS data. Also most radar manufacturers are now well on route to overlaying AIS data on their displays.

Please note...

Adding an AIS Transponder to your vessel greatly improves your safety, security and situational awareness. However, it does not totally replace the function of a good radar set, a proven good radar reflector or a keen pair of eyes! There are some circumstances when a commercial SOLAS vessel will still not see or react to your transmission - but at least you will know he is there with AIS! Nothing can take the place of good seamanship, good training, and good equipment.

SeaVieweR S.277 Dual AIS/GPS Receiver

The SeaVieweR S.277 Dual AIS/GPS Receiver from SevenStar works with chart plotters and charting software for laptops and PDAs, and shows 'contacts' and their ID and course on the plotter display. You can see who else is within your vicinity, even if they are behind another object! (Headland, island, ship...)

The SeaVieweR receives AIS data on both AIS channels SIMULTANEOUSLY utilising 2 totally independent, synthesised VHF receivers and highly sophisticated digital signal processing. (Cheaper - and some dearer - receivers only monitor one channel at a time – so with them you can miss vessel data altogether or at best take twice as long to receive it!)

Only one NMEA connection is needed for the AIS and GPS position data! Also lets you see AIS nav aids (AtoN’s - Aids to Navigation) You won't see them without AIS!

And UNIQUELY, if you decide you want to get the full benefits of AIS, we can upgrade your SeaVieweR AIS/GPS receiver into a fully approved Class B AIS Transponder! (See SeaTraceR section for features.) Your position and ID will then be transmitted to everyone around you so you appear on their displays! (Contact your local distributor for upgrade details.)

When upgraded, the resulting Class B transponder is fully approved to IEC 62287-1, IEC 60945, ITU-RM.1371-1, IEC 61162-1, IEC 61108-1, ITU R M.493-9, ITU R M.825-3, and certified by BABT, BSH, USCG (FCC pending).

AIS has been mandatory for SOLAS commercial and passenger vessels worldwide since 2004, and both our SeaVieweR receiver and our SeaTraceR Class B AIS Transponder work within this system, bringing its wide-reaching benefits to the leisure and smaller commercial vessel market.

Robust and resilient to the stresses of life at sea, the units are housed in an IP-65 rated aluminium enclosure with versatile mounting hardware, all protected with a heavy-duty powder-coat finish.

Combined with a chart plotter or AIS-enabled radar set, AIS technology takes their performance into the next generation - once you've seen it in action, you won't believe you could have sailed without it!

What else do I need?...

All you need is a VHF antenna and a GPS antenna (active type) We are offering a very neat combined antenna. (see left) - and power of course, in order to receive AIS data from other vessels or navigation systems. To see the positions and identities of nearby vessels, use the supplied data cable to connect to your plotter, nav station or lap-top PC (NMEA/RS422 and RS232 options are provided). Most plotter manufacturers will have software upgrades available that will display AIS data. Also most radar manufacturers are now well on route to overlaying AIS data on their displays

How do I install it?...

The SeaVieweR AIS/GPS Receiver needs connections to two antennas, namely VHF and GPS - these should be placed in clear space away from other antennas, radomes, etc. (Note that a GPS antenna should NOT be mounted high up a mast, due to the effects of the boat 'heeling' on signal reception - best performance is usually obtained around cabin roof height, mounted to the rail, etc.). The transponder itself is ideally mounted in a sheltered position - although it is IP-65 protected, no box of electronics likes to be continuously inundated with salt water, rain, etc. The data and power connections go down to your normal nav equipment, so the transponder can be fitted near that.

Rather than just meeting the specification, we pride ourselves on designing user-friendly equipment, and have designed the case and mounting brackets to suit many different mounting requirements. Depending on your requirements, the unit can be wall-mounted, or suspended below or above working surfaces. It can be mounted permanently or removed when moored.