AIS different brands any good??

[S/V Alchemy]

Originally Posted by Capt.Don

I used both McMurdo and Vesper AIS transponders. If you compare features, the Vesper is hands down a better unit. The XB-8000 (which I installed) multiplexes the boat NMEA data and broadcasts via wifi; the McMurdo broadcasts GPS and AIS, but doesn't multiplex other boat data. The McMurdo is rebadged Camino unit. The Vesper unit is actively supported and their customer support is very helpful.

Using both, the Vesper XB-8000 seems like a better unit and fits my needs perfectly. In addition to a solid AIS transponder, the wifi acts as a central data hub and makes boat NMEA data (GPS, depth, speed, wind...) and AIS targets available via wifi for my laptop and tablet. I'm very happy with the Vesper XB-8000.

Don

These are precisely the features that drove me to select the Vesper unit. The GPS antenna is now atop my radar gimbal mount and seems far faster to acquire satellites than the antenna atop my pilothouse, no doubt because the height put it clear of most obstructions.

[CharlzO]

Originally Posted by Paul Kelly

I have a Matsutec HP-33A. I've only recently got it up and running, so am getting to know it. I don't know if it's certified for use in the USA.

As far as USA usage goes, it was commented on the Amazon listing for that unit:

Matsutec has NO FCC approvals, and no FCC approval applications pending. This device is illegal to use in the US on US vessels withgout the approval actually being issued. See FCC website for more information. https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/repor...ericSearch.cfm All current and pending approvals can be found there

[01kiwijohn]

Don't think so. I programmed mine.

[Maka]

Dont some VHF radios come with AIS capability ?

[TheOffice]

Originally Posted by Maka

Dont some VHF radios come with AIS capability ?

Receive only.

[Snore]

Originally Posted by sailjumanji

Vesper. Don't waste time on anything else.

Amen! Have that on my personal boat and use the Vesper WiFi data stream to feed my iPad and am testing a cheapo Android tablet with OpenCpn. So far I am really sold on the Android tablet-Vesper combo

[mitiempo]

Originally Posted by TheOffice

Receive only.

Standard Horizon has a Vhf/Ais transponder
https://www.sailmagazine.com/tag/sta...is-transponder

[CharlzO]

Originally Posted by mitiempo

Standard Horizon has a Vhf/Ais transponder
https://www.sailmagazine.com/tag/sta...is-transponder

I had not seen this yet, I think I just found my new VHF lol

[TheOffice]

Never got FCC approval

[bensolomon]

Anyone tried Digital Yacht AIS?

[J Clark H356]

I use Digital Yacht receive only since fall 2003. I use with INavX and have been very pleased. Using UDP with the internal WiFi created by the Digital Yacht Unit I am able to connect up to 5 devices IPhone/ IPad.

I have older Raymarine color Pathfinder Radar/Chartplotter so cannot see AIS on my Chartplotter. Very pleased for receive only. I have no experience with the transmit/receive unit but would recommend you get transmit and receive with some way to turn off the transmit portion at your option. I wish I had bought transmit too. There are times I would like to have it. With the ability to turn transmit
off, it becomes very useful.

[Tillsbury]

Another vote for the xb8000. The way it collects all your crummy old instruments and throws everything to wifi for an iPad or similar is just superb. Suddenly I don't have any need to change any electronics and yet I can play with all the latest toys.

[Capella]

Originally Posted by Snore

Amen! Have that on my personal boat and use the Vesper WiFi data stream to feed my iPad and am testing a cheapo Android tablet with OpenCpn. So far I am really sold on the Android tablet-Vesper combo

Double Amen!

You have to be realistic about the costs of outfitting your boat. Saving $100 on an AIS unit that may save your life is not a good decision. Buy the best, even if you are paying extra for the name. And Vesper is the best.

You can economize on the seat covers and fishing gear (huge justifiable savings to be had in those areas....)

Regards Michael

[Capt.Don]

Originally Posted by S/V Alchemy

These are precisely the features that drove me to select the Vesper unit. The GPS antenna is now atop my radar gimbal mount and seems far faster to acquire satellites than the antenna atop my pilothouse, no doubt because the height put it clear of most obstructions.

Absolutely the same positive results -- my ancient Raystar external GPS often took 1/2 hour or more to acquire a GPS signal. The Vesper - very quick, at most a minute or two.

I ripped out the Raystar external GPS and routed the Vesper XB-8000 NMEA 0183 output back into the Raymarine Seatalk network. The only thing that doesn't display is on my (again ancient) chartplotter is the GPS satellite status. I have no idea why they didn't include those NMEA sentences...

Only one antenna, mounted where the old GPS used to be.

[CCR2580]

Can't go wrong with the Vesper XB8000...more than an AIS!