The GPS160, a high performance positioning sensor using GPS, Galileo and Glonass satellite systems for exceptional positioning accuracies and redundancies. GPS160 has different variants (NMEA0183, NMEA2000, USB, WiFi & SeaTalk).

The new JB1 junction box from Digital Yacht is a simple, easy to install solution for NMEA 0183 and power connections.  It uses a patented spring lock terminal system from Wago. This allows various sized cables to be connected and joined in seconds.

NAVDoctor is the perfect NMEA 2000 diagnostic tool for dealers, installers and boat builders. It turns any mobile device in to an NMEA 2000 network analyser, creating simple and clear web pages that show the health and status of your NMEA 2000 network.

To help you choose the right AIS transponder for you, here are a few things that may benefit you and your needs:

• Receive targets on a plotter – if you want to receive only AIS targets on a plotter then you have the choice between the AIT1500, AIT1500N2K, AIT2000 and AIT2500. The AIT1500 or AIT1500N2K have a GPS built into the transponder and is therefore recommended for fibreglass boats up to 30 feet. The AIT1500 only has an NMEA 0183 interface while the AIT1500N2K has a NMEA 2000 interface. The AIT2000 (class B) and AIT2500 (class B+) both have an external GPS antenna and can therefore be installed on any type of boat. They both also have an NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000 and USB interface.
• Receive AIS targets on software or applications – If you only want to receive AIS targets on navigation software or applications, then we recommend the iAISTX. This is an AIS transponder with an external GPS antenna and a built-in WiFi server.
• Receive AIS targets on a plotter AND software/applications – To receive AIS targets on a plotter and software/applications at the same time, we recommend the AIT3000 (Class B) or AIT5000 (Class B+). These options are the most complete AIS transponders with a certified zero loss VHF antenna splitter, NMEA multiplexer, external GPS antenna and WiFi server.
• AIS for rental boats – if you are looking for an AIS receiver or transponder that you can put in your suitcase and want to use when renting a boat then the Nomad is the right AIS transponder for the job. It is the only portable AIS transponder that has a built-in GPS, is USB powered and comes with a portable VHF antenna.

Now that you have an idea of which AIS transponder you need, you will also need to choose between Class B or Class B+ AIS transponder. The difference is explained in the next tab.

Below you can see our different Class B AIS transponders (except the iAISTX which is shown in the video above).

AIS transponders will allow you to receive data from vessels close to you, but will also allow you to continuously transmit your vessel’s identity, position, speed and heading, as well as other relevant information, to all other AIS-equipped vessels within your range.

There are 3 types of AIS transponders: Class A, Class B and Class B+ :

• Class A AIS transponders are for ships over 300 tonnes, fishing vessels over 10m, passenger vessels, etc. (SOLAS convention).
• Class B AIS transponders are for recreational boating and have a transmission power of 2 W (range of about 10 miles). The transmission frequency is every 30 seconds.
• Class B+ AIS or also called Class B SOTDMA transponders use the same SOTDMA technology as Class A AIS transponders and therefore have the same priority when reserving a slot, ensuring that they will always be able to transmit, even in high traffic areas, and have a transmission power of 5 W. The transmission frequency can be up to every 5 seconds. A Class B + AIS is therefore useful for sailors who need the best possible performance, for very fast motorboats and also for non-commissioned commercial vessels.

One of the most frequently asked questions about an AIS receiver or transponder is which VHF antenna to choose?

There are 2 options: either install a dedicated VHF antenna for AIS or install an antenna splitter so that the main VHF antenna is used for both VHF radio and AIS.

• For those who want to use their existing VHF antenna, then we recommend the use of a certified zero loss VHF antenna splitter such as our SPL1500 and SPL2000. Please do not use a non-zero loss certified VHF antenna splitter. They are inexpensive, but they can destroy your AIS transponder.
• For those who want to install a VHF antenna dedicated to AIS, then we recommend a VHF antenna tuned to AIS frequencies. The AIS transmission and reception works on 2 dedicated channels which use the frequencies 161.975 and 162.025 MHz (channel 87B and 88B). VHF frequencies in the maritime environment use frequencies from 156.0 to 162.025 MHz and most VHF antennas are designed to provide maximum gain on channel 16 (156.8 MHz). You can now find antennas on the market dedicated to AIS frequencies such as the HA156 antenna (click here to find out). These antennas, dedicated to AIS frequencies, offer maximum gain at 162 MHz (which is the centre between the 2 AIS frequencies 161.975 and 162.025 MHz). So if you install a VHF antenna instead of a VHF antenna splitter for your AIS receiver or transponder, then choose an AIS frequency VHF antenna to compensate for the loss due to the installation of the antenna lower down than the main VHF antenna at the top of the mast. The graph below shows how a dedicated AIS frequency antenna (162 MHz) provides a better VSWR and therefore a better transmission and reception. As a reminder, for the duration of the virtual stand, we will offer a dedicated AIS frequency VHF antenna with every purchase of an AIS transponder.

The video below explains our VHF antennas:

1 – With Web Interface

In order to facilitate the use and configuration of our AIS transponders, our new AIS transponders now have an integrated web interface. This is the case for the iAISTX, iAISTX Plus and soon the AIT5000 (from April 2020). These devices create a WiFi network on board and configure themselves by connecting to WiFi. Transponder configuration can therefore be done through a computer, tablet or even a smartphone and above all no software is required.

To find out how to configure your AIS iAISTX, iAISTX Plus or AIT5000 transponder with its web interface, please click here.

2 – With ProAIS2 software

This method is for configuring our other AIS transponders: AIT1500, AIT1500N2K, AIT2000, AIT2500, AIT3000 & Nomad.

The ProAIS2 software can be downloaded free of charge directly from our website. After installing the software (which includes the drivers of our AIS), simply connect the USB of the AIS to a computer and open the software.

The video below shows you how to configure the AIS transponder with the proAIS2 software.

An NMEA to WiFi server will allow you to receive data from your instruments and navigation system in real time to an application or navigation software.

We have three NMEA to WiFi servers, which can be chosen dependent on your onboard system:

• WLN10 – NMEA 0183 WiFi server. This server has a single NMEA 0183 input and output (speed configurable for AIS or GPS/instrumentation). This is an ideal server if you want to broadcast data either from your AIS receiver/transponder or the data from your instrumentation.
• WLN30 – NMEA 0183 WiFi Server & Multiplexer – This server has three NMEA 0183 inputs and one output. The WLN30 multiplexes all data and broadcasts it via WiFi to receive real-time data to an application or navigation software. This is an ideal server if you have several navigation devices on board (with different NMEA speeds) and you want to broadcast AIS, GPS and instrument data at the same time.
• NavLink2 – NMEA 2000 WiFi Server – This is an easy-to-install NMEA 2000 WiFi server designed to broadcast NMEA 2000 navigation data to applications and software on smartphones, tablets, iPads and PCs. The Navlink2 will connect directly to your onboard NMEA 2000 network.

The connections to 3rd party AIS, chartplotter, sensors, etc. are explained directly on our blog.

Below is a video explaining our different NMEA to WiFi servers.

We have tested many applications and navigation software. We have also made videos of the applications to give you an overview. You can discover and read all our tests by clicking here.

We have also made a list of the best navigation applications. Please click below:

• List of the best apps for iPhone & iPad
• List of the best applications for Android

Below is an example video, testing the Boating Navionics application that we made.

You can find out how to configure your application or navigation software with Digital Yacht products by clicking here.

This list includes popular applications and navigation software that can receive external NMEA data.

The video below explains how to configure Navionics to receive real-time AIS targets.

In order to get an internet connection on board, there are 3 solutions available at Digital Yacht:

1 – Internet by WiFi network: This is an ideal solution when you are at the marina or close to the coast. With a WiFi booster antenna, you will be able to scan and connect to WiFi networks (bars, marinas, hotels, etc.) up to 6 km away. The advantage of this system is that there are more and more WiFi networks and above all there are many free WiFi networks. The disadvantage of this system is that you are dependent on the quality of the WiFi network and you cannot boost the power of the WiFi network. In addition, you will sometimes need a password. Our available products are : WL60 & WL510

2 – Internet by 4G: This is an ideal solution if you want a fast, independent internet connection and up to 25 km from the coast. Just insert a SIM card. The advantage of this system is that you are independent because you don’t need to connect to WiFi networks and you will likely have a better quality internet and connection that is faster. The disadvantage is that you have to take out a 4G subscription (SFR, Orange, Bouygues, etc.) and sometimes in some countries you will not have internet connectivity because of the frequencies used by the country or a lack of infrastructure. This product is 4G Connect (a WL60 antenna is offered for every purchase of a 4G connect Pro).

3 – Combining WiFi & 4G: This is an ideal solution especially if you are surfing all over the world and/or in remote locations. When you are not connected to a WiFi network, you will get an internet connection thanks to the 4G. The connection is done automatically. For this solution you need the 4G Connect and the WL510. You can even add the iKommunicate to broadcast the data from your instruments and navigation centre through the WiFi network created by the 4G Connect.

The video below shows the solutions :

When you purchase a Digital Yacht product, you can contact us directly so that we can explain what connections you need to make in order to interface the Digital Yacht product to your existing navigation system.

We have listed various brands and navigation systems with the connections required in order to interface your Digital Yacht product. Click on one of the links below to see the list and the different connection diagrams:

• How to connect the WLN10/WLN30 – Useful if you want to send navigation data from your navigation system to applications and software.
• How to connect the GPS160 antenna – Useful if you need to replace a GPS antenna or if you want to add a more accurate GNSS system. This list explains how to connect the TriNav GPS160 antenna to any navigation system. The diagrams can also be used to see how to connect an AIS receiver/transponder to the navigation system.
• How to connect a NMEA 2000 Digital Yacht device to an NMEA 2000 network – Although NMEA 2000 installation is much easier than a NMEA 0183 installation, we still see many installation problems.

If your navigation system is not on this list, then contact us by phone (+44 (0) 117 955 4474), email (sales@digitalyacht.co.uk) or directly on via live chat.

You will need to send us your complete list of equipment on board and we will explain how to interface your system to the Digital Yacht product.

Our range of products now allows us to create solutions that bring together and integrate our different products. We have therefore published a guide that brings together all the solutions.

To discover our solutions guide, please click here.