Description
Digital Yacht AIS100 USB AIS Receiver | Boat Supply Store
Enhance your vessel's situational awareness with true dual-channel AIS reception from the Digital Yacht AIS100, offering superior target acquisition over single-channel units. This black box solution, rated IP54 for marine environments, interfaces directly via USB to your PC, Mac, or Linux navigation system for plug-and-play operation. It arrives complete with a 25cm QMax portable VHF antenna featuring a sucker cup mount and a 4-meter cable, enabling immediate integration for cruisers and racers navigating coastal waters.
Key Features
- True dual-channel AIS reception for superior target detection
- Plug-and-play USB interface for effortless PC/Mac/Linux integration
- Self-powered directly from your computer via USB, eliminating separate power cables
- Included QMax 25cm portable VHF antenna with secure sucker cup mount
- IP54 rated enclosure designed for marine conditions
- Compatible with Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux operating systems
- Compact black box solution for discreet installation
- Affordable entry-level AIS receiver for PC-based navigation setups
Specifications
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| AIS Reception Type | True Dual-Channel Receiver |
| Interface | USB |
| Operating System Compatibility | Windows, Mac OS X, Linux |
| Power Source | USB Powered |
| Antenna Included | QMax 25cm Portable VHF Antenna |
| Antenna Mount | Sucker Cup |
| Antenna Cable Length | 4m |
| Antenna Connector | BNC |
| Ingress Protection | IP54 |
Who This Is For
Cruisers, racers, and recreational boaters utilizing PC-based navigation systems require an accessible AIS receiver to bolster their understanding of surrounding vessel traffic. This unit is ideal for those seeking a straightforward, affordable solution for immediate deployment with their existing computer setup.
How It Compares
| Feature | Digital Yacht AIS100 USB AIS Receiver | Competitor |
|---|---|---|
| AIS Reception Type | Dual-Channel Receiver | Transponder |
| Connectivity | USB | Wi-Fi, USB, NMEA 2000, NMEA 0183 |
| Included Antenna | Yes (QMax 25cm Portable VHF) | No |
| Power Source | USB Powered | 12V DC |
Common Concerns Answered
How effective is the included portable antenna?
The included QMax portable antenna offers convenient setup and portability. While its compact size and portable nature may present performance limitations compared to larger, permanently mounted VHF antennas, it is designed for immediate use with PC-based systems and provides adequate reception for many coastal and inland waterways.
Can I use this AIS receiver without a computer?
No, the AIS100 is a USB receiver designed to interface with a PC, Mac, or Linux computer for displaying AIS targets via navigation software. It does not possess a standalone display capability.
What if I want to integrate with my existing fixed marine electronics?
The AIS100 primarily utilizes a USB interface for PC connectivity. If NMEA 2000 or NMEA 0183 output is a requirement for integration with other fixed marine electronics, you may need to consider alternative models that offer these specific output protocols.
Frequently Asked Questions
What operating systems is the Digital Yacht AIS100 compatible with?
The Digital Yacht AIS100 is compatible with Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux operating systems.
Does the AIS100 require external power?
No, the AIS100 is self-powered via the USB connection to your PC, Mac, or Linux computer.
What type of antenna is included with the AIS100?
The AIS100 includes a QMax 25cm portable VHF antenna with a sucker cup mount and a 4-meter cable.
Can I use the AIS100 with my existing navigation software?
Yes, the AIS100 is designed to be compatible with most popular PC-based navigation software that supports NMEA data input via a virtual COM port, which is created by the USB driver.
Is this a transmit or receive-only AIS device?
The Digital Yacht AIS100 is a receive-only AIS device. It can detect and display AIS transmissions from other vessels but cannot transmit your own vessel's information.
