Description
SI-TEX MDA-5H 5W SOTDMA AIS Transceiver | Boat Supply Store
For vessels requiring unparalleled digital presence in crowded maritime traffic, the SI-TEX MDA-5H elevates situational awareness. Its 5-watt SOTDMA Class B transmission ensures your vessel is prioritized on critical navigation networks, exceeding the visibility of standard Class B units and operating effectively at extended ranges. This transceiver integrates a zero-loss VHF antenna splitter, simplifying installation by utilizing a single VHF antenna for both radio and AIS, and includes dual receivers capable of decoding all DSC and AIS messages, alongside built-in GPS/GLONASS for precise positioning data.
Key Features
- Extended Range with 5-watt transmitter power for superior visibility.
- Network Priority via SOTDMA Class A protocols ensures reliable transmission in congested areas.
- Simplified Installation with an integrated zero-loss VHF antenna splitter.
- Comprehensive Tracking through dual receivers decoding all DSC & AIS messages.
- Precise Positioning powered by a built-in GPS & GLONASS satellite navigation receiver.
- Robust Durability with IPX7 water-proof certification.
- Efficient Operation featuring an ultra-power efficient design.
- Universal Connectivity supporting NMEA-0183, NMEA-2000, and USB interfaces.
Specifications
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Transmitter Output Power | 5 Watts |
| AIS Class | SOTDMA Class B |
| Antenna Splitter | Integrated Zero Loss |
| GPS/GLONASS Receiver | Built-in |
| Ingress Protection | IPX7 |
| Connectivity | NMEA-0183, NMEA-2000, USB |
| Operating Voltage | 9.6-31.2 VDC |
| Average Current Draw | 220mA |
| Included Accessories | External GPS antenna, mounting hardware, necessary cables |
Who This Is For
Serious recreational boaters, commercial vessels, and offshore sailors who require enhanced visibility and network priority in busy waterways. Ideal for those needing a robust, certified AIS solution without Wi-Fi connectivity.
How It Compares
| Feature | SI-TEX MDA-5H 5W SOTDMA AIS Transceiver | Competitor |
|---|---|---|
| Transmitter Output Power | 5 Watts | 2 Watts, 2 Watts |
| AIS Class | SOTDMA Class B | Class B, Class B |
| Antenna Splitter | Integrated Zero Loss | External (sold separately), Integrated |
| GPS/GLONASS Receiver | Built-in | Built-in, Built-in |
| Ingress Protection | IPX7 | IPX7, IPX7 |
Common Concerns Answered
What programming is required for the SI-TEX MDA-5H in the US?
For US sales, the SI-TEX MDA-5H requires FCC programming by a qualified technician. This ensures proper identification and regulatory compliance for your vessel's transmissions.
Does the SI-TEX MDA-5H come with Wi-Fi capabilities?
The SI-TEX MDA-5H model does not include Wi-Fi connectivity. It is designed for users who prefer direct wired integration with their onboard navigation systems.
Is the FCC programming requirement a significant issue for installation?
While FCC programming by a qualified technician is a mandatory step for US installations, it is a standard procedure for certified AIS transceivers. This ensures correct vessel identification and compliance with maritime regulations, guaranteeing your vessel's visibility on the network.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SOTDMA Class B AIS and why is it important?
SOTDMA (Self-Organizing Time Division Multiple Access) Class B AIS is an advanced AIS transmission protocol that provides dynamic time slot allocation, similar to Class A systems. This grants higher priority for your vessel's transmissions in congested areas, ensuring you are seen sooner and more reliably by other AIS-equipped vessels and shore stations, especially compared to traditional Class B.
Does the SI-TEX MDA-5H require a separate VHF antenna?
No, the SI-TEX MDA-5H features an integrated, zero-loss VHF antenna splitter. This allows you to use a single VHF antenna for both your VHF radio and the AIS transceiver, significantly simplifying installation and reducing cabling requirements.
What programming is required for the SI-TEX MDA-5H in the US?
In the United States, the SI-TEX MDA-5H requires FCC programming by a qualified technician. This process involves inputting your vessel's unique Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number and other critical identification data, which is essential for regulatory compliance and effective operation.
What is the range of the SI-TEX MDA-5H?
The range of the SI-TEX MDA-5H is dependent on VHF antenna height and obstructions, but its 5-watt SOTDMA transmission power provides enhanced visibility over standard 2-watt Class B units, allowing for detection at greater distances, typically up to 10-20 nautical miles from shore-based aids or other vessels, and significantly further between vessels with sufficient antenna height.
Can the SI-TEX MDA-5H connect to my existing NMEA 2000 network?
Yes, the SI-TEX MDA-5H is equipped with NMEA-2000 connectivity, allowing seamless integration with your existing NMEA-2000 backbone. This enables you to display AIS targets and vessel data on compatible chartplotters and multi-function displays connected to your network.
