AIS - SeaBits

Rendezvous initial networks

In the last 4 months, I have been developing my overall network on board Rendezvous. I wanted a good WiFi/Ethernet network to connect me to the outside world, as well as a well developed NMEA 2000 network for marine equipment while underway. So far, here's what I have...

Reviews

Lighthouse 3.3 - radar and AIS plus more

Raymarine continue to come out with updates to Lighthouse v3 that include new features and bring forward items from v2. Version 3.3 was released a few weeks ago, and includes support for older eS and gS series MFDs, Navionics Plotter Sync, and new features around radar and sonar.

Reviews

AMEC WideLink SOTDMA AIS Transponder

Seattle and Elliott Bay is a busy marine location, and I am always looking for a better AIS system so that others can see me clearly. AMEC has released the B600 AIS Class B transponder with more than double the transmit power, and fast 5 second updates.

Internet

Grace's updated network for 2017

My sailboat network is quite extensive, and I made a lot of changes in 2017 including a radar arch, new instruments, updates to connectors and more.

Projects

Proper VHF ends are easier than you think

After years of using crimp-on VHF terminals, I found an easy and much higher quality way of creating quality radio connections. Master soldering skills not required!

Reviews

B&G V50 VHF radio and H50 wireless handset

I needed to replace a non-DSC VHF radio on my sailboat, and needed a helm station too. B&G offers a state of the art VHF radio with wireless handset that worked out perfectly.

Trips

Port Orchard weekend

A quick weekend trip to Port Orchard Marina. Included lots of ferries, some big waves, and a helpful current on our way home.

Projects

Sending AIS data to multiple servers over a limited cellular link

Having an AIS receiver on the sailboat means I can take that data and share it with AIS websites, as a base station. Doing that from a bandwidth-limited cellular connection creates some challenges which can be overcome with some scripting.

AIS

ACR Nauticast Class B transponder

Update Early 2015: I have since moved to a new boat, and have a Vesper XB-8000 AIS unit. The ACR Nauticast unit failed in 2012, and was replaced with another

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