Superior AIS Solution makes waves

by Navico on 31 Jul 2012 Leading global marine electronics brands Lowrance, Simrad and B&G have announced the arrival of the new NAIS-400 AIS transponder and NSPL-400 antenna splitter.

These new communication tools integrate perfectly with the range of chartplotter/multifunction display and VHF devices from Lowrance, Simrad and B&G to provide the utmost in safety on the water, helping boaters to see and be seen.

The next generation NAIS-400 is a fully integrated Class-B AIS Transponder, which allows boaters to automatically and dynamically share and regularly update their position, an essential piece of equipment for navigating busy shipping lanes and congested ports.

This lightweight, compact and rugged, black box AIS solution also receives AIS transmissions, allowing boaters to view the positions of other AIS-equipped vessels in order to substantially reduce the risk of collisions in areas of high traffic. It also benefits from an integrated 50 channel GPS receiver and is waterproof to IPX7.

The NAIS-400 uses a sophisticated automatic digital time-sharing technology, which enables the exchange of static information such as; MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identifier) Number, vessel name, call sign and type. It also shares dynamic data including position, course, distance and more, from ship to ship and ship to shore based traffic stations.

When connected to a compatible chartplotter, it will show the position and movements of all AIS equipped vessels within range.

The NAIS-400 is a Class-B AIS system, which has multiple connection options including NMEA 0183®, NMEA 2000®, USB and NMEA 0183 multiplexing for greater flexibility. Contributing to this flexibility is the NSPL-400 antenna splitter, which combines with the NAIS-400 to allow use of a single antenna for VHF/AIS/FM radio when installation of another antenna is difficult or too costly.

Both the NAIS-400 and NSPL-400 operate at extremely low power levels, keeping consumption to a minimum for maximum efficiency.

Leif Ottosson, CEO of Navico said: 'The NAIS-400 is our most flexible and powerful AIS system to date, it provides the utmost in communication and safety on the water, and combines with our chartplotters, range of radar and VHF units to help boaters know what’s ahead of them at every stage.'-

The NAIS-400 will retail from AU$1,099 , with the NSPL-400 available from AU$299.

Both units will be available for purchase from August 2012. For more information on communications and marine electronics devices from Lowrance, Simrad and B&G visit www.lowrance.com, www.simrad-yachting.com and www.bandg.com