VHF with built in AIS class B transceiver

[Ken Cross]

I'm wondering why we haven't seen anyone manufacture a VHF with built-in AIS class B transceiver. It seems to me it would eliminate some coax fittings, an extra antenna or splitter and lots of confusion on the part of the folks who might buy it. It should have its own GPS, I envision one cable to the plotter, power, ground, antenna, a remote mic, and that's it. I don't understand why we don't see these. They would also be less expensive than multiple boxes. I see no technical reason this isn't on the market. Does anyone out there ever see one?

By posting things like this online maybe a manufacturer will take notice. Maybe.

Ken

 

[dlochner]

It has occurred to Standard Horizon, but apparently there are some difficulties getting to pass regulatory muster and the installation may not be all that simple. It is the mythical Standard Horizon GX 6500.

https://www.panbo.com/standard-horizon-gx6500-a-loaded-vhf-radio-also-integrated-with-class-b-ais/

Of course that was 2 years ago.

 

[nat55]

Yup as dlochner said, Standard did have this in their plans, the issue for Standard Horizon was less about FCC approval and more about liscensing of the AIS hardware that Standard doesn't own but needs to put in the radio. I'm surprised that Icom hasn't pursued this....I think that the industry knows it has some sales potential though the MSRP on the 6500 was going to be around $769.....pretty high even for a commercial grade radio....

 

[Stu Jackson]

Ken, IIRC the screen size is an issue that needs to be addressed. A Vesper has a huge screen, very readable. I've also thought about your idea, but where I'd want that combo unit is in the cockpit, not down below where my base VHF unit is located, I use a handheld in the cockpit.

Thanks, Dave for that link. Please note that none of those photos shows what the display would look like with AIS info on it. Pretty hard to read, I'd guess.

 

[Rick D]

Ken, IIRC the screen size is an issue that needs to be addressed. A Vesper has a huge screen, very readable. I've also thought about your idea, but where I'd want that combo unit is in the cockpit, not down below where my base VHF unit is located, I use a handheld in the cockpit.

Thanks, Dave for that link. Please note that none of those photos shows what the display would look like with AIS info on it. Pretty hard to read, I'd guess.

It isn't as bad as you would think. It's just a circle with proximity dots on it and you pull them up to determine the target. You can also pull up a list and adjust the range. I pump the output into a chart plotter which is obviously easier to scan, but this works OK unless you are in very conjested areas with a lot of traffic. Still works OK but messy.

 

[dlochner]

Other concerns aside, having highly integrated components, such as a VHF/AIS transponder make for a single point of failure for important systems. For some that may not be a big concern, however, for others it could be an issue.

Second Star has a VHF with an AIS receiver that is not connected to the N2K system. And a Vesper XB800 that is on the N2K network. This provides redundancy in receiving AIS signals, but not in transmitting our position. From my perspective one huge advantage to a VHF with an AIS receiver is the ability to easily use DSC to call the vessel. The VHF (a Standard Horizon) provides a listing of vessels in the area, with a push of a button, I can call them via DSC, much better than hailing that big boat over there.

 

[Davidasailor26]

Ken, IIRC the screen size is an issue that needs to be addressed. A Vesper has a huge screen, very readable. I've also thought about your idea, but where I'd want that combo unit is in the cockpit, not down below where my base VHF unit is located, I use a handheld in the cockpit.

Thanks, Dave for that link. Please note that none of those photos shows what the display would look like with AIS info on it. Pretty hard to read, I'd guess.

But screen size is only an issue with combined VHF / AIS receivers, which exists Rick D points out. The transmit part, which hasn't been successfully integrated, doesn't really need a screen.

This is what the screen on Simrad's combined VHF / AIS receiver looks like - not great but it'll do in a pinch if you can't get to your plotter.

 

[Hello Below]

Yup as dlochner said, Standard did have this in their plans, the issue for Standard Horizon was less about FCC approval and more about liscensing of the AIS hardware that Standard doesn't own but needs to put in the radio. I'm surprised that Icom hasn't pursued this....I think that the industry knows it has some sales potential though the MSRP on the 6500 was going to be around $769.....pretty high even for a commercial grade radio....

Fisheries Supply still have it listed at $936.22 but as a special order only. There are several Canadian suppliers still listing the GX6500. Here is one for $1070 Cdn or about $800 US and then they throw in a $40 US rebate:
https://www.radioworld.ca/sta-gx6500

 

[JohnShannon]

Shows backordered, has anyone actually bought one and have it in their possession? I think not.

 

[Ken Cross]

I just looked at the link and they still missed the mark. Why design it to need 2 antennas? All that integration should make it easy to use a single antenna. It would however require it to be designed that way from the ground up. If you've worked frequency agility equipment you have all you need from a design perspective.

Ken

 

[JohnShannon]

I think the issue is regulatory in nature. I have an Em Trak with a multiplexer and it uses the main/only VHF antenna. When the VHF transmits is switches the antenna to the VHF. So there is a possibility that you don't transmit your AIS while you are chatting on VHF. No biggy I would think but maybe the FCC thinks differently. From a range perspective the masthead is the way to go. There was also on the Raymarine units a GPS antenna input they wouldn't couldn't use GPS data on the SEATALK bus allegedly again due to regulations.

 

[jssailem]

Vesper XB800 AIS is built to be a single antenna system. Splitter provides dual AIS/VHF antenna connection. Splitter System disconnects AIS transmission when vhf transmits.