[PUP] AIS

[Thomas Lawler]

"...Even a receiver only I think is essential--in fact it doesn't even have
to be
interphased with the chart plotter (better if it is).

I think we will see NMEA 2000 plug and play AIS units within the year and
that
the price will become affordable...

Reply:

I agree with Bob and others about how affordable AIS receiver-only systems
already are.  Subscribers to T&T will note that I just bought a bundle with
some Navigation software that included a one channel AIS receiver for less
than $200.  The AIS is only one of the Class B listeners that can receive
one channel at a time but is designed to scan both AIS channels and
automatically use the channel with the best signal.  I figured for the
price of one nights transient dockage, I can always replace it in a few
years when the AIS Transmitters come way down in price.

Here's the site I used (there are others) and I have no connections other
than a customer:

http://store.milltechmarine.com/smrasraisre.html

Tom Lawler
Emily Grace