SEVENSTAR AIS TRANSPONDER
The SevenStar SeaTraceR AIS Transponder is a Class B AIS transceiver designed for recreational and smaller commercial vessels to enhance maritime safety by transmitting and receiving vessel data. Below are its key details, comparisons to the previously mentioned devices, and information on recent prices and availability.
Key Features and Specifications
- Functionality: Transmits vessel data (MMSI, position, speed over ground (SoG), course over ground (CoG), vessel name, type, dimensions) and receives AIS data from other vessels, aids to navigation (AtoNs), and coastal stations. Uses Carrier-Sense Time Division Multiple Access (CSTDMA) for Class B operation.
- GPS: Integrated 50-channel GPS receiver with WAAS support for precise positioning, eliminating the need for an external GPS antenna in most cases.
- Connectivity: Supports USB, NMEA 0183, and NMEA 2000 for integration with chartplotters, radars, or PCs. Includes PC software for easy configuration and monitoring of AIS data.
- Technology: Features two simultaneous VHF receivers and one transmitter to avoid missed messages, utilizing advanced digital signal processing and software algorithms.
- Silent Mode: Supports an external switch (not included) to disable position transmission while continuing to receive AIS data.
- Design: Housed in an IP-65 rated aluminum enclosure with a seawater-resistant coating and heavy-duty powder-coat finish. Includes versatile over/under tilt mounting hardware. Requires a separate VHF antenna or splitter.
- Power: Low power consumption, approximately 0.33A at 12V (about 4W), significantly less than some competitors like the Furuno FA-50 (2A at 12V).
- Compliance: Certified to IEC 62287-1, IEC 60945, ITU-R M.1371-1, IEC 61162-1, IEC 61108-1, ITU-R M.493-9, and ITU-R M.825-3. Approved by BABT (EU), BSH, and USCG (FCC approval pending in older sources).
- Antenna: Optional high-spec combined GPS/VHF antenna (e.g., SevenStar SX272) simplifies installation but is sold separately. TNC connectors for GPS and VHF.
- Applications: Enhances situational awareness, collision avoidance, and supports port management, coastal tracking, and vessel monitoring.
