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Post by Sunny on Jun 3, 2009 19:57:08 GMT
Anyone tried either an AIS engine or better still a Class B transponder ?
I reckon they have to be the bees-knees when anchored in busy shipping waters... any advice or thoughts ?
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Post by moonstone on Jun 3, 2009 20:24:48 GMT
i got the ais engine and its good when you are out at night and you got the tankers and big ships going buy wouldnt be with out one . but you have to have a plotter that will take it
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Salar
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Post by Salar on Jun 6, 2009 16:42:32 GMT
I have the NASA AIS engine with a Garmin GPSMap 4008 and it is brilliant. I don't see the point ofa Class B transponder, you can't trust ships to avoid you so you are better off watching out for them and getting out of their way. Details of mine here www.boat-angling.co.uk/Hints_and_Tips/NASAAISEngineReview.htm |
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Post by crackoff on Jun 15, 2009 18:49:08 GMT
I fit AIS receivers and transponders the best I have fitted are the ones from Comar on the isle of wight, they have a very good receiver and transmitter and although more expensive than Nasa in my opinion are better. They send the AIS info through a very reliable NMEA port to any compatible plotter or onboard computer. If you are intereted in seeing AIS at work try the John Ambler AIS website. Type in john ambler ais into google and it is normally top of the list
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Salar
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Post by Salar on Jun 15, 2009 20:49:44 GMT
Why would you pay twice as much for a Comar unit as a Nasa unit, which does the same job?
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Post by sharkey+ jnr on Jun 15, 2009 21:10:48 GMT
Why not just get a radar ?
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Post by michael1923 on Jun 15, 2009 21:41:15 GMT
The thought process is that radar is one way whereas the transponder receives and transmits.
With radar we can see ships approaching but there is a question as whether they can see us where as with the transponder it is peace of mind that you will be seen.
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Post by crackoff on Jun 16, 2009 18:45:41 GMT
Why would you pay twice as much for a Comar unit as a Nasa unit, which does the same job? Sorry only my opinion probrably the same reason we dont always buy the cheapest rods and reels etc :peace: |
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Post by Sunny on Jun 16, 2009 18:50:57 GMT
I fit AIS receivers and transponders the best I have fitted are the ones from Comar on the isle of wight, they have a very good receiver and transmitter and although more expensive than Nasa in my opinion are better. They send the AIS info through a very reliable NMEA port to any compatible plotter or onboard computer. If you are intereted in seeing AIS at work try the John Ambler AIS website. Type in john ambler ais into google and it is normally top of the list Thanks mate... will check it out. I will also take your advice on the quality of the products. It may not be the basic principle of the product that is any different from say the NASA version; but the quality of the firmware or software programme used to produce the PGA/FPGA. All too often we make judgments on price alone.... sometimes the wise choice is on quality Cheers Nick |
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Post by baggsy on Jun 16, 2009 22:56:33 GMT
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Salar
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Posts: 98
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Post by Salar on Jun 17, 2009 20:33:04 GMT
Why would you pay twice as much for a Comar unit as a Nasa unit, which does the same job? Sorry only my opinion probrably the same reason we dont always buy the cheapest rods and reels etc  Wasn't trying to be rude, its just that the AIS engine has no moving parts and just sits hidden away doing its job. Rods and reels do have differences, I'm just not sure what the differences are in an AIS engine? Its an electronic box of tricks so nothing to wear out etc. Why would one be worth more than another? The Nasa instruction sheet is useless but I wouldn't pay another £100 for a better one! |
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Post by Sunny on Jun 17, 2009 20:54:22 GMT
Sorry only my opinion probrably the same reason we dont always buy the cheapest rods and reels etc Wasn't trying to be rude, its just that the AIS engine has no moving parts and just sits hidden away doing its job. Rods and reels do have differences, I'm just not sure what the differences are in an AIS engine? Its an electronic box of tricks so nothing to wear out etc. Why would one be worth more than another? The Nasa instruction sheet is useless but I wouldn't pay another £100 for a better one! I work to assure safety critical firmware and software for railways and air traffic control. The concept that firmware/software can't go wrong because there are no moving parts is one that I wish were true. The quality of the build is crutial. Plenty of cheap firmware out there.... or worse - rushed out into the field products that are still full of functional errors and bugs. You only have to look at new phones and how they are launched with bugs; sorting out the problems as customers find them !!!! If you need a better example - new Microsoft Operating Systems - loaded with errors; sorted out by 'upgrades' and Service Packs :ahhh: Its called SOUP - Software Of Unknown Pedigree |
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Post by sharkey+ jnr on Jun 17, 2009 21:18:34 GMT
So cant get my new radar yet because of SOUP ....................... :bash: :bash: :blah: :ahhh:
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