I've been using my stand-alone AIS receiver (SiTex AIS Radar, made by NASA Marine in the UK) with its own 5" b&w lcd display now for a couple of years, including 2 Atlantic crossings......and have been pleased with its performance and low power consumption.....
I'd like to upgrade to a AIS transponder, but am not interested in the power consumption of my big chartplotter (or adding a power hungry laptop), which of course is not usually needed offshore, so I've been considering a stand-alone AIS transponder.....
These are typically Class A AIS units with their MKD (minimum keyboard display) such as the Furuno FA-150.....
And, while I really like the Furuno FA-150, its price tag of over $4000 USD isn't to my liking :) ......nor is its spec'd power consumption.....
So, this is where a stand-alone Class B AIS transponder shines!!!!
Cost is ~ $1250 USD ....and power consumption is < 1 amp.......
(Specs of the Simrad AI-50)
Simrad has a decent reputation, but I haven't had any personal use of their products, and since their AI-50 was just recently authorized for sale in the US (approved in EU over a year ago), I'm not sure how many out there have personal experience with it.......
But, I do wish to ask anyway.....
I've read over the multiple reports on panbo.com, from 2007 and 2008 regarding the Simrad AI-50 Class B AIS Transponder, as well as read thru the entire manual (downloaded from Simrad), and have been impressed......
But, I'm wondering if there's anyone out there using one????
Please comment on how you like it overall,
how well it works, how you have it installed,
where is your AIS antenna mounted,
what is your actual power consumption, etc.....
Thanks much in advance...
John John MacDougall
s/v Annie Laurie
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