To recap:
MAC laptop with USB GPS, Milltech Single Channel AIS, serial to USB converter with driver. GPSNavX chart viewing software. Raster charts. Short Shakespeare VHF whip on the aft rail.
Simply stated: A laptop with simple viewing software, NOAA charts, with "the boat" on the screen, and an old antenna on the rail.
The verdict: AWESOME, or, how did we ever do without?
On open ocean, at night, with waves 10-15 feet, I was picking up ships as much as 20 nm out. Sometimes only position, course and speed at first, and the rest of the data later, but no later than 10 miles. The software I have calculates CPA (closest point of approach....).
So, the alarm goes off and you see that there is a 911' cargo ship 12 miles behind you, and he is doing 21 knots and is going to be within 400 yards in 23 minutes...
You call him, by name, and he responds. You state your position, and if he will please keep an eye on his radar, and maybe turn to starboard a few degrees for the next half hour..... Which he says he will......and he thanks you for the call.
A whole 15 minutes later you see him, 10 minutes after that he passes you by, with a mile clearance.
On the Bay you can see the ships motoring down the channels, and you can time crossing the highway......
It is a VERY helpful tool. The single channel receiver and the cheap antenna on the rail do the job, just fine. I can not emphasize what a reduction in stress it provided. "Out there" the biggest fear is getting run over, especially at night or in heavy sea-state or reduced visibility when you know you blend in with the white caps, while your radar becomes less and less effective.
AIS gives you more warning than you would have if you were alert, awake, and standing on the cabin top scanning the horizon on a nice clear day......I love it.
MAC laptop with USB GPS, Milltech Single Channel AIS, serial to USB converter with driver. GPSNavX chart viewing software. Raster charts. Short Shakespeare VHF whip on the aft rail.
Simply stated: A laptop with simple viewing software, NOAA charts, with "the boat" on the screen, and an old antenna on the rail.
The verdict: AWESOME, or, how did we ever do without?
On open ocean, at night, with waves 10-15 feet, I was picking up ships as much as 20 nm out. Sometimes only position, course and speed at first, and the rest of the data later, but no later than 10 miles. The software I have calculates CPA (closest point of approach....).
So, the alarm goes off and you see that there is a 911' cargo ship 12 miles behind you, and he is doing 21 knots and is going to be within 400 yards in 23 minutes...
You call him, by name, and he responds. You state your position, and if he will please keep an eye on his radar, and maybe turn to starboard a few degrees for the next half hour..... Which he says he will......and he thanks you for the call.
A whole 15 minutes later you see him, 10 minutes after that he passes you by, with a mile clearance.
On the Bay you can see the ships motoring down the channels, and you can time crossing the highway......
It is a VERY helpful tool. The single channel receiver and the cheap antenna on the rail do the job, just fine. I can not emphasize what a reduction in stress it provided. "Out there" the biggest fear is getting run over, especially at night or in heavy sea-state or reduced visibility when you know you blend in with the white caps, while your radar becomes less and less effective.
AIS gives you more warning than you would have if you were alert, awake, and standing on the cabin top scanning the horizon on a nice clear day......I love it.
..... Also had my lights fail, bow only, in about the same
scenario.... Turned out to be a bad hot wire. Ran a temporary supply from the shower light, through a small hole in the anchor locker up to the fixture. Later
replaced the wire through the pulpit. Hope it will be easier for you.
