NAIS-500 AIS klass B

A Class B AIS (Automatic Identification System) transponder is a safety device that transmits your vessel's identity, position, heading, and speed to other ships equipped with an AIS receiver. Designed primarily for recreational boating, it has lower transmission power and update frequency than Class A devices (mandatory on commercial vessels), while providing essential visibility to avoid collisions.

The NAIS-500 provides comprehensive connectivity to integrate with most navigation systems:

NMEA 2000: For simple and fast connection to modern networks and multifunction displays.NMEA 0183: It features two independent ports. A high-speed port (38,400 baud) for chartplotters and a low-speed port (4,800 baud) for other instruments.USB: A mini-B port allows connection to a PC or Mac, primarily for initial device configuration (MMSI number programming).

The NAIS-500 transponder is designed to operate on a direct current (DC) supply ranging from 9.6 V to 31.2 V. It is therefore compatible with standard 12 V and 24 V onboard electrical systems.

Yes, the NAIS-500 is designed for the marine environment. It has an IP67 protection rating, meaning it is fully protected against dust and can withstand temporary immersion in water up to 1 meter deep.

The simplest and recommended method to connect the NAIS-500 to a modern multifunction display (Simrad, Lowrance, B&G) is to use the NMEA 2000 network. The device features a standard NMEA 2000 connector for plug-and-play integration. For older equipment, connection can be made via the high-speed NMEA 0183 port (38,400 baud).

Yes, the NAIS-500 is equipped with an internal 50-channel GPS receiver compliant with IEC 61108-1. This allows it to obtain its own position independently for transmission via AIS.

Although the NAIS-500 has an internal GPS receiver, it also features an SMA connector for an external GPS antenna. Using an external antenna is recommended if the device is installed in a location where GPS signal reception is obstructed (for example, inside a metal hull or without an unobstructed view of the sky).

The NAIS-500's power consumption is optimized for onboard use. On average, it is 180 mA at 12 V DC. During transmission, consumption can peak at 2 A.

Silent mode stops transmission of your vessel's information while still receiving AIS data from other boats. To activate it, connect an external switch (not supplied) to the dedicated wires (Orange and Light Green) on the power and data cable. When the switch is closed, the 'Tx' LED lights up in orange and the device switches to silent mode.

The NAIS-500 uses standard connectors:

For the VHF antenna, it has a SO-239 connector (female UHF). For the optional external GPS antenna, it uses an SMA connector.

Yes, the NAIS-500 can be connected to a PC or Mac via its USB mini-B port. This connection is primarily used for the initial setup of the device, particularly to program your MMSI number and your boat's static information using the provided software.

As an AIS Class B transponder, the NAIS-500 has an output power of 33 dBm ± 1.5 dB, which corresponds to approximately 2 Watts.

The NAIS-500 has four LED indicators that display its operating status:

PWR (Green) – Solid on: device is properly powered.ERR (Red) – Solid on: indicates an error, often an invalid or unprogrammed MMSI number. Flashing: indicates a system error.Rx (Green) – Flashes to indicate reception of AIS data from other vessels.Tx (Orange) – Solid on: indicates silent mode is active and the device is not transmitting its position.

Yes, for optimal performance and to comply with regulations, the AIS must use its own VHF antenna. Alternatively, you can use a certified antenna splitter (splitter) for the AIS, which allows sharing the main VHF antenna of your radio with the NAIS-500 transponder.

The NAIS-500 comes with an accessory cable that plugs into the 'PWR/0183' port. The other end of this cable consists of bare wires with color coding to simplify connections: red and black for power, and other colored wire pairs for the two NMEA 0183 ports (input/output) and for the silent mode switch.

Yes, absolutely. The NAIS-500 is equipped with a low-speed NMEA 0183 port (4,800 baud) specifically designed to be compatible with older instruments using this standard, in addition to its high-speed port for modern chartplotters.

The NAIS-500 has an integrated multiplexing function. This means that NMEA 0183 data received on its low-speed input port (for example, from a wind transducer or depth sounder) is automatically combined with AIS data and retransmitted via the high-speed output port to your chartplotter. This simplifies wiring by eliminating the need for an external multiplexer.

The Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number and other vessel information (name, type, dimensions) must be programmed during the first installation. This is done by connecting the NAIS-500 to a PC or Mac via the USB port and using the appropriate configuration software. It is critical that this information is correct because, for safety reasons, it can usually only be modified by a certified technician after the initial programming.