Katech AIS Test and Analysis System

Portable Receivers

Portable receiver range

Technical Details

Single channel receiver with efficient hardware decoder.
Available with receiver factory configured for channel A (161.975 MHz) or channel B (162.025 MHz).
Receiver sensitivity is better than 0.5uV pd for 12dB SINAD using the sinewave method.
Has full-specification RS232C data interface allowing longer cable lengths if required.
Available with USB power cable as used with AR1 or can be supplied with external power supply.
Has sophisticated 'Multi-Mode' output allowing both AIS NMEA mode and human-readable page and scroll modes.
Can be configured for 'Straight NMEA' mode allowing unattended operation with PC charting programs etc.
Serial output can be configured to be either 19,200 or 38,400 baud.
Can read incoming $GPRMC sentence from locally-connected GPS receiver at 4,800, 9,600, 19,200 or 38,400 baud.
Can merge $GPRMC sentences with outgoing !AIVDM sentences if needed by chosen high-level charting software.
Can create outgoing !AIVDO (own ship) sentences from locally-inputted MMSI number.
Encodes locally-entered static position or externally-received dynamic position into outgoing !AIVDO sentence.

Requirements

'Straight NMEA' mode can be used with several different charting programs running on computer system.
'Multi-mode' can be used with Wyse® or hp® terminal or VT100® terminal emulation software.
Recommended use is with PC computer with serial port running ShipPlotter software from COAA
Occasional Internet access is required to register ShipPlotter software and to obtain updates.
ShipPlotter software requires pentium-grade Windows PC with high graphics resolution for best effect.
Soundcard is not needed as data is fed in via serial port.
USB-powered version does not require separate power supply as is powered from computer.

Features

All current AIS message types are decoded and re-encoded into standard AIS AIVDM sentences.
Receives and decodes both class A and class B vessel reports.
Squelch function can be configured to be by hardware or under 'Multi-Mode' command control.
Squelch control has wide range and is able to blank all but the very strongest signals.
Has tri-colour LED for squelch feedback and indication of signal decoding status.
Third LED colour indicates GPS input status.
Own position can be manually set when unit is used in fixed location. (Static operation)
Housed in robust and compact black ABS enclosure.
Can attach to outer lid of notebook computer with supplied VelcroŽ pads.
Has 50-ohm BNC aerial connector.
Firmware is easily upgradable by competent technician.

Supplied with

Serial lead for connection to computer's RS232 port.
Serial port Y-lead for connecting GPS receiver when used in 'Straight-NMEA' mode.
USB power lead. (Not externally-powered versions).
Wall cube power supply, UK or International. (Externally-powered versions).
KATAS AIS Starter Disc CD-ROM (PC format) allowing use 'straight out of the box'.
User-Operation Guide giving detailed operating instructions and connection details.
Comprehensive 'Multi-Mode' operation document.
Self-adhesive Velcro® attachment pads.
12-month return-to-base warranty except in case of proven damage caused by lightning strike.

Optionally-available

Serial Switch Box 1 - Used in 'Multi-Mode' when mobile and feeding in GPS NMEA signal. For 1 serial port.
Serial Switch Box 2 - Used in 'Multi-Mode' when mobile and feeding in GPS NMEA signal. For 2 serial ports.
SO-259 to BNC plug adapter
N-type socket to BNC plug adapter
Short helical aerial - for discrete portable use
Quarter-wave whip aerial
Separate USB mains power supply, available in both UK and European versions
Car cigar lighter power lead, 6m long. (Externally powered serial interface version).