The KATAS AIS Receiver 1 is a single channel receiver without any signal decoding electronics. It is designed specially for use with the ShipPlotter charting program when taking its signal source from the computer's audio input. Available in channel A or B versions, it is housed in a miniature black plastic enclosure with the unit taking its power from the computer's USB port via a separate detachable cable.

The KATAS AIS Receiver/Decoder 1 (Serial) uses similar single-channel receiver electronics, but also has an efficient hardware decoder giving RS232 serial output of standard AIS NMEA AIVDM sentences instead of the audio output. Again, it is recommended to be used with the ShipPlotter charting program, but several other graphical display software packages that utilise AIS NMEA sentences could also be used. Available in channel A or B versions, it is housed in a small rectangular black ABS enclosure with the unit taking its power from, dependent upon version, either the computer's USB port or an external dc power supply. This unit, although larger and more complex than the AIS Receiver 1, gives much greater functionality since it contains the special KATAS 'Multi-Mode' of operation in addition to the standard NMEA facility. By using the supplied adapter cable or one of two optionally-available switch boxes, the unit can take input from an external GPS receiver for mobile position updating. The position fed in by GPS can be passed, unaltered to the charting software, can be internally decoded and retransmitted as a NMEA AIVDO sentence or, thirdly, can be used internally to compute range and bearing of each target ship when operating in 'Multi-Mode'.

The KATAS AIS Receiver/Decoder 1 (USB-A) is similar to the serial interface version but has a captive USB lead terminating in an A-type plug for direct connection to a personal computer. It is recognised that many modern notebook computers do not possess a serial port and so this unit is well suited in such situations. The AIS receiver and decoder circuitry are the same as the serial version, but the USB-A version loses the ability to be fed from a GPS NMEA data stream, since it has no serial input facility. If own position needs to be dymamically updated, then it is recommended that a separate serial or USB GPS receiver is fed into another port of your computer. This version retains the special KATAS "Multi-Mode" facility but, with this version, it is expected that most users will be using the terminal facility under software emulation, rather than with a real data terminal which is only possible with the serial version. Again, it can be used with the ShipPlotter charting program and also several other graphical display software packages that utilise AIS NMEA sentences. Available in channel A or B versions, it is housed in a small rectangular black or white plastic enclosure with the unit taking its power from the computer to which it is connected. Appropriate USB device driver programs and full installation instructions are contained on the included KATAS AIS Starter Disc (ASD).

The KATAS AIS Starter disc (PC Windows format) is included with all three versions, containing a 21-day trial version of the ShipPlotter software and a large collection of simple royalty-free maps of the UK coastline, any of which can be easily linked in. At the end, or during the trial period, the software requires registration to allow continued use and to enable the advanced networking functions. This requires an Internet connection and a small payment via credit card (currently 25 Euros for single-user plus local taxes).

All three units have a single bi-colour (tri-colour on serial unit) signal activity LED and a rotary squelch control that can effectively mask out distant signals if receiving in a busy area. They have either an audio, serial or USB interface connection, a power connector and a BNC socket for the aerial. They can be attached to the top side of the lid of a notebook computer with the supplied Velcro® pads and with a rubber whip aerial from a marine VHF handheld radio plugged in. The cable(s) are then simply plugged into existing ports on your computer.

The combination of KATAS AIS Receiver 1 or AIS Receiver/Decoder 1, a suitable portable computer and ShipPlotter software is extremely useful to enthusiasts and all those who currently have to rely upon instinct, binoculars and maybe a VHF radio to know when a ship they are interested in is about to come around the bend or leave the docks. Download brochure.