Nomad 2 – Portable AIS Transponder

The Wi-Fi will typically footprint a boat up to 25m LOA.

Contact us if you need a bigger footprint or have a steel or carbon vessel.

No internet connection is required for AIS apps to run and non GPS/WiFi only tablets can be utilised with an appropriate app for navigation as Nomad provides a GPS feed.

The GV30 antenna can be used as an emergency VHF antenna.  Remember it has a BNC connector so a BNC to PL259 adaptor may be required for a regular VHF

Yes you can.  You may need a SO239 to BNC adaptor as Nomad uses a BNC antenna connector. However, for best performance use an AIS tuned antenna but a normal VHF antenna will function.

Nomad 2 has a USB interface (for power and data) that can connect to a PC or MAC.  Any AIS compatible navigation software can be used and the PC will create a virtual com port.  Digital Yacht offer free SmarterTrack Lite viewing software as well as premium SmarterTrack software for use with Navionics charts for detailed charting and navigation.  It’s also compatible with popular programs like TimeZero, Nobeltec, Expedition, SeaPro and Open CPN.  Most modern programs also accept a TCP/IP or UDP feed via the wireless link, but do double check before purchasing.

Apps on iPads, tablets and smartphones will use the wireless link to connect to Nomad.  Check www.digitalyacht.net for iOS and Android apps as there are a huge number of popular charting and navigation programs.

Nomad 2 has a built in interface for programming – simply connect your mobile device to its wifi and login to its functionality.  No apps are required.  proAIS 2 programming software can also be used on a PC or MAC via the USB interface

This is a very valid question. After spending several hours installing a transponder, it is understandably important to confirm that it is operating correctly. The proAIS2 configuration software allows you to verify that the GPS position is valid, monitor the reception of AIS signals from other vessels, and confirm that there are no errors or alarms. However, for those new to AIS, there is often a lingering uncertainty about whether your own vessel is being seen by others.

The most reliable way to test a Class B+ AIS transponder is to ask another vessel in your marina that is equipped with AIS to confirm that they are receiving your transmissions. When your vessel is stationary, the transponder transmits approximately every three minutes. Once your speed over ground (SOG) exceeds 2 knots, the transmission rate increases to every 30 seconds. For this reason, it is important to allow sufficient time for your signal to be detected. Additionally, upon initial reception, other vessels will see only your dynamic data—position, speed, course, and MMSI number. It may take up to six minutes for your static data (vessel name, call sign, vessel type, dimensions, etc.) to be received. This behavior is normal and reflects how the AIS system manages data transmission bandwidth.

Another increasingly common method of verifying AIS operation is to check one of the online “live” AIS tracking websites. Among the free services available, MarineTraffic.com is one of the most widely used.

It is important, however, to understand the limitations of these online platforms and not to assume that your vessel will always be visible on them. The accuracy and availability of these services depend entirely on their network of AIS receiving stations, which are often operated by volunteers and enthusiasts. Coverage can be excellent in some areas, but gaps in reception do exist.

If the AIS transponder doesn’t have a built-in VHF splitter (i.e. AIT5000), there are 2 options: either install a dedicated VHF antenna for AIS or install an antenna splitter so that the main VHF antenna is used for both VHF radio and AIS.

For those who want to use their existing VHF antenna, then we recommend the use of a certified zero loss VHF antenna splitter such as our SPL1500 and SPL2000. Please do not use a non-zero loss certified VHF antenna splitter. They are inexpensive, but they can destroy your AIS transponder.

For those who want to install a VHF antenna dedicated to AIS, then we recommend a VHF antenna tuned to AIS frequencies. The AIS transmission and reception works on 2 dedicated channels which use the frequencies 161.975 and 162.025 MHz (channel 87B and 88B). VHF frequencies in the maritime environment use frequencies from 156.0 to 162.025 MHz and most VHF antennas are designed to provide maximum gain on channel 16 (156.8 MHz). You can now find antennas on the market dedicated to AIS frequencies such as the HA156 antenna.

These antennas, dedicated to AIS frequencies, offer maximum gain at 162 MHz (which is the centre between the 2 AIS frequencies 161.975 and 162.025 MHz). So if you install a VHF antenna instead of a VHF antenna splitter for your AIS receiver or transponder, then choose an AIS frequency VHF antenna to compensate for the loss due to the installation of the antenna lower down than the main VHF antenna at the top of the mast. The graph below shows how a dedicated AIS frequency antenna (162 MHz) provides a better VSWR and therefore a better transmission and reception.

Up to 7 devices can connect wirelessly to Nomad at any time, which supports TCP (single device) and UDP (multiple devices) protocols.