Marport Wireless, a leading marine technology company, has announced a new global data network for the Automatic Identification System (AIS). - The new offering combines the power of the Internet with Marport’s recently announced xPoint™ AIS receivers. The new AIS data network will become operational on July 1 at www.aisdatanet.com
Many commercial vessels are now required carry AIS, essentially a data communications system that automatically transmits vessel position and data to other vessels and shore stations. The shipboard AIS unit (which consists of a GPS receiver and VHF data transceiver) continuously and automatically broadcasts vessel identification, location, course, speed and other voyage data; and receives similar messages from other ships within VHF radio range.
Effective coverage
AIS range depends on antenna height and has a typical coverage of approximately 25 miles. AIS propagation is better than radar because of its longer wavelength, so it is possible to transmit around bends and behind islands, a major advantage in some waterways. When equipped with suitable equipment such as Marport's xPoint™ AIS receiver, a computer and high speed network connection, users onshore can receive data from all AIS equipped vessels within VHF radio range. This data can then be uploaded via the Internet to Marport's central AIS database. AIS data from multiple stations is parsed, filtered, and stored for subsequent download.
The creation of a world-wide community using AIS receivers will provide pervasive, redundant and global access to real time vessel locations. Ed Foran, President of Marport Wireless, says, “AIS is viewed as one of the most significant advances in marine technology since the introduction of radar. It is the first open standard data/radio communication systems to be adopted so quickly within the global maritime industry.
While initially developed for collision avoidance at sea, Marport has taken the original technology and brought it to another level. “Marport's AIS over IP data network gives a truly global view of vessel positions in real time. When combined with our new xPoint™ AIS receiver the network represents a very low cost solution for ports and harbours to make full use of AIS technology. We expect that our solution will enhance safety and security of vessels and ports while improving planning and operations. It can also play a significant role in search and rescue operations and environmental management.”
Low cost system
The complete system is expected to retail for less than $250 and will consist of the xPoint™ AIS receiver, a compact VHF antenna and Windows XP client software. Options include an external marine grade VHF antenna, antenna mounting kit and a splitter that shares AIS and VHF on a single antenna.
The xPoint™ receiver is simple to use – it plugs directly into a computer's USB port. By using xPoint™ client software, the position of each vessel can be displayed on an electronic chart. Placing the cursor on a specific vessel enables users to display additional vessel data such as course, speed, destination, etc. The user can connect to Marport's server via a high speed Internet connection to upload and download AIS data.
The initial services will provide users with online access to the details of vessels visiting their ports. Two levels of service will be offered:
• Non Commercial Service - an online community service targeted to the home enthusiast interested in utilizing AIS technology.
• Commercial Service - a subscription based service targeted at commercial users including port and harbour authorities, search and rescue agencies, vessel operators and pilots. Marport will offer xPoint™ Professional client software and customised web services.
Both services are planned to commence operations on July 1, 2006.
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Marport's xPoint™
Marport Wireless is now offering its xPoint series of AIS receivers which with their small size, ultra-low power consumption and high sensitivity, are ideally suited to a wide range of demanding marine applications.
The dual channel AIS receivers are specially designed for integration into OEM chart plotters, radars, charting software and next generation marine electronics. The xPoint scans and multiplexes AIS messages and then outputs the data using industry standard NMEA-0183 VDM format.
Suited for a variety of demanding AIS applications, Marport is supplying xPoint in two configurations: xPoint-232 is a small form factor OEM circuit board that is ready for immediate integration with third party chart plotters, radars and next generation marine electronics.
The other model is xPoint-USB - a “plug and play” USB stick AIS receiver that plugs into a computer's USB port. xPoint-USB is ideal for bundling with AIS compatible navigation software and web-based vessel tracking systems such as AIS over IP.
Both models offer the following features:
• Lightweight, compact design – measures just 60 mm W x 30 mm H
• Low 3 watt power consumption at 5V DC
• Dual channel support for AIS1 and AIS2
• High-sensitivity for long range AIS data reception – 110 dBm
• 25 kHz bandwidth and 70 dB adjacent channel rejection
• Outputs AIS data via industry standard NMEA 0183 VDM messages
• Can be used with existing VHF antenna with an appropriate splitter
• 100% compliant with RoHS directives for lead-free status
