Icom announces the debut of MXA-5000 AIS (Automatic Identification System) receiver. The MXA-5000 dual channel AIS receiver allows boat owners to receive AIS information (both Class A and Class B AIS signals) on two channels simultaneously and outputs this real-time information to a computer, radar or a chart plotter, thus aiding navigation and collision avoidance.

WHAT IS AIS?

AIS (Automatic Identification System) provides a vessel’s navigation information, in real-time, to the vessel traffic center such as Port Control of Coastguard Centre or other nearby ships by using digital data over VHF channels. SOLAS vessels are obligated to install an AIS transponder under SOLAS regulations.

An AIS transponder sends navigation information such as:

Vessel details — Vessel call sign, name, MMSI number, dimensions, type

Voyage-Related Information — cargo type, destination and estimated time of arrival

Dynamic Information — latitude/longitude position, course over ground, speed over ground, heading, rate of turn, navigational status.

Since AIS (Automatic Identification System) was introduced it has been rapidly taken up as an essential safety aid. Today with the introduction of the MXA-5000 dual channel AIS receiver, owners of leisure and small craft can benefit from this safety technology.

The MXA-5000 dual channel AIS receiver allows boat owners to receive AIS information (both Class A and Class B AIS signals) on two channels simultaneously and outputs this real-time information on a computer, radar or a chart plotter, thus aiding navigation and collision avoidance.

FEATURES

Ideal for a wide range of users

These include leisure and commercial boatowners, professional maritime users such as port management, harbour masters, marina management and anyone with an interest in maritime/shipping activity.

Dual channel receive capability
The MXA-5000 receives both Ch. 87B (161.975MHz) and Ch. 88B (162.025MHz) simultaneously which improves the accuracy of data received. This dual channel receive capability makes the MXA-5000 more flexible for obtaining AIS information from transmitters that operate on only one of the AIS channels.

Third party navigation equipment connection The MXA-5000 has an IEC 61162-1 standard (38,400 bps) interface that uses a RS-422 balanced connection for third party navigation equipment. This allows navigation equipment such as a radar or GPS chartplotter, which accept the VDM sentence format, to show the AIS data on the display.

PC connection
The MXA-5000 has an RS-232C unbalanced connection for PC connection. When used with AIS plotter software, the MXA-5000 allows you to monitor vessels traffic from a PC whether on Land or Sea.

GPS input

When installing the MXA-5000 to a vessel, the MXA-5000 can be connected between GPS receiver and navigation equipment for data input and output. The GPS position information such as RMC, GGA, GNS and GLL formats can be multiplexed with AIS data (VDM format).

Built in Antenna Splitter

If you already have a radio antenna installed, there’s no need for adding additional antennas, or to buy expensive after market splitters. The MXA-5000 splits the input signal for RX and protects itself when the radio transmits.

Compact size and light weight body

The MXA-5000 has only 132(W)×34(H)×155(D) mm dimensions and weighs only 400g for easy and flexible installation.